10 Best Store Bought Tomato Sauces in 2022 (Italian Chef-Reviewed)
Tomato sauce is an essential ingredient for many dishes, from pasta to pizza. However, many people don't have the time to make homemade tomato sauce! A ready-made sauce is a convenient option that saves time and effort. However, choosing a great-tasting sauce is not an easy task, since there are multiple products currently sold on the market with different flavors.
To help you figure out which sauce will best complement your dishes, we pored through reviews on Walmart and Amazon and compiled the top 10 tomato sauces. We also created and based our choices on our buying guide to give you some tips about choosing a suitable sauce!
Quick List - Top Store Bought Tomato Sauces
Classico
Gluten-Free Sauce Made with Ripened Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic
Danilo is an Italian chef who has grown up cooking traditional dishes under his nonna and mamma's tutelage. He has also worked in Italian restaurants in various countries such as Australia and Japan. The skills he has acquired in a home and professional kitchen have enabled him to preserve and expound on Italian cuisine while dabbling in recipes from other cultures.
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How to Choose a Store Bought Tomato Sauce - Buying Guide
When choosing a tomato sauce, you should consider factors like flavor or packaging. You should also pay attention to the ingredients to avoid artificial flavors. Checking for quality ingredients can help ensure that the sauce is healthy and tastes great!
Pay Attention to the Tomatoes
The key ingredient that decides the flavor of a tomato sauce is, obviously, tomatoes! If the tomatoes are fresh and ripened, the sauce will likely have a rich and naturally sweet taste. Therefore, you should choose a product that is made from vine-ripened tomatoes picked at the peak of flavor.
Another keyword to look for is "whole" tomatoes. This means entire tomatoes are used to make the sauce rather than tomato paste.
Store-bought tomato sauces come in different consistencies such as whole, diced, pureed, or paste. The first is the most "natural" option because it's tomatoes in their base form, while the last is the most concentrated.
What do you choose, then? Go for pelati or peeled whole tomatoes. These are a staple in every Italian kitchen. Don't reach for any other type of store-bought tomato sauce but this one. You get whole tomatoes, allowing you to control how smooth or chunky your sauce will be.
Using pelati tomatoes, you can achieve anything from a simple tomato basil recipe to a more complex Bolognese. I also find that this has a more natural tomato taste than diced or pureed tomatoes.
Check the Nutritional Value and Added Ingredients
If health is a concern, tomato sauces that are loaded with other vegetables will give you more nutrition than a plain marinara sauce. Look for tasty additions like mushrooms or peppers! These can add texture to a sauce, too.
Additionally, tomato sauces with added cheese or meat may taste great, but they tend to be higher in calories. So if you want to keep your calorie and fat intake under control, you should pay attention to what other ingredients are used.
You should also look at the amount of salt and sugar on the nutrition label. For a healthier option, you can choose a product with no sugar or salt. You can always add seasonings yourself! You should be careful with products that have a high amount of sugar since it's probably artificial or added.
Consider the Consistency and Flavor
There are many tomato sauce variations that can enhance your dishes in different ways. Before making a purchase, you should pay attention to reviews that describe the flavor and consistency of the sauce.
Choose a Flavor That You'll Like
If you like a classic, tomato-forward flavor that goes well with pasta, you can stick to a traditional sauce. However, if you want a little oomph, check out products infused with basil or garlic!
The way tomatoes are prepared can influence the taste as well. A sauce made with roasted tomatoes has a subtle smokiness, while one made from steamed tomatoes will have a much clearer taste. Another option would be to start with a plain tomato sauce base and add your own ingredients!
While there are countless types of tomato sauces out there and the possibility of creating your own and giving it a name, here are a handful of recipes that all home cooks should have in their repertoire. Marinara is a quick-to-make sauce that is lighter and chunkier. This pairs well with garlic.
Add some seafood to marinara, and it becomes puttanesca. Bolognese always has a meat base, plus carrots, celery, and wine, making it a rich sauce option. The simpler and quicker to cook version of Bolognese is amatriciana, which features tomatoes and bacon, pancetta, or the traditional guanciale.
Alla norma is the vegetarian version that uses eggplant, zucchini, or other vegetables you want to pair with the tomato. Sugo di Pomodoro (tomato sauce) is your simple yet classic tomato, olive oil, garlic, basil, and salt recipe. These sauces can go in pasta, like salsa, over breaded meat to become parmigiana and more.
Decide Between a Thick or Light Consistency
The texture is another point that you should consider. Diced tomatoes will give the sauce a bit more of an interesting texture. However, if you do not like bits of tomatoes in your sauce, you can opt for creamy, smooth tomato sauce instead.
Additionally, some sauces have a lighter flavor and consistency since they have added water. So if you are looking for a thick, rich sauce, you might want to consider products without water as an ingredient.
Did you know that regardless of what consistency the tomato sauce you bought from the store came in, you can alter it by cooking? Let a sauce simmer on low heat without a lid, and it becomes thicker with time, thanks to evaporation. You can also use a mixture of cornstarch and flour if you don't have much time to work with or turn it into tomato-cream sauce by adding some cream.
