All that you need to make a nice spaghetti dinner is a wonderful sauce recipe. Thankfully, a number of spaghetti sauce brands are available, so you don’t have to go through the stress of making one yourself. So, whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or a vegan option, here is a list of the best spaghetti sauce brands for you to take a look at.
The Best Spaghetti Sauce Brands Worth Trying
#1. Lucini Rustic Tomato Basil
This organic sauce is a well-balanced blend of herbs, tomatoes, and spices. The basil explodes and enlivens the entire dish, which is produced in Italy and seasoned with sea salt.
#2. Thrive Market Marinara
Thrive’s marinara is prepared from sustainably grown Italian tomatoes near Mt. Vesuvius. It’s full-bodied and nourishing, and it goes well with a variety of Italian meals.
#3. Alessio’s
This sauce has the flavor of an ancient family recipe. It’s minimal in sodium and fat while not losing flavor. Try it with meatballs, whether they’re made with pig and beef or a plant-based alternative.
#4. Williams-Sonoma Organic Tomato Basil
The Williams Sonoma sauce appears to have spent a long time on the stove. The flavors blend well, thanks to the olive oil and a decent amount of garlic.
#5. Rao’s Marinara
The inclusion of oregano, black pepper, onion, and garlic gives Rao’s marinara a touch more depth. It’s delicious on its own or as a base for adding olives, capers, or balsamic vinegar.
#6. Michaels of Brooklyn
This sauce is made with fresh parsley and a wonderful spice blend, and it is based on imported Italian tomatoes. The brand is a spin-off of the legendary Italian restaurant, which first opened its doors in 1964.
#7. Stonewall Kitchen
This is one of Stonewall Kitchen’s many wonderful sauces (and if you’re feeling saucy and want truffle additions, look around). This one is sure to please, elevating your pasta and fitting with a delicious roasted garlic flavor.
#8. Lydia’s Garden Style
Lidia’s version includes garden vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and more. It’s an excellent method to keep food vegetarian while retaining that handmade flavor.
#9. Trader Joe’s
This robust sauce from TJ’s has a thick thickness and a great spicy taste. It goes well with classic pasta, but it may also be used in a variety of tomato-centric recipes at any time of day.
Low Carb Spaghetti Sauce Brands
If you’re trying to cut back on added sugar or carbs in your diet, you’re probably well aware that you should avoid soda, white bread, fruit juices, and morning cereals. You may be unaware that you must also exercise caution when purchasing jarred marinara sauce. Many producers add sugar to their sauces to counteract the acidity of tomatoes. Unfortunately, if you’re following a Whole30, keto, or low-carb diet, that won’t do. That’s why we asked dietitians for their recommendations on the finest low-carb spaghetti sauce products on the market.
Why (and how much) sugar is in spaghetti sauce?
Is there sugar in the marinara sauce? Yup. Tomatoes have four to five grams of sugar per serving; however, manufacturers will add even more sugar to balance the acidic flavor of the sauce.
Just because you need a little sweetness to balance out the flavor, you do not need the amount of sugar found in certain popular store-bought spaghetti sauce brands.
If you wouldn’t top your pasta with three fun-size Butterfinger candy bars, you won’t want to top it with Ragu’s Chunky Sauce. Fortunately, not all marinara sauces contain this much sugar. By selecting the best low-carb spaghetti sauce brands, you may make healthier choices.
How to Buy Low-Carb Spaghetti Sauce
If pasta is on your weekly menu, you’re definitely buying jarred marinara sauce on a regular basis. And marinara sauce may be a nutritious addition to your nightly meals because it’s often rich in vegetables while being low in fat and calories compared to cream-based sauces like alfredo.
The issue is that if you don’t read the label on the back of your jar, you could be unwittingly erasing all of the health benefits of marinara by adding excessive sugar.
Here are some things to look for while shopping for healthy marinara sauces:
The best selections have five grams of sugar or less and roughly the same amount of carbs. Ideally, you’d aim for fewer than 400 mg of sodium as well, but it’s difficult to locate sauces that are low in both sugar and sodium unless you’re willing to pay a premium for organic jars.
Look for recipes that require few ingredients. This only needs three or four whole ingredients, plus herbs and spices, like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and oil. If sugar is included, it should be near the bottom of the list, not the top.
