Best Marinara Sauces of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 28, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Marinara sauce is a classic Italian tomato sauce that has become a staple in many households. Made with simple ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs, this sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be used as a base for pasta dishes, pizza, and even as a dipping sauce for breadsticks or mozzarella sticks. Marinara sauce is also a healthier option compared to other sauces because it is low in calories and contains no added sugars. With its rich flavor and endless possibilities, Marinara sauce is a must-have in every kitchen.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Rao's Homemade Vodka Sauce Cover #TOP 1
Rao's Homemade Vodka Sauce
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce Cover #TOP 2
Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce
ftb score rating icon 9.8
365 Organic 4 Cheese Pasta Sauce Cover #TOP 3
365 Organic 4 Cheese Pasta Sauce
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Marinara Sauces

#TOP 1

Rao's Homemade Vodka Sauce

Rao's Homemade
747479000130
Rao's Homemade Vodka Sauce Cover
Rao's Homemade Vodka Sauce, 24 oz, Tomato Sauce, All Purpose, Keto Friendly Pasta Sauce, Premium Quality Tomatoes from Italy & Vodka

Introducing Rao's Vodka Sauce: a premium, slow-cooked, classic Italian pasta sauce. This 24 ounce jar brings you the warm, classic flavor of Italian cheeses and homemade sauce. Made with high quality ingredients including Italian aged parmigiana Reggiano & pecorino Romano cheese, and a splash of Vodka, this carb conscious pasta sauce is perfect for your pantry. It contains no added sugar and only includes 100% Italian tomatoes, making it the ideal keto-friendly spaghetti sauce. Whether you enjoy it over pasta or use it as an ingredient in your favorite recipes, Rao's Vodka Sauce will make every day delicious.

What We Like
High-quality ingredients
Perfect sauce consistency
Versatile for various dishes
Better value on Amazon
Preferred over other brands
What We Don't Like
Packaging could be improved
#TOP 2

Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce

747479000031
15.5 oz
Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce Cover
Rao's Homemade Marinara All Purpose Pasta Sauce, No Sugar Added, Carb Conscious, Keto Friendly, All Natural, Premium Quality, With Italian Tomatoes & Olive Oil, 15.5 Oz

Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce is a premium quality, all natural, and slow-cooked Italian pasta sauce. It has a warm, classic flavor of homemade tomato sauce and is made from high-quality ingredients such as tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic, basil, and oregano. This carb conscious marinara sauce is versatile and can be used as an ingredient in any of your delicious recipes or enjoyed as is over pasta. It is a keto-friendly spaghetti sauce that contains no added sugar and only 100% Italian tomatoes, no paste.

What We Like
Authentic homemade taste
All-purpose versatility
Keto-friendly ingredients
Rich, fresh tomato flavor
High-quality ingredients

365 Organic 4 Cheese Pasta Sauce

0099482455729
25 Ounce
365 Organic 4 Cheese Pasta Sauce Cover
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic 4 Cheese Pasta Sauce, 25 Ounce

The 365 Organic Cheese Pasta Sauce is crafted with organic extra virgin olive oil, ensuring a rich flavor that enhances your meals. With no added sugars, you can enjoy a delicious sauce without worrying about extra calories. Although it is not classified as low calorie, it provides transparency with its nutritional information, allowing you to make informed choices. This sauce is part of the 365 by Whole Foods Market brand, which offers a wide range of premium products at accessible prices, making your grocery shopping experience delightful and exciting.

What We Like
Excellent value
No added sugar
Rich cheese flavor
Thick, hearty texture
Organic ingredients
What We Don't Like
Occasionally slightly watery
Lid can be difficult
#TOP 4

Carbone Marinara Pasta Sauce 24 OZ

Carbone
0850024735002
Carbone Marinara Pasta Sauce 24 OZ Cover
CARBONE Marinara Pasta Sauce, 24 OZ

Carbone Marinara Sauce offers a healthier choice for your meals by avoiding hydrogenated fats and high fructose corn syrup, which means you get a cleaner and more natural flavor without unhealthy additives. It’s made without bleached or bromated flour, ensuring a more natural and wholesome ingredient list. Plus, it contains no synthetic nitrates or nitrites, which are often used as preservatives but can be concerning for some people. With Carbone Marinara Sauce, you can enjoy your pasta with peace of mind, knowing it’s crafted with quality and your well-being in mind.

