CLEVELAND, Ohio – Who doesn’t like pasta? It’s even got its own holiday -- the whole of October, which is National Pasta Month. That’s right, lesser foods may have their day but pasta is in the spotlight for an entire month.

To help you celebrate, I took on the task of trying out as many different store-bought marinara sauces as I could find. Let’s be honest, there aren’t many of us who have the time or the patience to make our own sauce from scratch. We rely on the grocery store. Thankfully, there are plenty of options.

In all, I found marinara sauces at 7 local stores, hoping to cover where we all would shop. (Fresh Thyme, Giant Eagle, Heinen’s, Target, Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Whole Foods.) We did not find any at Aldi, Marc’s or Sav-a-lot that I had not already purchased.

Some of the sauces shocked me in good ways and others not so much. They ranged in price from $1.59 to $10.50. Were the most expensive ones better? Not always.

The next time you need a store-bought jar of marinara, maybe you will try something new or pick up a brand you may not normally purchase.

The 65 sauces collected here are ranked from worst to best. No fair cheating and scrolling to No. 1.

Fun fact, one of the sauces in the top 5 was also in the top 5 when the Best of Cleveland team did a similar ranking in 2019. I guess the recipe hasn’t changed.

Related: We ate 174 pasta sauces from Greater Cleveland grocery stores and ranked them, worst to best

No. 65: Yo Mama’s

Flavor: Original Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $9.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 130mg | Carbs 5g | Sugar 2g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Fresh tomatoes

Label says: Fresh ingredients premium, no sugar added, low sodium. Keto certified. Yo Mama’s marinara magnifica is inspired by Nonna’s legendary Italian recipe. Our legacy is divinely crafted from fresh tomatoes, fresh garlic, fresh onions, olive oil, and basil. Indulge in this masterpiece which has no added sugar, no preservatives, and no gluten.

Our thoughts: Yo Mama, what happened? While you could see pieces of garlic and seasonings, I’m not sure where the combo went wrong. It had a bad, metallic flavor bite that wasn’t at all appetizing. This sauce was really not worth the price or calories.

No. 64: Isola

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $8.29

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Fat 4g | Sodium 370mg | Carbs 14g | Sugar 12g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: Island of gourmet specialties. Turn your kitchen into an authentic Italian gourmet, Gluten-Free and Vegan

Our thoughts: Smells like tomato soup. It was a very unappetizing sauce. Tastes like puree with no seasoning or flavor. Very crushed tomatoes with no texture. I can’t believe how pricey this one is. Big pass.

No. 63: Newman’s Own

Flavor: Organic Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $3.78

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Fat 4g | Sodium 430mg | Carbs 11g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic tomato puree

Label says: No added sugar. Non-GMO

Our thoughts: Blah and yuck are the first words that came to me when I tried this one. I wanted to like this one because the brand gives back but this was just a bad sauce. Smells like baby food, tastes worse. If bland and boring are what you are looking for, this is a winner. Leaves a metal after-taste in your mouth but it is on the thicker side.

No. 62: The Silver Palate

Flavor: Low Sodium Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 3.5g | Sodium 140mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 4g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Imported San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes

Label says: Made with whole tomatoes, 0g added sugar. No tomato paste. San Marzano tomato pasta sauce. With heirloom whole tomatoes. We moved Italy to California and look what we got…The Silver Palate tomato! We blend imported San Marzano heirloom tomatoes with famous California rounds and extra virgin olive oil. Never tomato paste. Elegante! Manga!

Our thoughts: Really runny, right out of the jar. Low sodium doesn’t have to mean low taste. This was a really bad, boring, bland sauce. Not worth a second bite.

No. 61: Ragu, Simply

Flavor: Chunky Marinara

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $2.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 490mg | Carbs 12g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: No added sugar. Made with olive oil. No artificial colors or high fructose corn syrup

Our thoughts: Not chunky like it claims which is a letdown if that is what you like. Tasted like a can of crushed tomatoes with a little basil. Had a tin-like taste and smell.

No. 60: Giant Eagle

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $1.59

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 490mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: N/A

Our thoughts: Metal, tin flavor with a surprisingly thick consistency. A bit ketchup-y, although I feel ketchup has a bit more flavor than this sauce.

No. 59: Muir Glen

Flavor: Organic Classic Marinara

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $4.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 390mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic tomato puree

Label says: USDA Organic. No sugar added, California tomatoes. We go beyond growing. Sun-kissed and vine-ripened tomatoes by celebrating our farmers, planting pollinator habitats and tending to the rich soil found in beautiful California.

Our thoughts: Looks like ketchup. Tastes like ketchup. No real flavor aside from tomatoes. Boring and bland.

