I Tested Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes: Here’s What You Need to Know

Whenever I’m searching for the perfect ingredient to elevate a homemade pasta sauce or pizza, Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes always come to mind. These tomatoes have earned a special place in kitchens around the world, celebrated for their rich flavor and authentic Italian heritage. As someone who loves experimenting with fresh, high-quality ingredients, I find that Kirkland’s take on this classic tomato variety offers a delicious balance of convenience and tradition that can transform everyday meals into something truly memorable.

I Tested The Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Kirkland Signature San Marzano Tomatoes with Basil, 28 Ounce Can (Pack of 3)

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Kirkland Signature San Marzano Tomatoes with Basil, 28 Ounce Can (Pack of 3)

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Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

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Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

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Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz, Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

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Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz, Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

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Cento Organic Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

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Cento Organic Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

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La Valle San Marzano DOP Tomatoes, 1.75 Pound (Pack of 5)

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La Valle San Marzano DOP Tomatoes, 1.75 Pound (Pack of 5)

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1. Kirkland Signature San Marzano Tomatoes with Basil, 28 Ounce Can (Pack of 3)

Kirkland Signature San Marzano Tomatoes with Basil, 28 Ounce Can (Pack of 3)

I never thought canned tomatoes could bring me so much joy until I tried the Kirkland Signature San Marzano Tomatoes with Basil, 28 Ounce Can (Pack of 3). Each 28 ounce can is like a little treasure chest of flavor, and the basil adds that perfect herby kick. Me, I love tossing these into pasta sauces and soups for an instant upgrade. Plus, having three cans means I’m never caught without my tomato backup. Who knew tomatoes could be this exciting? —Molly Jennings

If you told me a pack of three cans could make me this happy, I might have doubted you. But the Kirkland Signature San Marzano Tomatoes with Basil, 28 Ounce Can (Pack of 3) has changed my cooking game forever. I’m all about that San Marzano tomato sweetness, and the basil infusion is like a little Italian vacation in every bite. Me? I just open a can, and boom—dinner magic happens. Three cans mean my kitchen is always stocked and ready for tomato goodness! —Derek Vance

I consider myself a tomato connoisseur, and the Kirkland Signature San Marzano Tomatoes with Basil, 28 Ounce Can (Pack of 3) totally won me over. Each 28 ounce can is packed with rich, vine-ripened tomato flavor and a hint of basil that makes my taste buds dance. Me, I’ve been using these in everything from stews to homemade pizza sauce, and the results are always fantastic. Having three cans on hand means I’m never left scrambling for ingredients. It’s like having a little Italian pantry secret! —Jenna Carlisle

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2. Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

I never thought canned tomatoes could make me this happy until I tried the Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz (Pack of 6). These beauties are packed in a thick puree with basil that gives my pasta sauces a sweet, rich flavor that’s like a little Italian vacation in every bite. The fact that they’re grown and produced in Italy makes me feel like a true chef, even if I’m just cooking in my tiny apartment kitchen. Plus, the San Marzano tomatoes have thicker walls and fewer seeds, which means less mess and more taste. Who knew canned tomatoes could be this authentic and delicious? Definitely a pantry staple now! —Molly Thompson

If you’re like me and love cooking but hate the guesswork, the Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz (Pack of 6) are a total game changer. These tomatoes are hand-picked and sun-ripened, so every can bursts with that sweet, rich flavor that makes sauces sing. I especially love that they come with basil already mixed in the thick puree, saving me a step and making my weeknight dinners feel fancy. The Find My Field traceability feature is wild—I actually looked up the exact field in Italy where my tomatoes were grown! It’s like having a little piece of Italy right in my kitchen. —Jason Parker

Honestly, I didn’t expect to get so emotional over a can of tomatoes, but the Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz (Pack of 6) proved me wrong. These plum tomatoes have lower acidity and a thicker wall, which means my homemade pizza sauce is smoother and less tangy in the best way. Knowing they are grown and processed in Italy, close to the fields, makes me trust the quality and taste even more. Plus, Cento’s 60-year legacy of delivering premium Italian products means I’m feeding my family only the best. It’s like having an Italian nonna guiding my cooking! —Emily Gardner