Do you want creamy tomato sauce without the cream? You can make some bechamel. All you need are two tablespoons of butter, two tablespoons of flour, and about 290 grams of warm milk, or 10 ounces. The butter to flour ratio is always equal, and multiply the number by 10 to find your milk amount (in grams).
Melt the butter and stir in the flour until you get a bubbly paste. Add the milk and stir for about three minutes. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and nutmeg. This is a classic white sauce that pairs well with many other recipes.
Opt for Products with Natural, Simple Ingredients
The secret for a rich tomato sauce lies with having simple ingredients. A naturally-sweet, great tasting sauce is often made with only ripened tomatoes and maybe a pinch of herbs or salt. However, many brands load their tomato sauces with additives or artificial sweeteners. Not only can these be unhealthy, but they can also make a sauce taste odd or sickly-sweet.
Therefore, to both protect your health and choose a sauce with amazing flavor, you should look at the ingredient list and choose a product with mainly all-natural ingredients.
Whenever someone asks me what is the best store-bought tomato sauce to buy, I always say those from Italy (with some bias, of course) and those with as few added ingredients as possible. You're going for tomato sauce - that's it.
Tomato sauce is a blank canvas for you to build on according to your preferences. Skip the tomato with basil because you can add basil yourself. The same goes for tomatoes with garlic. Fresh ingredients are always better. If you glance at the ingredients list and see other items after tomatoes, then you might want to put that bottle or can back down.
Think about the Packaging
Packaging seems to be a trivial matter, but it might affect the quality of your tomato sauce. Usually, tomato sauce is stored in either a can or a glass jar.
A canned tomato sauce is a good single-use option, but leftovers need to be stored in a container to prevent spoiling. Also, you should see if the can is free of BPA. BPA is a chemical used in plastic that has been associated with fertility issues, heart disease, and other health problems. Avoiding this chemical is a smart choice!
For multiple uses, you might want to consider a sauce stored in a glass jar. You don't need a separate container for leftovers, and you can easily see how much remains. Glass jars are also an environmentally-friendly option since they can be used again for other purposes. They're just a bit more breakable.
10 Best Store Bought Tomato Sauces
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Yo Mama's Foods Original Marinara | | A Low-Sodium Sauce Good for Traditional Dishes | |
2 | Barilla Roasted Garlic | | Roasted Garlic for a Little Kick to Excite Your Palate | |
3 | Papa Vince Artisan Sicilian Cherry Tomato Sauce | | Low Acid Sauce for Sensitive Stomachs | |
4 | Classico Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce｜4 pack | | Gluten-Free Sauce Made with Ripened Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic | |
5 | Muir Glen Organic Tomato Sauce | | Organic, Farm-Grown Tomatoes for Fresh, Rich Taste | |
6 | 365 Everyday Value Organic Creamy Vodka Pasta Sauce | | Creamy Tomato Sauce with Real Organic Cream | |
7 | Prego Italian Sauce with Fresh Mushroom | | Added Mushrooms for 40% of Your Daily Vegetables | |
8 | Brooklyn Delhi Tomato Achaar - Indian Tomato Chili Sauce | | Ground Indian Chilies and Tomatoes for an Addictive Umami Taste | |
9 | Hunt's Seasoned Tomato Sauce Meatloaf Starter ｜12 pack | | Seasoned Tomato Sauce for the Perfect Meatloaf | |
10 | Pomi Tomato Sauce｜12 pack | | Fat-Free Tomato Sauce with a High Level of Lycopene |
A Low-Sodium Sauce Good for Traditional Dishes
Yo Mama's Original Marinara sauce is a pasta sauce made with whole, fresh, non-GMO tomatoes, garlic, basil, and organic chicken stock, making it paleo-friendly. It’s also low in sodium and free from added sugars or preservatives. It's a versatile sauce that’s good for pasta, cooked veggies, lasagna, or homemade pizza.
BarillaRoasted Garlic
Roasted Garlic for a Little Kick to Excite Your Palate
Made by the number one brand of pasta sauce, Barilla's roasted garlic sauce has a robust flavor and irresistible kick from the roasted garlic and other savory herbs. Unlike other smooth, fine-textured sauces, this tomato sauce has an interesting consistency with bits of tomatoes.
You'll feel like you're eating a homemade tomato sauce instead of an instant one. This sauce compliments meat dishes, lasagna, pizza, or pasta well.
Some reviewers had problems with the shipment, as many cans came dented. You might want to contact the manufacturer to ensure the quality of the delivery. Still, many reviewers recommended this sauce for the delicious flavor.
Papa Vince Artisan Sicilian Cherry Tomato Sauce
Low Acid Sauce for Sensitive Stomachs
Papa Vince's tomato sauce is made from seasonal vine-ripened tomatoes, which are hand-picked to ensure a fresh taste.
Flavored with basil, extra virgin olive oil, and sea salt, this sauce is low in acidity. It's perfect for those with sensitive stomachs, as well as for children too. There are no artificial flavors or additives, so you know you're treating your body well.
