15 Top Jarred Pasta Sauces You Need to Try, Ranked

Finding the best jarred pasta sauce can make all the difference in your weeknight dinners. There’s something comforting about having a delicious, ready-to-go sauce in your pantry that transforms a simple pasta dish into a feast. With so many options out there, it can be tough to pick the right one. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you, taste-testing and ranking the best jarred pasta sauces available. From budget-friendly choices to gourmet delights, here’s the ultimate list of the top 15 jarred pasta sauces, ranked from good to absolutely amazing.

15. Barilla Marinara Sauce

Barilla’s marinara sauce offers a straightforward, classic taste that is reminiscent of homemade sauce. Known for its balanced blend of tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, it provides a reliable option for a quick pasta meal. Despite its simplicity, some may find it lacks the depth of flavor present in higher-ranked sauces. Barilla is a trusted brand in pasta products, and its marinara sauce is widely available and affordable. It works well as a base for additional seasoning and ingredients. However, in taste tests, it often falls short of impressing critics compared to premium brands.

14. Ragú Old World Style Traditional Sauce

Ragú’s Old World Style Traditional Sauce is a staple in many households for its affordability and availability. It features a smooth texture and a mildly sweet flavor profile that appeals to many. The sauce includes a blend of tomatoes, onions, and spices, creating a familiar taste that works well with various pasta dishes. However, some critics argue that it can be overly sweet and lacks the complexity of fresher-tasting sauces. Despite this, Ragú remains a popular choice for its convenience and consistency. It’s a solid option for those looking for a budget-friendly sauce.

13. Bertolli Tomato & Basil Sauce

Bertolli Tomato & Basil Sauce combines the richness of ripe tomatoes with the fragrant aroma of basil. This sauce aims to deliver an authentic Italian flavor that complements many pasta dishes. It has a slightly chunky texture, providing a more rustic feel compared to smoother sauces. Bertolli is praised for its use of high-quality ingredients, which contributes to its superior taste. However, some may find it a bit bland compared to more robust sauces. Its versatility makes it suitable for both simple and complex pasta recipes.

12. Prego Traditional Italian Sauce

Prego’s Traditional Italian Sauce is known for its hearty and thick consistency, making it a favorite for those who prefer a robust sauce. It combines vine-ripened tomatoes with a blend of spices to create a flavorful and rich taste. Prego’s sauce is versatile, working well in a variety of dishes beyond pasta, such as lasagna and casseroles. Some critics note that it can be overly sweet, which might not appeal to everyone. Despite this, Prego remains a popular brand for its reliable and familiar taste. Its widespread availability also makes it a convenient option for many.

11. Newman’s Own Marinara Sauce

Newman’s Own Marinara Sauce stands out for its commitment to high-quality, all-natural ingredients. The sauce offers a well-balanced flavor with a mix of ripe tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. It has a medium-thick consistency that works well with different types of pasta. Additionally, profits from Newman’s Own products go to charity, adding a feel-good factor to your purchase. Some may find the flavor profile a bit mild, but it’s generally well-received for its freshness. The sauce is also free from artificial preservatives, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

10. Cucina Antica Tomato Basil Sauce

Cucina Antica Tomato Basil Sauce prides itself on its homemade taste, achieved by using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The sauce has a bright, fresh tomato flavor enhanced by the aromatic presence of basil. It’s less processed than many other jarred sauces, with a slightly chunky texture that adds to its homemade feel. Cucina Antica avoids using added sugars, making it a healthier option for those watching their sugar intake. Some might find it less seasoned than other brands, but its clean, natural taste appeals to many. This sauce works well in a variety of Italian dishes.

9. Cento Tomato Sauce

Cento Tomato Sauce is known for its authentic Italian flavor, achieved through the use of imported San Marzano tomatoes. The sauce has a rich and slightly sweet taste, balanced with herbs and a hint of garlic. Its smooth texture makes it versatile for various dishes, from pasta to pizza. Cento’s commitment to quality ingredients is evident in the sauce’s vibrant, fresh flavor. Some critics argue it can be slightly acidic, but this can be balanced with a touch of sugar or additional ingredients. Overall, it’s a premium option that delivers on taste and quality.

