Nutrition Diet: What is the best jarred tomato sauce to buy?

November 1, 2025 •

4 min read

Tomatoes are a fantastic source of the antioxidant lycopene, and cooking them actually makes this compound more bioavailable. But with so many options crowding the aisles, many people wonder: what is the best jarred tomato sauce to buy to maximize health benefits and flavor without unwanted additives?

Quick Summary

Selecting a healthy jarred tomato sauce involves scrutinizing ingredient lists for quality tomatoes and simple, natural additions. Evaluating nutritional information, particularly sodium and sugar content, is key. High-quality sauces use whole tomatoes and simple seasonings, offering a brighter, fresher flavor profile.

Key Points

Ingredient List: Prioritize sauces where the first ingredient is whole or crushed tomatoes, not puree.
Added Sugar: Look for sauces with no added sugar on the ingredients list and zero grams of added sugar on the nutrition panel.
Sodium Content: Aim for sauces with lower sodium levels, ideally under 350mg per half-cup serving.
Heart-Healthy Fats: Choose brands that use extra virgin olive oil for added flavor and healthy monounsaturated fats.
Nutrient Boost: Enhance flavor and nutrition by adding fresh garlic, herbs, or extra vegetables to your jarred sauce.
Budget-Friendly Options: Excellent jarred sauces exist across all price points; Trader Joe's offers a high-quality, cost-effective marinara.

Navigating the Supermarket Aisle for Healthy Choices

Choosing the right jarred tomato sauce is an easy way to elevate a quick weeknight meal. While the convenience is undeniable, the nutritional quality can vary significantly from one brand to another. Many sauces are loaded with high levels of sodium, added sugars, and preservatives, which can undermine your nutrition goals. The key is to know what to look for and what to avoid to make an informed decision.

The Golden Rules for Selecting Your Sauce

When you're at the grocery store, a quick scan of the label can tell you a lot about the sauce. Here are the most important criteria to consider:

Read the Ingredients: The first ingredient on the list should always be tomatoes, preferably whole peeled, crushed, or plum tomatoes. Some cheaper brands use tomato puree, which is often a watery concentrate that lacks fresh, vibrant flavor. A simple, recognizable list of ingredients like olive oil, garlic, basil, and salt is a great sign of a quality sauce.
Avoid Added Sugars: Many mainstream brands add sugar to their sauces to balance the acidity of low-quality tomatoes. Look for sauces that explicitly state "no added sugar" or have zero grams of added sugar per serving on the nutrition label. Natural sweetness should come from the tomatoes themselves.
Check the Sodium: Sodium content can be a major issue in many jarred sauces, with some containing a quarter of your daily recommended limit in a single serving. Opt for brands with lower sodium counts, generally under 350mg per half-cup serving. Lower-sodium options are available and often taste just as good, if not better, with fresh ingredients.
Prioritize Healthy Fats: A high-quality sauce will use a heart-healthy fat like extra virgin olive oil. Some less-expensive brands may use cheaper, and less healthy, oils.
Choose Organic: If your budget allows, selecting an organic sauce can help you avoid potential pesticide residues and genetically modified ingredients. Brands like Organico Bello and 365 Whole Foods Market offer good organic options.

Flavor vs. Nutrition: A Comparison Table

Here's a comparison of some popular jarred tomato sauces to help you weigh flavor and nutrition, based on a typical 1/2 cup serving.


Sauce Brand	Primary Ingredients	Added Sugar	Sodium (mg)	Notes
Rao's Homemade Marinara	Italian Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Onions, Basil, Salt, Garlic, Black Pepper, Oregano	No	420	A popular, premium choice known for a rich, restaurant-quality flavor.
Victoria Low Sodium Marinara	Italian Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Basil, Garlic, Herbs	No	120	An excellent low-sodium alternative that doesn't sacrifice on taste.
Trader Joe's Tomato Basil Marinara	Tomatoes, Olive Oil, Basil, Sea Salt, Garlic	No	Varies	A budget-friendly favorite with a balanced, slightly sweet flavor profile.
Prego No Sugar Added Traditional	Tomato Puree, Onions, Garlic, Spices	No	480	A no-added-sugar option, but higher in sodium and uses tomato puree.
Barilla Marinara	Tomatoes, Tomato Paste, Soybean Oil, Sugar, Salt	Yes	440	Uses tomato paste and has added sugar, which may detract from natural tomato flavor.

The Health Benefits of Tomato Sauce

Beyond being a convenient meal base, tomato sauce offers significant nutritional benefits. Cooked tomatoes are a stellar source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain diseases, including heart disease and some cancers. Additionally, a simple marinara can provide important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, contributing to your daily vegetable intake. Choosing a sauce with healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil also provides monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Making Jarred Sauce Taste Homemade (and Healthier)

Even the best jarred sauce can be improved. Many chefs and home cooks recommend a few simple additions to enhance both flavor and nutrition. Sautéing fresh minced garlic and onion in olive oil before adding the sauce provides a richer, more aromatic base. You can also stir in fresh herbs like basil or oregano at the end of cooking to brighten the flavor. For an extra nutrient boost, simmer the sauce with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated carrots. Finally, a splash of red wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add depth and a hint of spice.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Jar Awaits

So, what is the best jarred tomato sauce to buy? The answer depends on your priorities, but a truly great option balances excellent flavor with clean, simple ingredients. Prioritizing sauces with whole tomatoes, no added sugar, and lower sodium levels is the smartest approach for a healthy diet. Brands like Rao's, Victoria Low Sodium, and Trader Joe's consistently rate highly in taste tests and nutrition evaluations. By understanding what makes a quality sauce, you can confidently select a delicious and nutritious option that makes meal prep easier and healthier.

For further reading on healthy eating and food choices, consider exploring resources from the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

While taste is subjective, many food critics and consumer reports consistently rank Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce as one of the best-tasting jarred options due to its rich flavor and high-quality ingredients. Other highly-rated sauces include Carbone and Monte's Original Family Recipe.

Jarred tomato sauce can be a healthy addition to your diet, providing antioxidants like lycopene, vitamin C, and fiber. However, it's crucial to check labels for high sodium and added sugars, which can make some brands less healthy than others.

Sauces made with whole or crushed tomatoes as the first ingredient generally have a fresher, brighter tomato flavor. Sauces primarily made with tomato puree, which is essentially tomato paste diluted with water, often taste less fresh and can contain more added ingredients like sugar and preservatives.

To reduce acidity in jarred sauce, you can add a pinch of baking soda, a small amount of sugar, or a grated carrot. Simmering the sauce for a longer time also helps to mellow the acidity.

Organic sauces ensure that the ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, which is a definite health plus. However, being organic does not guarantee low sodium or no added sugar, so it is still essential to check the nutritional information on the label.

For many, the higher price of Rao's is justified by its superior taste and simple, high-quality ingredient list. It is often celebrated for having a homemade, complex flavor that is hard to find in other jarred sauces.

Choosing a low-sodium tomato sauce is beneficial for managing blood pressure and overall heart health. High-quality low-sodium options, such as Victoria Low Sodium Marinara, prove that you don't have to sacrifice flavor for health.

Hidden sugars can be disguised on ingredient lists as corn syrup, evaporated cane juice, or maltodextrin. The most reliable way to check is to look at the 'Added Sugars' line on the nutrition facts panel and compare different brands to find one with the lowest amount or zero.