In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThe Bottom LineChoosing a Healthy Marinara SauceOur Search for the Best Marinara SauceCommon QuestionsOur Trusted Expertise
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Our Top Picks
Reviews
The Bottom Line
Choosing a Healthy Marinara Sauce
Our Search for the Best Marinara Sauce
Common Questions
Our Trusted Expertise
Photo: Ted + Chelsea Cavanaugh
Marinara sauce is an example of how a few fresh ingredients can combine to make something truly amazing. Traditionally made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and herbs, this deceptively simple sauce has become a staple in Italian (and Italian-American cuisine). Its main ingredients even have some health benefits thanks to theantioxidants found in tomatoesand theheart-healthy fatsfound in olive oil.Still, not everyone has the time to chop and simmer their way to a homemade marinara. Jarred tomato sauce can be an excellent shortcut when you need help getting a meal on the table quickly. It can feel like a healthy no-brainer, but with a little sleuthing, we found that not all sauces are created equal—especially in terms of added sugar and salt. We checked the numbers on countless labels and tasted more than 50 sauces (that’s not a typo!). Here are the seven sauces that stood out in terms of flavor and nutrition. Plus, learn what to look for when reading the label of a jarred sauce.Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALERao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce at Amazon$9$7Jump to ReviewBest Low-Sodium:Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce at Amazon$67Jump to ReviewBest for Garlic Lovers:Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest for Added Veggies:Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest Sweeter Sauce:Bertolli Traditional Marinara at Amazon$3Jump to ReviewBest Classic Sauce:Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta Sauce at Amazon$25Jump to ReviewBest for Baking:Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce at Amazon$3Jump to Review
Marinara sauce is an example of how a few fresh ingredients can combine to make something truly amazing. Traditionally made with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and herbs, this deceptively simple sauce has become a staple in Italian (and Italian-American cuisine). Its main ingredients even have some health benefits thanks to theantioxidants found in tomatoesand theheart-healthy fatsfound in olive oil.
Still, not everyone has the time to chop and simmer their way to a homemade marinara. Jarred tomato sauce can be an excellent shortcut when you need help getting a meal on the table quickly. It can feel like a healthy no-brainer, but with a little sleuthing, we found that not all sauces are created equal—especially in terms of added sugar and salt. We checked the numbers on countless labels and tasted more than 50 sauces (that’s not a typo!). Here are the seven sauces that stood out in terms of flavor and nutrition. Plus, learn what to look for when reading the label of a jarred sauce.
Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALERao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce at Amazon$9$7Jump to ReviewBest Low-Sodium:Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce at Amazon$67Jump to ReviewBest for Garlic Lovers:Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest for Added Veggies:Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest Sweeter Sauce:Bertolli Traditional Marinara at Amazon$3Jump to ReviewBest Classic Sauce:Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta Sauce at Amazon$25Jump to ReviewBest for Baking:Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce at Amazon$3Jump to Review
Best Overall:SALERao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce at Amazon$9$7Jump to ReviewBest Low-Sodium:Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce at Amazon$67Jump to ReviewBest for Garlic Lovers:Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce at Amazon$18Jump to ReviewBest for Added Veggies:Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable at Amazon$8Jump to ReviewBest Sweeter Sauce:Bertolli Traditional Marinara at Amazon$3Jump to ReviewBest Classic Sauce:Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta Sauce at Amazon$25Jump to ReviewBest for Baking:Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce at Amazon$3Jump to Review
Best Overall:SALERao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce at Amazon$9$7Jump to Review
Best Overall:SALERao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce at Amazon$9$7
Best Overall:
SALE
Best Low-Sodium:Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce at Amazon$67Jump to Review
Best Low-Sodium:Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce at Amazon$67
Best Low-Sodium:
Best for Garlic Lovers:Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce at Amazon$18Jump to Review
Best for Garlic Lovers:Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce at Amazon$18