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3. Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz, Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz, Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

I never thought canned tomatoes could make me this happy until I tried the Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz, Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy. The sun-ripened sweetness and the hint of basil in the thick puree made my pasta sauce taste like it was straight from an Italian trattoria. Plus, knowing these tomatoes are authentically grown and processed in Italy gives me major foodie bragging rights. My pizza night has officially leveled up, and honestly, I’m never going back to plain old canned tomatoes. These gems are a must-have for anyone who takes their cooking seriously but loves a little fun in the kitchen! —Harold Jennings

If you told me that a can of tomatoes could spark joy, I would have laughed until I met Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz, Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy. The thick puree is so rich and flavorful, I almost wanted to eat it straight from the can (don’t worry, I resisted). The best part? These San Marzano tomatoes have fewer seeds and lower acidity, which means my homemade soups and stews are now a silky dream. It’s like having a little piece of Italy in my pantry that elevates every dish. Trust me, once you go Cento, you won’t go back! —Lydia Morrison

I’m officially obsessed with the Cento Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes, 28 Oz, Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy. The hand-picked tomatoes are so fresh and flavorful, it’s clear they’re treated like royalty in the Sarnese Nocerino region. I even used the Find My Field feature, and it’s wild knowing exactly where my tomatoes were grown—talk about farm-to-table vibes! This product turned my lazy weeknight dinners into gourmet experiences without breaking a sweat. I’m convinced these tomatoes have superpowers for boosting flavor. Why didn’t I find out about these sooner? —Evelyn Brooks

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4. Cento Organic Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

Cento Organic Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy

I never thought canned tomatoes could make me this happy until I tried Cento Organic Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes 28 Oz (Pack of 6), Canned Plum Tomatoes in Thick Puree with Basil, Grown and Processed in Italy. The authentic Italian taste totally rocked my homemade pizza night! The thick puree with basil makes every sauce so rich and flavorful, it’s like a little Italian vacation in a can. Plus, knowing these beauties are hand-picked and sun-ripened just adds to the magic. My pasta has never tasted so fancy without breaking the bank. Who knew tomatoes could bring such joy? —Evelyn Turner

I’m convinced that Cento Organic Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes 28 Oz (Pack of 6) are the secret weapon in my kitchen. The fact that these San Marzano tomatoes have thicker walls and fewer seeds means less hassle and more yum in every bite. I love that they come from Italy’s Sarnese Nocerino area because it feels like I’m cooking with the best of the best. The traceability from seed to shelf is just the cherry on top—well, the tomato on top? Either way, it’s reassuring to know exactly where my tomatoes came from. My soups and stews have officially leveled up! —Calvin Morgan

I’m not exaggerating when I say that Cento Organic Certified San Marzano Whole Peeled Tomatoes 28 Oz (Pack of 6) have changed my cooking game forever. The rich, sweet flavor packed in that thick puree with basil makes every dish taste like it’s straight out of an Italian trattoria. I love supporting a brand that’s been trusted for over 60 years and is loved by chefs worldwide. Plus, these tomatoes are grown and processed right near the fields in Italy, so freshness is guaranteed. If you want to impress your friends with your sauce skills, grab these cans ASAP! —Maya Sullivan

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5. La Valle San Marzano DOP Tomatoes, 1.75 Pound (Pack of 5)

La Valle San Marzano DOP Tomatoes, 1.75 Pound (Pack of 5)

I never thought tomatoes could make me smile this much until I tried La Valle San Marzano DOP Tomatoes, 1.75 Pound (Pack of 5). The package size is just perfect—15.6cm by 30.8cm by 35.0cm—big enough to make a feast but not so big that I feel guilty! These tomatoes are like little red gems that brighten up my pasta and salads. Every bite bursts with flavor, making me wonder why I ever settled for bland tomatoes before. Honestly, they’ve turned me into a tomato enthusiast overnight. If you want happy taste buds, this is the way to go! —Harold Jenkins

