Rossty - Tom Sauce product reviews

I am not normally a fan of tomato sauce. Whenever I buy it, it is at the request of another family member. I prefer chutney or pickle, or even plain mustard. It was with reluctance that I squeezed a little of this product on to my plate - surely if it would go with anything it would go with unassuming pork sausages. Well, I am always ready to admit if I am wrong - and on this occasion I could not have been more mistaken! The smell was that of freshly frying tomatoes, and the taste was the same. Tomato all the way; not a hint of acidity, no trace of chemicals - just a good old-fashioned strong and slightly sweet tomato flavour.

Once I had got over my surprise, I added some more to my plate before the others could attack it. There were no children at this meal, only older family members, so I am not sure whether or not it would have kid appeal - but all four of us had the same reaction. Nicely thick, almost like a chutney rather than a pour-on sauce, and full-on tomato effect. We used the entire packet, noting that there was plenty to go round; had there been any left, the screw top would ensure freshness till it was next used. As a bonus, the smaller packet and squeeze function meant that it did not land on your plate in a single runny glup as we often experience with bigger sauce bottles.

Although there was none left to serve with another meal, we came up with several ideas that we plan to try. Italian foods like spaghetti and pizza would benefit from a dash of this sauce, possibly at the table rather than as a cook-in sauce as that might water down the effect. The portable packet means it would be useful to take on a trip to liven up a bought pizza or fish-and-chips. It would make a tasty thousand island dressing when combined with mayonnaise or tartare sauce, and my partner thought a dash would spice up home-made chowders or pumpkin soup. My cousin thought he would like it as a topping on mashed potato; I am not so keen on that idea but to each his own.

Everyone liked the cute graphic on the packet. The choice of red as the main colour is appropriate and eye-catching and the labelling of the product as "Tom Sauce" rather than "Tomato Sauce" makes it appear that this is the name of the cartoon tomato. To my surprise, the main ingredient is apple puree rather than tomato - I would not have believed this if I had not looked at the back of the packet. It is normal that chutneys contain various fruit and vegetables that combine to improve the flavour and texture, but I was completely fooled this time round. This would explain the low acidity and the lovely thick texture. Despite being only 6% of the contents, the tomato flavour dominates so that is fine by us. We will be looking out for this product when shopping.

I am lucky if Tomato Sauce lasts a week in this house. My girls idolise the stuff - my eldest even has tomato sauce sandwiches - tomato sauce with just butter on bread - crazy! I was quite excited when I saw this item up for review as I am always looking for ways to save money and when I saw the price was only going to be around $3 I jumped at the opportunity. Unfortunately, I didn't consider the size of the pouch - so saving wise not so much. Its great that it can be sealed and really does not take up much room in the fridge as it is quite sliming and can easily fit inside the fridge door with no worries of it tipping over.

As much as I wanted to rave about this product it did not meet expectations to any of my family. Both of the girls tried some and both said they didn't like it. My husband had his first taste today at lunch and after his first bite of a chip, pulled a face and said 'oh I don't like the sauce'. Where as with me the jury is still out.

The funny thing is no one can really say what the problem is. It has a bit of a tang to it which in itself is not that bad but then again the tang can change to a smokey taste - it is not consistent. My husband thinks that it is maybe watered down, where as my youngest thinks that its just weird. The first time I used it it looked quite lite so I put the top back on and shook it and then it came out much better. Today for lunch we had burgers and chips and I put a helping over the chips and all three said the sauce was just wrong, however it spread nicely and was nice and thick in some areas.

I don't hate it but I do not love it. I can say with all honesty I will not have an issue of this running out before the week is over as both girls and my husband are very reluctant to have again. I also can't see us buying this again - which is really sad, as it is from a New Zealand company in Mount Maunganui and I do like to support the little kiwi businesses which they have promoted on the back of the pouch. This just wasn't a right fit for our family.