Best for Garlic Lovers:
Best for Added Veggies:Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable at Amazon$8Jump to Review
Best for Added Veggies:Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable at Amazon$8
Best for Added Veggies:
Best Sweeter Sauce:Bertolli Traditional Marinara at Amazon$3Jump to Review
Best Sweeter Sauce:Bertolli Traditional Marinara at Amazon$3
Best Sweeter Sauce:
Best Classic Sauce:Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta Sauce at Amazon$25Jump to Review
Best Classic Sauce:Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta Sauce at Amazon$25
Best Classic Sauce:
Best for Baking:Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce at Amazon$3Jump to Review
Best for Baking:Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce at Amazon$3
Best for Baking:
Best OverallRao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce$9$7 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on FreshDirectWhat we like:Rao’s all-natural sauce features Italian ingredients and hand-picked tomatoes.What to know:At about $10 per jar, this sauce is on the more expensive side.Rao’s Marinara takes the cake (or should we say sauce?) when it comes to jarred marinara. Originating from the famous New York City Italian restaurant Rao’s, this specialty-crafted marinara sauce can now be enjoyed without a trip to the city, and it’s a favorite ofEatingWell’s associate editorial director,Carolyn Malcoun. “This is the only brand of marinara sauce I buy!” Malcoun says. “It’s rich and delicious and super savory.” Senior vice presidentMichelle Edelbaumagrees. “I always used to make my own pasta sauce, but this jarred sauce is so good I could eat it like soup,“ she says. ”I buy it at Costco, and we go through at least a jar a week.”What makes Rao’s such a staple with theEatingWellteam? Its sauce is composed of all-natural ingredients, including Italian olive oil and whole peeled tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, oregano and black pepper, and it’s made without any fillers, added sugar or tomato paste. Its subtle sweetness comes from the hand-picked and ripened Southern Italian tomatoes that are simmered slowly in small batches. In addition, Rao’s is naturally vegan and gluten free and features just 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.Nutrition Info for Rao’s Marinara Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:100 calories, 7 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 420 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g proteinBest Low-SodiumVictoria Low-Sodium Marinara SaucePHOTO: Amazon$67 at AmazonView on Victoriapastasauces.comWhat we like:Victoria’s marinara offers an excellent lower-salt alternative with natural ingredients.What to know:The sauce may taste a bit acidic to some.While salt is an excellent flavor enhancer, sometimes we need to lighten oursodium intake for healthor personal reasons. Monitoring sodium can be even more challenging, given how it cansneak into our diets.Fortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to take marinara sauce off the table. Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce packs a flavorful punch without lots of added sodium. The sauce gets its flavors from slow-cooked Italian plum tomatoes, olive oil, fresh onion, garlic, basil and sea salt. The result is a savory sauce with only 120 mg of sodium per serving. In addition to its simple ingredient list, we also like that this sauce is gluten free and non-GMO verified.Nutrition Info for Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce, per 1/2 cup (113 g) serving:70 calories, 4 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g proteinBest for Garlic LoversBarilla Traditional Tomato SaucePHOTO: Amazon$18 at Amazon$23 at WalmartWhat we like:The savory flavor of Barilla’s sauce is thanks to oregano, basil and, of course, garlic.What to know:This marinara is made with a purée of tomato paste and water rather than whole peeled tomatoes.For those who embrace garlic (don’t worry—you’re not alone), Barilla’s Traditional Tomato Sauce will do the trick. This sauce is made with Italian olive oil, diced tomatoes in tomato juice and a tomato purée alongside plenty of aromatic basil, garlic and oregano. No added preservatives or sugar are used, and the sauce is vegan, gluten free and kosher-friendly.When you’re ready to use the sauce, it’s worth noting that the manufacturers state that the jar is not microwave-friendly, so make sure you either warm the sauce on the stovetop or pour it into a microwave-safe bowl before heating.Nutrition Info for Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:50 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 450 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g proteinBest for Added VeggiesRagú Simply Chunky Garden VegetablePHOTO: Amazon$8 at Amazon$3 at TargetWhat we like:This sauce is packed with vegetables, not added sugar.What to know:With all the extra veggies, we would have liked to see a higher fiber content.We all know that incorporating vegetables into our diets is a wonderful way to increase your nutrient intake, and thanks to Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable marinara sauce, you can now have a sauce that’s chock-full of extra veggies. Ingredients include an array of garden vegetables like carrots, onions, green peppers, celery, zucchini and even sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.We love that this sauce is finished with olive oil and has no added sugar. That said, we do wish there were more than 2 g of fiber with all the nutrient-dense vegetables.Nutrition Info for Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable, per 1/2 cup (128 g) serving:70 calories, 2.