We Tried 100 Jarred Tomato Sauces — These Are 15 of the Best
When it comes to cooking, nothing quite matches the comforts of a home-made meal that includes a touch of tomato sauce. But in our fast-paced world, not everyone has the time to simmer a pot of tomatoes for hours. Enter jarred tomato sauces – the savior of quick weeknight meals and last-minute dinner plans. However, with seemingly endless options on supermarket shelves, choosing the perfect one can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve taken on the herculean task of tasting 100 jarred tomato sauces to give you a head start on which ones are worth shelf space in your pantry.
Here are the top 15 jarred tomato sauces that stood out:
1. San Marzano Classic Marinara: Topping our list is this sauce made from authentic San Marzano tomatoes. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity with a rich and hearty texture.
2. Bertolli Olive Oil & Garlic: For those who love garlic, this sauce is a dream come true. The robust garlic flavor complements the smoothness of olive oil, making it a versatile choice for many dishes.
3. Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce: A favorite among many, Rao’s marinara is well-known for its premium quality and traditional taste.
4. Barilla Traditional Basil Pesto: Perfect for pesto lovers, this option incorporates the fresh taste of basil without overpowering the tomato base.
5. Newman’s Own Organics Marinara: Made with organic ingredients, this sauce brings a full-bodied tomato flavor that suits all kinds of pasta.
6. Cucina Antica Garlic Marinara: This sauce offers an artisanal take on marinara with chunks of fresh garlic and herbs throughout.
7. Trader Joe’s Organic Tomato Basil Marinara: A budget-friendly yet flavorful option from Trader Joe’s that doesn’t skimp on quality or taste.
8. Prego Traditional Italian Sauce: A classic choice that has proven to be reliable for a no-fuss dinner option providing consistent flavor every time.
9. Mezzetta Napa Valley Homemade Tomato & Sweet Basil: Infused with sweet basil, this sauce has an almost homemade taste that’s both comforting and delightful.
10. Mario Batali Pasta Sauce – Tomato Basil: Though celebrity-branded, this sauce genuinely impresses with its rich texture and depth of flavor.
11. Classico Four Cheese: Cheese enthusiasts will appreciate the gooey blend of four kinds of cheese mixed into this robust sauce.
12. Dave’s Gourmet Roasted Garlic & Sweet Basil Pasta Sauce: Uncommonly sweet and savory, this gourmet choice differentiates itself with roasted garlic’s complexity.
13. Whole Foods 365 Organic Marinara Sauce: An excellent organic offering from Whole Foods Market that captures traditional marinara essence at a reasonable price point.
14. Victoria Vegan Alfredo Arugula Pesto Sauce: A non-traditional pick, this vegan option provides an indulgent alternative to tomato-based sauces.
15. Francesco Rinaldi Traditional No Salt Added: For those watching their salt intake, here’s an option that still provides good flavor without all the sodium.
After countless tastings and rigorous comparison, these 15 have earned their stripes as the go-to sauces for all your culinary needs – whether you’re dressing up spaghetti or crafting a gourmet lasagna masterpiece, there’s something here for every palate and purpose!