No. 58: Great Value

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $1.62

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 2g | Sodium 480mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: A full serving of veggies in every ½ cup of pasta sauce

Our thoughts: Really sweet and liquid-y. Not much flavor. I would say maybe a slight step above ketchup but runnier than tomato paste.

No. 57: Barilla

Flavor: Marinara, Garlic and simmered onion

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $2.52

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 50 | Fat 1g | Sodium 470mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato Puree

Label says: Made with 100% extra virgin olive oil. No sugar added. Non-GMO. No preservative and Gluten-Free

Our thoughts: Simmered onions or onion powder? Artificial tasting. Thick but bland and boring sauce. Crushed tomatoes with onion powder. The basil you saw throughout didn’t add to the flavor. Left me feeling disappointed in the promised flavor.

No. 56: Lucini Italia

Flavor: Organic Tuscan Tomato Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $5.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 50 | Fat 0g | Sodium 310mg | Carbs 5g | Sugar 3g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Organic tomatoes

Label says: Made with no olive oil. No sugar added. Made with Italian tomatoes. Non-GMO. Our original premium organic Tuscan tomato marinara recipe contains no oil, just tomatoes, herbs and fresh vegetables. Handcrafted in small batches for exceptional quality while delivering delicious garden-fresh flavor.

Our thoughts: Tomato soup? Crushed tomato flavor is all you get in this sauce. They must have left out the herbs from this batch.

No. 55: Good & Gather

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $1.59

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 2g | Sodium 480mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: No artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Servings of 1 ½ vegetables per half cup sauce.

Our thoughts: Smells and tastes like ketchup. This was a runny sweet sauce with not much in the flavor department. Was all the taste in everything they left out of the sauce?

No. 54: The Silver Palate

Flavor: San Marzano Blend Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 3.5g | Sodium 380mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 4g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Imported San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes

Label says: Made with whole tomatoes. 0g added sugar, no tomato paste, Deluxe gold select robust taste. With heirloom whole tomatoes. We moved Italy to California and look what we got…The silver palate tomato! We blend imported San Marzano heirloom tomatoes with famous California rounds and extra virgin olive oil. Never tomato paste. Elegante Mangia!

Our thoughts: Very runny sauce. All you taste is boring, bland tomatoes with a tiny hint of garlic. There were some minuscule pieces of onion, but they didn’t add much flavor. Where was the robust taste? Not in this no-frills, generic sauce.

No. 53: Full Fork

Flavor: Traditional Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 250mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 7g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Crushed tomatoes

Label says: Vegan and Gluten-Free. Italian Style Sauce

Our thoughts: Nice onion pieces in it but not enough to add any real flavor. It was a thick tomato paste texture.

No. 52: Bertolli

Flavor: Organic Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $3.56

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 470mg | Carbs 11g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic tomato puree

Label says: With Italian herbs and fresh garlic. USDA organic. Non-GMO. No added Sugar. Not a low-calorie food.

Our thoughts: Oregano heavy. You don’t get much other flavor. It was a very dark sauce. Humdrum.

No. 51: Carbone

Flavor: Marinara Delicato

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $9.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Fat 8g | Sodium 420mg | Carbs 5g | Sugar 5g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Italian tomatoes

Label says: Non-GMO. Bring elevated dining home with the vibrant flavors of Carbone. Only the finest ingredients are slow-cooked and made in small batches.

Our thoughts: Oily flavored with small chunks of tomato. Bright sauce but not tasty or aromatic. If I served this at a party nobody would go for seconds.

No. 50: Whole Foods

Flavor: Rustic Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $4.69

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 130 | Fat 8g | Sodium 380mg | Carbs 12g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: Imported from Italy. Vegan, non-GMO. Made with Extra virgin olive oil and premium Italian tomatoes.

Our thoughts: Chunks of whole tomatoes. Onion pieces could be found but the olive oil taste dominated this sauce that didn’t have much other interest. I did enjoy the fresh bigger tomatoes, but it was a lifeless sauce.

No. 49: Pizza Girl

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $7.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 50 | Fat 2g | Sodium 370mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 4g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: USDA Organic. No sugar added. Growing up in the D’Amore’s Pizza kitchen I became known as “The Pizza Girl” and was surrounded by generations of Italian family cooking. The secret was always to start with a delicious base. The sauce! I created Pizza Girl to share the perfection of my grandmother’s recipes, using all-organic, healthy ingredients, to bring the magic of old-world Italy to a new generation.

Our thoughts: There may not have been any sugar added but this was a sweet sauce that was on the runny side. Nice big tomato cubes but not much seasoning or anything to intrigue your palate.