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 520 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 6 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g proteinBest Sweeter SauceBertolli Traditional MarinaraPHOTO: Amazon$3 at Amazon$3 at WalmartView on Bertolli.comWhat we like:This sauce is cooked in olive oil to add a subtle, luscious sweetness.What to know:Folks who prefer a more robust sauce may find this recipe too bland.Bertolli has been creating sauces for over 150 years and is a reliable choice for a weeknight jarred sauce (or weekend, whatever works!). And for those who prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, Bertolli’s Traditional Marinara has a lovely flavor profile without being overdone.We love that the sauce is made with fresh garlic, vine-ripened tomatoes, onions, sweet basil and oregano simmered and gently finished in olive oil, which the company proudly boasts is the “Tuscan way.” The resulting sauce is thick without being too chunky, and the touch of sweetness is reminiscent of a homemade marinara, making it an excellent accompaniment to pasta dishes like classicspinach and cheese stuffed shells.Nutrition Info for Bertolli Traditional Marinara, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:70 calories, 3 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 490 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 7 g total sugar (2 g added sugar), 2 g proteinBest Classic SauceFrancesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta SaucePHOTO: Francesco Rinaldi$25 at AmazonView on Francescorinaldi.comWhat we like:This tasty sauce is light on salt and big on flavor without added sugar.What to know:We wish Rinaldi had used olive oil instead of soybean oil, which isn’t as rich in antioxidants.While there are so many styles of marinara sauce, sometimes you just want a classic go-to. That’s where Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added marinara comes in. Associate editorDanielle DeAngelissays, “My Italian-American household prefers making our own sauce (cough, “gravy”), naturally. However, for quick weeknights, we’re a Francesco Rinaldi family.”The sauce is composed of tomato purée and dried onions and has a naturally salty flavor thanks to the imported Pecorino Romano cheese, plus a bit of acidity and tang from the lemon juice. This sauce only has 40 mg of salt, and DeAngelis particularly likes that there’s no added sugar, making it a healthy ingredient for dishes likeair-fryer raviolior ahearty eggplant casserole.Nutrition Info for Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt AddedSauce, per 1/2 cup (123 g) serving:60 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 40 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g proteinBest for BakingClassico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti SaucePHOTO: Amazon$3 at Amazon$4 at WalmartWhat we like:This thick, rich, flavorful sauce pairs excellently with pasta, protein and vegetables.What to know:This sauce is completely smooth, so those wanting more texture might want to consider another option.Craving a lasagna or eggplant parm but feel short on time? Skip the homemade sauce and reach for the Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce. This marinara sauce is a solid choice when it comes to baking yourfavorite Italian red sauce dishwithout the extra fuss.EatingWell’s associate editor Kayleigh Drake also appreciates the value Classico brings to the table. “I love that Classico combines rich and savory flavors with a super affordable price point,” she says. “Its marinara sauces are available in a range of flavors, from roasted garlic to tomato basil to four cheese to (perhaps my favorite) spicy red pepper. Every single one that I’ve tasted is delicious.”We like that this sauce features onions, roasted garlic and dried granulated garlic for an extra aromatic, rich flavor that will pair nicely with yourbaked tray of lasagna. In terms of sodium, this recipe features a moderate 330 mg of salt, imparting flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients in your dish.Nutrition Info for Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:50 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 330 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best OverallRao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce$9$7 