Chickie41 Singleton

Mar 31, 2026

Verified

very cheap tomato paste this paste is very tasty. I like whe. tomato paste is in a jar compared to a sachet or squeezy thing, I feel it lasts longer and better when in a jar

Tori

Mar 5, 2026

Verified

best value for money on the market and last so long in the fridge

Maddy Cloke

Mar 5, 2026

Verified

LARGE AND IN CHARGE! seriously though I swear you always need tomatoe paste just lying around the fridge. can whip up anything with this bad boy.

MD ZAHED ULLAH

Mar 2, 2026

Verified

⸻ ✅ Positives 🍅 Simple, clean ingredients • Made from tomato paste (99%) and a small amount of salt with no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives — good for straightforward cooking without additives.  🥘 Versatile cooking ingredient • Works well in a wide variety of dishes including pasta sauces, stews, casseroles, soups, marinades, and pizza bases. A small amount adds rich tomato flavour and colour.  🥄 Pantry staple and widely available • Being a basic cupboard item at Woolworths, it’s easy to find, and the 170g size is very cheap (~$0.95) while larger sizes give more value for bigger cooking needs.  🌱 Suitable for many diets • Naturally vegan and plant-based with no dairy, gluten, or animal-derived ingredients.  🧾 Low calorie and low fat • Tomato paste delivers flavour with minimal calories and fat, making it useful for flavouring meals without heavy nutrition impact.  ⸻ ❌ Negatives / Limitations 🧂 Salt content can be noticeable • Even though it’s just tomato and salt, the sodium level per 100g is moderately high compared to fresh tomatoes — which might be a concern if you’re watching salt intake.  👅 Intensity / flavour punch may vary • Some home cooks find generic tomato paste slightly too salty or intense when used straight, and it may need dilution or seasoning to suit specific recipes.  📦 Basic quality compared with premium brands • Compared to higher-quality or Australian-grown options (e.g., some local brands), Essentials tomato paste may be perceived as less rich or complex in flavour — understandably, since it’s a budget range product. (General product category observation) 🪄 Some packaging preferences • Depending on size (jar vs can), users sometimes find storage and leftover coverage more or less convenient — a typical consideration with tomato paste products in general

Tina

Feb 27, 2026

Verified

pros cheapest tomato paste for curries or pasta soup under $2.I have used it for long time and it makes food very rich consistency

CL123 Lee

Feb 27, 2026

Verified

I find no difference in any brand with tomato paste so given how cheap this is, I used regularly and recommend. A great tip is after opening, screw lid on tight, tap bottle upside down to get paste near the lid and store this way in the fridge. it stops air getting in and it going mouldy.

Eleni de Vries

Feb 22, 2026

Verified

rich in taste. this paste is great for adding in casseroles and making a beautiful tomato sauce especially when adding some fresh tomatoes. It has a lovely vibrant color and is versatile. I also love that it has a long shelf life. the only problem is that it is very high in salt.

ashreee

Feb 6, 2026

Verified

this tomato paste is great when your on a budget. it tastes fine when cooking with it, and there is a lot in the jar.

Em Cole

Feb 2, 2026

Verified

Good value for money! I love to use this product when I cook in bulk! A bonus is that all the packaging is recyclable!

Egg

Jan 10, 2026

Verified

a budget tomato paste. of course it is not as good as other brands, but not entirely bad! It can be used in so many recipes, such as a pizza base, and pasta.

Lola

Dec 8, 2025

Verified

very tomatoeie and quite sweet. used this for pizza sauce for home-made pizzas and it was very delicious

Cliff Ferrer

Dec 5, 2025

Verified

Feedback for the Essentials Tomato Paste is generally very positive, with reviewers praising its rich flavor, thick consistency, and excellent value for money, often comparing it favorably to more expensive brands. The primary concern raised by customers is the large jar size, which can lead to waste for small households unless portioned and frozen after opening. Positive Feedback Great Value and Price: Reviewers consistently highlight the affordable price of the Essentials Tomato Paste 500g jar as a major advantage, making it a budget-friendly pantry staple. Rich Flavor and Texture: The paste is frequently described as having a rich, authentic tomato flavor and a thick consistency that enhances a variety of dishes, including spaghetti bolognese, casseroles, stews, and homemade pizzas. Comparable to Brand Names: Many users note they cannot taste a difference between this product and more expensive, brand-name tomato pastes. Versatile Use: The paste is considered versatile and a good base for many different Italian, Mexican, and Spanish dishes. Packaging: The glass jar is often appreciated as it is recyclable and can be reused. Common Criticisms Large Jar Size: For individuals or small families who only use small amounts of tomato paste, the 500g jar is often too large, and the product can go mouldy before it can be used up within the recommended 7 days of opening. Product of China: Some customers express a preference for products made in Australia and note that the Essentials brand tomato paste is produced in China. Storage Issues: Without proper storage (like freezing in smaller portions), the large jar can lead to food waste.