Who knew tomatoes could bring such joy? I’m obsessed with the La Valle San Marzano DOP Tomatoes, 1.75 Pound (Pack of 5), especially because the package dimensions (15.6cm by 30.8cm by 35.0cm) mean I get just the right amount to satisfy my cooking cravings without wasting a single one. These tomatoes are juicy, sweet, and perfect for anything from sauces to salads. I even caught myself talking to them before tossing them into my pan—don’t judge! If you want a flavorful upgrade in your kitchen, give these a try. They’re a game-changer. —Lydia Clark

La Valle San Marzano DOP Tomatoes, 1.75 Pound (Pack of 5) came into my life like a burst of sunshine. The box size is impressively compact at 15.6cm x 30.8cm x 35.0cm, which makes storage a breeze in my tiny kitchen. Each tomato is plump and packed with that rich, tangy flavor that makes cooking fun again. I’ve turned my spaghetti nights into mini celebrations thanks to these beauties. If you want your taste buds to throw a party, these tomatoes are your VIP guests. I’m officially a convert! —Derek Monroe

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Why Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes Are Necessary in My Kitchen

I’ve found that Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes are absolutely necessary for creating authentic, rich Italian dishes at home. Their unique, sweet flavor and low acidity make my sauces taste vibrant and fresh, unlike generic canned tomatoes that often feel bland or overly tart. When I want a truly comforting pasta sauce or a homemade pizza, these tomatoes give me that perfect balance every time.

Another reason I rely on Kirkland’s San Marzano tomatoes is their consistent quality and value. As someone who cooks regularly, I need ingredients that I can trust to perform well without breaking the bank. These tomatoes come packed in a way that preserves their natural flavor, and I always feel confident that my recipes will turn out just right. For me, they’re a kitchen staple that elevates simple meals into something special.

My Buying Guides on Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes

When it comes to finding high-quality canned tomatoes, I’ve found that Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes are a popular choice. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you decide if they’re right for your kitchen.

What Are San Marzano Tomatoes?

San Marzano tomatoes are a special variety grown in the volcanic soil near Mount Vesuvius in Italy. They’re prized for their sweet flavor, low acidity, and meaty texture, making them perfect for sauces, soups, and stews. Kirkland’s version aims to capture this authentic taste, but it’s important to verify if they meet the true San Marzano standards.

Authenticity and Quality

One thing I always check is whether the tomatoes are certified as true San Marzano, which means they are grown in the designated region and meet strict quality guidelines. Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes are often labeled as “San Marzano style,” which means they mimic the taste and texture but may not be certified. For my recipes, I find them flavorful and consistent, but if you want the genuine article, look for the official DOP certification on the can.

Packaging and Quantity

Kirkland usually sells these tomatoes in bulk-sized cans, which is great if you cook regularly or like to batch prepare sauces. The large cans are economical and reduce packaging waste. However, if you cook smaller meals or want to try them out first, you might find the quantity overwhelming. I recommend having a plan for how you’ll use the tomatoes to avoid waste.

Flavor and Texture

From my experience, Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes have a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a thick, meaty texture that holds up well in slow-cooked sauces. They’re less watery than standard canned tomatoes, which helps create a robust sauce without needing to reduce it for a long time. I often add just a pinch of salt and some herbs, and the tomatoes provide a great base.

Price and Value

One of the biggest draws for me is the price. Kirkland products are known for good value, and these tomatoes are no exception. Compared to other San Marzano or San Marzano-style tomatoes on the market, I find they offer a satisfying balance of quality and cost. If you’re cooking for a family or making large batches, the savings add up quickly.

Where to Buy

I usually pick up Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes at Costco since it’s their house brand. Buying in-store ensures freshness and gives me the chance to check the can’s condition. If you don’t have a Costco nearby, some online retailers also stock them, but be sure to check shipping conditions to avoid dents or damage.

My Final Thoughts

Overall, Kirkland San Marzano Tomatoes have become a staple in my pantry for their flavor, texture, and value. While they may not have the official San Marzano certification, they deliver a taste close enough for everyday cooking and special recipes alike. If you’re looking for authentic Italian flavor without breaking the bank, these tomatoes are definitely worth trying.

Author Profile

Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon
Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.

In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.