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on FreshDirectWhat we like:Rao’s all-natural sauce features Italian ingredients and hand-picked tomatoes.What to know:At about $10 per jar, this sauce is on the more expensive side.Rao’s Marinara takes the cake (or should we say sauce?) when it comes to jarred marinara. Originating from the famous New York City Italian restaurant Rao’s, this specialty-crafted marinara sauce can now be enjoyed without a trip to the city, and it’s a favorite ofEatingWell’s associate editorial director,Carolyn Malcoun. “This is the only brand of marinara sauce I buy!” Malcoun says. “It’s rich and delicious and super savory.” Senior vice presidentMichelle Edelbaumagrees. “I always used to make my own pasta sauce, but this jarred sauce is so good I could eat it like soup,“ she says. ”I buy it at Costco, and we go through at least a jar a week.”What makes Rao’s such a staple with theEatingWellteam? Its sauce is composed of all-natural ingredients, including Italian olive oil and whole peeled tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, oregano and black pepper, and it’s made without any fillers, added sugar or tomato paste. Its subtle sweetness comes from the hand-picked and ripened Southern Italian tomatoes that are simmered slowly in small batches. In addition, Rao’s is naturally vegan and gluten free and features just 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.Nutrition Info for Rao’s Marinara Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:100 calories, 7 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 420 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best OverallRao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce$9$7 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on FreshDirect
Best OverallRao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce
Best Overall
Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce
$9$7 at Amazon$8 at WalmartView on FreshDirect
What we like:Rao’s all-natural sauce features Italian ingredients and hand-picked tomatoes.
What to know:At about $10 per jar, this sauce is on the more expensive side.
Rao’s Marinara takes the cake (or should we say sauce?) when it comes to jarred marinara. Originating from the famous New York City Italian restaurant Rao’s, this specialty-crafted marinara sauce can now be enjoyed without a trip to the city, and it’s a favorite ofEatingWell’s associate editorial director,Carolyn Malcoun. “This is the only brand of marinara sauce I buy!” Malcoun says. “It’s rich and delicious and super savory.” Senior vice presidentMichelle Edelbaumagrees. “I always used to make my own pasta sauce, but this jarred sauce is so good I could eat it like soup,“ she says. ”I buy it at Costco, and we go through at least a jar a week.”
What makes Rao’s such a staple with theEatingWellteam? Its sauce is composed of all-natural ingredients, including Italian olive oil and whole peeled tomatoes, onions, garlic, basil, oregano and black pepper, and it’s made without any fillers, added sugar or tomato paste. Its subtle sweetness comes from the hand-picked and ripened Southern Italian tomatoes that are simmered slowly in small batches. In addition, Rao’s is naturally vegan and gluten free and features just 6 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Nutrition Info for Rao’s Marinara Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:100 calories, 7 g total fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 420 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best Low-SodiumVictoria Low-Sodium Marinara SaucePHOTO: Amazon$67 at AmazonView on Victoriapastasauces.comWhat we like:Victoria’s marinara offers an excellent lower-salt alternative with natural ingredients.What to know:The sauce may taste a bit acidic to some.While salt is an excellent flavor enhancer, sometimes we need to lighten oursodium intake for healthor personal reasons. Monitoring sodium can be even more challenging, given how it cansneak into our diets.Fortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to take marinara sauce off the table. Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce packs a flavorful punch without lots of added sodium. The sauce gets its flavors from slow-cooked Italian plum tomatoes, olive oil, fresh onion, garlic, basil and sea salt. The result is a savory sauce with only 120 mg of sodium per serving. In addition to its simple ingredient list, we also like that this sauce is gluten free and non-GMO verified.Nutrition Info for Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce, per 1/2 cup (113 g) serving:70 calories, 4 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best Low-SodiumVictoria Low-Sodium Marinara SaucePHOTO: Amazon$67 at AmazonView on Victoriapastasauces.com
Best Low-SodiumVictoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce
Best Low-Sodium
Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce
PHOTO: Amazon
$67 at AmazonView on Victoriapastasauces.com
What we like:Victoria’s marinara offers an excellent lower-salt alternative with natural ingredients.
