When choosing wholesale tomato products, it’s important to understand how they’re made. Two common processing methods— cold break and hot break —can make a big difference in how the tomato product performs in your recipes.
These methods affect texture, flavor, shelf life, and how well the tomato product fits into your production process. Whether you’re making sauces, soups, or juice, this guide will help you decide which option works best for your business.
What Is Cold Break in Wholesale Tomato Products?
Cold break processing involves heating tomatoes to a lower temperature—about 155°F (68°C). This helps preserve the tomato’s natural enzymes, color, and fresh flavor. As a result, the finished product has a thinner texture and a more vibrant taste.
This makes cold break wholesale tomato products a great choice when you want ingredients that pour easily and mix smoothly into your recipes.
Best uses for cold break tomato products:
- Pasta sauces
- Salsas
- Tomato juice
- Canned tomato blends
For example, cold break is ideal if you need a sauce base that flows well in production and doesn’t overpower other ingredients.
What Is Hot Break in Wholesale Tomato Products?
In contrast, hot break processing heats the tomatoes to a higher temperature—around 210°F (99°C). This stops enzyme activity and locks in pectin, which makes the tomato product thicker and more stable.
This method is perfect for wholesale tomato products that need to hold their texture and body through cooking, packaging, and storage.
Best uses for hot break tomato products:
- Tomato paste
- Pizza sauces
- Ketchup
- Canned soups
If you’re making a thick, rich product that needs to stay firm and uniform, hot break is the better choice.
Cold Break vs. Hot Break: A Quick Comparison for Buyers
| Feature | Cold Break Products | Hot Break Products |
|---|---|---|
| Heat Level | 155°F (68°C) | 210°F (99°C) |
| Texture | Thin and pourable | Thick and dense |
| Flavor | Fresh and vibrant | Cooked and rich |
| Enzyme Activity | Retained | Inactivated |
| Best For | Juices, sauces, fresh blends | Pastes, thick sauces, ketchup |
By comparing these features, it’s easier to see which wholesale tomato product fits your production needs.
Wholesale Tomato Products from One Source Food Solutions
At One Source Food Solutions, we provide both cold break and hot break wholesale tomato products. We tailor our offerings to meet the needs of food manufacturers, distributors, and foodservice brands.
Cold Break Tomato Products:
- Available in 31%, 36%, and 37% Brix
- Made from vine-ripened, whole red tomatoes
- Clean, fresh flavor
- Aseptic packaging in drums or bins
Hot Break Tomato Products:
- Available in 31% Brix
- USDA Grade A quality
- Consistent thickness and body
- Also packed in drums or bins for convenience
Because we offer both options, you can get exactly what your recipes require without compromise.
How to Choose the Right Wholesale Tomato Product
Choosing the right tomato product comes down to how it will be used in your production line.
Choose cold break if:
- You want a fresh taste and lighter consistency
- Your product needs to blend or pour easily
Choose hot break if:
- You need a thick, stable tomato base
- You’re producing ketchup, paste, or sauce that needs to hold its texture
Still unsure which one is best? We can help guide you with product comparisons and application examples.
Let’s Find the Right Wholesale Tomato Products for You
Choosing between cold break and hot break is just one step in finding the perfect tomato product. At One Source Food Solutions, we’re here to help you every step of the way.
We offer custom specifications, quality assurance, and deep knowledge of wholesale tomato products to support your success.
Have questions? Get in touch with us today—we’re here to help you find the perfect tomato product for your production needs.