What We Like
Rich, mellow flavor
Restaurant-quality taste
Convenient home delivery
Top-notch packaged sauce
Popular household choice
#TOP 5

Rao's Homemade Sensitive Formula Tomato Sauce, 24 oz

100440-24167
Rao's Homemade Sensitive Formula Tomato Sauce, 24 oz Cover
Rao's Homemade Tomato Sauce, Sensitive Formula, 24 oz, Pasta Sauce, Carb Conscious, Keto Friendly, All Natural, Premium Quality, No Onions or Garlic, With Italian Tomatoes & Olive Oil

Rao's Homemade Sensitive Formula Tomato Sauce is a premium, all-natural, and slow-cooked Italian pasta sauce that brings you the warm, classic flavor of homemade tomato sauce without onions and garlic. This delicious sensitive marinara sauce is free from added sugar and made with 100% Italian tomatoes, making it a perfect keto-friendly spaghetti sauce. Rao's sauce is versatile and can be used as an ingredient in any of your delicious recipes, or enjoy it over pasta. You can also try other fantastic varieties of tomato sauce, pesto sauce, or alfredo sauce from Rao's.

What We Like
No onion or garlic
Homemade flavor
Simple ingredients
Easy on stomach
Rich, flavorful taste
What We Don't Like
Higher price
Packaging issues
#TOP 6

365 Organic Fat Free Marinara Sauce

365 Organic Fat Free Marinara Sauce Cover
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Fat Free Marinara Pasta Sauce, 25 Ounce

365 Marinara Pasta Sauce from Whole Foods Market offers a delightful shopping experience with its extensive selection of premium ingredients. You can enjoy quality products at budget-friendly prices, making your grocery trips more enjoyable. As an Amazon brand, it ensures that you receive trustworthy items that meet high standards. This sauce is made without over 100 restricted ingredients, providing peace of mind regarding what you’re putting on your plate. You can feel confident choosing this flavorful marinara for your meals, knowing it aligns with your health-conscious choices.

What We Like
Oil-free formula
Fresh, balanced flavor
Organic ingredients
Reusable mason jar
Low calorie option
What We Don't Like
Thin consistency
Very herbal taste
#TOP 7

365 Organic Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce

365 Organic Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce Cover
365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce, 25 Ounce

The 365 Arrabbiata Pasta Sauce is a low-fat option made with organic extra virgin olive oil, perfect for those looking to enjoy flavorful dishes without the extra calories. While it’s not classified as a low-calorie food, it provides a wholesome choice for your meals. The premium ingredients in this sauce elevate your cooking experience, bringing a delightful taste to your pasta or pizza. With its convenient packaging, you can easily incorporate it into your weekly meal prep, making dinner time a breeze.

What We Like
Balanced flavors and spices
Perfect level of heat
Fresh, natural taste
Thick, chunky consistency
Clean, quality ingredients
What We Don't Like
Potential leaking during shipping
#TOP 8

Rao's Homemade Creamy Marinara Sauce 24 oz

Rao's Homemade
0747479101967
Rao's Homemade Creamy Marinara Sauce 24 oz Cover
Rao's Homemade | Creamy Marinara Sauce with Mascarpone | 24 oz

Rao's Creamy Marinara offers a delicious and high-quality pasta sauce that brings the comforting taste of homemade Italian cooking right to your table. Made from wholesome ingredients like tomatoes, olive oil, onions, garlic, and herbs, this sauce ensures you get rich, natural flavors without any added sugars. Using only 100% Italian tomatoes, it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a keto-friendly option. Plus, its versatility means you can easily enjoy it over your favorite pasta or use it in other recipes, making mealtime both simple and tasty.

What We Like
Rich, creamy texture
Excellent with chicken parmigiana
Flavorful with onions and garlic
Reminiscent of alla vodka sauce
What We Don't Like
Somewhat higher price
Uncertain pairing with other dishes

Yo Mama's Foods Keto Marinara Pasta and Pizza Sauce

Yo Mama's Foods Keto Marinara Pasta and Pizza Sauce Cover
Yo Mama's Foods Keto Marinara Pasta Sauce - (3) 12.5 Ounce Jars - No Sugar Added, Low Carb, Low Sodium, Gluten Free, Paleo Friendly, and Made with Fresh, Non-GMO Tomatoes

Indulge in guilt-free Yo Mama's Keto Sauce, an award-winning old-world Italian recipe made with whole, fresh non-GMO tomatoes, fresh garlic, fresh basil, and real organic chicken stock. This low-sodium, preservative-free, and no-sugar-added sauce is perfect for those on a Paleo, low-glycemic, low-carb, Whole 30, or keto diet. Use this versatile sauce on your favorite pasta, cooked veggies, homemade pizza, or to top your favorite lasagna recipe. In a blind taste-test, Yo Mama's Gourmet Marinara Magnifica beat all three leading premium brands. Enjoy an authentic culinary experience with Yo Mama's Foods Bold Balsamic and Zesty Sesame Dressings. Add to cart now and taste the best premium pasta sauce on the planet!

