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Best Store Bought Pizza Sauce

Maria Foster
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by Maria Foster

Homemade pizzas can be a delicious meal to make on your own or with family and friends. This delectable Italian cuisine is versatile in so many different ways, from the type of sauce base you use to the toppings you add. Each ingredient can change your pizza’s taste, but ultimately the flavor starts with the base ingredient: sauce.

Tomato Sauce on Pizza

The right sauce can enhance the flavors of the other ingredients you use. It can also affect the pizza dough if it is too runny or thick. If it is done right, the sauce can bring harmony between the dough and toppings, making it a vital ingredient in your pizza. You can choose to make the sauce yourself at home, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Take a look at our list to see the best store bought pizza sauces in the market that will enrich your homemade meal.

5 Best Store Bought Pizza Sauce
Don Pepino
Made with fresh tomatoes from the vine, Don Pepino Pizza Sauce is excellent for family meals because it is free from starches, preservatives, added sugars, citric acid, artificial coloring, and gums, making it one of the healthier sauces on this list. It has a rich texture and taste and is dairy-free.
  • Feature: Dairy free
  • Weight: 12.45 pounds
Muir Glen Organic Pizza Sauce
This organic pizza sauce from Muir Glen uses quality USDA-certified tomatoes that are non-GMO. The vine-ripened tomatoes from California are cooked whole into the sauce during the manufacturing process, making it thick and rich. The sauce itself is made with simple ingredients and natural spices.
  • Feature: Certified organic
  • Weight: 12 pounds
Chef
Chef Boyardee Sauce is one of the unique pizza sauces on this list because it is made with cheese, which adds to the thicker texture and rich flavor. You don’t need to add cheese to your pizza as a topping since it is already included, saving you money and time. This sauce is easy to use if you want to cook pizzas with kids, and it contains no harmful preservatives.
  • Feature: Pizza Sauce with Cheese
  • Weight: 12.79 Pounds
Pastorelli Pizza Sauce
Pastorelli Pizza Sauce is one of the best store-bought pizza sauces in the market because of its health benefits and versatility. This rich and savory pizza sauce has a traditional taste that works well in homemade pizzas. It is gluten-free and contains no preservatives or corn syrup. The can is also BPA-free, so you don’t need to worry about any unknown chemicals getting into your food.
  • Feature: Original cheese, gluten free
  • Weight: 0.5 pounds
Contadina
Contadina Pizza Sauce comes in the plainest packaging on this list. It comes in a squeeze bottle so you can squirt it onto your dough without having to worry about the cleanup. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for bread and other foods.
  • Feature: Pizza flavor
  • Weight: 4 pounds

Best Store Bought Pizza Sauces Reviews

1. Don Pepino Pizza Sauce

Don Pepino
Made with fresh tomatoes from the vine, Don Pepino Pizza Sauce is excellent for family meals because it is free from starches, preservatives, added sugars, citric acid, artificial coloring, and gums, making it one of the healthier sauces on this list. It has a rich texture and taste and is dairy-free.

The ingredients in this sauce are tomatoes, corn oil, salt, spices, and garlic powder. There are 40 calories per serving with 125mg of sodium and 3g of sugar. One of the unique ingredients in this pizza sauce is corn oil, which has been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease because it contains linoleic acid and vitamin E that improve heart-health.

Don Pepino’s product is a more traditional pizza sauce that acts as a base ingredient rather than adding flavor. It does not contain any extra spices for taste, so you may want to add your own if you want more of a kick in your pizza.

Overall, this pizza sauce is a healthy option with 0mg of cholesterol and nutritional benefits from its fresher ingredients. It can also be used for other dishes or as a dipping sauce for bread.

Pros
  • Contains fresh tomatoes
  • Made with corn oil
  • Free from preservatives and artificial flavoring
  • Cholesterol-free
Cons
  • Can taste bland to some

2. Muir Glen Organic Pizza Sauce

Muir Glen Organic Pizza Sauce
This organic pizza sauce from Muir Glen uses quality USDA-certified tomatoes that are non-GMO. The vine-ripened tomatoes from California are cooked whole into the sauce during the manufacturing process, making it thick and rich. The sauce itself is made with simple ingredients and natural spices.

The ingredients in this pizza sauce include premium-quality tomatoes, organic extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, onion, basil, oregano, garlic, and black pepper. These simple elements give the sauce a traditional flavor with no sugar added. There is 0g of cholesterol and no trans or saturated fats, and each serving size contains 45 calories, 250mg of sodium, and 6g of carbs.

Muir Glen uses ethical farming techniques to grow their tomatoes with no chemical fertilizers or synthetic pesticides. Winners of the 2012 John Muir Conservation Award are also part of a sizable composting program that converts tomato-processing waste into soil for independent organic farmers.

