Marinara sauce is a staple in many kitchens, beloved for its rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with pasta, pizza, and a variety of other dishes. When choosing the best brand of marinara, consider options that prioritize fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and robust taste. Some brands have mastered the art of capturing the essence of ripe tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, delivering quality that consistently stands out on the palate. To discover which brands top this flavorful list and elevate your culinary creations, explore our detailed recommendations below.
Illustration of marinara
Best brands of marinara in 2025
Rao's Homemade
Rao's Homemade is renowned as one of the best producers of marinara sauce, celebrated for its slow-cooked, small-batch production using high-quality ingredients like Italian whole peeled tomatoes, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Founded in New York, Rao's has maintained its commitment to traditional Italian flavors for over 25 years, refusing to add sugar, tomato paste, water, starch, or fillers to their sauces. Their marinara sauce is keto-friendly, contains no added sugar, and is made from 100% Italian tomatoes. With a 4.8-star rating from over 1,900 reviews, Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce is a staple in many kitchens. The sauce is available in various sizes, including 15.5 oz, 24 oz, and 32 oz jars. More details about Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce can be found on their website.
Victoria
Victoria Fine Foods is renowned for its high-quality marinara sauces, made with a traditional approach that dates back to 1929 when an Italian family started the business in Brooklyn, New York. The Victoria Low Sodium Marinara, for example, contains only 120mg of sodium per 1/2 cup and is crafted with whole tomatoes, onions, olive oil, garlic, basil, and sea salt. This brand is among the top jarred pasta sauce brands in the U.S., known for its health-friendly properties and premium quality ingredients.
Prego
Prego is a prominent brand in the pasta sauce market, particularly renowned for its marinara sauces. In its first year, Prego achieved over $100 million in sales and a 28% market share, a significant accomplishment for a new entrant in the market. As one of the top sellers of tomato sauces globally, Prego's marinara sauces are appreciated for their rich and creamy taste, made from ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. The brand's aggressive marketing strategies and product innovations have contributed to its success. Prego is among the leading brands in the U.S. pasta sauce market, with a strong presence alongside other major brands like Ragu and Bertolli. To explore more about their product offerings, visit Prego's official website.
Barilla
Barilla is a leading producer of marinara sauce, boasting a significant market presence globally. In the Turkish market, Barilla holds a 60% share in the sauce segment, and it ranks third in the global pasta sauce market. The company's revenue has consistently shown growth, reaching approximately EUR3.6 billion in 2019 with a 3.59% growth rate, and EUR4.726 billion in 2022 with a 5.9% increase. Barilla's strong market share is attributed to its high-quality products made from world-class raw materials and its extensive distribution network across over 100 countries. The company's commitment to sustainability and innovative production approaches further solidify its position as a preferred choice among consumers.
Bertolli
Bertolli is a renowned brand in the pasta sauce market, particularly known for its high-quality marinara sauces. In 2019, tomato-based and marinara sauces, which Bertolli specializes in, accounted for more than 25% of the global pasta sauce market share. Bertolli's products are part of a market expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.2% from 2020 to 2027, reaching a global market size of USD 17.33 billion by 2027. The brand's commitment to using premium ingredients and traditional Italian recipes has made it a favorite among consumers. Bertolli's presence in the market is significant, contributing to the overall growth and popularity of marinara sauces.
Classico
Classico is renowned as one of the best producers of marinara sauce, offering a widely available and affordable option that delights consumers with its optimal balance of tomato and basil flavors. Available at major retailers like Target and Kroger, Classico Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce is priced competitively, often at around $2.99 for a 24-ounce jar. This sauce stands out for its satisfying tanginess from the tomatoes and the unmistakable kick from the basil, making it a reliable choice for pasta enthusiasts. In the broader pasta sauce market, which was valued at USD 10.64 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.5% from 2024 to 2031, Classico's consistency and quality contribute significantly to its popularity. With its simple yet delicious formula, Classico remains a favorite among consumers.
Mezzetta
Mezzetta stands out as one of the best producers of marinara sauce, praised for its use of high-quality San Marzano plum tomatoes, which have fewer seeds and lower water content, enhancing the tomato flavor. This brand is highly regarded for its solid olive oil flavor and simple, necessary ingredient list, avoiding additives like sugar, artificial sweeteners, and flavor improvers. Mezzetta's marinara sauce is certified Non-GMO, Gluten Free, Vegan, and Keto, making it a versatile choice for various dietary needs. It has been ranked superior to other popular brands like Rao's and Bertolli by Italian food aficionados due to its authentic and rich flavor profile. Discover more about their exquisite family recipes marinara sauce.
Newman's Own
Newman's Own, founded by Paul Newman in 1982, is renowned for its high-quality and flavorful pasta sauces, including its newly improved marinara recipes. These sauces feature a blend of premium ingredients such as carrots for added sweetness, more garlic and onions, and Italian-style herbs and spices. Committed to Paul Newman's vision, the company donates 100% of its profits to charitable causes through the Newman's Own Foundation, which has given over $300 million since its inception. The organic marinara sauce, in particular, uses certified organic ingredients like diced tomatoes, onions, and garlic. Available in 24 oz jars for $3.49 and organic 23.5 oz jars for $4.59, these sauces are a staple for any pasta dish.
Organico Bello
Organico Bello stands out as a premier producer of marinara sauce, renowned for its USDA Organic certification, absence of added sugar, preservatives, water, or paste, and use of high-quality imported Italian tomatoes. The sauces are gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Keto/Paleo-friendly, making them a favorite among health-conscious consumers. Chef Neil Fusco's recipes, such as the Delicate Recipe, cater to those sensitive to onions and garlic and offer low sodium options. With a serving size of 1/2 cup containing only 45 calories and 130mg of sodium, Organico Bello's sauces are a nutritious and flavorful choice. The brand's commitment to strict allergen control and sanitation procedures ensures safety for consumers with dietary restrictions.
Il Mulino
Il Mulino, a pioneering fine dining brand from New York City, has recently entered the jarred sauce market with its premium line of pasta sauces, including a highly regarded marinara sauce. Founded by brothers from Abruzzo in the 1980s, Il Mulino has been a staple in Italian fine dining, expanding across the NYC metropolitan area, South Florida, and beyond. The marinara sauce, crafted by Executive Chef Michele Mazza, contains 70 calories, 2g of dietary fiber, and 6% of the daily recommended value of iron per serving. Available in 24 oz jars, each contains six servings and is already available on their website and in select stores. This move aligns with the growing pasta sauce market, projected to reach $21.5 billion by 2030.
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