Talk to any Italian grandmother about jarred sauce and watch her recoil like you’ve just suggested ketchup on lasagna. In her kitchen Sunday after Sunday, there’s a pot simmering that smells like Sunday itself and definitely didn’t come from a glass jar. Any Italian worth their salt might find a Reddit thread about “favorite store-bought spaghetti sauce” sacrilegious. But in a world where most of us are scrambling at 7 p.m. on a Wednesday to get dinner on the table, homemade sauce is a bit out of reach. So we turned to Reddit to see what real people actually reach for when they’re standing in the sauce aisle trying to decide between 15 kinds of jarred red goo.
Rao’s Took the Crown but Not Without Pushback
One name showed up again and again: Rao’s. For many, Rao’s sits at the top of the jarred sauce hierarchy. It’s the one people reach for when they want something close to homemade without actually making it themselves.
But not everyone was sold. A few people said the flavor changed after the brand expanded, while others mentioned a strange aftertaste that turned them off completely. Rao’s still dominated the conversation, but it didn’t escape criticism. Even the most respected sauce has its detractors.
Aldi’s Marinara Earned Cult Favorite Status
Aldi’s Specially Selected Marinara showed up more than expected, and the enthusiasm around it was loud. Many people claimed it tastes nearly identical to Rao’s at a fraction of the price. That combination alone was enough to convert plenty of shoppers.
Redditors mentioned using it straight from the jar or adding their own touches. Some even said they stopped buying higher priced sauces altogether after discovering this one. It’s a good example that price doesn’t always dictate loyalty, especially when the flavor holds up.
Trader Joe’s Stayed Solid and Reliable
Trader Joe’s marinara earned steady praise, particularly the tomato basil version and seasonal sauces. People like it because it’s consistent and easy to grab during a regular grocery run.
Several commenters said they always keep a jar in the pantry because it’s dependable in a pinch. For weeknight cooking, that reliability matters more than perfection.
Nostalgia Still Wins for Some Shoppers
Not all favorites came from the premium or specialty aisle. Ragu and Prego still have diehard fans, even if others think they’re too sweet or basic. For many people, these sauces taste like childhood.
One Redditor said they’ll use Ragu forever, and that kind of loyalty doesn’t come from trendiness. It comes from familiarity and decades of repeat dinners. Sometimes comfort beats improvement.
How People Actually Use Jarred Sauce at Home
A big takeaway from the thread was how rarely people use jarred sauce exactly as is. Many commenters talked about treating it as a starting point. They add garlic, onions, spices, or extra tomatoes to make it feel more personal. Others admitted to mixing brands together until they hit the flavor they want.
No Clear Winner and That’s the Point
By the end of the thread, it was obvious there was no single best jarred spaghetti sauce. Rao’s might get the most mentions, but Aldi and Trader Joe’s had serious followings. Nostalgic brands held their ground, and creative mixing strategies blurred the lines even more.
What Reddit really revealed is how people actually eat. Jarred sauce isn’t a shortcut to be ashamed of. It’s a practical solution that fits into busy lives. Whether you grab the premium jar, the budget favorite, or whatever reminds you of home, the right sauce is the one that gets dinner on the table and keeps everyone fed.
Our Personal Favorite Shortcut Dinners Using Jarred Sauce
- Turkey zucchini meatballs
- Italian black bean meatballs
- Ground beef pasta skillet – use jarred marinara to replace the canned tomatoes
- Pumpkin stuffed shells
- Baked gnocchi – use jarred marinara instead of crushed tomatoes
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