No. 48: Rao’s Homemade

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $6.88

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Fat 7g | Sodium 420mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Italian whole peeled tomatoes

Label says: All natural, premium. Over 120 years in the making. Bring home the famous taste of Rao’s homemade Marinara Sauce. We slow cook sweet Italian plum tomatoes with fresh ingredients to create this classic sauce.

Our thoughts: Some big pieces of tomato chunks in a thickish consistency but rather uninteresting flavor. Could pass as a chunky ketchup.

No. 47: Cucina Antica

Flavor: Spicy Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $8.39

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 40 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 290mg | Carbs 4g | Sugar 4g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Italian chopped tomatoes

Label says: No added sugar, GF, Non-GMO. Our Southern Italian roots. Since the 1800′s my family has farmed the world’s best Southern Italian tomatoes. As a young boy, my mother instilled in me a commitment to using only the purest of ingredients. I bring my family’s love and art of our old-world kitchen to your table. Buon Appetito!

Our thoughts: Tomato soup with a kick. Very small, diced tomato pieces but dull aside from the heat. If you want spice with very little flavor this is for you.

No. 46: 365

Flavor: Organic Fat free Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $2.39

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 40 | Fat 0g | Sodium 410mg | Carbs 8g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic diced tomatoes

Label says: No sugar added. Vegan. Fat-free

Our thoughts: On the runny side. The oregano was very powerful and dominated any other flavor. There were small traces of garlic but very little hints of it in the taste. Small dices of tomato could be found throughout the jar.

No. 45: Delallo

Flavor: Pomodoro Fresco Marinara

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $7.79

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 3.5g | Sodium 430mg | Carbs 8g | Sugar 6g | Protein 4g

First ingredient: Cherry tomato puree

Label says: Handcrafted Italian tomato sauce. Made in Italy. Authentic recipe. Simmered in small batches, our handcrafted pasta sauces capture the heart of authentic Italian cuisine - simple ingredients. Each recipe begins with signature Italian tomatoes, vegetables, and a fragrant finish of herbs. An irresistible pasta sauce that tastes so fresh, it could’ve been made in your own kitchen.

Our thoughts: Very sweet. Thick tomato puree. If sweetness is what you want in a marinara, you can find it here. Sadly, you don’t get hints of the promised fragrant herbs. This authentic recipe could use a reboot.

No. 44: Newman’s Own

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $2.68

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 2g | Sodium 490mg | Carbs 12g | Sugar 7g | Protein 3g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: No added Sugar. Made with 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Our thoughts: No sugar in this one but also no tastiness. Very bland although it is creamy. A thick tomato paste consistency. If you want a plain, no-frills sauce, this is it. It does have a fresh tomato taste but then just cut up some fresh tomatoes and toss it in your pasta.

No. 43: Naked Infusion

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $8.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 6g | Sodium 600mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 3g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Plum tomatoes

Label says: Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free. Organic

Our thoughts: Very oily and runny. While you could see minuscule pieces of carrots and onions, you couldn’t taste much seasoning aside from the oily taste.

No. 42: Michael’s of Brooklyn

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $10.30

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 45 | Fat 2g | Sodium 320mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 4g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: Non-GMO, Gluten-Free. Tomatoes, fresh garlic, fresh basil, Italian olive oil, oregano, fresh parsley and spices - nothing else.

Our thoughts: Tastes like tomato puree without much seasoning. Nice consistency, but nothing special about this sauce.

No. 41: Born Simple

Flavor: Premium Organic, Traditional Marinara

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $4.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 410mg | Carbs 8g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomatoes in juice

Label says: Premium Organic. Made with extra virgin olive oil. Simple ingredients, less packaging, big impact. Organic, Kettle cooked, No sugar added, kosher. We’re simple. Simple as that. We got tired of grocery store aisles cluttered with over-hyped products screaming at us about 101 different attributes. We started Born Simple to cut through that noise with products that just work better - no fluff, no clutter. Our Traditional marinara tastes just like you would hope - sweet from California tomatoes, and savory thanks to a generous helping of Extra virgin olive oil, herbs and spices.

Our thoughts: This was the only sauce that didn’t come in a glass jar. Instead, it was in a carton. Which I appreciated. It was a very, very dark sauce. I almost thought it was BBQ sauce. Tasted like tomato paste with some oregano and a little garlic. It had an unusual after-taste. Simply didn’t taste like what I had hoped for.

No. 40: Fresh Thyme - Farmers Market

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $1.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 2g | Sodium 480mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: Free from Artificial colors and flavors, high fructose corn syrup and gluten. We’re on a mission to improve the health of our communities, beginning with the food we eat. There are 100+ artificial ingredients and preservatives you won’t see in this Fresh Thyme label product - only high quality, pure and simple ingredients. Healthy food. Healthy values.