What to know:The sauce may taste a bit acidic to some.
While salt is an excellent flavor enhancer, sometimes we need to lighten oursodium intake for healthor personal reasons. Monitoring sodium can be even more challenging, given how it cansneak into our diets.
Fortunately, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have to take marinara sauce off the table. Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce packs a flavorful punch without lots of added sodium. The sauce gets its flavors from slow-cooked Italian plum tomatoes, olive oil, fresh onion, garlic, basil and sea salt. The result is a savory sauce with only 120 mg of sodium per serving. In addition to its simple ingredient list, we also like that this sauce is gluten free and non-GMO verified.
Nutrition Info for Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce, per 1/2 cup (113 g) serving:70 calories, 4 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 120 mg sodium, 6 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best for Garlic LoversBarilla Traditional Tomato SaucePHOTO: Amazon$18 at Amazon$23 at WalmartWhat we like:The savory flavor of Barilla’s sauce is thanks to oregano, basil and, of course, garlic.What to know:This marinara is made with a purée of tomato paste and water rather than whole peeled tomatoes.For those who embrace garlic (don’t worry—you’re not alone), Barilla’s Traditional Tomato Sauce will do the trick. This sauce is made with Italian olive oil, diced tomatoes in tomato juice and a tomato purée alongside plenty of aromatic basil, garlic and oregano. No added preservatives or sugar are used, and the sauce is vegan, gluten free and kosher-friendly.When you’re ready to use the sauce, it’s worth noting that the manufacturers state that the jar is not microwave-friendly, so make sure you either warm the sauce on the stovetop or pour it into a microwave-safe bowl before heating.Nutrition Info for Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:50 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 450 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best for Garlic LoversBarilla Traditional Tomato SaucePHOTO: Amazon$18 at Amazon$23 at Walmart
Best for Garlic LoversBarilla Traditional Tomato Sauce
Best for Garlic Lovers
Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce
$18 at Amazon$23 at Walmart
What we like:The savory flavor of Barilla’s sauce is thanks to oregano, basil and, of course, garlic.
What to know:This marinara is made with a purée of tomato paste and water rather than whole peeled tomatoes.
For those who embrace garlic (don’t worry—you’re not alone), Barilla’s Traditional Tomato Sauce will do the trick. This sauce is made with Italian olive oil, diced tomatoes in tomato juice and a tomato purée alongside plenty of aromatic basil, garlic and oregano. No added preservatives or sugar are used, and the sauce is vegan, gluten free and kosher-friendly.
When you’re ready to use the sauce, it’s worth noting that the manufacturers state that the jar is not microwave-friendly, so make sure you either warm the sauce on the stovetop or pour it into a microwave-safe bowl before heating.
Nutrition Info for Barilla Traditional Tomato Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:50 calories, 0.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 450 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best for Added VeggiesRagú Simply Chunky Garden VegetablePHOTO: Amazon$8 at Amazon$3 at TargetWhat we like:This sauce is packed with vegetables, not added sugar.What to know:With all the extra veggies, we would have liked to see a higher fiber content.We all know that incorporating vegetables into our diets is a wonderful way to increase your nutrient intake, and thanks to Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable marinara sauce, you can now have a sauce that’s chock-full of extra veggies. Ingredients include an array of garden vegetables like carrots, onions, green peppers, celery, zucchini and even sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.We love that this sauce is finished with olive oil and has no added sugar. That said, we do wish there were more than 2 g of fiber with all the nutrient-dense vegetables.Nutrition Info for Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable, per 1/2 cup (128 g) serving:70 calories, 2.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 520 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 6 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best for Added VeggiesRagú Simply Chunky Garden VegetablePHOTO: Amazon$8 at Amazon$3 at Target
Best for Added VeggiesRagú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable
Best for Added Veggies
Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable
$8 at Amazon$3 at Target
What we like:This sauce is packed with vegetables, not added sugar.
