Every Trader Joe’s Pasta Sauce Ranked for Flavor and Quality

Trader Joe’s is famed for its variety of pasta sauces, making it a haven for pasta lovers. We’ve ranked each sauce to help you pick the best one. From classic marinara to zesty pestos, here’s a comprehensive guide to elevate your next pasta meal.

19. Vegan Kale, Cashew, and Basil Pesto $3.99/8 oz

Trader Joe’s Vegan Kale, Cashew & Basil Pesto

This creamy, dairy-free pesto offers a unique twist on the traditional pesto sauce by using kale and cashews instead of cheese. Perfect for vegans or those looking for a plant-based alternative, it delivers a rich, nutty flavor with a hint of basil freshness.

Nutritional Facts

  • 170 calories
  • 16g fat
  • 4g carbs
  • 210mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 0g sugar
  • 4g protein

Ingredients

Kale, cashew butter, olive oil, basil, garlic, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Stir into hot pasta, spread on sandwiches, or use as a dip for veggies and crackers.

18. Thick, Bold, & Spicy Red Sauce $2.99/25 oz

This robust, tomato-based sauce is full of bold flavors with a spicy kick. Ideal for adding depth to pasta dishes or using as a simmer sauce for proteins, it’s a perfect blend of heat and savory goodness.

Nutritional Facts

  • 60 calories
  • 2g fat
  • 8g carbs
  • 230mg sodium
  • 2g fiber
  • 5g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, garlic, olive oil, cayenne pepper, salt, basil.

Preparation Instructions

Heat and serve over pasta, as a pizza base, or simmer with meat or vegetables.

17. Pesto Genovese $3.49/6.7 oz

Trader Joes Pesto alla Genovese

A classic Italian pesto sauce made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese, offering a rich and vibrant flavor. This versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a dip.

Nutritional Facts

  • 130 calories
  • 13g fat
  • 2g carbs
  • 280mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 1g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, salt.

Preparation Instructions

Toss with hot pasta, use as a spread on bread, or mix into salads for an extra burst of flavor.

16. Cacio e Pepe Pasta Sauce $3.79/14.5 oz

This Roman classic combines Pecorino Romano and black pepper but lacks depth.

Nutritional Facts

  • 100 calories
  • 9g fat
  • 2g carbs
  • 320mg sodium
  • 0g fiber
  • 0g sugar
  • 3g protein

Ingredients

Pecorino Romano, water, butter, black pepper.

Preparation Instructions

Heat and serve with pasta or as a sauce for gnocchi.

15. Organic Marinara Sauce $3.49/25 oz

Simple, mild marinara made with organic tomatoes and Parmesan.

Nutritional Facts

  • 60 calories
  • 2g fat
  • 8g carbs
  • 230mg sodium
  • 2g fiber
  • 4g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Organic tomatoes, Parmesan, basil, garlic, onion.

Preparation Instructions

Heat and pair with pasta, pizza, or as a dip.

14. Three Cheese Pomodoro Pasta Sauce $3.49/24 oz

Rich and thick, featuring Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago, but slightly salty.

Nutritional Facts

  • 80 calories
  • 4.5g fat
  • 6g carbs
  • 380mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 4g sugar
  • 3g protein

Ingredients

Tomatoes, cheeses, garlic, olive oil, basil.

Preparation Instructions

Heat and serve over pasta, or use in baked dishes.

13. Bolognese Style Tomato & Beef Sauce $4.49/24 oz

Improved with more beef (9%) for a richer, meatier flavor.

Nutritional Facts

  • 90 calories
  • 5g fat
  • 6g carbs
  • 320mg sodium
  • 2g fiber
  • 3g sugar
  • 6g protein

Ingredients

Tomatoes, beef, onions, olive oil, garlic, herbs.

Preparation Instructions

Simmer with pasta, or use in lasagna.

12. Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce $1.99/26 oz

Full of rich roasted garlic flavor, perfect for comforting meals.

Nutritional Facts

  • 70 calories
  • 2g fat
  • 11g carbs
  • 330mg sodium
  • 2g fiber
  • 6g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Tomatoes, roasted garlic, basil, parsley.

Preparation Instructions

Heat and serve with pasta or as a base for tomato soup.

11. Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce $1.99/25 oz

A well-balanced staple with a fresh tomato flavor and basil.