Organic and local options are great ways to make sure you get a cleaner sauce with less processing, but they are not necessary. Having seen what to look for in a low-carb spaghetti sauce, let’s look at some of the brands on our list:
Best Low-Carb Spaghetti Sauce Brands
Making a low-sugar, low-carb spaghetti dish? First and foremost, get a box of high-protein pasta to reduce carbs. Then, at your local grocery store, stock up on any of these low-carb spaghetti sauce brands.
#1. Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce
This marinara sauce contains no surprise additives, only whole peeled tomatoes, onions, olive oil, herbs, and spices. That means it tastes a lot like homemade sauce—maybe even convincing enough to mislead your family when served over penne.
#2. Victoria Marinara Sauce
This brand’s clean, whole ingredients and minimal sugar level make it an excellent basis for many Italian dishes. Some reviewers say it’s more watery than other sauces, thus it’s best used as a base for soups, meat sauces, and casseroles rather than on its own.
#3. Zero sugar Prego Pasta Sauce
There aren’t many popular name brands here because they tend to be high in sugar, but since Prego cut back on the sweet stuff for this variety, leaving out added sweeteners entirely, this could be a great choice for people who don’t have access to or budget for gourmet brands but don’t want to overdo it on sugar.
#4. Thrive Market Organic Marinara Sauce
This organic marinara boasts responsibly cultivated tomatoes and non-GMO ingredients. Reviewers appear to give both the taste and consistency two thumbs up, so if you’re a regular Thrive Market buyer, you can add this sauce to your cart with confidence.
#5. Cucina Antica Tomato Basil Sauce
Cucina Antica’s sauce may not have the lowest sodium content, but it does have the fewest calories and sugar of any sauce on our list. This Whole30-approved low-carb spaghetti sauce isn’t cheap, but for true healthy marinara connoisseurs, it might be worth it.
#6. Barilla Fire Roasted Marinara Sauce
This variety of Barilla has a highly healthy profile for a popular store-bought brand: it’s low-cal and fat-free, with more fiber and protein per serving than many other marinara sauces. Did we forget about the sugar? There are also only five grams of sugar… So this is a sauce that you can feel good about serving.
#7. Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce
If you’ve ever tried a restrictive diet, you’re probably familiar with this Primal Kitchen selection, which has an impressive list of health honors ranging from being soy- and gluten-free to being certified Paleo and Whole 30-approved. It’s also produced with heart-healthy avocado oil rather than canola or soybean oil, giving you an extra burst of beneficial fats.
#8. Hoboken Farms Gourmet Marinara Sauce
This farmer’s market marinara is keto-friendly, with only six carbs and no added sugar. It’s also suitable for Whole30 and low-sugar diets, with only three grams of sugar per serving. There are only four ingredients in this recipe, not counting herbs and spices, and it is vegan and non-GMO.
#9. Yo Mama’s Foods Marinara Sauce
If you’re seeking a healthy sauce, Yo Mama’s stats are unbeatable. This sauce contains the least amount of salt and only two grams of sugar on the list.
Vegan Spaghetti Sauce Brands
There’s a healthier, more sustainable, and kinder version of any meat and dairy-laden spaghetti meal you can think of. Whether you want to veganize a lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, bolognese, or even seafood spaghetti marinara, there are ideal options for you. Here are some of the best spaghetti sauce brands for your menu.
#1. Daiya Vegan Pasta Sauce
Daiya’s goods are completely non-GMO and animal cruelty-free. Every year, they also donate to food banks in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Portland, and other cities.
Daiya is a go-to if you’re looking for a creamy Alfredo or cheese sauce. Their allergen-friendly Alfredo Style, Cheddar Style, and Zesty Cheddar Style sauces can be found in a store near you.
#2. Zest Plant Power
Zest’s goods are all vegan and manufactured entirely of plants, with no artificial ingredients.
Are you looking for a savory, plant-based pesto or a delicious vegetable and tomato sauce to add to your dishes? Zest’s goods are flavorful, include no artificial ingredients, and are completely vegan. Choose from their Basil Pesto, Coriander & Basil Pesto, or any of their wonderful tomato sauces bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices!
