Does Marinara Sauce Contain Sugar? The Truth About Store-Bought and Homemade

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, many popular jarred marinara sauces can contain several grams of sugar per serving, including both natural sugars from tomatoes and added sugars. The question, 'Does marinara sauce contain sugar?' is a valid one for anyone trying to reduce their sugar intake or manage blood sugar levels.

Quick Summary

Marinara sauce naturally contains some sugar from tomatoes, but many commercial brands also add sugar to balance acidity and enhance flavor. This guide explains how to identify sources of sugar in both homemade and store-bought sauces and offers tips for finding healthier alternatives.

Key Points

Natural vs. Added Sugar: Marinara always contains some natural sugar from tomatoes, but many commercial brands also add sugar to balance flavor.
Check the Label: Look for "Added Sugars" on the nutrition panel and sugar-related words on the ingredient list when buying store-bought sauce.
Premium Brands: Higher-priced brands often use better quality, riper tomatoes that don't need added sugar, resulting in a cleaner flavor.
Make It Yourself: Homemade marinara is the best way to control sugar content. Use high-quality canned tomatoes and simmer for a rich, naturally sweet flavor.
Natural Alternatives: To reduce acidity without sugar, try adding grated carrots, a tiny pinch of baking soda, or simply simmering the sauce for a longer period.
Be a Smart Shopper: Opt for brands with short ingredient lists and zero added sugars to ensure a healthier product.

The Dual Nature of Sugar in Marinara Sauce

When asking, "Does marinara sauce contain sugar?", it's crucial to distinguish between naturally occurring sugars and added sugars. All tomatoes, the primary ingredient in marinara, contain natural sugars like fructose and glucose. This inherent sweetness contributes to the sauce's flavor.

Why Added Sugar is Common in Store-Bought Sauces

While homemade marinara relies on the tomatoes' natural flavor, many commercial brands add extra sugar to balance the acidity of lower-quality or unripe tomatoes and enhance the flavor. Using cheaper tomatoes and compensating with added sugar is often more cost-effective for large-scale production.

Decoding the Nutrition Label: What to Look For

To determine the sugar content of your store-bought marinara, examine the label. This is especially important for those on low-sugar diets.

How to Spot Added Sugars

Always check the ingredient list, not just the sugar content on the nutritional panel. Manufacturers use various names for sugar. Common aliases include high-fructose corn syrup, evaporated cane juice, dextrose, and maltose. If these terms appear high on the ingredient list, the sauce likely contains significant added sugar.

The 'Added Sugars' Line

The FDA's updated nutritional labels include a dedicated line for "Added Sugars" under "Total Sugars". Look for sauces with 0g or very low amounts of added sugar per serving.

Comparison of Marinara Sauce Sugar Content

This table compares the typical sugar content of different marinara sauce types. Amounts are approximate per ½ cup serving.


Marinara Type	Source of Sugar	Typical Total Sugar (g)	Added Sugar (g)	Key Takeaway
Homemade	Tomatoes, onions, carrots	4-6	0	Can be made completely without added sugar by using high-quality, ripe tomatoes.
Premium Jarred	Tomatoes, possibly onions/carrots	4-7	0	Brands like Rao's use high-quality tomatoes and contain no added sugar, with sweetness from natural sources.
Conventional Jarred	Tomatoes, added sweeteners	6-9+	2-4+	These popular sauces often use added sugars to balance acidity and appeal to a broader palate.
"Low Sugar" Jarred	Tomatoes, vegetables	4-6	0-1	Some brands offer lower-sugar options that use naturally sweet vegetables to compensate.

Tips for Choosing and Making Low-Sugar Marinara

Several strategies can help reduce sugar intake while enjoying marinara.

Finding the Best Store-Bought Options

Read the Label: Look for brands with 0 grams of added sugar and a simple ingredient list. Key ingredients should be tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs.
Check Premium Brands: High-end brands often use better ingredients that don't require extra sugar. Look for names like Rao's Homemade or Victoria.
Use "Sensitive" Sauces: Brands catering to dietary sensitivities often omit added sugars.

Making Your Own Sugar-Free Marinara

Making your own sauce provides the most control over sugar content. A simple, no-sugar-added recipe can include high-quality canned tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Sautéing the onion and garlic, adding crushed tomatoes, seasoning, and simmering for at least 30-40 minutes allows the tomatoes' natural sweetness to develop. You can find the full recipe in the referenced document.

Alternative Sweeteners in Marinara

If homemade sauce is too acidic, consider alternatives to sugar. Grated carrot can add subtle sweetness. A tiny pinch of baking soda can neutralize acidity. Longer simmering time naturally deepens flavor and reduces acidity.

Conclusion

Does marinara sauce contain sugar? Yes, but the type and amount vary. All tomato-based sauces have natural sugars, but many commercial brands include added sugars for flavor or cost efficiency. By reading labels carefully and choosing premium or homemade options, you can enjoy delicious marinara while controlling your sugar intake. Selecting sauces with zero added sugar and a simple ingredient list ensures a healthier product with the pure, natural flavor of tomatoes.

Center for Science in the Public Interest: How to pick a reliable pasta sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

The natural sugar from tomatoes is not typically a concern. However, excessive added sugar in many commercial sauces can contribute to unhealthy sugar intake, especially for those managing diabetes or watching their weight.

Check the nutritional label for the "Added Sugars" line and read the ingredients list for sugar aliases like corn syrup, evaporated cane juice, or dextrose.

Brands like Rao's Homemade and Victoria Marinara are often cited for having no added sugar. They rely on quality ingredients to produce a naturally flavorful sauce.

Yes, absolutely. Using high-quality, ripe tomatoes (fresh or canned) and simmering the sauce slowly will naturally bring out their sweetness and create a delicious flavor profile without any added sugar.

Total sugars includes both the naturally occurring sugars (from tomatoes) and any sugars added during processing. Added sugars are sweeteners that are added to the product during manufacturing.

Added sugar is often used by manufacturers to mask the acidity of lower-quality, unripe tomatoes and to create a more consistent and appealing flavor profile for mass consumption.

Instead of adding sugar, you can try simmering the sauce for a longer time, adding a grated carrot for natural sweetness, or adding a tiny pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acid.