Our thoughts: Tastes like pizza sauce and had the same creamy runny consistency. Nothing stands out about this sauce.

No. 39: Nature’s Basket

Flavor: Organic Marinara

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $2.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 330mg | Carbs 12g | Sugar 7g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic tomato puree

Label says: Non-GMO, No artificial colors - Bringing the goodness nature has to offer for you and your family - that’s what Nature’s Basket does every day. We’re committed to providing quality products at a value that you can count on. 100% satisfaction or double your money back.

Our thoughts: Thick sauce with some chunky pieces. Oregano and slight basil flavor were detected. Very few garlic pieces throughout. Bland, not high on the flavor meter. A little boring.

No. 38: Local Folks Foods

Flavor: Tomato and Herb Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 15 | Fat 0g | Sodium 330mg | Carbs 4g | Sugar 4g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Crushed tomatoes

Label says: This thick, authentic Italian tomato sauce goes great on pasta, pizza, stromboli or any Italian dish. The flavor of the Midwest. LocalFolks Foods partners with family farms and farmer cooperatives in the Midwest to collect the finest-tasting ingredients for our products, bringing you the true “flavor of the Midwest”. Fully ripened ingredients picked at their peak flavor. No corn syrup or artificial ingredients. No gluten ingredients.

Our thoughts: Oregano overwhelms you when you open the jar. It is thick as described but I would prefer this on a pizza over pasta. Or even as a dip for breadsticks. All the flavor you get is oregano.

No. 37: Cucina Antica

Flavor: Garlic Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $8.39

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 40 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 290mg | Carbs 4g | Sugar 4g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Italian chopped tomatoes

Label says: Our Southern Italian roots: since the 1800′s my family has farmed the world’s best Southern Italy tomatoes. As a young boy, my mother instilled in me a commitment to using only the purest ingredients. I bring my family’s love and art of our old-world kitchen to your table. Bon Appetitio! May love be the main ingredient at your table. No added sugar, Gluten-Free and Non-GMO

Our thoughts: While this sauce delivered on the garlic, you didn’t really get much of anything else to pique your tastebuds. It was very runny and watery with very few visible tomato pieces.

No. 36: Prego

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $2.38

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 480mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: Italian sauce. Gluten-Free. 40% of daily vegetables.

Our thoughts: Chunky tomato cubes but tomato ketchup-y flavor. On the dull side, but also a little sweet.

No. 35: Del Grosso

Flavor: Marinara, classic style

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $1.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 3.5g | Sodium 350mg | Carbs 11g | Sugar 7g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: The finest sauce made.

Our thoughts: Very, very sweet, with some chunks of tomato and onion. Had some basil undertones. Not sure I would say it was the finest sauce made.

No. 34: Fresh Thyme – Market Reserve

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $5.29

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 4g | Sodium 400mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 5g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Italian plum tomatoes

Label says: Free from artificial colors, trans fat and cholesterol. We’re on a mission to improve the health of our communities, beginning with the food we eat. There are 100+ artificial ingredients and preservatives you won’t see in this Fresh Thyme label product - only high-quality and simple ingredients

Our thoughts: A tad on the sweet side with underlying garlic and onion flavor. It was a crushed sauce that would do, but not necessarily my go-to jar. For a store brand though it was passable.

No. 33: Alessi Autentico

Flavor: Marinara Smooth

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $5.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 360mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Italian pear-shaped tomatoes

Label says: All natural Alessi Marinara Pasta Sauce tastes homemade because it’s made like the Alessi’s make it at home. Fresh garlic and onion are sauteed in Alessi Extra virgin olive oil. Strained Italian pear-shaped tomatoes and fresh basil leaves are added. The tomatoes are picked from the fields of Italy in their prime; juicy, red and vine-ripened. The sauce is then seasoned with Alessi sea salt and cooked only enough to preserve the fresh tomato taste and to marry the flavors. Because the sauce is so perfectly balanced every ingredient can be tasted.

Our thoughts: Definitely a smooth puree consistency and olive oil heavy. Sadly, I didn’t pick up on much else. A solid tomato puree.

No. 32: Just Like Home Kitchen Recipes

Flavor: Buttery Marinara

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $7.79

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 110 | Fat 8g | Sodium 590mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Fine riped California tomatoes

Label says: Home crafted, all-natural. The flavor behind the sauce - the mother-daughter duo of Laurinda and Caitlyn created this gluten-free recipe at home in Arizona for Caitlyn’s dietary needs. It’s delicious buttery flavor is complemented with subtle spices for a grand taste we believe pasta sauce lovers across the country will truly love.

