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
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
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.