Buying canned tomatoes at Walmart efficiently requires understanding product types, pricing formats, and quality cues so you can confidently select the best option for your needs and budget. This guide explains the main styles available, how to compare unit prices, and how to use Walmart’s policies and store layouts to your advantage when shopping for this pantry staple.
Common Types and Sizes of Canned Tomatoes
Walmart typically stocks several tomato formats in multiple sizes, each suited to different recipes and preferences. The primary options include whole peeled tomatoes, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, and tomato paste, commonly sold in cans and pouches.
Whole Peeled Tomatoes
Whole peeled tomatoes are ideal for sauces, stews, and soups where you want control over texture. They are often available in standard sizes such as 14.5 ounces and 28 ounces, with many brands offering a No Salt Added variant.
Diced and Crushed Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes provide a firmer texture and are popular in salsas, chowders, and dishes where distinct pieces are preferred. Crushed tomatoes fall between diced and puree, offering a broken-up texture that works well for marinara and pizza sauce. Both are commonly found in 14.5 ounce and 28 ounce cans.
Tomato Puree and Paste
Tomato puree has a smooth consistency and is used as a base for sauces and braises, while tomato paste is highly concentrated and used to deepen flavor. These are typically sold in 6 ounce, 8 ounce, and 12 ounce sizes, often labeled as double concentrated or seasoned.
| Product Type | Typical Can Size | Common Variants | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole Peeled Tomatoes | 14.5 oz, 28 oz | No Salt Added, Organic | Soups, stews, sauces |
| Diced Tomatoes | 14.5 oz | With Basil, No Salt Added, Smoked | Salsas, stews, casseroles |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 14.5 oz, 28 oz | Smoked, Basil & Oregano | Pizza sauce, marinara |
| Tomato Puree | \n6 oz, 8 oz | Seasoned, Double Concentrated | Thick sauces, bases |
| Tomato Paste | 6 oz, 12 oz | Double Concentrated, Organic | Flavor booster, glazing |
Price Comparison and Unit Value
To get the best value when buying canned tomatoes at Walmart, focus on the price per unit rather than the labeled sale price. Unit pricing is often shown on shelf tags as price per ounce or price per pound, making it easier to compare across sizes and brands.
Generic or store brands usually cost less than national brands while offering comparable quality for many recipes. Buying larger cans can lower the per-ounce cost, but only if you will use the product before it spoils or plan to repackage and freeze leftovers.
Price and Unit Pricing Examples (Illustrative)
The following table shows example values based on typical listings and should be verified at the time of purchase, as prices and promotions change frequently.
| Brand / Type | Size | Price (USD) | Unit Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value (Store Brand) | 14.5 oz | $0.78 | $0.054 per oz | Whole peeled, No Salt Added |
| Hunt’s | 14.5 oz | $1.19 | $0.082 per oz | Diced, seasoned |
| Certified Organic | 28 oz | $2.19 | $0.078 per oz | Crushed, organic |
| Hunt’s Tomato Paste | 6 oz | $1.29 | $0.215 per oz | Double concentrated |
Organic, No Salt Added, and Certifications
Many shoppers look for organic or specific dietary-friendly labels when choosing canned tomatoes. Walmart typically carries USDA Organic options and varieties labeled No Salt Added, low sodium, or certified non-GMO.
- USDA Organic: Grown without synthetic pesticides, suitable for those prioritizing organic inputs.
- No Salt Added: Useful for sodium-sensitive diets and for recipes where you control seasoning.
- Low Sodium: Contains reduced sodium compared to standard versions, helpful for general health-conscious cooking.
- BPA-Free Packaging: Some brands highlight packaging without bisphenol A, an attractive feature for those avoiding certain plastics.
Where to Find Them in the Store
Canned tomatoes are usually located in the Canned and Jarred Foods aisle, often grouped with beans, sauces, and vegetables. At larger Walmart Supercenters, you may find a dedicated Tomatoes section near pasta sauces and soups. Online, options are available for Pickup and Delivery through the Walmart app and website.
Store availability varies by location, so it’s efficient to check inventory on Walmart’s website or app before you go. Online pricing may differ from in-store prices, and rollbacks or temporary promotions can make certain brands cheaper during specific weeks.
Savings Tips and Stocking Strategies
To maximize savings, combine unit price comparisons with Walmart’s current promotions and your available payment methods. Coupons, rollbacks, and larger-format cans can reduce the effective cost per meal.
- Check the weekly ad in the app for rollback prices on national brands.
- Use Walmart Savings Catchers or the Walmart app to compare prices with nearby competitors when available.
- Buy slightly larger sizes if you use a lot of tomatoes and have space to store them in a cool, dry place or freeze portions.
- Consider store brands for everyday cooking, reserving national brands for specific flavor preferences or recipes.