Budget Substitutes Deliver San Marzano Flavor
True San Marzano tomatoes are prized and often expensive (DOP-certified), but home cooks can still get great sauce with budget substitutes like Redpack Whole Peeled Plum Tomatoes (~$2.60/can) or Walmart’s bettergoods San Marzano-style (~$2.50/can); Cento’s San Marzano-style and other non-DOP options also test well, though true DOP versions can cost $8+ per can.