This sauce is an excellent option for those who want a thicker sauce that can be used not just for pizza but also for pasta or stews.

Pros
  • Includes USDA Certified and Non-GMO tomatoes
  • Can be used for other sauce-based meals
  • Gluten-free
  • No added sugar
Cons
  • Shorter lifespan than other sauces
  • Can taste bland to some

3. Chef Boyardee Sauce

Chef
Chef Boyardee Sauce is one of the unique pizza sauces on this list because it is made with cheese, which adds to the thicker texture and rich flavor. You don’t need to add cheese to your pizza as a topping since it is already included, saving you money and time. This sauce is easy to use if you want to cook pizzas with kids, and it contains no harmful preservatives.

The ingredients used in this sauce are high-quality tomato puree, cheddar cheese, soybean oil, salt, modified corn starch, cream, and natural flavorings. There are 35 calories per serving with 350mg of sodium and 3g of sugar included. This sauce is excellent for people on a low carb diet since it has 3g net carbs.

However, it may not be the right sauce for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant. It also contains modified corn starch, calcium chloride, and xanthan gum, which may be harmful if consumed excessively. Ultimately, this is one of the best-canned pizza sauces for cheese lovers, and it is easy to use when cooking with children as a family activity.

Pros
  • No artificial flavors
  • Made with cheese
  • Uses high-quality vine-ripened tomatoes
  • Easy to use for family cooking
Cons
  • Not suitable for vegans or lactose-intolerant people
  • Contains ingredients that could be harmful to your health if excessively consumed

4. Pastorelli Pizza Sauce

Pastorelli Pizza Sauce
Pastorelli Pizza Sauce is one of the best store-bought pizza sauces in the market because of its health benefits and versatility. This rich and savory pizza sauce has a traditional taste that works well in homemade pizzas. It is gluten-free and contains no preservatives or corn syrup. The can is also BPA-free, so you don’t need to worry about any unknown chemicals getting into your food.

It has an olive oil base, which adds lightness to the thick sauce and gives it a smoother texture. Other ingredients in this sauce include California tomato puree, canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, salt, Pecorino Romano cheese, spices, garlic, and citric acid. The cheese included does not make this sauce suitable for vegans or those intolerant to lactose. Citric acid has also been known to cause allergic reactions for some people.

It has 40 calories per serving, 5g of sugar, and 310mg of sodium, which is relatively low for the serving size. However, it is vital to know how much sugar or salt you add with your pizza toppings.

This sauce can also be used for pasta, bread, or other recipes, making it a great versatile product to have in the pantry.

Pros
  • Rich tomato flavor
  • No preservatives
  • BPA-free
  • Gluten-free and corn syrup-free
Cons
  • Not suitable for vegans or those intolerant to lactose
  • Contains citric acid

5. Contadina Pizza Sauce

Contadina
Contadina Pizza Sauce comes in the plainest packaging on this list. It comes in a squeeze bottle so you can squirt it onto your dough without having to worry about the cleanup. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for bread and other foods.

This pizza sauce is made from tomato puree, corn syrup, salt, corn starch, soybean oil, onion powder, citric acid, garlic powder, and preservatives. The garlic and onion flavors are well-balanced without dominating the sauce. Each serving size contains 340mg of sodium, 30 calories, and 2g of sugar.

One of the largest cons of this sauce is that it includes preservatives. However, it does have a longer lifespan if you leave it unopened after purchase. The bottle is also not environmentally-friendly, which can be a con for some. Its ease of use can make cooking pizza at-home fun for kids to do without making a big mess.

Pros
  • Easy to use and pour
  • Long lifespan if stored unopened
  • Right balance of garlic and onion flavor
  • Can be used as a dipping sauce
Cons
  • Sold in a plastic bottle
  • Contains preservatives

Pre-Purchase Considerations

Pizza Sauce on Dough

Pizza sauce is a crucial ingredient to make any pizza sing. Some types and flavors can meet almost any craving you might have. A tomato-based sauce is the most versatile to add other ingredients and toppings to, but you can enjoy several others.

Regardless of the flavor, however, not all store-bought sauces are created equal, and there are a few things you want to look for before purchasing the right pizza sauce for you and your preference.

Oil

Check the jar ingredients or can before buying and make sure it includes olive oil rather than sunflower or soy. Extra virgin olive oil is a healthier and lighter ingredient compared to others. It has been linked to stroke prevention and reducing the risk of heart disease. It also enhances the taste of pizza sauce and gives it a smoother texture.

Pure corn oil is another base that adds some health benefits to pizza sauce. Corn oil contains linoleic acid and vitamin E, both of which are heart-healthy compounds. These compounds have been linked to lowering the risk of heart disease as well.

Packaging

Store-bought pizza sauces come in a glass jar, can, or plastic bottle. Several cans contain BPA, which can be harmful to your body and skin when consumed. Plastic bottles can make it easy to squeeze sauce onto pizzas, but they are not environmentally-friendly, which can be a con for some.

