Pasta Sauce: Is More Expensive Really Better?

Whether you’re a pasta fan or not, tomato sauce likely finds its way onto your grocery list quite often. It’s a real kitchen staple, making everything from stuffed peppers to chicken Parmesan taste amazing. Not to mention it’s a healthy choice, being low in calories and boasting an anti-inflammatory veggie as its main ingredient. 

But are the expensive brands of pasta sauce really worth the hype? To find out, let’s embark on a little ingredient investigation to unravel the secrets of what makes a tomato sauce healthy. Armed with this knowledge, you can discover a brand that’s the perfect match for both your taste buds and budget.

How Many Calories Are in Pasta Sauce?

On average, a ½-cup (125 grams) serving of pasta sauce contains between 45 and 120 calories. However, creamy sauces, meat-based sauces, or those with added ingredients like cheese can be higher in calories. If your favorite brand packs more calories than expected, it’s a good idea to inspect the ingredients to identify what might be contributing to the higher count.

How Do I Find Healthier Tomato Sauce?

Tomato sauces are not created equal. If they were, then there would be no need for the endless options in the grocery aisle. Consider these factors when trying to find a healthier tomato sauce.

Simple Ingredients

Start by examining the ingredient list. A healthier tomato sauce typically contains simple, natural ingredients like tomatoes, oil, herbs, and spices.

Low Sodium

Salt is an essential ingredient in most sauces, as it contributes to taste and shelf life. However, it’s important to be mindful of your sodium intake for your overall health. Look for tomato sauces labeled “low sodium” or “no salt added” and enhance with fresh herbs or garlic if needed.

Minimal Sugar

Sugar is a common addition to tomato sauce to balance acidity, reduce bitterness, and enhance overall flavor. Its sweetness mimics the taste of ripe tomatoes. However, excessive sugar can add unwanted calories and compromise the healthiness of your meal. Opt for brands that limit added sugar.

Fewer Preservatives and Additives

If you choose convenience, make sure it’s as close to homemade as possible. This means avoiding sauces with too many artificial preservatives or additives like citric acid, calcium chloride, xanthan gum, modified food starch, and high fructose corn syrup. You can also select sauces that list these additives at the end of the ingredient list, indicating a low percentage.

Made With Olive Oil

A sauce made with olive oil imparts a rich and flavorful taste while offering heart-healthy properties. 

What’s the Difference Between Homemade and Store-Bought Pasta Sauce?

All this talk about pasta sauce may have you wondering, “Could I make this?” Well, you absolutely can, but first let’s look at the upsides and downsides of store-bought versus homemade pasta sauce.

Homemade Pasta Sauce

• Control the Quality: When you make pasta sauce from scratch, you have complete control over the ingredients and flavors, ensuring the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

• Customize It: Homemade sauce allows you to tailor it to your specific dietary preferences, whether you want it low-calorie, FODMAP-friendly, low-sodium, or any other way you like.

• Create a Healthy Hobby: Cooking can be a meaningful way to invest time in your well-being, even though it requires extra effort.

Store-Bought Pasta Sauce

• Unmatched Convenience: Store-bought pasta sauce saves time, making it perfect for busy days when you need a quick meal. Plus, no dishes or prep time is required.

• Consistency Guaranteed: Out of fresh basil? This isn’t a worry when you’re using a commercially prepared sauce. Its consistent flavor profile gives you the same great taste every time.

• Extended Shelf Life: Store-bought pasta sauce, with its longer shelf life than homemade sauce, is a convenient and durable pantry staple.

The choice between homemade and store-bought pasta sauce depends on your priorities. Homemade sauce offers the advantages of quality control, customization, and fresh ingredients, but it requires time and effort. Store-bought sauce provides convenience and consistency, yet you may need to accept compromises in terms of ingredients and cost. 

You might also consider combining both approaches. Use your favorite store-bought sauce as a starting point and enhance it with fresh ingredients, like basil, to tweak the flavor to your liking. This approach leverages the convenience of store-bought sauce while allowing you to personalize it with a touch of homemade flair.

The Best Pasta Sauce Brands to Try

Even if you’ve perfected your homemade pasta sauce, it’s still smart to know what makes a good store-bought one, in case you ever need to pick one up in a pinch. Plus, we know some of you aren’t keen on cooking. Whichever category you fall into, here’s a list of the tastiest healthy pasta sauces we could find. Prices may vary depending on your retailer.

• Best Organic: Muir Glen Organic Garden Vegetable Pasta Sauce No Sugar Added, $3.99
• Best Low Sodium: The Silver Palate Low Sodium Marinara, $7.99
• Best Low Sugar: Rao’s Homemade Marinara Sauce, $8.99
• Best Low Calorie: Cucina Antica Garlic Marinara, $7.99
• Best Preservative Free: Organicville Marinara Pasta Sauce, $5.99

Is Expensive Pasta Sauce Worth It?

The answer depends on what your must-haves are in a pasta sauce. Name brands often come with a higher price tag, but may offer unique flavors, premium ingredients, or a trusted reputation. However, store brands can provide similar ingredients and quality at a more budget-friendly price. It’s all about striking the right balance between your taste preferences and budget when selecting the pasta sauce that suits you best.