#3. Primal Kitchen Vodka Sauce
Although this brand is not completely vegan, all of its pasta sauces are dairy-free and vegan-friendly. They provide healthy food options for a variety of dietary preferences, including Keto, Paleo, Whole 30, Primal, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, and Non-Dairy, all of which are centered on natural, whole foods nutrition.
Primal Kitchen’s sauces, which include Garlic Alfredo, Vodka Sauce, Arrabbiata Marinara, and Pink Primavera Sauce, are all produced with avocado oil and have no added sugar or gluten!
#4. The Vine NY
The Vine NY is a 100% vegan, organic, non-GMO, and female-owned company!
Choose The Vine’s all-natural tomato sauce for low-sodium sauces with no added sugar! Marinara, Tomato Basil, Calabrian-Style Marinara, and Butternut Marinara are among the flavors available, all made with fresh organic tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil.
#5. Paesana
This brand offers a variety of plant-based choices to meet a variety of dietary demands and tastes. Paesana can satisfy your cravings for organic sauce, gluten-free choices, or classic Italian cuisine. In fact, they now have two non-GMO plant-based pasta sauces with Beyond Meat Crumbles that are filled with taste and nutrition!
#6. Otamot
Otamot is a 1% For The Planet affiliate, which means that 1% of their profits go to environmental groups such as NatureBridge, the National Forest Foundation, the Organic Soil Association, and the Rainforest Trust. Furthermore, all of Otamot’s products are completely organic and plant-based.
Look for Otamot’s delicious variety if you want a thick, dense sauce that’s high in nutrients and plant power! All of their sauces are organic, contain 9 or more veggies, are high in fiber, and are gluten-free! Organic Essential Sauce, Organic Vodka Sauce, Spicy Organic Sauce, and Organic Carrot Bolognese Sauce are among their offerings.
#7. Plant Based Pantry
Plant Based Pantry’s products are all vegan and cruelty-free. On their cartons, they also utilize 100% plant-based inks.
These oil-free sauces are made with potatoes, coconut, and/or cauliflower and have 40 calories or less per 1/4 cup serving! For your pasta recipes, try their Alfredo, Aged Chedda, and White Chedda Sauces.
#8. Do Anything Foods
This company’s products are vegan, organic, and non-GMO. Do Anything Foods also fights food waste by sourcing ‘uglier’ vegetables that would otherwise go into the garbage.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan pesto, creamy, or tomato sauce, Do Anything Foods has it! Cauliflower Alfredo, Kale Pesto, Savory Tomato Veggie, Creamy Butternut Squash, and Beet Pesto are among the sauces available.
#9. Hudson Green
Hudson Green’s tomato sauces are all prepared oil, meat, and dairy-free, with a focus on fresh, natural, and nutritious plant-based ingredients! For the time being, they only have two sauces available: their rich, creamy Velvet Vodka Sauce (made with tomatoes and coconut milk) and their chunky, hearty Organic Bolognese (made with tomatoes, walnuts, and fresh veggies). Both include no added sugar or water!
#10. Prego
Did you know Prego now offers a Plant Protein line? These heart-healthy sauces are ideal for individuals looking for a high-protein dinner without the use of meat or dairy! They also have various low-fat and healthy options, such as their Hidden Super Veggies sauces (which contain spinach, butternut squash, cauliflower, and other nutrient-rich veggies) and their Farmers’ Market line, which has no added sugar.
#11. Botticelli Meatless Bolognese
This historic Italian brand derives its tomatoes from Parma’s Food Valley, ensuring the most stunning true flavor! Classic vegan sauces like Marinara and Tomato & Basil are available, but they also have vegan bolognese made with soy protein, carrots, onions, and celery.
#12. Delicious & Sons
Delicious & Sons’ sauce, expertly prepared with organic, perfectly ripened Italian tomatoes, might be a flavorful addition to your cupboard. They not only sell tomato sauce but also excellent spreads that you may use to flavor your own sauces and mixed vegetables! Unique flavors like their Sweet Black Olive Spread, Garlic Aioli with Saffron & Orange, Black Truffle and Mushroom Sauce, and many more may be found among their gourmet vegan-friendly alternatives.
#13. Victoria Pasta Sauces
Victoria provides something for everyone, with a variety of heart-healthy, genuine, and vegan-friendly alternatives. Their vegan-friendly goods are completely gluten-free, non-GMO, and really unique and creamy.
