If you're looking for natural, healthful ingredients that capture the taste of Italy, then there are certain pasta sauces you'll want to absolutely avoid. These are some of the worst offenders.
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00:00For a truly authentic Italian flavor with wholesome ingredients, steer clear of certain
00:05pasta sauces. Here's a list of the biggest culprits to avoid for the best taste and quality.
00:11Hunt's Traditional Pasta Sauce is a popular, budget-friendly choice, but it contains some
00:15concerning ingredients. The use of high-fructose corn syrup is a major issue, as it adds unnecessary
00:20sugars and empty calories. Though not worse than table sugar, its lower cost means it's
00:25often used in excess. In this sauce, the six grams of sugar per serving make it overly
00:30sweet, detracting from the more balanced, savory flavors typical of traditional Italian
00:35sauces. Additionally, Hunt's relies on tomato puree as a main ingredient, which often signals
00:40the use of lower-quality tomatoes. Tomato puree can be made from reconstituted tomato
00:45paste, resulting in a less vibrant flavor and texture compared to fresh, whole tomatoes.
00:50These choices suggest Hunt's prioritizes affordability over the authentic taste and
00:54quality that many expect from a pasta sauce.
00:57"...tomato on tomato."
00:59Bertolli, a well-known brand for jarred pasta sauces, offers a tomato and basil variety
01:04that's marketed as an authentic Italian option, but it misses the mark due to several questionable
01:09ingredients. For starters, the tomatoes are treated with calcium chloride, a common additive
01:14used to preserve firmness during processing. Unfortunately, this can give the tomatoes
01:18a metallic aftertaste, which detracts from the natural flavor. Since tomatoes are the
01:22core ingredient, their quality is crucial. Additionally, each serving contains 11 grams
01:27of sugar. While sugar is a standard ingredient in many pasta sauces, the amount here could
01:32negatively impact both the nutritional value and the balance of flavors.
01:36The inclusion of these ingredients suggests Bertolli is prioritizing shelf stability and
01:40cost efficiency over crafting a high-quality sauce that showcases fresh, natural flavors.
01:46For those seeking a more authentic, flavorful option, Bertolli's sauce doesn't quite deliver.
01:52Good & Gather Traditional. Pasta sauce, part of Target's affordable in-house brand, offers
01:56a budget-friendly option for those watching their wallets. It's a good choice for consumers
02:00seeking to avoid artificial additives like colors, flavors, and preservatives. However,
02:05it still contains added sugar, which health-conscious shoppers should be mindful of when selecting
02:10processed products.
02:11Another concern arises from the sauce's vague oil label. It simply states,
02:15"...vegetable oil," but lists,
02:17"...cottonseed oil and or canola oil and or soybean oil," as possibilities. This lack
02:22of clarity may be frustrating for those who want to know exactly what's in their sauce.
02:27Each of these oils has distinct flavor profiles, nutritional values, and overall quality, so
02:32the uncertainty could be a deal-breaker for many. If the sauce includes unrefined cottonseed
02:37it could be a less favorable option due to its high saturated fat content and the potential
02:42presence of gossypol, a toxin linked to liver damage and infertility, though it's typically
02:46removed during processing. On the other hand, soybean and canola oils are more common, but
02:52they don't bring the rich flavor or health benefits of extra virgin olive oil, making
02:56them less ideal for those seeking a more authentic and wholesome taste.
03:00Prego's Traditional Italian Meat Sauce makes another appearance on this list. Due to its
03:05use of added sugars and canola oil, reflecting the brand's emphasis on cost over quality,
03:10the type of beef used isn't specified, which could be a concern for those who prefer knowing
03:14the source of their meat. Additionally, ingredients like beef extract, dried beef stock, and beef
03:19fat suggest a reliance on artificial additives rather than fresh, high-quality meat. For
03:24those seeking a premium, flavorful meat sauce, Prego falls short, as it prioritizes affordability
03:30at the expense of quality ingredients.
03:32"...gotta be low, dawg."
03:34Kroger's Classic Tomato Traditional Pasta Sauce offers convenience and affordability,
03:38but it relies on several lower-quality ingredients. It uses tomato puree instead of whole tomatoes,
03:44which affects the sauce's flavor and texture. Like many budget options, it contains added
03:48sugar — 10 grams in just half a cup — leading to a higher calorie and sugar count that detracts
03:53from the authentic taste of Italian sauce. Additionally, the sauce includes soybean oil,
03:58known for its neutral flavor and lack of nutritional benefits compared to healthier alternatives
04:02like olive oil. Overall, it's clear that Kroger prioritizes cost efficiency over delivering
04:07a high-quality, flavorful pasta sauce. This makes it a less appealing choice for those
04:12looking for a more authentic, wholesome option.
04:15Prego is a common brand found in most grocery stores, but its Traditional Italian Sauce
04:19falls short in quality. The added sugars, totaling four grams, contribute unnecessary
04:24empty calories. While a small amount of sugar can counterbalance the acidity of tomatoes,
04:29Prego's excess isn't necessary, affecting the sauce's overall nutritional value.
04:33"...this is pointless."
04:35Prego opts for canola oil, likely for its low cost, instead of the flavorful, health-boosting
04:40extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil, commonly used in traditional pasta sauces, is full
04:45of antioxidants and healthy fats. While Prego's sauce may be convenient and budget-friendly,
04:51it sacrifices quality for affordability, making it a less desirable option for those seeking
04:56premium taste.
04:58Chef Boyardee's Spaghetti Sauce with Meat is a nostalgic favorite for many, but it falls
05:02short in quality due to some concerning ingredients. High-fructose corn syrup makes an appearance,
05:07adding unnecessary sugar and calories to the sauce. Additionally, the meat is vaguely labeled
05:11as just beef, offering no clarity about its source or quality, which may be a concern
05:16for those who value humane practices and transparency in sourcing.
