How much sugar is in my spaghetti sauce? A guide to making healthier choices

October 26, 2025 •

2 min read

Many popular store-bought pasta sauces contain a surprising amount of added sugar, often to balance the acidity of tomatoes and enhance flavor. Understanding how much sugar is in my spaghetti sauce is the first step toward making more informed and healthier decisions in the kitchen.

Quick Summary

This guide reveals the surprising sugar content found in many store-bought spaghetti sauces. It provides tips for reading nutritional labels to spot added sugars and lists healthy, low-sugar alternatives, including a simple homemade recipe, for making better choices.

Key Points

Hidden Sugars: Many jarred sauces contain added sugar to balance acidity, a detail often overlooked by consumers.
Check Labels for Added Sugars: Look for the 'Added Sugars' line on the nutritional facts panel to differentiate between natural and added sweeteners.
Recognize Hidden Names: Familiarize yourself with other names for sugar, such as corn syrup, dextrose, and cane sugar, which indicate added sweetness.
Compare Brands for Lower Sugar: Brands like Rao's and Yo Mama's, or specific 'no added sugar' versions from other labels, offer healthier, lower-sugar alternatives.
Control Your Ingredients with Homemade Sauce: Making your own sauce from scratch is the best way to have full control over the amount of sugar and sodium.
Don't Forget About Sodium: When choosing a store-bought sauce, always check the sodium content in addition to the sugar levels.

The Hidden Sweetness: Why Sugar appears in Savory Sauces

Many store-bought spaghetti sauces contain added sweeteners, not just naturally occurring sugar from tomatoes. This added sugar helps balance the acidity of tomatoes and creates a more appealing, consistent flavor. Some brands may contain a surprising amount of added sugar, comparable to a dessert, which can significantly contribute to daily sugar intake.

Deciphering the Nutritional Label to Find Added Sugars

To determine how much sugar is in my spaghetti sauce, examine the 'Nutrition Facts' panel. The 'Total Sugars' includes both natural and added sugars. Importantly, many labels now specify 'Added Sugars,' showing the amount included during processing. High consumption of added sugars is linked to health issues like obesity and diabetes. Also, check the ingredients list for various names for sugar, such as high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, or dextrose, especially if they appear early in the list, indicating a higher quantity.

Beyond Just Sugar: Checking Sodium Levels

Besides sugar, it's essential to check the sodium content in store-bought sauces. Sodium levels vary widely between brands, and some can contribute significantly to your daily intake. Many low-sugar sauces also have lower sodium, but checking both is always recommended.

Comparison Table: Popular Spaghetti Sauces

Here’s a comparison of sugar and sodium content in a ½-cup serving of several popular sauces:


Brand	Sugar (g)	Added Sugar (g)	Sodium (mg)	Notes
Rao's Marinara	~4	0	~420	Generally low-sugar, keto-friendly
Hoboken Farms Low Sodium Marinara	N/A	0	125	No added sugar, very low sodium
Prego Traditional	10	N/A	480	Higher sugar content, high sodium
Barilla Marinara	~9	N/A	440	Mid-range sugar, higher sodium
Ragu Simply Traditional	0	0	460	Low sugar, but still high sodium

Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific product variations. Always check the label.

Healthier Alternatives and Cooking at Home

Choosing sauces with less added sugar is beneficial. Options include specific low-sugar brands or making sauce at home.

Low-Sugar, Store-Bought Options:

Brands like Rao's Homemade Marinara and Yo Mama's Marinara are known for having no added sugar and minimal ingredients.
Look for products explicitly labeled 'No Sugar Added' from brands like Hunt's or Organico Bello.
Always check the nutritional label, even on sauces marketed as healthy.

Making Your Own Sauce: Making sauce at home gives you complete control over sugar and sodium. A simple recipe includes canned no-sugar-added diced tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, and Italian seasonings. Sauté the aromatics, add tomatoes and seasonings, and simmer until thickened.

Conclusion: Your Pasta, Your Choice

Being aware of how much sugar is in my spaghetti sauce is a crucial step for a healthier diet. By reading food labels, choosing low-sugar options, and making homemade sauce, you can make informed choices. Mindfulness about product ingredients helps in maintaining a balanced lifestyle. For more details on understanding food labels, refer to resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Manufacturers often add sugar to spaghetti sauce to reduce the tartness of the tomatoes and improve the overall flavor profile. It also acts as a preservative and can enhance the sauce's texture.

'Total Sugars' includes both naturally occurring sugars from ingredients like tomatoes and any sugar that has been added. 'Added Sugars' specifies the amount of sugar added during processing, which is what you should focus on to limit your intake.

Besides 'sugar,' common names include high-fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, cane sugar, corn sweetener, fruit juice concentrates, and molasses.

Not necessarily. When fat is reduced, manufacturers often add sugar and other carbohydrates to maintain flavor and texture. It is always important to read the ingredients and nutritional label to be sure.

You can reduce the acidity of a homemade tomato sauce naturally by adding sweet vegetables like carrots or caramelized onions. Cooking the sauce for a longer period can also help mellow out the acidic flavor.

Brands known for offering low or no-added-sugar sauces include Rao's Homemade Marinara, Yo Mama's, and certain 'no sugar added' versions from other brands like Hunt's or Organico Bello.

Yes. Many store-bought sauces are high in sodium, with content varying widely between brands. It's recommended to check both sugar and sodium on the label to make the healthiest choice.