8. Classico Riserva Marinara Sauce

Classico Riserva Marinara Sauce offers a premium experience with its rich and robust flavor profile. Made with vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices, it delivers a well-rounded taste that elevates any pasta dish. The sauce has a thick, hearty texture that clings well to pasta, making each bite flavorful. Classico’s attention to quality ingredients is apparent in the sauce’s fresh and natural taste. However, it is priced higher than some other brands, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers. Despite this, its superior flavor justifies the cost for many.

7. Carbone Marinara Sauce

Carbone Marinara Sauce is inspired by the flavors of the famous Carbone restaurant in New York City. This sauce offers a luxurious, restaurant-quality taste with its rich tomato base, garlic, and olive oil blend. It has a thick, hearty consistency that pairs well with various pasta types. The sauce is praised for its depth of flavor, achieved through slow cooking and high-quality ingredients. While it is more expensive than many other jarred sauces, its superior taste makes it a worthy splurge for special occasions. Some may find it too rich for everyday use, but it’s perfect for when you want to impress.

6. Mezzetta Napa Valley Bistro Marinara

Mezzetta Napa Valley Bistro Marinara is known for its vibrant, fresh taste, achieved through the use of premium tomatoes and a blend of Italian herbs. The sauce has a slightly chunky texture, providing a homemade feel that many appreciate. Mezzetta avoids using added sugars, resulting in a naturally sweet tomato flavor that stands out. It’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of dishes beyond pasta, such as lasagna and meatball subs. The brand’s commitment to quality and natural ingredients is evident in the sauce’s superior taste. However, it is priced higher than some other options.

5. The Silver Palate San Marzano Marinara

The Silver Palate San Marzano Marinara Sauce is highly regarded for its use of authentic San Marzano tomatoes, which provide a rich and slightly sweet flavor. The sauce has a smooth, velvety texture that complements many pasta dishes. It is well-seasoned with garlic, basil, and a hint of oregano, creating a balanced and robust taste. The Silver Palate’s focus on quality ingredients shines through in the sauce’s fresh and natural flavor. Some might find it a bit on the pricier side, but its superior taste justifies the cost for many. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a gourmet pasta sauce.

4. Victoria Marinara Sauce

Victoria Marinara Sauce is praised for its simple, clean ingredients and rich, homemade taste. The sauce uses vine-ripened tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and onions to create a flavorful and well-balanced profile. Its slightly chunky texture provides a rustic feel that many find appealing. Victoria avoids using added sugars or preservatives, resulting in a fresher taste compared to more processed sauces. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in the sauce’s superior flavor. It’s versatile enough to be used in various dishes, from pasta to pizza. Although it is priced higher, many find the taste worth the extra cost.

3. Dave’s Gourmet Roasted Garlic & Sweet Basil Sauce

Dave’s Gourmet Roasted Garlic & Sweet Basil Sauce offers a unique and flavorful twist on traditional marinara sauces. The sauce combines the rich, sweet taste of roasted garlic with the aromatic presence of basil, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. It has a medium-thick consistency that works well with various pasta dishes. Dave’s Gourmet focuses on using high-quality, natural ingredients, which results in a fresher and more authentic taste. Some might find it a bit on the sweet side, but it’s generally well-received for its bold flavor. This sauce is perfect for those seeking something a bit different.

2. Monte’s Original Family Recipe Tomato Sauce

Monte’s Original Family Recipe Tomato Sauce features a rich and robust taste, achieved through a slow-cooking process that enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. It includes a blend of garlic, onions, and a hint of basil, creating a well-rounded and deeply satisfying flavor profile. Monte’s commitment to using only the finest ingredients results in a sauce that tastes incredibly fresh and homemade. Its thick, hearty texture clings well to pasta, making each bite delicious. While it is more expensive than other options, its superior taste and quality make it worth every penny.

1. Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce

Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce is often hailed as the gold standard of jarred pasta sauces. It features a rich, well-balanced flavor profile with high-quality tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. The sauce has a thick, hearty texture that clings well to pasta, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Rao’s commitment to using only the finest ingredients results in a sauce that tastes incredibly fresh and natural. While it is more expensive than many other options, its exceptional taste makes it worth the splurge. It’s versatile enough to be used in a variety of Italian dishes.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

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