I ranked all of the jarred pasta sauces I found at Trader Joe's from worst to best, and I'd eat the winner by the spoonful

Savanna Swain-WilsonOct 4, 2024, 01:16 IST

I ranked every Trader Joe's pasta sauce I could find.Isabel Fernandez Pujol/Business Insider Photo

I tried and ranked every jarred pasta sauce I could find at Trader Joe's from worst to best.
The classic marinara may be a good starting point, but it was my least favorite sauce.

Editor's note: This story was originally published on March 26, 2023, and most recently updated on October 3, 2024. Product availability may vary by location.

I compared and ranked all of the jarred pasta sauces I could find at Trader Joe's.

I tried 12 pasta sauces from Trader Joe's.Savanna Swain-Wilson

12. Trader Joe's organic marinara sauce impressed me the least.

Trader Joe's organic marinara was chunky.Savanna Swain-Wilson

I thought the organic marinara was just too basic.

I wouldn't get Trader Joe's organic marinara again.Savanna Swain-Wilson

11. The tomato-basil marinara had a little more flavor.

Trader Joe's tomato-basil marinara had a slightly chunky consistency.Savanna Swain-Wilson

I think the tomato-basil marinara just needed more flavor.

The tomato-basil marinara needed more herbs.Savanna Swain-Wilson

10. The cacio e pepe wasn't quite what I was expecting.

The cacio e pepe sauce looked really thick in the jar.Savanna Swain-Wilson

The cacio e pepe definitely clung to the pasta.

I was disappointed because all of Trader Joe's other cacio e pepe inventions, like the ravioli, have been hits for me.Savanna Swain-Wilson

9. The spicy chunky tomato-and-pepper pasta sauce seemed like something special.

This Trader Joe's sauce had small pieces of tomato, which added texture and a subtle sweetness.Savanna Swain-Wilson

8. The Bolognese sauce was herby and meaty.

Trader Joe's Bolognese tastes sweet, jammy, and meaty.Savanna Swain-Wilson

7. Trader Joe's Alfredo sauce was pretty good.

I thought Trader Joe's did a pretty good job with the Alfredo.Savanna Swain-Wilson

Trader Joe's Alfredo was pretty rich.

Trader Joe's Alfredo coated the penne quite nicely.Savanna Swain-Wilson

6. The vegan Bolognese-style sauce surprised me.

Trader Joe's vegan Bolognese is much more than a meatless marinara.Savanna Swain-Wilson

I usually wouldn't seek out a vegan sauce, but this version of Bolognese hit the spot.

I was truly impressed by Trader Joe's vegan Bolognese.Savanna Swain-Wilson

5. The pesto rosso was more like a paste to me.

Trader Joe's pesto rosso had recognizable ingredients.Savanna Swain-Wilson

I could see myself trying the pesto rosso again.

All you need is just a dollop of Trader Joe's pesto rosso.Savanna Swain-Wilson

4. The pesto alla Genovese seems like it would be good in a variety of dishes.

Trader Joe's pesto alla Genovese is pretty potent, so a little goes a long way.Savanna Swain-Wilson

The pesto alla Genovese sauce was solid.

Trader Joe's pesto alla Genovese was a great-tasting sauce.Savanna Swain-Wilson

3. The three-cheese pomodoro sauce was my personal favorite.

Trader Joe's three-cheese pomodoro sauce was flavorful and had a great texture.Savanna Swain-Wilson

2. Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce was impressive.

Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce was simply delicious.Isabel Fernandez Pujol/Business Insider Photo

The creamy tomato-basil sauce was rich and flavorful.

The basil aroma and taste came through in Trader Joe's creamy tomato-basil sauce.Savanna Swain-Wilson

1. The roasted-garlic marinara was the best sauce I tried.

Trader Joe's roasted-garlic marinara definitely satisfied more than the chain's other sauces.Savanna Swain-Wilson

The roasted-garlic marinara is a great pour-and-go sauce.

The roasted-garlic marinara is perfect for a last-minute meal.Savanna Swain-Wilson

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