Our thoughts: Thick orangey, squash-like sauce. Creamy, and you do get the butter but it’s a little bit on the sweet side. Reminded me of Chef Boyardee.

No. 31: La Famiglia Del Grosso

Flavor: Aunt Mary Ann’s Marinara

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 4g | Sodium 500mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 5g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Italian plum tomatoes

Label says: America’s oldest family sauce maker. Sunday family dinners have always been special; a day to relax and share our blessings. Our Aunt Mary Ann insists on tradizione: “In Pontecorvo, Italy my grandmother Marianna made her sauce with garden tomatoes. Olive oil, and herbs, and I’m proud to continue her legacy.”

Our thoughts: Olive oil and basil undertones. This sauce was a medium thickness with some chunks, but it was a middle-of-the-road sauce.

No. 30: Full Fork

Flavor: Sweet Basil Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $6.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 30 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 170mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Crushed tomatoes

Label says: Vegan and Gluten-Free. Italian Style Sauce. No artificial colors or flavoring. Contains no cholesterol and 0g trans-fat per serving.

Our thoughts: It was a nice, crushed consistency. It delivered on the basil but wasn’t as sweet as I was expecting it to be, as the jar stated.

No. 29: Primal Kitchen

Flavor: Tomato Basil Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $9.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Fat 6g | Sodium 450mg | Carbs 8g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic diced tomatoes in organic tomato juice

Label says: Made with avocado oil. Made with organic tomatoes. No soy or canola. Keto and Paleo. Non-GMO, no sugar added whole 30 approved. Gluten-Free. Eat like your life depends on it.

Our thoughts: A slightly sweet sauce. You definitely get the basil as promised by the name. It’s a very smooth and well-blended sauce.

No. 28: Trader Giotto’s

Flavor: Organic Marinara

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $3.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 500mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic tomato puree

Label says: A chunky sauce for pasta, vegetables, meats or breads. USDA organic. Low fat. Good source of potassium.

Our thoughts: This sauce didn’t have the overpowering metallic taste that other organic sauces tend to have. It smelled pleasant and while it was a bit on the runny side it had a nice garlic taste with nice chunks of onion and tomato.

No. 27: Alessi Autentico

Flavor: Marinara Chunky Style

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $5.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 360mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Italian pear-shaped tomatoes

Label says: Premium All-Natural Sauce, Italian pear-shaped tomatoes and Alessi Extra virgin olive oil. All-natural Alessi Marinara Pasta Sauce tastes homemade because it’s made like the Alessi’s make it at home. Fresh garlic and onion are sauteed in Alessi Extra virgin olive oil. Chopped Italian pear-shaped tomatoes and fresh basil leaves are then added. The tomatoes are picked from the fields of Italy in their prime; juicy, red and vine-ripened. The sauce is then seasoned with Alessi Sea Salt and cooked only enough to preserve the fresh tomato taste and to marry the flavors. Because the sauce is so perfectly balanced, every ingredient can be tasted.

Our thoughts: For those who had any doubt they put basil in this the proof was in the jar…literally and physically. Tomato sauce consistency with a slightly sweet subtle flavor. It also had some slight olive oil undertones.

No. 26: Prego, Farmer’s Market

Flavor: Classic Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $3.47

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 5g | Sodium 430mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Diced tomatoes in tomato juice

Label says: No sugar added. Sauce made with vine-ripened tomatoes, olive oil and oregano. Our sauces start with simple ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, picked at the peak of freshness and then blended to perfection for a homemade taste. Gluten-Free

Our thoughts: Almost too sweet and a tad on the salty side. You can taste the olive oil and lots of oregano. There are some onion pieces but mostly a crushed sauce. Would be a good sauce for the kids.

No. 25: Club Lucky of Chicago

Flavor: Marinara Alla Bava

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $8.29

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 310 | Fat 30g | Sodium 640mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 3g | Protein 5g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: All-natural original restaurant recipe. Located off the beaten path, Club Lucky is truly a unique find. This once-local bar and dance hall in the heart of the Bucktown/Wicker Park neighborhood is now one of Chicago’s most popular Italian restaurants. Complete with a 1940′s cocktail lounge, long original Chicago bar, main dining room with open sight kitchen dessert station and private dining room (The Club Room) makes Club Lucky one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Just ask someone, The extensive traditional menu features recipes directly from the two owners’ Sicilian grandmothers as well as some modern Italian recipes. The mouth-watering marinara Alla Bava with a touch of cheese and cayenne pepper for a little zip is a sauce that you will enjoy time and time again.

Our thoughts: This sauce needed help coming out of the jar, it was very thick like tomato paste. It was on the sweet side, but you also tasted the cheese and seasoning including pepper which lingered.