#14. Legnano Cuisine
Legnano could be your best bet for creating real Tuscan meals! Their products are the result of their enormous experience and enthusiasm for delicious Italian cuisine after over 70 years of creating traditional sauces and pickled vegetables in the heart of Tuscany. They’re wonderful vegan pals, with a full line of vegan-labeled pestos and even vegan bolognese!
#15. Sonoma Gourmet
Sonoma Gourmet’s vegan-friendly sauce option is one of the healthiest on our list, since it is non-GMO, gluten-free, organic, and created with no added sugar! Choose one of their natural gourmet vegan-friendly products to enhance the flavor of your favorite Italian cuisine.
Canned Spaghetti Sauce Brands
Here are some of the canned spaghetti brands worth trying:
#1. Marinara Barilla
When it comes to dried pasta, Barilla is a must-have. The company has some of the greatest goods on the market for spaghetti, penne, and other crave-worthy noodle shapes and is a pantry staple in my home. Having said that, the company’s marinara fell flat for me. It was just so overpoweringly oregano-heavy that the nuances of garlic, onion, basil, and olive oil were lost. I felt compelled to balance out the herbaceousness with red pepper flakes and even a splash of truffle oil. That said, its consistency is great — not too thick and not too thin, making it an ideal pizza sauce for evenly spreading throughout the dough.
#2. Prego Marinara
Prego deserves credit for creating a sauce that is made entirely of natural, fresh ingredients (a far departure from jarred marinaras past). But for some reason, this one tasted a little off… nearly fermented. The longer it simmered, the more this flavor faded, although you may need to season it with your preferred herbs and spices to make it serveable. However, for an extremely low cost, this recipe is believed to be a tremendous upgrade over previous years. Prego deserves praise for their no-sugar-added Farmer’s Market line, which provides a higher-quality product at a cheaper price point.
#3. 365 Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce
This is a really simple sauce, which is ideal in Italian cooking if you want your fresh pasta to stand out. While it approaches Barilla levels of oregano, its garlic-forward approach provides a bit more control.
#4. Mezzetta Family Marinara Sauce
This brand’s hot marinara is one of the favorite sauces on the market, and while its basic substitute didn’t quite live up to the reputation of its fiery sister, it was a respectable offering. It’s crushed tomato texture iis worth appreciating, alongside the fact that it doesn’t taste tampered with or disguised with strong herbs and spices. It’s also the most tomato-forward of the group, which may turn off younger eaters.
#5. Marinara Classico with Plum Tomatoes
Like Prego, popular Classico has suffered from a public perception of Americanized Italian food, but it was great. In fact, it’s one of the few brands suitable for a bowl of macaroni. The tomato pieces have a nice crunch and sweetness, and the sauce surrounding them isn’t overly watered down. The brand’s Tomato and Basil variation is as delicious but somewhat sweeter. If you’re searching for a nice mid-priced choice, this product will more than meet your expectations, especially in terms of versatility
#6. Traditional Bertolli Marinara
It’s the only sauce on this list with added sugar, but it accentuated the intricacies of each taste in a wonderfully pleasant way. For example, there is a fantastic garlic punch that would be overpowering without it. The same applies to its herbaceous trinity of parsley, basil, and oregano.
#7. Rao’s Homemade Marinara
There’s a reason Rao’s tops practically every Best Jarred Marinara list on the internet and is a pantry staple in Ina Garten’s – nothing beats it. Sure, it’s more expensive, but there’s something about its tomatoes and simple ingredients that make it taste unlike any other jar — fresh, well-rounded, and with a hint of acidity..
Choosing the Best Spaghetti Sauce
Spaghetti with sauce is a tried-and-true combination. But how can you choose from all the jars and cans on the grocery store shelves? Here are some pointers to consider.
#1. What you should look for on the label
To reduce calories and fat, opt for a tomato-based (marinara) sauce rather than a creamy sauce. To manage the salt in your sauce, learn how to make your own pasta sauce.
Here are a few things to consider while shopping for jarred or canned spaghetti sauce:
Sodium
Look for a sauce that has 360 mg or less of salt per serving (a serving is 12 cup or 125 mL). You can also use the % Daily Value on the label to determine whether the sauce has a low or high salt content. Sauces with a 5% Daily Value or less are preferable. Fat: Each dish should include no more than 3 g of fat. Check out the extras: Choose sauces that are either plain or contain veggies such as mushrooms, spinach, or peppers. These are preferable to sauces with meat or cheese.