What We Like
Low sodium and no sugar
Fresh, homemade-like flavor
Suitable for special diets
Convenient smaller jar size
Keto and low carb friendly
What We Don't Like
Higher price point
Occasional packaging issues
#TOP 10

Hunt's Meat Pasta Sauce 24 oz

00027000500088
Hunt's Meat Pasta Sauce 24 oz Cover
Hunt's Meat Pasta Sauce, 24 oz

Hunt's Meat Pasta Sauce is a convenient choice for quick and tasty meals. Made from vine-ripened tomatoes grown year-round, it offers a rich tomato and beef flavor that enhances dishes like spaghetti and lasagna. You can easily heat it up and mix it with your favorite ingredients, making mealtime simple and enjoyable. This sauce is especially helpful when you don’t have time to prepare a sauce from scratch, giving you a delicious, ready-to-use option that brings the family together around the dinner table.

What We Like
Rich, flavorful taste
Thick, hearty texture
Excellent value for money
Good for pasta and pizza
Convenient can size
What We Don't Like
Occasional dented cans
Stock availability issues
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between pasta sauce and marinara sauce?

The key difference between pasta sauce and marinara sauce is that pasta sauce is more robust and complex, with a longer ingredient list and rich flavor. Marinara sauce, on the other hand, is a tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It has a thinner texture and does not typically contain meat. Marinara sauce is traditionally used as a dipping sauce, while pasta sauce is not.

2. What is marinara sauce made of?

Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce made with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and herbs. It originated in Italy and is commonly used in Italian-American dishes like Chicken Parmesan or Spaghetti and Meatballs. It does not typically contain meat and is known for its simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients.

3. Which is healthier, marinara or spaghetti sauce?

Marinara sauce is generally considered the healthier option compared to spaghetti sauce. While both sauces have similar amounts of fiber, sugar, calcium, iron, and potassium, marinara sauce does not contain meat. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, often includes proteins and/or vegetables, making it higher in protein. If you are looking for a healthier option with less meat, marinara sauce would be a better choice.

4. Do you use marinara or spaghetti sauce for spaghetti?

Both marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce can be used for spaghetti or any other type of pasta. Marinara sauce is a versatile sauce that can be used as a spaghetti sauce or as a dipping sauce. Spaghetti sauce, on the other hand, builds upon the base ingredients of marinara sauce by adding proteins and/or vegetables to create a more substantial sauce. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the specific flavors you enjoy.

5. Do you use marinara or tomato sauce for spaghetti?

When it comes to spaghetti, both marinara sauce and tomato sauce can be used. Tomato sauce is a more general term that can encompass various sauces typically paired with pasta, such as pesto, bolognese, Alfredo, and marinara. However, people often associate a robust and flavorful tomato-based sauce as the classic "pasta sauce." Ultimately, there are no strict rules on what can be called pasta sauce, so it depends on your personal preference and the flavors you enjoy.

Editor's Notes

During our marinara sauce research, we found 24 marinara sauce products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 175,297 customer reviews through our big data system to write the marinara sauces list. We found that most customers choose marinara sauces with an average price of $5.67.

The marinara sauces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of marinara sauces, including Rao's Homemade, Rao's, 365 by Whole Foods Market, Carbone, Hunt's. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!

Marinara Sauces Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Rao's Homemade Rao's 365 by Whole Foods Market Carbone Rao's 365 by Whole Foods Market 365 by Whole Foods Market Rao's Homemade Yo Mama’s Foods Hunt's
Units 24.0 Ounce 15.5 Ounce 25.0 Ounce 24.0 Ounce 24 Ounce 25.0 Ounce 25.0 Ounce 24.0 Ounce 37.5 Ounce 24.0 Ounce
Flavor Vodka Marinara Four Cheese Marinara Sensitive Marinara Marinara Organic Creamy Marinara Marinara Unflavored
Package Information Bottle,Jar Jar Jar Jar Jar Jar Jar Jar Jar Can
Item Weight 1.5 Pounds 0.97 Pounds 1.56 Pounds 24 Ounces 1.5 Pounds 2.35 Pounds 2.37 Pounds 1.5 Pounds 12.5 Ounces 1.5 Pounds
Allergen Information Dairy - Milk - - Fat-Free - Milk - Wheat
Specialty - No Added Sugar - No Synthetic Nitrates No Added Sugar - Organic - Gluten Free, Low Carb, Low Sodium, No Added Sugar, Vegan -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
Where to Buy