No. 24: Fresh Thyme - Farmers Market

Flavor: Organic Marinara

Where we bought it: Fresh Thyme

Price: $2.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 50 | Fat 0g | Sodium 280mg | Carbs 11g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic tomato puree

Label says: USDA Organic

Our thoughts: Sweet, tastes like pizza sauce. Good for a dipping sauce, not for pasta.

No. 23: Ohio City Pasta

Flavor: Fine Herb Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $10.50

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 40 | Fat 0g | Sodium 380mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: This wonderfully crafted sauce is made with the finest ingredients and attention to detail. Made in small batches by us. Distributed by us for you to enjoy with your family and friends!

Our thoughts: Looked like Sloppy Joe because of the consistency and texture coming out of the jar. The perfect in-between, not chunky but not runny. The herbs didn’t overpower the tomatoes. A nice balance of flavor.

No. 22: Rao’s Homemade

Flavor: Sensitive Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $6.88

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 130 | Fat 11g | Sodium 330mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Italian whole peeled tomatoes

Label says: No onions or garlic. All natural, premium. Over 120 years in the making. Bring home the famous taste of Rao’s homemade sensitive marinara sauce. This sauce does not contain onions or garlic, while still keeping all the flavor of our slow-simmered Italian tomatoes.

Our thoughts: While I appreciate a sauce for “sensitive” folks, I did miss the onion and garlic. It had a nice consistency and vibrant color. There were also some nice big chunks of tomato, and the olive oil and basil could be tasted.

No. 21: 365

Flavor: Organic Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $2.39

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 2.5g | Sodium 410mg | Carbs 8g | Sugar 4g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic diced tomatoes

Label says: No sugar added. Made with Organic extra virgin olive oil. Vegan. Low Fat

Our thoughts: Big chunks of tomato, oregano heavy. If you are a tomato fan you will like this one. Flavorful but can get runny as it settles. Slight hint of garlic as well that didn’t overpower the sauce.

No. 20: Trader Giotto’s

Flavor: Organic Tomato Basil Marinara

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $3.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 1g | Sodium 420mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Organic tomato

Label says: Low-Fat and Vegan. Good source of Potassium. Trader Giotto’s Organic Tomato Basil Marinara has the pungent flavor of fresh basil in a rich tomato base. It is low in fat, a good source of potassium and has the added distinction of being organic.

Our thoughts: Very fragrant when you open it as stated on the label. Heavy on the basil as promised. A few chunky pieces of tomato were in the jar. One of the better organic sauces I tried.

No. 19: Michael Angelo’s

Flavor: Nonna’s secret spicy marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $4.48

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 4g | Sodium 450mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: Vine-ripened tomatoes slow-simmered. Inspired by Nonna’s 100-year-old recipes. Our sauce is made without tomato paste and with no added sugar. We use only naturally sweet vine-ripened tomatoes, slow-simmered with passion.

Our thoughts: The heat hits you right away. Chunky and thick consistency. If you like a little kick in your sauce this is right up your alley.

No. 18: Little Italy in the Bronx

Flavor: Marinara with slivers of fresh garlic

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $8.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 4g | Sodium 460mg | Carbs 8g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Imported Italian tomatoes.

Label says: No preservatives, certified gluten-free, made with simple ingredients. Produced in a green facility.

Our thoughts: You get the aroma and taste of garlic right away, which is great, but I did find myself hunting for the promised “slivers of fresh garlic”.

No. 17: Classico

Flavor: Marinara with Plum Tomatoes and Olive Oil

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $4.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 2.5g | Sodium 470mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: Made with fresh garlic and onion. Gluten-Free. Nestled between snow-covered mountains and the Adriatic Sea Molise has preserved its wholesome manner of preparing foods. Here re-ripe plum tomatoes are combined with olive oil fresh garlic and fresh onion to create this naturally balanced marinara.

Our thoughts: Oregano-heavy sauce, not the balance it claimed. The garlic and onion finally surfaced the more you ate and did linger on your palate. Big chunks of tomato throughout.

No. 16: Cleveland’s Own Little Italy

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $6.18

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 50 | Fat 1.5g | Sodium 260mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Vine riped tomatoes

Label says: All natural, freshly made. Arriving in Cleveland in 1920, our family from Sant’Agata di Militello traditions and flavors of the old world. Like many hard-working Italians of that era, they settled in the heart of the city, the Mayfield & Murray Hill area. Over the years, “Cleveland’s own little Italy” has been proud to share with you that same fresh aroma and great taste. From our family’s kitchen to yours, Buon Appetito!