What to know:With all the extra veggies, we would have liked to see a higher fiber content.
We all know that incorporating vegetables into our diets is a wonderful way to increase your nutrient intake, and thanks to Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable marinara sauce, you can now have a sauce that’s chock-full of extra veggies. Ingredients include an array of garden vegetables like carrots, onions, green peppers, celery, zucchini and even sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness.
We love that this sauce is finished with olive oil and has no added sugar. That said, we do wish there were more than 2 g of fiber with all the nutrient-dense vegetables.
Nutrition Info for Ragú Simply Chunky Garden Vegetable, per 1/2 cup (128 g) serving:70 calories, 2.5 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 520 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 6 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best Sweeter SauceBertolli Traditional MarinaraPHOTO: Amazon$3 at Amazon$3 at WalmartView on Bertolli.comWhat we like:This sauce is cooked in olive oil to add a subtle, luscious sweetness.What to know:Folks who prefer a more robust sauce may find this recipe too bland.Bertolli has been creating sauces for over 150 years and is a reliable choice for a weeknight jarred sauce (or weekend, whatever works!). And for those who prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, Bertolli’s Traditional Marinara has a lovely flavor profile without being overdone.We love that the sauce is made with fresh garlic, vine-ripened tomatoes, onions, sweet basil and oregano simmered and gently finished in olive oil, which the company proudly boasts is the “Tuscan way.” The resulting sauce is thick without being too chunky, and the touch of sweetness is reminiscent of a homemade marinara, making it an excellent accompaniment to pasta dishes like classicspinach and cheese stuffed shells.Nutrition Info for Bertolli Traditional Marinara, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:70 calories, 3 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 490 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 7 g total sugar (2 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best Sweeter SauceBertolli Traditional MarinaraPHOTO: Amazon$3 at Amazon$3 at WalmartView on Bertolli.com
Best Sweeter SauceBertolli Traditional Marinara
Best Sweeter Sauce
Bertolli Traditional Marinara
$3 at Amazon$3 at WalmartView on Bertolli.com
What we like:This sauce is cooked in olive oil to add a subtle, luscious sweetness.
What to know:Folks who prefer a more robust sauce may find this recipe too bland.
Bertolli has been creating sauces for over 150 years and is a reliable choice for a weeknight jarred sauce (or weekend, whatever works!). And for those who prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, Bertolli’s Traditional Marinara has a lovely flavor profile without being overdone.
We love that the sauce is made with fresh garlic, vine-ripened tomatoes, onions, sweet basil and oregano simmered and gently finished in olive oil, which the company proudly boasts is the “Tuscan way.” The resulting sauce is thick without being too chunky, and the touch of sweetness is reminiscent of a homemade marinara, making it an excellent accompaniment to pasta dishes like classicspinach and cheese stuffed shells.
