Canned tomatoes are one of the undisputed M.V.P.s of the kitchen pantry. Ask any chef what ingredients they always keep on hand, and a humble can of tomatoes is bound to be on their list. After all, even if you’ve got nothing more than some dried pasta, a single can of tomatoes, salt, and pepper sitting on your pantry shelves, you can still pull together a comforting homemade dinner with minimal effort.

Plus, tomatoes are so incredibly versatile, they’re the star ingredient in an endless array of recipes, from classics like tomato-basil soup and Bolognese sauce, to gumbo, okra with tomatoes, and other timeless Southern favorites. But not all tomatoes are created—or priced—equally.