Our thoughts: On the sweeter side, with very few tomato chunks and pieces to be found. Light on the seasoning but you get a nice garlicky undertone.

No. 15: Mid’s

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $3.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 1g | Sodium 430mg | Carbs 16g | Sugar 10g | Protein 3g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: Kettle Simmered, all-natural True Sicilian Pasta Sauce, All-Natural Listen to your Nonna! Mideo never strayed from his grandmother’s Old-World way of making the best sauce “always slow cook in small batches, simmer in a kettle and never steam. Find the freshest ingredients - from vine-ripened tomatoes and Pecorino Romano cheese to imported Italian olive oil and a secret blend of spices - for a thick, hearty sauce.” The true Sicilian way is still the best way! Gluten-Free.

Our thoughts: Nice, thick, sweet sauce with big chunks of tomato. Good-sized pieces of garlic could be found throughout. Pleasant overall flavor and tastes fresh. Aromatic when you open the jar.

No. 14: Trader Joe’s

Flavor: Tomato Basil Marinara

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $1.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Fat 5g | Sodium 550mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: Trader Joe’s tomato basil marinara sauce is great to have on hand when you want a quick sauce for pasta, but it’s also good as a base sauce for chicken, beef and vegetables. Add your favorites - roasted peppers, mushrooms, olives, capers and pepper flakes or anchovies and make a tomato sauce with the flavor profile you prefer!

Our thoughts: Delivered on exactly what was described in the name. It was a good sauce with a nice balance of flavors.

No. 13: Carbone

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Whole Foods

Price: $9.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Fat 7g | Sodium 410mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 5g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Imported Italian tomatoes.

Label says: Non-GMO Bring elevated dining home with the vibrant flavors of Carbone. Only the finest ingredients, slow-cooked and made in small batches.

Our thoughts: Smelled really good when you opened it. A thicker puree consistency but a good balance between salt and sweet. Could pass for homemade.

No. 12: Bertolli

Flavor: Traditional Marinara, fresh garlic

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $2.79

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 3g | Sodium 490mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 7g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: Made with Italian herbs and fresh garlic. No artificial colors. Non-GMO

Our thoughts: Chunky, fresh sauce. Delivered on the garlic flavor as promised. Very well balanced with onions, garlic, tomato and herbs.

No. 11: Stancato’s Italian Restaurant

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $5.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 3g | Sodium 440mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 4g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: California diced tomatoes

Label says: Arrived from Italy, Made in Ohio. Stancato’s original Italian recipe was handed down through three generations and is the same award-winning sauce served at Stancato’s Italian Restaurant today. The essence of this sauce can be found in the robust chunks of vine-ripened tomatoes laced with fresh garlic and basil.

Our thoughts: Not on the thick side. Slightly sweet but not too much. Some chunks of tomato and onion pieces can be found. Same sauce you would have at the restaurant.

No. 10: Johnny’s Italian Restaurants of Cleveland

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $7.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 6g | Sodium 200mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Italian tomatoes

Label says: Over the years we have received many calls asking for our marinara recipe from our Fulton St. and Downtown restaurant locations. We are proud to finally make this staple marinara recipe available through retail outlets. From our kitchen to yours. Grazie and bon appetito.

Our thoughts: Versatile! Tasted fresh and homemade, would work on pasta, as a pizza sauce or dipping sauce. It was on the sweeter side but well-balanced. Very pureed but you could still see and taste seasonings.

No. 9: Dei Fratelli

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $3.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 60 | Fat 0g | Sodium 410mg | Carbs 13g | Sugar 10g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Chopped tomatoes

Label says: Family Grown since 1923, no water added. Crafted with Basil, garlic and onion. The best sauces start with the best tomatoes. Our sauces are crafted using the highest quality tomatoes grown on local, family farms since 1923. No water added means you’ll enjoy the rich tomato flavor that nature intended. - Enjoy!

Our thoughts: Nice, thick, chunky sauce with just the right amount of sweetness. Salsa consistency. Good flavor, no doctoring needed. You can find small chunks of tomato throughout.

No. 8: La Vera

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $7.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 3.5g | Sodium 590mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 7g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: Locally Produced - GMO Free Since 1952 - In 1952 Larry and Vera Gaudi, our grandparents and the founders of La-Vera Party Center, started a catering business. With that came the traditions of homemade Italian cooking. They used only the finest ingredients to prepare each item off their menu. Three generations later, we still follow those same recipes. Our staple and most recognized products, our pasta sauces are prepared using only the finest vine ripened Italian plum tomatoes, fresh basil, and the highest quality ingredients to ensure flavor and consistency. Please enjoy and Buon Appetito!

