Making marinara sauce from scratch can be an all-day affair, leaving many of us reaching for jarred alternatives. While these jars can save time in the kitchen, they're often packed with sodium, sugar, and other unhealthy additives that might surprise you. Discover which store-bought marinara sauces top the list of the unhealthiest options so you can make better choices on your next grocery trip.
Carbone Marinara
Carbone Marinara offers a rich flavor that many home cooks rave about, often noting its quality ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and fresh basil. However, with 410 mg of sodium and 9 grams of fat per half-cup serving, moderation is key. This sauce contributes significantly to your recommended daily intake of sodium and can lead to health risks if consumed frequently. While olive oil is a healthy fat source, excess can also cause weight gain and digestive issues.
Bertolli Tomato Basil Sauce
On your supermarket shelves, Bertolli Tomato Basil Sauce might look appealing at first glance. Yet, it packs 11 grams of sugar and 350 mg of sodium per serving, translating roughly to nearly half the daily sugar limit for women. Added to this, the vague term "natural flavors" raises questions about what exactly is included in the sauce. Opting for sauces with lower sugar content would be a more mindful choice for those looking to maintain a healthier diet.
Del Monte Traditional Pasta Sauce
Beware of Del Monte Traditional Pasta Sauce, which contains high fructose corn syrup and 590 mg of sodium. While it may seem like a good choice at first, that level of sodium accounts for a significant percentage of your daily limit. Plus, with its more than moderate sugar levels, it’s wise to choose alternatives to protect your health.
Classico Marinara Pasta Sauce
Another commonly found option, Classico Marinara Pasta Sauce, has its ingredients starting strong with tomato puree and onions. It may catch your attention, but 450 mg of sodium and the addition of sugar and soybean oil might make this product less appealing. Every half-cup serving contributes to your daily carb intake significantly when combined with carb-heavy dishes like pasta.
Prego Traditional Pasta Sauce
With a reputation for its creamy texture and flavor, Prego Traditional Pasta Sauce falls short nutritionally. Featuring 470 mg of sodium and 9 grams of sugar per half-cup serving, it also includes canola oil, raising concerns about its frequent intake due to mixed studies on its health effects. Consider healthier alternatives that do not compromise your diet.
Mutti Marinara Sauce
This sauce boasts a "remarkably fresh taste" but has 560 mg of sodium per serving, nearly a quarter of your daily intake. While it doesn’t include added sugars, it still contains 8 grams of fat, primarily from the olive oil. Keep an eye on your portion sizes with this sauce, as its calorie density can add up when paired with pasta.
Francesco Rinaldi Sweet and Tasty Marinara Sauce
Francesco Rinaldi claims to deliver sweetness, but with 10 grams of sugar and 440 mg of sodium, it falls into the less healthy category. High sugar levels can quickly accumulate, especially when incorporated into larger dishes like lasagna. As with other sauces on this list, making your own from scratch may be a safer bet.
Mezzetta Family Recipes Marinara Sauce
Promoted as gluten-free and vegan, Mezzetta Family Recipes Marinara Sauce appears to have healthy credentials. Yet, with 520 mg of sodium and 100 calories per serving, it’s advisable to consider this sauce carefully. Its 0 grams of added sugar is a plus, but still, the sodium content can spike when combined with pasta.
Ragú Old World Style Marinara Sauce
Ragú is a budget-friendly choice, yet with 480 mg of sodium and 80 calories per half-cup serving, it’s not without flaws. The sodium alone takes a significant bite out of your daily intake, and the high sugar content compromises its overall healthfulness. Always read the labels to ensure your go-to choices are indeed all that they claim to be.
Emeril's Home Style Marinara Sauce
Famed chef Emeril Lagasse's marinara may provide bold flavors but hides 460 mg of sodium in every serving. Additionally, with sugar and soybean oil included among its ingredients, this sauce isn’t as wholesome as you might hope. Instead, look out for recipes or sauces that prioritize whole ingredients without hidden pitfalls.
Del Monte Traditional Pasta Sauce
Once thought to be a healthier choice due to its low calorie count, Del Monte incorporates high fructose corn syrup, which adds sweetness — 8 grams of sugar per serving. It's also heavily loaded with sodium, featuring 590 mg in a single serving. The combination of harmful additives and high sodium levels warrants cautious consumption.
Prego Creamy Tomato Basil Italian Sauce
The term "creamy" in Prego Creamy Tomato Basil equates to higher fat content, with 8% of the daily total fat recommendation per serving. With 9 grams of added sugar and 460 mg of sodium, this sauce provides minimal nutritional benefit and can be a poor choice for health-conscious consumers.
Wegmans Smooth Marinara Pasta Sauce
Wegmans’ offering features an alarming 600 mg of sodium per half-cup serving, making it one of the saltiest marinara options around. Such high sodium can contribute to serious health risks over time, including increased blood pressure. Besides, dairy ingredients like parmesan cheese make it less favorable for those on a dairy-free regimen.
Rao's Marinara Sauce
Positioned as a premium option, Rao's Marinara Sauce surprises with 100 calories, 420 mg of sodium, and 7 grams of fat. Continuous consumption could lead to exceeding daily limits; the high-quality ingredients might not compensate for the nutritional red flags. Those seeking a healthier sauce should consider making their own from scratch.
Learning about the nutritional content of these popular sauces can empower you to make informed choices and potentially prevent health issues. When shopping for marinara, look for options with lower sodium, sugar, and healthier oil choices to elevate your culinary experience without sacrificing health. By prioritizing transparency in ingredient quality, it’s easier to navigate the pasta aisle and keep your meals as nutritious as they are delicious.