Lycopene and tomatoes
Tomatoes have the highest concentration of the antioxidant lycopene. Eating lycopene has been demonstrated in studies to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. When tomatoes are cooked rather than raw, the body absorbs more lycopene. Try sauce, soup, paste, and juice made from cooked tomatoes. When possible, choose low-salt or sodium-reduced items.
#2. When selecting a simple sauce
Plain tomato sauce is a good bargain that may be flavored however you like! Chop any of the following vegetables: onions, garlic, carrots, celery, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or kale. Then season with herbs and spices such as basil, oregano, chili flakes, freshly ground black pepper, or lemon zest.
Five Uses for Spaghetti Sauce
#1. Ratatouille à la minute
In olive oil, sauté chopped green peppers, zucchini, onion, eggplant, and garlic. Simmer until the vegetables are soft, then add two parts pasta sauce to one part water and some fresh basil.
#2. Baked potato in the pizza style
Slit roasted potatoes and load with pasta sauce, sautéed peppers and mushrooms, and shredded mozzarella. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese melts.
#3. With a spin on baked beans
1 cup spaghetti sauce, 1 tablespoon honey mustard, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 can-washed and drained white beans
#4. Quesadilla a la pizza
On a tortilla, spread some pasta sauce. Top with shredded chicken, sliced mushrooms, and grated mozzarella cheese. Fold in half and bake until golden brown.
#5. Chicken curry sauce
In a deep baking dish, place 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or 12 skinless, boneless thighs). 2 cups baby carrots (or carrot sticks) 2 tbsp curry powder, and 2 cups spaghetti sauce Serve the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Bake for 30 minutes, covered with foil, at 400oF. Bake for another 30-35 minutes, uncovered.
How Do Real Italians Eat Spaghetti?
It is usual in Italy to first place the pasta in a bowl or on a plate. The sauce is then spooned on top, followed by the cheese, if using it at all. You stir the pasta with sauce and cheese using a fork and spoon before eating it with just a fork.
What Sauce Do Italians Have With Spaghetti?
Italians usually serve spaghetti with tomato sauce. Oftentimes, the sauce may contain various herbs, olive oil, meat, or vegetables.
What are the best spaghetti sauce brands for slow-cooking meals?
The best spaghetti sauce brands for slow-cooking meals depend on personal preference, but popular choices include Barilla and Bertolli.
What are the best spaghetti sauce brands for large families?
The best spaghetti sauce brands for large families depend on personal preference, but popular choices include Prego and Ragu.
What are the best spaghetti sauce brands for smaller households?
The best spaghetti sauce brands for smaller households depend on personal preference, but popular choices include Barilla and Bertolli.
What are the best spaghetti sauce brands for families with children?
The best spaghetti sauce brands for families with children depend on personal preference, but popular choices include Prego and Ragu.
What are the best spaghetti sauce brands for those on a budget?
The best spaghetti sauce brands for those on a budget depend on personal preference, but popular choices include Prego and Ragu.
What are the best spaghetti sauce brands for those who like bold flavors?
The best spaghetti sauce brands for those who like bold flavors depend on personal preference, but popular choices include Prego and Ragu.
What are the best spaghetti sauce brands for those who like mild flavors?
The best spaghetti sauce brands for those who like mild flavors depend on personal preference, but popular choices include Barilla and Bertolli.
In Conclusion
We hope you were able to select the ideal sauce for your next successful recipe! As you may have noticed, as a meat- or dairy-free diner, your pasta selections are far from limited. From low-carb options to vegan options, you can be sure to find the brand that best suits your taste.
Related Articles
- Top 21 HOT SAUCE BRANDS in 2023, Ranked!!! (All You Need)
- MAC AND CHEESE BRANDS: Top Healthy, Vegan & Gluten-Free Brands (Updated)
- The Top Best 25 FROZEN PIZZA BRANDS in 2023, Ranked!!!
- Hummus Brands: The Top 10 Healthy Hummus Brands in 2023
- MUSTARD BRANDS: 19+ Best German Honey Mustard Brands Worldwide
- BBQ SAUCE BRANDS: Best 27 Options to Try Out Now, Updated!!!