Our thoughts: You smell garlic as soon as you open the jar. The sauce is quite runny but very fragrant. Nice tasting sauce with a good balance of garlic, oregano, and sweetness. I just wish it was a little thicker.

No. 7: Market District, Classic Italian Collection

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Giant Eagle

Price: $8.69

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 4g | Sodium 510mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 7g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Italian plum tomatoes

Label says: Authentic Treasured recipe. Expertly crafted from ripe Italian tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices. Made with pride in Pennsylvania. Generations of sauce-making traditions paired with thoughtfully selected ingredients have gone into the creation of the Market District authentic pasta sauces. These treasured recipes make up a collection of sauces unlike any other, perfected over time and simmered to perfection.

Our thoughts: This sauce smelled fresh as soon as you popped open the jar. It was chunky and thick. While it wasn’t overly packed with spices, it tasted like they just made it and jarred it right up in the back. It also had some nice pieces of veggies throughout.

No. 6: Michael Angelo’s

Flavor: Nonna’s secret marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $4.48

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 4g | Sodium 450mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: Vine-ripened tomatoes slow-simmered. Inspired by Nonna’s 100-year-old recipes. Our sauce is made without tomato paste and with no added sugar. We use only naturally sweet vine-ripened tomatoes, slow-simmered with passion.

Our thoughts: Onions, garlic and crushed tomatoes that are thick and not runny. Good flavor and consistency. Thanks for sharing the “secret”. Tastes homemade and fresh.

No. 5: Trader Joe’s

Flavor: Roasted Garlic Marinara

Where we bought it: Trader Joe’s

Price: $1.99

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 90 | Fat 5g | Sodium 550mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomato puree

Label says: Trader Joe’s Roasted garlic marinara sauce has the mellow, sweet taste of roasted garlic with a hint of basil. Use as a sauce for pasta, lasagna, and as a cooking sauce for chicken, an ingredient in stews and soups, or add to a mixture of zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms for a veggie side dish.

Our thoughts: You could smell the garlic when you opened this jar. Delivered on the promised ingredients and name. Robust flavors. Nice consistency, not too chunky or smooth. Tasted fresh.

No. 4: Mezzetta

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $3.98

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 100 | Fat 8g | Sodium 520mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: Family recipes. No added sugar, no preservatives, non-GMO. Fourth generation since 1935. From our family to yours. Nonna always liked her marinara with sweet plum tomatoes, onion, garlic, and spices - slowly simmered and served with love and a side of garlic bread.

Our thoughts: This was a sauce that had no added sugar and you didn’t miss it. The sauce had just the right amount of sweetness to it. Nice tomato chunks. Good overall flavor and a chunky consistency. I could see this jar coming from a nonna’s kitchen.

No. 3: Botticelli

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Walmart

Price: $4.98

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 80 | Fat 5g | Sodium 460mg | Carbs 8g | Sugar 6g | Protein 1g

First ingredient: Tomato pulp

Label says: Made with Italian tomatoes, product of Italy. Botticelli Pasta sauces are made with the finest and freshest Italian tomatoes from Parma in Italy’s Food Valley, world-renowned for tomato excellence. Our sauces are prepared using traditional Italian recipes giving it a delicious homemade taste.

Our thoughts: Thick, chunky, just the right amount of sweetness. Tasted fresh and left me wanting a second bite. No doctoring of this sauce is needed.

Score: 4.5

No. 2: Dante

Flavor: Simple Marinara

Where we bought it: Heinen’s

Price: $6

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 70 | Fat 4.5g | Sodium 370mg | Carbs 7g | Sugar 6g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Italian tomatoes

Label says: A simple marinara made with Italian tomatoes and a soffritto combined with carrots onions and celery.

Our thoughts: It’s not that bold red sauce like some of the others but instead it was a nice crushed orang-y sauce with a nice balance of flavors. It smells fresh when you open it and you aren’t disappointed when you try it.

No. 1: Bertolli d’italia

Flavor: Marinara

Where we bought it: Target

Price: $4.49

Nutrition per serving:

Calories 120 | Fat 8g | Sodium 500mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 5g | Protein 2g

First ingredient: Tomatoes

Label says: No sugar added. Vegan. Fat free

Our thoughts: The olive oil is present visually and through the aroma when you open the jar. You didn’t miss the sugar or fat. Nice chunks of tomato. Tastes fresh, smells fresh! Great flavor, tastes homemade, you can eat this straight out of the jar.

Related:

Back in the summer of 2019 the Best Of team at the time tried 174 pasta sauces from Greater Cleveland grocery stores and ranked them, worst to best

In Oct. of 2020 we dipped our pasta in a different sauce Ranking 24 Alfredo sauces from grocery stores in honor of National Linguine Day