Taste Test: The Best Supermarket Tomato Sauce

RachaelRaymag.com


We taste-tested dozens of tomato sauces from the grocery store-cheesy, spicy, traditional, vegetable and more-and picked our favorites.

BEST CHEESY: Classico Four Cheese Pasta Sauce
J

udges found this "rich, bold" front-runner balances the nutty saltiness of parmesan, provolone, ricotta and romano cheeses with the sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes. More »
How we'd eat it: Tossed with penne for a quick warm-weather dinner.
Try it in: Penne with Two-Tomato Sauce »

BEST SPICY: Rao's Homemade Arrabbiata Sauce

This "intensely red and not-too-spicy" sauce is flecked with basil, oregano and a touch of crushed red pepper. The "soft chunks of tomato melt in your mouth," enthused one panelist. More »
How we'd eat it: It'd be a "wicked" match for seafood and rigatoni, or veggies that could use a kick.
Try it in: Pasta Arrabbiata with Eggplant »

BEST GARLIC: Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic Marinara

No need for breath mints here! The garlic in this affordable option is slow-roasted, giving it a "subtle and sweet flavor," according to one taster. (at Trader Joe's stores) More »
How we'd eat it: As the ultimate dipping sauce for garlic knots, or to bring out the flavor in market-fresh produce.
Try it in: Ratatouille Pasta Toss »

BEST TRADITIONAL: 365 Everyday Value Organic Classic Pasta Sauce

Simple and perfectly seasoned with the classics (oregano, basil and garlic), this "little black dress" is "slightly sweet, but the herby flavors keep it balanced." (at Whole Foods Markets) More »
How we'd eat it: On top of meatballs, or with cheese ravioli.
Try it in: Slim Chicken Parmesan »

BEST VEGETABLE: La Famiglia DelGrosso Uncle Jim's Late Night Puttanesca

Loaded with "fresh-tasting mushrooms and onions," this sauce gets its tangy flavor from white wine, olives and capers and anchovy that "isn't overpowering." More »
How we'd eat it: On a pizza, or with seafood.
Try it in: Tuna Puttanesca and Penne »

By Dina Cheney | Main image photography by Kana Okada

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