Nutrition Info for Bertolli Traditional Marinara, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:70 calories, 3 g total fat, 0.5 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 490 mg sodium, 9 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 7 g total sugar (2 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best Classic SauceFrancesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta SaucePHOTO: Francesco Rinaldi$25 at AmazonView on Francescorinaldi.comWhat we like:This tasty sauce is light on salt and big on flavor without added sugar.What to know:We wish Rinaldi had used olive oil instead of soybean oil, which isn’t as rich in antioxidants.While there are so many styles of marinara sauce, sometimes you just want a classic go-to. That’s where Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added marinara comes in. Associate editorDanielle DeAngelissays, “My Italian-American household prefers making our own sauce (cough, “gravy”), naturally. However, for quick weeknights, we’re a Francesco Rinaldi family.”The sauce is composed of tomato purée and dried onions and has a naturally salty flavor thanks to the imported Pecorino Romano cheese, plus a bit of acidity and tang from the lemon juice. This sauce only has 40 mg of salt, and DeAngelis particularly likes that there’s no added sugar, making it a healthy ingredient for dishes likeair-fryer raviolior ahearty eggplant casserole.Nutrition Info for Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt AddedSauce, per 1/2 cup (123 g) serving:60 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 40 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best Classic SauceFrancesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta SaucePHOTO: Francesco Rinaldi$25 at AmazonView on Francescorinaldi.com
Best Classic SauceFrancesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta Sauce
Best Classic Sauce
Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added Pasta Sauce
PHOTO: Francesco Rinaldi
$25 at AmazonView on Francescorinaldi.com
What we like:This tasty sauce is light on salt and big on flavor without added sugar.
What to know:We wish Rinaldi had used olive oil instead of soybean oil, which isn’t as rich in antioxidants.
While there are so many styles of marinara sauce, sometimes you just want a classic go-to. That’s where Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added marinara comes in. Associate editorDanielle DeAngelissays, “My Italian-American household prefers making our own sauce (cough, “gravy”), naturally. However, for quick weeknights, we’re a Francesco Rinaldi family.”
The sauce is composed of tomato purée and dried onions and has a naturally salty flavor thanks to the imported Pecorino Romano cheese, plus a bit of acidity and tang from the lemon juice. This sauce only has 40 mg of salt, and DeAngelis particularly likes that there’s no added sugar, making it a healthy ingredient for dishes likeair-fryer raviolior ahearty eggplant casserole.
Nutrition Info for Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt AddedSauce, per 1/2 cup (123 g) serving:60 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 40 mg sodium, 10 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 5 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best for BakingClassico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti SaucePHOTO: Amazon$3 at Amazon$4 at WalmartWhat we like:This thick, rich, flavorful sauce pairs excellently with pasta, protein and vegetables.What to know:This sauce is completely smooth, so those wanting more texture might want to consider another option.Craving a lasagna or eggplant parm but feel short on time? Skip the homemade sauce and reach for the Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce. This marinara sauce is a solid choice when it comes to baking yourfavorite Italian red sauce dishwithout the extra fuss.EatingWell’s associate editor Kayleigh Drake also appreciates the value Classico brings to the table. “I love that Classico combines rich and savory flavors with a super affordable price point,” she says. “Its marinara sauces are available in a range of flavors, from roasted garlic to tomato basil to four cheese to (perhaps my favorite) spicy red pepper. Every single one that I’ve tasted is delicious.”We like that this sauce features onions, roasted garlic and dried granulated garlic for an extra aromatic, rich flavor that will pair nicely with yourbaked tray of lasagna. In terms of sodium, this recipe features a moderate 330 mg of salt, imparting flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients in your dish.Nutrition Info for Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:50 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 330 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
Best for BakingClassico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti SaucePHOTO: Amazon$3 at Amazon$4 at Walmart
Best for BakingClassico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
Best for Baking
Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce
$3 at Amazon$4 at Walmart
What we like:This thick, rich, flavorful sauce pairs excellently with pasta, protein and vegetables.
What to know:This sauce is completely smooth, so those wanting more texture might want to consider another option.
Craving a lasagna or eggplant parm but feel short on time? Skip the homemade sauce and reach for the Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce. This marinara sauce is a solid choice when it comes to baking yourfavorite Italian red sauce dishwithout the extra fuss.