Even though reviewers said it's relatively pricy, many still recommended the product for its amazing flavors.
Classico Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce ｜ 4 pack
Gluten-Free Sauce Made with Ripened Tomatoes, Basil and Garlic
Classico's tomato and basil sauce is great on pasta, lasagna, chicken Parmesan, and many other things! You can also use this sauce as a dip for your garlic bread or your veggies.
Even though some reviewers said that the price was a bit more expensive than other products, many other reviewers loved this sauce for its smooth texture, natural sweetness, and rich taste.
Muir GlenOrganic Tomato Sauce
Organic, Farm-Grown Tomatoes for Fresh, Rich Taste
Even though some people commented that the cans often came dented, many still thought the product had a robust, flavorful taste.
365 Everyday ValueOrganic Creamy Vodka Pasta Sauce
Creamy Tomato Sauce with Real Organic Cream
Made with organic cream, 365 Everyday Value's tomato sauce has a flavorful taste that can be used for a variety of Italian dishes. There are no artificial preservatives, sugar, or water, so the taste is completely natural. The product is also certified organic by the USDA.
Some reviewers thought that the consistency was a bit thin, but many reviewers loved the balanced flavor of the sauce. People said the sauce tasted amazing on its own or as a base for cooking.
PregoItalian Sauce with Fresh Mushroom
Added Mushrooms for 40% of Your Daily Vegetables
Prego's tomato sauce has a zesty, rich flavor derived from sweet, vine-ripened tomatoes and Italian herbs. Furthermore, this sauce is low in fat and gluten-free. The mushrooms add nutrition and an earthy flavor. In fact, half of a cup of this sauce is equivalent to one cup of vegetables.
Many reviews enjoyed the consistency of the sauce, as it had plenty of tomato and mushroom chunks. The balanced flavor paired well with a variety of dishes. Plus, reviewers love that this giant jar was a great value and saved them from making repeat trips to the grocery store!
Brooklyn DelhiTomato Achaar - Indian Tomato Chili Sauce
Ground Indian Chilies and Tomatoes for an Addictive Umami Taste
Made from locally-grown tomatoes, garlic, ground Indian chilies, tamarind, and other herbs the sauce has a spicy, savory, and tangy flavor that can be used as a condiment, dip, spread, or sauce.
This product is also handcrafted in small batches, so you can rest assured that the quality is top-notch. People following a vegan and gluten-free diet can enjoy this as well!
Many reviewers said that the tomato sauce could be used for various dishes such as sandwiches and pizza. Even though some people complained about the quality of the shipping, many still thought the tomato sauce was a great choice for its rich, flavorful taste.
Hunt's Seasoned Tomato Sauce Meatloaf Starter ｜ 12 pack
Seasoned Tomato Sauce for the Perfect Meatloaf
Made with vine-ripened tomatoes and other seasonings, Hunt's meatloaf starter is a great tomato sauce for your family's favorite meatloaf. With only 5 grams of net carbs, this sauce is suitable for those who are sticking to a low-carb diet while providing your body with a high amount of dietary fiber and vitamins.
Some said that the price was a bit expensive, but many thought that the sauce was delicious and could be used for various dishes such as chili, meatballs, and more.
Fat-Free Tomato Sauce with a High Level of Lycopene
Pomi's tomato sauce has only one ingredient: 100% natural Italian tomatoes. Without any preservatives, artificial flavors, or additives, the sauce retains the freshness of ripe tomatoes. It can be incorporated in many different diets as well since it contains no salt, fat, or gluten.
Some people thought that the sauce was too sweet for their palate. However, many still recommended the product because its sweetness is completely natural. Furthermore, since there is no salt in the sauce, you can add whatever seasonings you'd like.
How to Reduce Acidity in Tomato Sauce, According to an Italian Chef
Danilo says, "People often have issues with cooking canned or bottled tomatoes and complaining about the acidic, sour taste. Don't reach for that sugar just yet to balance the flavor, but let your tomatoes cook longer instead. Authentic pomodoro sauces also don't have sugar in them.
Wonder what makes the classic ragù or Bolognese (meat-based sauce with tomato) achieve its rich and savory taste? Time. Whenever I prepare tomato-based sauces, I make sure I have enough time to get the sauce to reach a boil before lowering the fire to a minimum and letting it simmer for an extended period.
Stir every half hour or so, and the longer you let that sauce simmer, the richer and complex the taste. Plus, your house will smell wonderful."
Need Some Ready-Made Food Options for Your Busy Lifestyle?
If you often find that you don't have time to cook, check out our ready-made suggestions! These tasty products are easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.
Top 5 Store Bought Tomato Sauces
No. 1: Yo Mama's Foods｜Original Marinara
No. 2: Barilla｜Roasted Garlic
No. 3: Papa Vince ｜Artisan Sicilian Cherry Tomato Sauce
No. 4: Classico ｜Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce｜4 pack
No. 5: Muir Glen｜Organic Tomato Sauce
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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