Tomato Paste Packaging Options
A delicious and one-of-a-kind condiment, tomato paste is concentrated tomatoes that have been cooked down and strained. It is the perfect addition to a wide variety of dishes.
Tomato paste packaging can be found in a wide range of products, including cans, glass jars, pouches and bulk. Among them, cans are the most widely used and favored.
Cans
Tomato paste is a highly concentrated, super thick product that packs a lot of tomato flavor in a small package. This is why it can be found in either a tube or a can; the packaging protects it from spoiling when it comes into contact with oxygen (which is why it’s often called “paste” in recipes, even though it’s actually a concentrate).
Unlike sauce, tomato paste isn’t made with loads of aromatics or spices, so you can use it pretty much anywhere you want to get rich, tangy, bold tomatoes in your dish. It’s perfect in soups, stews, chilis and more, especially when you need a strong, rich tomato base.
The main difference between a tube and can of tomato paste is that the cans are sealed, which means that they’ll keep the contents fresher for longer. That’s why it’s so important to always store your cans in a safe place away from moisture and heat, as well as oxidation.
When storing cans of tomato paste, make sure to scoop out the contents and transfer them to another airtight container. You tomato paste packaging can also dollop the contents of a can into servings on a sheet pan and put them in your freezer until they firm up. Then you can simply remove a tablespoon or two when you’re ready to use them.
Tomato paste is made by cooking down whole tomatoes until they are super thick and rich. It can be used to replace canned tomatoes in many recipes, and you’ll find it on the shelves at most grocery stores everywhere.
It’s an important ingredient for slow-cooking meats and beans, because it helps them meld together into a flavorful, hearty stew. A dollop of tomato paste is also helpful in dishes that require a rich sauce, like these jambalaya-stuffed peppers and this spinach and chickpea stew.
Tomato paste is an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans, as it has less sodium than traditional canned tomatoes and can be used in place of ketchup in some recipes. It also adds a burst of intense tomato flavor to many dishes, so it’s great for recipes that call for a thick, rich, tangy sauce.
Jars
Jars are a common and versatile packaging option for tomato paste. They offer many advantages over cans and plastic pouches, including high volume, cost-effective storage and a range of uses that are not possible in other forms of packaging.
There are two main types of jars: hinge lid jars (such as Le Parfait, Weck and Kerr) and clip lid jars. The former are designed to keep food fresh for longer, and the clip system means they can be repurposed from one use to another.
They have a screw band that tightens to a fingertip, which helps prevent leakage and extends the shelf life of the product. They are often made of glass, but are also available in plastic, ceramics and other materials.
Unlike tin cans, which are widely used for tomato paste, jars can be recycled and reused, making them a low-waste option. You can find a range of second-hand jars on online classifieds, social neighbourhood network sites and in zero waste or sustainable living Facebook groups, or you can try your local charity shop or bulk store.
Some jars also have a ‘decorative’ feature, which can be useful for displaying foods or other products. This could be in the form of a jar lid or a band of decorative metal or wood that can hold an image, such as a label or picture.
The lids for these jars need to be pretreated to ensure the contents of the jar will stay fresh. This can be done in a boiling water bath or pressure canner as described for each product on the following pages.
Once jars are filled, air bubbles should be removed with a nonmetallic spatula or knife before the lid is attached. The jars are then sealed with the pretreated lid and processed in a boiling water bath or pressure canner according to Table 1.
Although tin cans remain the primary packaging option for tomato paste, the industry is experimenting with alternative options. For example, some manufacturers are now offering a ‘light’ version of their packaging, which is made from more environmentally friendly materials and has lower levels of BPA, an ingredient often associated with cancer. These ‘light’ jars can be found on online classifieds and in some bulk stores.
Pouches
Tomato paste is one of the most commonly used concentrated food ingredients. It is a long shelf life product and is widely available in markets.
Packaging for tomato paste is an important part of the manufacturing process. It protects the quality of the ingredients, extends freshness and reduces waste. It is also easier to open, safer to handle and more convenient than conventional cans or jars.
There are several types of pouches that can be used to package tomato paste. These include gussetted pouches and pillow packs. The gussetted pouches have an insert at the bottom that allows them to stand upright. Pillow packs have a corner seal and are considered weaker than gussetted pouches, but they can be more flexible and have better heat-sealability and durability (Kirwan and Strawbridge, 2003).
Pouches come in a variety of sizes and shapes and can be made from a wide range of materials. They can be produced with a single ply or tomato paste packaging multiple layers of laminate film. The film material may be foil-based or foil-free.
The material used to make a pouch must provide superior barrier properties over a long shelf life, seal integrity and toughness/puncture resistance. It must also be able to withstand the thermal rigors of a canning process, which might have temperatures up to 135 degC (275 degF).
Retort pouches are semi-rigid, heat-resistant packages made of laminated plastic that are sealed and sterilized at temperatures up to 121degC. They are used to package a wide variety of processed foods, including soups, pasta, rice, sauces and cook-in-a-bag meals. They are a popular choice for many food service operators because they save on freight costs, reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency.
These bags are typically constructed from three or four layers of film, each with an inner food contact heat-seal layer (typically polypropylene) and a barrier layer (typically aluminum, ethylene vinyl alcohol, silicon oxide or aluminium oxide). Adhesives are used to bond the film together.
The pouches are typically filled with the ingredients and sealed on a horizontal form fill seal machine. These machines are available for both small and large operations.
Stand up spout pouch
Stand up spout pouches are liquid packaging options that come with a spout and cap for easy pouring. They are a great alternative to traditional bottles and containers and can be used for both edible and non-edible liquids such as soups, sauces, and beverages.
They can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic and aluminum. However, it is important to choose the right material for your needs. This will ensure that the container is both practical and sustainable. It is also important to consider the type of product that you want to pack in a stand up spout pouch.
Regardless of what you choose to use, it is important to select a high-quality material that will prevent leaks and cracking. This will help you avoid having to replace the packaging in the future.
Another important factor to consider is the finish of the material. Many customers prefer transparent spout pouches, but some may also want a matte frosted finish. This will allow them to see the contents of the pouch easily, while minimizing damage.
Spout pouches are an excellent way to market your products to consumers. They are affordable and provide a unique option for customers to access your products. They also come in a wide range of styles and can be printed to showcase your brand.
They are also a great choice for retailers because they can be hung from hooks on aisle-ends or carousels, allowing for multiple product displays. They are also less heavy than traditional liquid packaging, which means they can be stored in a smaller space and take up less shelf space.
In addition, they can be custom-printed with images and logos to attract consumer attention. This will help you increase sales and make your product stand out on the shelves.
Finally, they can be designed to be child-resistant. This is particularly useful for items like cleaning products and washing detergents that are hazardous to children if they ingest them. They can be manufactured with child-resistant caps that require the user to press down before turning them to open.