What Are The Ingredients In Specially Selected Pasta Sauce?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

Did you know that Aldi's Specially Selected Premium Marinara is often favorably compared to more expensive gourmet sauces like Rao's? This popular and affordable line of products offers a distinct, high-quality flavor profile, prompting many home cooks to wonder exactly what goes into each jar.

Quick Summary

This guide details the specific ingredients found in popular Specially Selected pasta sauce varieties, including the Marinara, Tomato Basil, and Arrabbiata, explaining the core components that create their notable flavor profiles and high quality reputation.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: Specially Selected sauces typically use Italian tomatoes, olive oil, onion, and garlic as their flavor foundation.
Marinara Ingredients: Features Italian tomatoes, olive oil, onion, garlic, basil, and oregano for a classic savory taste.
Tomato & Basil Ingredients: Emphasizes basil but shares many core ingredients with the marinara, including Italian tomatoes and olive oil.
Arrabbiata Ingredients: Adds red chili flakes to the base ingredients for a distinct spicy flavor.
No Added Sugar: Many varieties like the marinara do not contain added sugar, focusing on natural tomato sweetness.
Comparison to Premium Brands: Specially Selected sauces are often compared favorably to higher-priced gourmet options due to their clean, quality ingredients.

Core Ingredients of Specially Selected Pasta Sauces

At the heart of the Specially Selected pasta sauce line are high-quality, recognizable ingredients that contribute to their superior taste. While the specific components vary by flavor, a few key elements are common across the range.

Italian Tomatoes: Many varieties feature authentic Italian tomatoes, which provide a rich, classic tomato flavor. In the marinara sauce, these are typically a mix of whole and crushed tomatoes.
Olive Oil: Quality olive oil is used as a base, providing a smooth texture and rich flavor. The inclusion of olive oil, rather than cheaper vegetable oils, contributes to the sauces' premium feel.
Onion and Garlic: These fundamental aromatics form the flavor foundation for most of the sauces. The garlic is often added as a puree, which ensures a consistent distribution throughout the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Used for seasoning, these pantry staples help to balance and enhance the natural flavors of the tomatoes and herbs.

Ingredient Breakdown by Specially Selected Sauce Variety

While the core ingredients provide the base, each sauce is defined by its unique additions. Examining the ingredient list for each popular flavor reveals what makes it special.

Premium Marinara Sauce

The ingredients for the Specially Selected Premium Marinara are straightforward and classic:

Italian Tomatoes (tomato, tomato puree)
Olive Oil
Onion
Salt
Garlic Puree (garlic, water)
Basil
Black Pepper
Dried Oregano

Premium Tomato & Basil Sauce

This flavor profile builds on the marinara base by highlighting the basil. The ingredients are nearly identical to the marinara, with slightly different proportions to bring the basil flavor to the forefront:

Italian Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Puree)
Olive Oil
Onion
Basil
Salt
Garlic Puree (Garlic, Water)
Black Pepper
Dried Oregano

Premium Arrabbiata Sauce

For those who enjoy a spicy kick, the arrabbiata sauce includes a key ingredient: red chili. This is a crucial addition that differentiates it from the milder versions.

Italian Tomatoes
Olive Oil
Onion
Garlic
Red Chili Flakes
Basil
Salt

Specially Selected Pasta Sauce Varieties Comparison


Feature	Premium Marinara	Premium Tomato & Basil	Premium Arrabbiata
Flavor Profile	Classic, savory tomato with herbal notes.	Rich tomato with a pronounced fresh basil flavor.	Spicy, with a distinct chili pepper kick.
Key Ingredient	A balanced blend of basil and oregano.	A higher concentration of basil.	Red chili flakes for heat.
Texture	Neither too fine nor too chunky.	Smooth consistency with a hint of texture.	Smooth, consistent with a kick.
Serving Suggestion	A versatile base for many pasta dishes.	Ideal for simple pasta or pizza.	Great for penne or rigatoni to hold the heat.
Dietary Notes	Vegan and Paleo friendly.	Often vegan, check specific label.	Vegetarian, check specific label for vegan status.

Quality and Ingredient Transparency

One of the reasons for the positive reputation of Specially Selected sauces is the commitment to quality ingredients. Unlike many mass-market pasta sauces that can contain added sugars or artificial flavors, the ingredient lists for Specially Selected are notably clean and straightforward. The focus is on letting the natural flavors of the tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs shine through.

The use of high-quality ingredients allows the sauces to compete with more expensive brands while remaining accessible to a broad range of consumers. The transparency in their labeling further builds consumer trust, as buyers know exactly what they are getting in each jar.

For more insight into product comparisons and ingredient analysis, authoritative sources like Simply Recipes can be very useful. Simply Recipes review on Aldi's Marinara.

Conclusion

The ingredients in Specially Selected pasta sauce are a testament to quality and simplicity. By focusing on fundamental, high-quality Italian tomatoes, olive oil, and a balanced blend of herbs and aromatics, Aldi has created a product line that stands out in the grocery aisle. Whether you prefer the classic profile of the marinara, the fresh herbal notes of the tomato basil, or the fiery kick of the arrabbiata, you can be confident that you're choosing a sauce made with wholesome, quality ingredients. This commitment to simple excellence is a major reason why these sauces have gained such a loyal following among discerning shoppers looking for both value and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many of the Specially Selected varieties, including the Premium Marinara, do not contain added sugars. The sweetness comes from the natural flavor of the high-quality Italian tomatoes used.

Based on the ingredients listed for sauces like the Premium Marinara, which contains Italian tomatoes, olive oil, onion, and herbs, it is typically considered gluten-free. It is always recommended to check the specific product's packaging for certified gluten-free labels.

The Specially Selected Marinara sauce is listed as both vegan and paleo-friendly, as its ingredients consist of tomatoes, olive oil, and vegetables. However, it's wise to review the label of any specific flavor to ensure it meets your dietary needs.

The key difference is the flavor emphasis. While both use a similar base, the Tomato & Basil variety uses a higher concentration of basil to give it a more distinct and fragrant herbal taste compared to the more balanced, classic profile of the marinara.

The spicy kick in the arrabbiata sauce comes from the inclusion of red chili flakes. The term 'arrabbiata' itself translates to 'angry' in Italian, referencing the sauce's fiery heat.

Specially Selected is a private-label brand for Aldi stores. You can typically find these sauces exclusively at your local Aldi supermarket. Products may vary by location.

Many reviewers and customers report that Specially Selected sauces, particularly the marinara, rival the flavor and quality of more expensive gourmet brands like Rao's, thanks to their simple and high-quality ingredient lists.

Yes, their versatile flavor profiles make them excellent for a variety of dishes. They can be used as a base for pizza, in lasagna, as a dipping sauce for breadsticks, or incorporated into stews and meatball dishes.