05:20Another odd ingredient is carrots, which suggests the sauce contains less meat compared to higher
05:25quality or homemade alternatives. These carrots may be acting as fillers to bulk up the sauce,
05:30further diminishing its overall quality.
05:32While Chef Boyardee might hit the mark for those seeking a quick, nostalgic meal, it's
05:36not the best choice for anyone looking for a more flavorful, authentic pasta sauce. If
05:40you're aiming for the best taste and quality, this sauce is probably worth skipping.
05:45My apologies to Chef Boyardee's, eh."
05:50Prego's Homestyle Alfredo Sauce is promoted as a quick and cozy choice for an Italian
05:54meal, but it includes some concerning ingredients. Notably, there is no mention of the specific
05:59type of Parmesan cheese used, which is crucial in an Alfredo sauce. High-quality Parmesan,
06:05like D.O.P. Parmigiano-Reggiano, is key to achieving the authentic flavor and texture
06:10of this sauce. Without the D.O.P. certification, it's likely that Prego uses a lower-grade
06:15cheese, which aligns with the sauce's affordable price point.
06:18Furthermore, the sauce contains modified food starch. Though it's generally deemed safe,
06:23this ingredient is mainly used as a thickener and provides little nutritional value. For
06:27those with gluten sensitivities, the inclusion of modified food starch is worth noting, as
06:31it can be derived from gluten-containing sources.
06:34While the sauce may be convenient, these ingredients suggest it doesn't offer the premium quality
06:38one might expect from an Alfredo sauce.
06:42Ragu's Classic Alfredo Sauce is a budget-friendly option, but it sacrifices quality for affordability.
06:47One issue is the use of soybean oil, which lacks flavor and nutritional benefits compared
06:52to healthier alternatives. Additionally, the sauce contains modified cornstarch, a common
06:57thickener in processed foods, which raises concerns about its overall quality.
07:01Another drawback is the lack of information about the Parmesan cheese used. If it featured
07:05high-quality D.O.P. Parmigiano-Reggiano, the label would proudly display it. Instead,
07:11its absence suggests that lower-grade cheese is used.
07:14When shopping for pasta sauces, it's important to be cautious of brands that rely on questionable,
07:20low-cost ingredients. While Ragu offers convenience, it may not be the best choice for those looking
07:25for a richer, more authentic flavor.
07:28Walmart's Great Value brand offers affordable options, but its traditional pasta sauce reveals
07:33typical signs of lower-quality products. Like many budget sauces, it includes added sugar
07:38— 3 grams per serving, which accounts for 6 percent of the daily recommended intake.
07:43With a total of 10 grams of sugar in just half a cup, it might not seem excessive at
07:47first, but it adds up quickly, especially for pasta lovers. While the price is low,
07:51the presence of sugar compromises the sauce's overall quality and authenticity.
07:56I love it, I love it, I love it!"
07:59Great Value's sauce relies on tomato puree instead of whole tomatoes, which can affect
08:03its flavor. It also contains soybean oil, a cheaper option that lacks the robust taste
08:08and health benefits of higher-quality oils like olive oil.
08:12Del Monte's traditional pasta sauce offers an affordable choice for budget-conscious
08:16shoppers, but this comes at the cost of quality. One key issue is the inclusion of high-fructose
08:21corn syrup, which adds unnecessary sugar and calories. A half-cup serving contains
08:268 grams of sugar, 4 of which are added. The sauce also uses soybean oil, a common ingredient
08:31in lower-quality sauces. While it's cost-effective, soybean oil doesn't contribute to the rich
08:36flavor or nutritional benefits of healthier alternatives like olive oil.
08:40Overall, Del Monte prioritizes affordability over offering a premium product, making it
08:45less appealing for those seeking a more flavorful, high-quality sauce.
08:50Barilla's traditional basil pesto sauce attempts to deliver a convenient version of a classic
08:54Italian recipe, but it falls short of capturing the essence of authentic pesto. Traditional
08:59pesto relies heavily on olive oil, known for its rich flavor and heart-healthy fats, but
09:04Barilla substitutes it with sunflower oil. This cheaper alternative doesn't offer the
09:09same nutritional benefits or depth of flavor, making the sauce lack the richness that olive
09:13oil typically brings to pesto. Additionally, the label includes natural basil flavor, which
09:18raises questions about the quality of the fresh basil listed as a primary ingredient.
09:23The use of this vague flavoring suggests the actual basil content may be lower than expected,
09:28with Barilla relying on additives to achieve the desired taste. For those looking for a
09:32truly flavorful and wholesome pesto, Barilla's version, with its reliance on sunflower oil
09:37and artificial flavoring, may be disappointing. It could be worth considering homemade pesto
09:42for a fresher, more authentic alternative that better captures the classic taste.
09:47Hunt's also offers a meat-based pasta sauce, which shares the same affordable and convenient
09:52qualities as its traditional version. However, it also contains several concerning ingredients,
09:57such as high-fructose corn syrup. Despite being marketed as a meat sauce, the product
10:01contains less than 2% meat, and a closer look reveals it's actually labeled as meat-flavored.
10:07This raises questions about the authenticity of the sauce's meat content. There's also
10:11no clear indication of the beef's quality or origin, which may be unsettling for those
10:16who care about knowing the grade of meat or how the animals were raised. Additionally,
10:20the sauce includes hydrolyzed soy, corn, and wheat proteins. While these ingredients are
10:25used to enhance flavor and texture, they can also trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
10:30Their presence suggests that the product is highly processed, making it less appealing
10:34for those seeking a more natural, wholesome option.