Sauce: Tomato Sauce
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What it is
Tomato sauce is a smooth, liquid sauce made from cooked, pureed tomatoes. It often includes seasonings like salt, onion, and garlic, and may be thickened slightly. It is a fundamental ingredient in many Italian-American dishes.
Why it's used
Tomato sauce is used to add flavor, moisture, and a rich tomato taste to foods. Manufacturers use it as a base for pasta sauces, pizza toppings, soups, stews, and casseroles. Its versatility makes it a staple in both home cooking and commercial food production.
Health notes
Tomato sauce is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA as a food ingredient. Tomatoes are a source of vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene. Regulatory bodies like JECFA have evaluated tomato products, and EFSA has also assessed lycopene. Evidence suggests that the antioxidants in tomatoes may offer health benefits, but research is ongoing.
Allergen info
Tomato sauce is not derived from any of the 9 FDA major allergens. It does not contain gluten.