Nutritional Facts

  • 60 calories
  • 2g fat
  • 10g carbs
  • 260mg sodium
  • 2g fiber
  • 5g sugar
  • 1g protein

Ingredients

Tomatoes, basil, olive oil, garlic, onions.

Preparation Instructions

Serve over pasta, or use in meatball dishes.

10. Alfredo Pasta Sauce $3.49/15 oz

Creamy but could use more depth; great for quick meals.

Nutritional Facts

  • 110 calories
  • 8g fat
  • 7g carbs
  • 270mg sodium
  • 0g fiber
  • 3g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Cream, Parmesan, butter, garlic.

Preparation Instructions

Heat gently, toss with pasta.

9. Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce $3.49/24 oz

Tangy tomato and smooth cream with subtle basil notes.

Nutritional Facts

  • 100 calories
  • 7g fat
  • 6g carbs
  • 320mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 4g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Tomatoes, cream, basil, garlic.

Preparation Instructions

Heat and serve with ravioli or penne.

8. Lemon Pesto Sauce $3.49/6.7 oz

A bright, citrusy twist on classic pesto with a nutty flavor.

Nutritional Facts

  • 130 calories
  • 13g fat
  • 1g carbs
  • 120mg sodium
  • 0g fiber
  • 1g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Lemon, sunflower oil, Grana Padano cheese, almonds.

Preparation Instructions

Stir into pasta, spread on bread, or use in marinades.

7. Calabrian Chili Spicy Pasta Sauce $4.99/20 oz

Perfect heat balanced with honey for a sweet-spicy kick.

Nutritional Facts

  • 100 calories
  • 6g fat
  • 10g carbs
  • 290mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 5g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Tomatoes, Calabrian chili, honey, garlic.

Preparation Instructions

Heat and toss with pasta or use as a pizza topping.

6. Organic Vodka Sauce $3.49/25 oz

Creamy but lacks flavor complexity compared to other brands.

Nutritional Facts

  • 90 calories
  • 6g fat
  • 5g carbs
  • 320mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 3g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Organic tomatoes, cream, Parmesan, vodka.

Preparation Instructions

Simmer with pasta and meat for a rich dish.

5. Rosatella Pasta Sauce $3.99/24 oz

Combines marinara and Alfredo for a smooth, creamy blend.

Nutritional Facts

  • 100 calories
  • 7g fat
  • 7g carbs
  • 290mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 3g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Tomatoes, cream, garlic, olive oil.

Preparation Instructions

Heat and serve over any pasta type.

4. Organic Tomato Basil Marinara $3.49/25 oz

A vibrant, well-balanced organic sauce with a fresh basil aroma.

Nutritional Facts

  • 60 calories
  • 2g fat
  • 10g carbs
  • 230mg sodium
  • 2g fiber
  • 4g sugar
  • 1g protein

Ingredients

Organic tomatoes, basil, garlic, onions.

Preparation Instructions

Serve with pasta, or use as a pizza base.

3. Olive & Basil Pesto Sauce $2.49/6.7 oz

Unique olive-basil flavor; versatile as a sauce, spread, or dip.

Nutritional Facts

  • 130 calories
  • 12g fat
  • 1g carbs
  • 140mg sodium
  • 0g fiber
  • 1g sugar
  • 1g protein

Ingredients

Olive oil, basil, garlic, Parmesan.

Preparation Instructions

Mix with pasta or use as a sandwich spread.

2. Basil Pesto Sauce $2.99/6.7 oz

Rich and aromatic, capturing the essence of fresh basil.

Nutritional Facts

  • 110 calories
  • 11g fat
  • 2g carbs
  • 230mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 1g sugar
  • 1g protein

Ingredients

Basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic.

Preparation Instructions

Toss with pasta, spread on bread, or use on pizza.

1. Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Almond Pesto Sauce $3.99/6.7 oz

A fan-favorite, blending roasted peppers, almonds, and Pecorino.

Nutritional Facts

  • 120 calories
  • 11g fat
  • 3g carbs
  • 170mg sodium
  • 1g fiber
  • 2g sugar
  • 2g protein

Ingredients

Red peppers, almonds, Pecorino Romano, olive oil.

Preparation Instructions

Stir into pasta, spread on sandwiches, or use as a marinade.

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