Double concentrated tomato paste
Double concentrated tomato paste is obtained from the pulp and juice of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum, family Solanaceae) by removing a substantial proportion of the water.
Compared with tomato purée, tomato juice and semi-concentrated tomato products, it contains a higher concentration of dry matter, naturally occurring sugars, minerals, carotenoids and aromatic compounds.
Its main carotenoid is lycopene, the pigment responsible for the red colour of tomatoes and known for its antioxidant activity.
The heat treatment required for concentration may reduce some vitamin C, but it also helps release lycopene from the plant matrix, generally increasing its bioavailability.
It mainly contains naturally occurring tomato carbohydrates, together with small amounts of protein and fibre and very little fat.
Concentration also intensifies the tomato’s natural umami flavour, sweetness and acidity.
Its sodium content is very low when the product consists only of tomato, but it may increase if salt is added.
It should not be considered nutritionally identical to fresh tomato: it is more concentrated in some components, contains less water and may have lost part of its heat-sensitive vitamins.
Calories
Double concentrated tomato paste provides approximately 80–100 kcal per 100 g, with variations depending on the degree of concentration and product composition.
At normal culinary use levels, often only a few grams per serving, its actual caloric contribution is generally modest.
Uses in Food
It is used to add colour, flavour, body and concentrated tomato character to many preparations.
It is commonly used in sauces, ragù, soups, stews, risottos, meat dishes, pulses and vegetable preparations.
Because of its high concentration, a relatively small amount is sufficient to increase body and umami intensity.
It can be briefly cooked with oil or other aromatic ingredients to develop a deeper, slightly caramelised flavour.
The presence of a small amount of fat in the meal may also improve the absorption of lycopene, which is fat-soluble.
Uses in Cosmetics
Food-grade double concentrated tomato paste is not a common cosmetic ingredient.
Cosmetics may instead use tomato extracts, lycopene and carotenoid-rich derivatives, particularly for their antioxidant and conditioning properties.
These ingredients may be found in creams, serums, masks and skincare products.
Ordinary food-grade tomato paste should not be considered equivalent to a purified and standardised cosmetic extract, and its natural acidity may irritate the skin.
Allergens
Tomato is not among the major food allergens requiring mandatory declaration in the European Union.
Rare individual reactions may nevertheless occur, particularly in people sensitive to tomato or other members of the Solanaceae family.
Assessment
A concentrated plant-based ingredient valued particularly for its high lycopene content and its ability to provide strong flavour with relatively small amounts.
Ingredient verdict: a useful concentrated tomato ingredient, rich in lycopene and effective for increasing flavour, colour and texture with a moderate caloric contribution.
Cons: none specific, except possible added salt
