What Tomato Sauce Is Low in Sodium? Finding Healthy Alternatives

November 25, 2025 •

5 min read

According to the World Health Organization, the average global sodium intake is more than double the recommended amount. A seemingly innocent addition like jarred tomato sauce can contribute significantly to this excess, which is why knowing what tomato sauce is low in sodium is crucial for managing your intake and protecting your health.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of low-sodium tomato sauce options, including specific store-bought brands and simple recipes for making your own. It also teaches you how to effectively read nutrition labels to make informed decisions.

Key Points

Check Labels for 'No Salt Added': The most reliable way to find a low-sodium sauce is to look for specific label claims like 'no salt added' or 'low sodium' on the packaging.
Low Sodium Brands Exist: Brands like Hunt's (No Salt Added), Victoria (Low Sodium), and Tuttorosso (No Salt Added) offer excellent, flavorful options that are significantly lower in sodium than traditional sauces.
Prioritize Homemade for Control: Cooking your own sauce from scratch with 'no salt added' crushed tomatoes gives you complete control over the sodium content, allowing for the lowest possible intake.
Rely on Herbs and Spices for Flavor: To compensate for less salt, use fresh herbs like basil and oregano, spices like black pepper and fennel, and other flavor enhancers like garlic and vinegar.
Understand Serving Size on Labels: Always check the serving size when comparing products, as the sodium content listed is for a single serving, and consuming more will increase your total intake.
High Sodium Linked to Health Risks: High consumption of sodium is a major contributor to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, making the switch to a lower-sodium sauce a heart-healthy choice.

Why Sodium in Tomato Sauce Matters

For many, pasta night is a weekly ritual, but the store-bought sauce that makes it so convenient can hide an alarming amount of sodium. High sodium intake is linked to elevated blood pressure, which significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney disease. While sodium is essential for bodily functions, most people consume far more than the recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg.

Commercial sauce manufacturers often add salt as a preservative and flavor enhancer. For those on a low-sodium diet, or simply trying to make healthier choices, this makes selecting the right sauce a challenge. The good news is that with a little knowledge, it's easy to find or create delicious, low-sodium options that don't sacrifice flavor.

Low-Sodium Store-Bought Brands

Fortunately, consumer demand has pushed many brands to offer low-sodium or 'no salt added' versions of their popular sauces. When shopping, always look for phrases like 'low sodium,' 'no salt added,' or 'light in sodium' on the label. These specifically denote products with lower sodium content. Here are some popular options to look out for:

Hunt's No Salt Added Tomato Sauce: Often one of the most accessible and affordable options, Hunt's offers a simple and robust no-salt-added sauce that provides a great base for customization.
Yo Mama's Original Marinara: This brand offers a keto, low-sodium, and low-carb marinara made with natural ingredients.
Victoria Low Sodium Marinara: A top contender with one of the lowest sodium counts per serving, Victoria offers a rich, flavorful marinara.
Tuttorosso No Salt Added Tomato Sauce: Made with family farm-grown tomatoes, this sauce is specifically formulated without added sodium.
Pomi Tomato Sauce: This Italian brand comes in a carton and boasts fresh tomatoes with no additives.
Amazon Fresh Tomato Sauce No Salt Added: An accessible and budget-friendly option for those with Prime accounts.

How to Read Nutrition Labels

Understanding nutrition labels is the most powerful tool for finding a low-sodium sauce. The FDA provides clear guidelines, and learning to interpret them can help you make healthy choices on the fly.

Here’s what to look for:

Serving Size: The sodium content is listed per serving. Pay attention to how many servings you will realistically eat. For instance, a half-cup serving with 400mg sodium means an entire cup has 800mg.
Percent Daily Value (%DV): The %DV helps you assess if a food is high or low in a nutrient. For sodium, 5% DV or less per serving is considered low, while 20% DV or more is considered high.
Key Label Terms: Look for specific descriptors:
- Sodium-Free: Less than 5 mg of sodium per serving.
- Low Sodium: 140 mg or less of sodium per serving.
- Reduced Sodium: At least 25% less sodium than the regular version. This doesn't guarantee it's 'low sodium,' so check the total milligrams.
Ingredient List: Ingredients are listed by weight, from most to least. If 'salt' or 'sodium chloride' is high on the list, the product will likely be high in sodium.