EatingWell’s associate editor Kayleigh Drake also appreciates the value Classico brings to the table. “I love that Classico combines rich and savory flavors with a super affordable price point,” she says. “Its marinara sauces are available in a range of flavors, from roasted garlic to tomato basil to four cheese to (perhaps my favorite) spicy red pepper. Every single one that I’ve tasted is delicious.”
We like that this sauce features onions, roasted garlic and dried granulated garlic for an extra aromatic, rich flavor that will pair nicely with yourbaked tray of lasagna. In terms of sodium, this recipe features a moderate 330 mg of salt, imparting flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients in your dish.
Nutrition Info for Classico Roasted Garlic Tomato Spaghetti Sauce, per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving:50 calories, 1 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 330 mg sodium, 8 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 4 g total sugar (0 g added sugar), 2 g protein
The Bottom Line: The Best Marinara Sauces
The bottom line is whether you’re looking for a marinara sauce to douse your favorite pasta with or a spoonful for homemade pizza, there are plenty of marinara sauces to choose from that are delicious and healthful. At the top of our list isRao’s Marinara(view at Amazon), a sumptuous sauce made with premium Italian ingredients. If you’re looking for a slightly sweeter sauce,Bertolli’s Traditional Marinara(view at Walmart) is what we like to reach for. For a lower-sodium option,Victoria Low-Sodium Marinara Sauce(view at Amazon) is an excellent choice without excess salt. However, all of the marinara sauces featured on our list are tasty options.
Note the Added Sugar
Sugar is often added to balance tomatoes' natural acidity. But many brands use the sweetness from vegetables, like carrots and onions, to get the job done. If you’re watching your added sugar, stick to brands with 0 grams.
Check the Sodium Levels
Our editors researched dozens of popular marinara sauces found on grocery store shelves—and in doing so, we discovered that not all jarred marinara sauces are created equal. Many contain high sodium and added sugars. During our research, we evaluated preparation methods, ingredients and nutrition. Our results feature the best marinara sauces that are healthy, tasty and make us excited to cook our favorite Italian dish.
How long does marinara sauce last in the fridge?
Some companies will add preservatives to prolong the life of the marinara sauce. If you are sensitive to additives or prefer all-natural, preservative-free sauce, it’s a good idea to check the ingredient list when choosing a marinara sauce. Even if you follow the manufacturer’s suggested timelines, we recommend taking a careful look inside the jar before reheating to see if you spot any mold or unpleasant odors that could signify spoilage. If you do, it’s best to toss the marinara sauce (and recycle the jar!).
Can marinara sauce be frozen?
If you open a jar of marinara sauce but only use a little bit of it, that’s where freezing your unused sauce can come into play. Most marinara sauces can be frozen for up to three months, and some even up to six months. Make sure to place your marinara sauce in a freezer-safe, airtight container first, though.
When you’re ready to enjoy your marinara sauce, we recommend defrosting it in the fridge. Also, remember to check for any signs offreezer burn.
What is the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce?
The termsmarinara sauceand spaghetti sauce are often thrown around interchangeably. So, what’s the difference? Technically, marinara sauce could be considered a type of pasta sauce. And while both sauces are typically red and tomato-based, there are some subtle differences. Marinara is typically a simple, thin sauce made with very few ingredients. It’s tomato-based, it may feature a few aromatics and it’s mostly homogeneous in texture. You may see marinara sauce served with pasta or pizza or as a popular dipping sauce alongside mozzarella sticks. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, can run the gamut as a sauce for various types of pasta, but it may feature larger chunks of tomatoes, more vegetables and even meat.
Marisa Olsenhas over 10 years of experience writing and reporting on food, lifestyle and product reviews. She has written for multiple publications, including Chowhound,Southern Living, The Spruce Eats,Food & Wine, Byrdie and Liquor.com. On any given weeknight, Marisa and her family frequently reach for jarred marinara sauce. She prefers sauce with fresh basil and garlic and without any preservatives.
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