The best-jarred pizza sauces are easy to open and store in the refrigerator after use. You can recycle the glass after you are done with the sauce or use it for something else. However, a jar may make it more difficult to pour out just the amount you want if you don’t do it carefully or with a ladle or spoon. Ultimately, you want the store-bought packaging to be convenient and safe.

Storage

Unopened bottles or cans can most likely be left in a dry place, like the cupboard or pantry, until use. However, check the packaging label to see how to store it in the best way. After opening, pizza sauces need to be stored in the refrigerator. If it is in a can, we recommend keeping it in a resealable glass jar for refrigeration.

Lifespan

Sauces with preservatives undoubtedly have a higher lifespan than those without preservatives. It can also depend on other aspects, such as how organic the ingredients are and if there are other chemicals in it. Fresher ingredients will go bad faster and have a much shorter shelf-life.

Sauces containing preservatives will last between 18-24 months after purchase if left unopened. You can also use the expiration date included on the package as a guide.

Sugar Content

While tomatoes, olive oil, and other ingredients in pizza sauce have some nutritional benefits, some store-bought sauces can contain a high amount of sugar that can damage your body. It can also make the pizza sauce itself taste too sweet.

However, most sauces contain a relatively low sodium and sugar amount as long as you follow the recommended serving size. The ratio of sugar should only be a few grams per serving size. When buying pizza sauce, make sure you check the ingredients on the packaging to see the sugar content and be aware of what you will be consuming.

Versatility

You may not use the whole jar of sauce for every pizza you make, so it is always good to have the option to use it for other dishes. Many store-bought pizza sauces can be used in various ways. You can use it with spaghetti and different pasta and add herbs or other spices to make it more flavorful.

You can also use most pizza sauces to dip bread or other side dishes. The texture and consistency of the sauce will be a factor in how versatile it is, and most jars or cans will specify if it can be used in other ways. Make sure it is cooked fully before serving it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between pizza sauce and marinara?

Though they are made with many of the same ingredients, pizza sauce and marinara have some stark differences. One of the most significant differences is that marinara sauce usually has a chunkier texture because the tomatoes are sauteed before being turned into a sauce. The consistency is often thinner, so it can spread easier over your pasta.
On the other hand, pizza sauce has a thicker consistency, so it does not run off the dough while you cook. It has more of a tomato base as well and is made with raw tomatoes rather than cooked. The raw tomatoes are what gives the sauce its thicker consistency.
Marinara sauce is also much more flavorful because it is meant to be used for pasta, meat, or other dishes. Since pizzas usually have toppings and other ingredients to give it flavor, the base sauce is plainer to amplify the other elements.

What is pizza sauce made of?

Every brand uses different variables to set it apart, but the essential ingredients used in most sauces are tomatoes, garlic, oil, and some salt and sugar for taste. There are often spices added to give it flavor as well.

How do you thicken pizza sauce?

If you find your store-bought pizza sauce is too thin, you can add tomato puree to it. You can use this even with sauces that are not made of tomato paste and still get a great flavor.
Another way to thicken pizza sauce is by mixing in a spoonful of flour or cornstarch. If it is still too runny on the dough, add a little more. However, be careful not to add too much, or else it can ruin the flavor of your pizza. You can also add a small sprinkle of baking soda to absorb the excess water in the sauce.

Can I use pasta sauce instead of pizza sauce?

While it is generally made of the same ingredients mentioned above, some flavor will be sacrificed using pasta sauce on your pizza. Sauces that are made for pizza are typically made of more straightforward ingredients and are uncooked. The uncooked base makes your pizza taste better by adding a zesty tomato flavor after being baked in the oven.
As a pre-cooked tomato sauce, pasta sauce is slow-simmered and has a more in-depth and richer flavor thanks to additional herbs and spices. It also has a thinner consistency, so you would need to thicken it, so it doesn’t run off the pizza dough. Depending on your taste preference.

Conclusion

Cooking pizza can be a fun and delicious activity to do at home by yourself or with family and friends. You can modify it in any way to fit dietary limitations and experiment with different ingredients to achieve the flavor you want. The right pizza sauce can act as a great base that complements all of the other toppings and tastes.

This list of the best store-bought pizza sauces is all excellent options whether you’re looking for a richer flavor, a healthier alternative, or an easy application. Ultimately, the best product is the one that fits you and your family’s taste preferences.

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About Maria Foster
Maria Foster
Maria Foster is a mother of 3 and she and her husband of 23 years share their home with 2 faithful dogs. Besides being CEO of the household and active in her community, Maria is the lead contributor to Food Champs and loves to try new food ideas and kitchen accessories to make easier and more delicious meals.
Maria Foster
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