Making Your Own Low-Sodium Tomato Sauce

For ultimate control over your ingredients and sodium levels, nothing beats a homemade sauce. It’s often more flavorful and allows for complete customization. A basic recipe includes:

Ingredients:
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 4-6 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can of 'no salt added' crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add garlic (and onion, if using) and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in the 'no salt added' crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and black pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For a richer flavor, simmer longer.
5. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender to puree.

Comparison of Low-Sodium Tomato Sauces

To help you decide, here is a comparison table of common low-sodium sauce types and their approximate sodium content per 1/2 cup serving. Always check the specific label for the most accurate information.


Sauce Type	Approximate Sodium per ½ cup (mg)	Notes
Homemade 'No Salt Added'	15-50	Total control, uses no-salt-added canned tomatoes.
Hunt's No Salt Added	~30	One of the lowest sodium and most affordable store-bought options.
Victoria Low Sodium Marinara	~120	Premium flavor profile with a very low sodium count.
Regular Store-Bought Sauce	400-600+	The standard version of many brands is often very high in sodium.
Rao's Sensitive Marinara	~330	A sensitive-stomach option that is still higher than dedicated low-sodium brands.

How to Flavor Low-Sodium Sauces

When you reduce salt, you need to rely on other methods to build a rich flavor profile. Salt is a flavor enhancer, but it is not the only way to create a delicious sauce. Experiment with these techniques:

Use Fresh Herbs: Basil, oregano, and parsley add vibrant, fresh flavor. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their aroma.
Roast Your Vegetables: Roasting tomatoes, garlic, and onions before blending them into a sauce deepens their natural sweetness and umami, requiring less salt.
Add Acidity: A splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten a sauce and balance flavors, reducing the need for salt.
Incorporate Spices: Smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, fennel seed, and bay leaves can introduce complex flavors without any added sodium.
Cook Down the Sauce: A longer, slow simmer allows the flavors of the natural ingredients to concentrate and deepen, resulting in a more intense and satisfying taste. For a comprehensive guide on managing sodium, visit the FDA's page on Sodium in Your Diet.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Choosing a low-sodium tomato sauce is a simple but impactful step towards better heart health. Whether you opt for a carefully selected store-bought brand or create your own from scratch, the keys are to read the label and embrace alternative flavor boosters. By being mindful of your sauce, you can continue to enjoy delicious Italian-inspired meals without the hidden sodium load. Start experimenting with no-salt-added canned tomatoes and a variety of herbs and spices. Your taste buds will adapt, and you'll find that low-sodium eating is not a sacrifice, but a path to more nuanced and flavorful cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to the FDA, a product labeled 'low sodium' contains 140 mg or less of sodium per serving. Products labeled 'no salt added' will have even less, relying only on naturally occurring sodium.

No, rinsing canned tomato sauce is not an effective way to reduce sodium content. Unlike rinsing canned beans or vegetables, you cannot significantly lower the sodium in a sauce by rinsing. It is best to buy a product labeled 'low sodium' or 'no salt added' to begin with.

Yes, commercially canned tomato sauce typically contains a high amount of added sodium for preservation and flavor enhancement. Homemade sauces made from fresh tomatoes or 'no salt added' canned tomatoes will naturally have a much lower sodium content.

To boost flavor in a low-sodium sauce, rely on herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme. Other great options include sautéing extra garlic and onions, adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, or finishing with a splash of red wine vinegar for acidity.

Yes, research indicates that your palate can and will adapt to lower sodium levels over time. As you decrease your salt intake, you will start to appreciate the natural flavors of food more fully.

Many brands offer low-sodium varieties. In addition to the mentioned Hunt's, Victoria, and Tuttorosso, brands like Muir Glen also have 'no salt added' options. Always read the label carefully to confirm.

If you use 'no salt added' canned tomatoes, the nutritional value is very similar to fresh, with the added convenience of being available year-round. The key health benefit comes from controlling the added sodium, which is possible with both fresh and no-salt-added canned versions.