Is Prego Traditional Sauce Low FODMAP?

According to reputable diet and nutrition resources, the standard Prego Traditional Sauce is not considered low FODMAP due to key ingredients such as onion and garlic. While the classic version is off-limits, Prego does manufacture a distinct "Sensitive Recipe" alternative specifically designed for individuals on a low FODMAP diet.

Quick Summary

Standard Prego Traditional sauce contains high FODMAP ingredients like onion and garlic. Prego's "Sensitive Recipe" sauce, however, is specifically made without these ingredients and is suitable for low FODMAP diets.

Key Points

• Standard Prego is not low FODMAP: The traditional version contains high-FODMAP ingredients like garlic and onions, making it unsuitable for a low FODMAP diet.

• Prego Sensitive is a safe alternative: Look for the specific Prego Traditional Sensitive Recipe, which is formulated without garlic and onions.

• Always check the label: Even within the same brand, recipes can vary. It's essential to read the ingredient list to ensure no high-FODMAP ingredients are present.

• Consider other low FODMAP brands: Companies like Fody Foods and Rao's offer dedicated low FODMAP marinara sauces.

• Use garlic-infused oil for flavor: When making homemade sauce, garlic-infused olive oil provides a rich garlic flavor without the fructans that trigger symptoms.

• Homemade sauces offer full control: For absolute certainty, creating a sauce from scratch allows you to manage every single ingredient.

Understanding FODMAPs and Pasta Sauce

For those managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or other digestive sensitivities, a low FODMAP diet can be a game-changer. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, which are short-chain carbohydrates that some people have difficulty digesting. Common high-FODMAP foods include garlic, onions, and certain sweeteners, all of which are standard ingredients in many traditional pasta sauces. This is why simply grabbing a jar off the shelf can be risky for your digestive health.

The Verdict on Prego Traditional Sauce

To put it simply, no, the classic Prego Traditional Sauce is not low FODMAP. A quick glance at the ingredients list reveals the presence of both garlic and onions, which are high in fructans—a type of FODMAP. These ingredients are included to provide the sauce's signature savory, aromatic flavor profile. For someone with digestive sensitivities, consuming a traditional sauce with these ingredients can trigger uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, gas, and abdominal pain.

The Low FODMAP Solution: Prego Sensitive Recipe

Recognizing the needs of consumers with food sensitivities, Prego created a special alternative: Prego Traditional Sensitive Recipe Low FODMAP Pasta Sauce. This product is specifically formulated without garlic and onions, but still captures the rich, sweet taste of vine-ripened tomatoes and herbs. This makes it a widely available and affordable option for those following the low FODMAP diet. When shopping, it is crucial to look for the jar explicitly labeled "Sensitive Recipe" to ensure it is the correct product.

Low FODMAP Pasta Sauce Alternatives

Beyond Prego's specific sensitive recipe, several other brands and methods offer excellent low FODMAP options. The most reliable are those certified by Monash University, the institution that pioneered the low FODMAP diet.

Store-Bought Brands to Consider

• Fody Foods: Fody specializes in low FODMAP products, offering certified marinara, tomato basil, and other sauces.
• Rao's Homemade Sensitive Marinara: A popular and flavorful choice that deliberately excludes garlic and onions.
• Mezzetta Sensitive Marinara Sauce: Another widely available sensitive recipe option.
• Thrive Market Organic Marinara: Thrive Market offers an organic, low FODMAP certified marinara sauce for its members.

The Homemade Option: Simple and Fresh

For those who prefer to control every ingredient, making your own low FODMAP pasta sauce at home is a simple and rewarding process. The secret to mimicking that rich, savory flavor is using garlic-infused olive oil. FODMAPs are water-soluble, not oil-soluble, so the fructans from the garlic don't transfer into the oil, leaving behind a safe, flavorful base.

A simple homemade recipe includes:

• Garlic-infused olive oil
• Canned whole peeled tomatoes
• FODMAP-friendly dried herbs (basil, oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Comparison: Prego Traditional vs. Prego Sensitive

To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison of the ingredients in Prego's two versions of its traditional sauce. It's the small, but important, differences that make one suitable for a sensitive stomach and the other not.

Feature	Prego Traditional Sauce	Prego Sensitive Recipe Sauce
Key High-FODMAP Ingredients	Onion Powder, Garlic Powder	None
Tomatoes	Tomato Purée, Diced Tomatoes	Tomato Purée, Diced Tomatoes
Oil	Soybean Oil	Canola Oil
Added Sugar	Yes, contains sugar	Yes, contains sugar
Vegan	Yes	Yes
Gluten-Free	Yes	Yes
Intended Use	All-purpose pasta sauce	For low FODMAP and sensitive diets

Conclusion

In summary, the standard Prego Traditional Sauce is not suitable for a low FODMAP diet because it contains high-FODMAP ingredients like onions and garlic. However, Prego does offer a safe and delicious alternative in its Sensitive Recipe Low FODMAP Pasta Sauce, which is specifically formulated for digestive sensitivity. For maximum safety and flavor control, homemade sauce using garlic-infused oil is also an excellent option. When shopping, always read labels carefully and, if possible, look for certified low FODMAP products to ensure peace of mind.

For more resources on navigating a low FODMAP diet, check out the information provided by The IBS Dietitian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a low FODMAP version of Prego pasta sauce?

Yes, Prego offers a specific product called "Prego Traditional Sensitive Recipe Low FODMAP Pasta Sauce" which is made without high-FODMAP ingredients like onion and garlic.

What ingredients in Prego Traditional make it not low FODMAP?

The primary ingredients in the standard Prego Traditional sauce that are not low FODMAP are garlic and onions, which contain fructans.

How can I find out if a store-bought pasta sauce is low FODMAP?

To determine if a pasta sauce is low FODMAP, check the ingredients list for high-FODMAP components such as onions, garlic, high-fructose corn syrup, and other specified additives. Look for products certified by organizations like Monash University.

Can I use garlic-infused oil to get a garlic flavor in low FODMAP cooking?

Yes, garlic-infused oil is low FODMAP because the fructans from the garlic are water-soluble, not oil-soluble. The oil absorbs the flavor while the fructans remain behind.

What are some other reliable low FODMAP pasta sauce brands?

Aside from Prego's sensitive recipe, other brands that offer low FODMAP options include Fody Foods, Rao's Homemade Sensitive Marinara, and Mezzetta Sensitive Marinara Sauce.

Is it easy to make a low FODMAP pasta sauce from scratch?

Yes, it is very simple to make a low FODMAP sauce at home. You can use ingredients like canned tomatoes, garlic-infused oil, and low-FODMAP dried herbs like basil and oregano to create a flavorful sauce.

Why is avoiding onions and garlic important on a low FODMAP diet?

Onions and garlic contain fructans, a type of FODMAP that can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine. This can lead to fermentation in the gut, causing gas, bloating, and other IBS-related symptoms.