How to Identify Genuine 'Italian' Ingredients

When purchasing Italian food products, you naturally want to ensure you're buying the authentic version. The market is flooded with imitations that exploit America's passion for genuine Italian goods. For many companies, it’s more cost-effective to produce and source products locally, then slap an Italian-sounding label to charge a premium. But more than identifying the fakes, it’s crucial to focus on the quality of what you're purchasing.

What to Look For to Verify Authentic Italian Products

The market is full of counterfeit items, such as Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, San Marzano tomatoes, and balsamic vinegar. Fortunately, these beloved ingredients are so cherished in Italy that they must meet strict criteria to be labeled 'authentic.' This certification is known as DOP, or 'designated protected origin.' The Italian government mandates how and where these items can be produced to earn the official label. To ensure authenticity, look for the DOP seal, a red and yellow logo with a sun design, typically found on the bottom of the product’s front label.

Seeing any Italian text on the label is also a good sign. Many imported items will feature nutrition facts in the Italian format, with American nutrition labels applied as a sticker on top — a strong indicator that the product was made in Italy.

Common Counterfeits

San Marzano Tomatoes

San Marzano tomatoes are a specific variety that can only earn the DOP label if they are grown, harvested, and processed under strict conditions in the San Marzano region of Italy. While the seeds are widely available, many domestic growers produce what are technically San Marzano-style tomatoes. These tomatoes are grown in different soils and climates than the traditional Italian variety, which results in a very different taste. Despite this, some American brands charge premium prices for these tomatoes by using the same name, misleading consumers into thinking they are buying the authentic product.

In the case of San Marzano tomatoes, many brands use deceptive language to hide the fact that they're not authentic. Be wary of labels that say 'San Marzano Style' or 'Italian Style.' Another clear sign is if the label mentions tomatoes grown in America or any location other than Italy.

Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano Reggiano is another Italian product with DOP certification from the Italian government. Before looking for DOP labels, start by checking the name. The authentic Italian cheese will be labeled 'Parmigiano Reggiano,' not just 'Parmesan.' Only one cheese can legally be called Parmigiano Reggiano, and it holds the DOP status. Anything else is generally a similar style. Some counterfeit versions may even be produced in Italy, which can be misleading if the label says 'Product of Italy.' However, these versions are still usually closer to the authentic flavor and production methods than mass-produced alternatives like Kraft.

Balsamic Vinegar

It may be surprising, but most of the balsamic vinegar found in grocery stores doesn’t meet the Italian standards for authenticity. True balsamic vinegar is expensive to produce and import. The traditional process is time-consuming, yielding small amounts, so many brands attempt to mimic the flavor with cheaper ingredients and without the lengthy aging process. Genuine balsamic vinegar comes from Modena, Italy, and has a syrupy consistency. The entire production process, from grape harvest to the type of wood used for aging, is strictly regulated, making the real product costly and labor-intensive.

To identify real aceto balsamico, check the label. A DOP seal is a good sign, but the key is in the ingredients — it should list only one: grape must. Additionally, genuine Italian balsamic vinegar always features a numbered, red wax seal at the top of the bottle, in accordance with DOP guidelines.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the most commonly faked Italian products, with oils from many countries labeled as 'Italian.' Olives grown or pressed worldwide are often sent to Italy for processing, earning them a 'Made in Italy' label, which, while technically true, is misleading. To ensure authenticity, look for oil made from olives grown in Italy.

The more information on the label, the better; look for harvest and pressing dates, or any mention of the specific region where it was produced or the type of olive used. Another red flag is blended oils, which are usually of lower quality and contain olives from various countries.

How to Spot the Impostors

Be wary of the language on product labels; many producers looking to mislead consumers about the origin and quality of their goods will use deceptive phrasing. Terms like 'Italian Style' are often used to suggest authenticity without delivering it. In addition to looking for 'Made in Italy,' check for specific city or regional names. If you see any references to American cities or states on the label or ingredients list, it’s likely not a genuine Italian product.