Tomato paste is available in a wide range of can sizes, from small household cans for everyday cooking to large industrial containers used by restaurants and food manufacturers. Understanding these standard sizes can help you choose the right product for your recipe or business needs and reduce unnecessary waste.
Common Tomato Paste Can Sizes
The table below summarizes the most frequently available tomato paste can sizes and their typical applications.
| Can Size | Approximate Weight | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small Can | 70g – 100g (2.5–3.5 oz) | Single meals, recipe portions |
| Standard Can | 170g (6 oz) | Most home cooking recipes |
| Medium Can | 198g – 210g (7–7.5 oz) | Family meals |
| Large Can | 340g (12 oz) | Batch cooking, sauces, soups |
| Foodservice Can | 400g – 850g | Restaurants and catering |
| A10 Can | 2.2kg – 3kg (approximately 105 oz) | Commercial kitchens and institutional use |
| Extra-Large Can | 111 oz (approximately 3.15kg) | High-volume foodservice operations |
The actual sizes available may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and target market.
What Is the Size of a Small Can of Tomato Paste?
The most common small can sold in supermarkets contains 6 ounces (170 grams) of tomato paste.
This size is considered the industry standard for home cooking because it provides enough concentrated tomato flavor for many everyday recipes without producing excessive leftovers.
A typical 6-ounce can contains approximately:
- 170 grams
- 10–12 tablespoons
- About ¾ cup of tomato paste
It is commonly used for:
- Pasta sauces
- Chili
- Pizza sauce
- Beef stew
- Homemade soups
- Braised dishes
In some countries, even smaller cans between 70g and 100g are also widely available for single-use cooking.
Is There a 12-Ounce Tomato Paste Can?
Yes.
Many brands also produce 12-ounce (340g) cans, which are essentially double the standard household size.
A 12-ounce can contains approximately:
- 340 grams
- 22–24 tablespoons
- About 1½ cups
This size is particularly useful when preparing:
- Large batches of spaghetti sauce
- Chili for multiple servings
- Meal prep recipes
- Restaurant-style cooking at home
What Is the Largest Can of Tomato Paste?
For foodservice operations, tomato paste is commonly packaged in A10 cans, which typically contain between 2.2 kg and 3 kg (roughly 105 ounces).
Some manufacturers also offer 111-ounce (approximately 3.15 kg) cans designed specifically for:
- Restaurants
- Hotels
- Institutional kitchens
- Catering companies
- Food manufacturing facilities
These large cans significantly reduce packaging waste and lower the cost per kilogram compared with retail-sized products
.
International Tomato Paste Packaging Sizes
Besides the standard American can sizes, manufacturers serving export markets often produce a broader range of packaging options.
Typical international retail sizes include:
- 70g
- 100g
- 140g
- 198g
- 200g
- 210g
Mid-size commercial packaging often includes:
Industrial buyers may purchase tomato paste in:
- 2.2 kg cans
- 3 kg cans
- 4.5 kg cans
- 10 kg aseptic bags
- 220-liter aseptic drums
- 1,000-liter aseptic bins
These packaging formats are commonly selected based on processing volume, storage requirements, and transportation efficiency.
Tomato Paste Can Size Conversion Chart
| Weight | Tablespoons | Cups |
|---|---|---|
| 70g | About 4–5 tbsp | About ¼ cup |
| 170g (6 oz) | 10–12 tbsp | About ¾ cup |
| 340g (12 oz) | 22–24 tbsp | About 1½ cups |
| 850g | About 55 tbsp | About 3½ cups |
| 3 kg | About 190 tbsp | About 12½ cups |
These values are approximate because tomato paste density varies slightly among brands.
How Do Recipes Define “One Can” of Tomato Paste?
Many recipes simply call for “1 can tomato paste” without specifying the weight.
In North America, this almost always refers to the standard 6-ounce (170g) can.
However, recipes from other countries may assume different package sizes, so checking the ingredient list carefully is recommended.
If a recipe requires precision, measuring by grams or ounces is more reliable than counting cans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tablespoons are in a 6-ounce can?
A standard 6-ounce can contains approximately 10 to 12 tablespoons of tomato paste.
How many cups are in a 12-ounce can?
A 12-ounce can contains roughly 1½ cups of tomato paste.
Why do restaurants buy A10 cans?
A10 cans lower packaging costs, reduce waste, and provide better value for kitchens that use large quantities of tomato paste every day.
Can tomato paste be frozen after opening?
Yes. Freezing tomato paste in small portions is one of the easiest ways to preserve quality and minimize food waste.
