Does Tomato Paste Product With Italian Herbs contain dairy or gluten?

It contains dairy in the form of Romano Cheese but is free from gluten.

Is Tomato Paste Product With Italian Herbs good for weight loss?

No, due to the High Fructose Corn Syrup and added oils, it is calorie-dense and high in sugar, making it less ideal for strict weight loss plans.

Where can I buy Tomato Paste Product With Italian Herbs?

This product is widely available at major grocery chains, supermarkets, and online retailers like Amazon.

Is Tomato Paste Product With Italian Herbs safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for kids, but be mindful of the high sugar content from the High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Is Tomato Paste Product With Italian Herbs Gluten Free?

Yes, this Tomato Paste Product With Italian Herbs is gluten-free. Based on the ingredient list provided, there are no wheat, barley, rye, or hidden gluten sources present. However, while it is safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, it does contain dairy and added sugars that you should be aware of.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a pantry staple is safe for a gluten-free diet, we have to look beyond just the obvious wheat flour. As a food scientist, I look at the function and source of every additive. Here is the breakdown of the ingredients in this tomato paste product:

TOMATO PUREE (TOMATO PASTE, WATER): This is the foundation of the product. Tomato paste is naturally gluten-free. It is simply concentrated tomatoes, and it provides the rich umami flavor and thick texture without any allergens.

HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP: While often debated regarding health, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) is strictly derived from corn. Corn does not contain gluten. It serves as a sweetener to balance the acidity of the tomatoes but poses no gluten risk.

ROMANO CHEESE MADE FROM COW'S MILK: This is the ingredient that changes the dietary profile of this product. Romano cheese is a hard, salty cheese used to add a savory punch. Important Note: While this ingredient is gluten-free, it makes the product unsuitable for those following a dairy-free or vegan diet. It is safe for lacto-vegetarians.

SPICES, DRIED ONION, and NATURAL FLAVORS: These ingredients provide the "Italian Herbs" profile. In the United States, "Natural Flavors" can be complex, but when paired with Italian herbs and cheese, they are typically derived from vegetable or meat sources and are not a gluten concern. Dried onion is naturally gluten-free.

SOYBEAN OIL: Used as a processing aid or to prevent spattering, soybean oil is gluten-free. It is a common cooking oil that does not trigger gluten allergies.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this product is designed for flavor and shelf-stability rather than being a "health food." The primary concern for those monitoring their diet is the High Fructose Corn Syrup. This adds empty calories and can spike blood sugar levels, which is something diabetics or those on low-carb diets (like Keto) should avoid.

The Romano Cheese adds a small amount of protein and fat, but also contributes to the sodium content. Tomato paste is naturally rich in Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health, but the added sugars dilute the overall health benefits. If you are strictly counting calories, this product is relatively calorie-dense for a sauce base due to the concentrated nature of the paste and the added oil and sugar.