Skip to content

What brand of pasta sauce is low FODMAP?

3 min read

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, up to 20% of the population may experience Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), making the quest for friendly ingredients a priority. Finding out what brand of pasta sauce is low FODMAP is essential for those following the diet to avoid trigger foods like garlic and onion.

Quick Summary

Several brands offer low FODMAP pasta sauces that exclude high-FODMAP ingredients like garlic and onion. Certified options include Fody Foods, while readily available grocery store brands like Prego Sensitive Recipe and Rao's Sensitive also provide suitable alternatives for those with sensitive digestion.

Key Points

  • Fody Foods is Certified: Fody offers a range of Monash-certified pasta sauces, including Marinara, Tomato Basil, and Spicy Marinara, guaranteeing low FODMAP content.

  • Prego Sensitive is Accessible: Prego's Sensitive Recipe Traditional Italian Sauce is a widely available and budget-friendly option, specifically made without garlic and onion.

  • Rao's Offers a Premium Option: Rao's Homemade Sensitive Marinara is a high-quality sauce suitable for a low FODMAP diet, available in many large supermarkets.

  • Check Mezzetta Labels: While Mezzetta offers a Sensitive Marinara, its ingredients list may contain celery in small amounts, so check for personal tolerance.

  • Homemade is a Safe Bet: Making your own pasta sauce from scratch using garlic-infused olive oil and canned tomatoes ensures complete control over low FODMAP ingredients.

  • Look for 'Sensitive Recipe': Many brands now offer 'sensitive' versions of their sauces, so look for this label when shopping.

  • FODMAPPED For You is an Alternative: This brand offers certified low FODMAP options, especially suitable for those seeking a pouch packaging option.

  • Know Your Triggers: The primary high-FODMAP culprits in traditional sauces are garlic and onion, so ensure these are explicitly excluded or replaced with infused oils.

In This Article

Navigating the grocery store for low FODMAP products can be challenging, especially when so many prepared foods, like pasta sauce, contain hidden high-FODMAP ingredients such as onion and garlic. Fortunately, several brands have stepped up to the plate, offering delicious, gut-friendly options. Whether you are looking for a certified option or a widely available brand, here is a breakdown of your best choices for what brand of pasta sauce is low FODMAP.

Monash-Certified Low FODMAP Pasta Sauce Brands

For those who prefer the assurance of third-party testing, Monash University—the creator of the low FODMAP diet—certifies certain products. These brands are guaranteed to be safe for those following the elimination phase of the diet.

  • Fody Foods: A leader in the low FODMAP space, Fody Foods offers a variety of Monash-certified pasta sauces. Their line includes Marinara, Tomato Basil, and Spicy Marinara, all made without garlic or onion, and available primarily online or at specialty health food stores. Fody uses high-quality ingredients like vine-ripened California tomatoes and extra virgin olive oil to create rich, classic Italian flavors.
  • FODMAPPED For You: An Australian brand, FODMAPPED For You offers a range of low FODMAP products, including pasta sauces. Their Slow Roasted Vegetables Tomato Sauce and Red Wine Italian Herbs Pasta Sauce are available in pouches.

Widely Available Low FODMAP Pasta Sauce Brands

For more accessible options found in conventional grocery stores, these sensitive recipe products are designed to be low FODMAP.

  • Prego Sensitive Recipe: Prego is a well-known brand that has created a Sensitive Recipe Traditional Italian Sauce specifically for individuals with sensitive stomachs. This widely available and affordable sauce is made without garlic or onions and is gluten-free.
  • Rao's Sensitive Marinara Sauce: While often considered a more premium option, Rao's offers a Sensitive Marinara Sauce. This product is known for its high-quality ingredients and rich flavor, despite being formulated for sensitive digestion.
  • Mezzetta Sensitive Marinara Sauce: Mezzetta, known for its jarred peppers and olives, also has a Sensitive Marinara Sauce option. It is important to check the ingredients list, as some sensitive recipes may contain low-FODMAP quantities of ingredients that can still be sensitive for some individuals.

Making Your Own Low FODMAP Pasta Sauce

Sometimes the best option is to make your own to ensure every ingredient is safe and fresh. This gives you complete control over the flavor and FODMAP content.

Quick & Easy Low FODMAP Marinara Sauce

  • Ingredients:

    • 1/4 cup garlic-infused olive oil
    • 1 cup leek greens, sliced
    • 28 oz can of diced tomatoes and juice
    • Salt to taste
    • Optional: fresh basil or other low FODMAP herbs
  • Instructions:

    1. Heat the garlic-infused olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
    2. Sauté the leek greens for 2 minutes until soft.
    3. Add the canned tomatoes (with juice) and stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
    4. Season with salt to taste and bring to a simmer.
    5. Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
    6. Use an immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency.

Comparison of Low FODMAP Pasta Sauces

Brand Availability Certification Key Features Price Point Notes
Fody Foods Primarily Online/Specialty Stores Monash-Certified Multiple flavor options, truly no garlic/onion Higher Reliable for the elimination phase of the diet
Prego Sensitive Recipe Most Grocery Stores Not Certified Widely available, affordable, gluten-free Lower Excellent budget-friendly option
Rao's Sensitive Marinara Large Supermarkets/Online Not Certified High-quality ingredients, rich flavor Higher Great flavor for those with sensitive stomachs
Mezzetta Sensitive Marinara Some Grocery Stores Not Certified Often contains celery in low amounts Medium Check ingredients carefully for individual tolerance
Homemade Your Kitchen N/A Full control over ingredients and freshness Variable The safest option, but requires prep time

Conclusion

For those following a low FODMAP diet, finding a suitable pasta sauce no longer means settling for bland, uninspired meals. Brands like Fody Foods and Prego Sensitive have made delicious, gut-friendly options accessible, whether you're looking for a certified product or an affordable grocery store staple. The key is to check labels carefully and know your options. Experimenting with a homemade sauce is also a fantastic way to ensure a truly low FODMAP meal and customize the flavor to your liking. By understanding which brands are best and what ingredients to look for, you can continue to enjoy classic comfort foods like pasta without the digestive distress.

Link: The IBS Dietitian

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary high-FODMAP ingredients found in most conventional pasta sauces are garlic and onion, which can trigger digestive symptoms for those with IBS.

Monash-certified pasta sauces, like those from Fody Foods, are typically found online on their website, on Amazon, or at specialty health food stores.

Yes, Prego Sensitive Recipe is made without garlic or onions and is a widely available, affordable option for those following a low FODMAP diet.

Not all 'sensitive' labeled sauces are necessarily certified low FODMAP. While they typically avoid common triggers, it's always best to check the ingredients list for other potential high-FODMAP additions.

To add garlic flavor without the FODMAPs, use garlic-infused olive oil. The fructans in garlic are not oil-soluble, so the oil captures the flavor without the trigger.

A Monash certification means the product has been tested and officially meets the low FODMAP criteria, offering the highest level of assurance for those on the diet.

Yes, tomato paste is low FODMAP in a 1 tablespoon serving. However, as with any ingredient, pay attention to the portion size to avoid potential triggers during the elimination phase.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.