Marinara sauce is one of the world’s great sauces and is probably the simplest of all the classically Italian and Italian-American pasta sauces. Marinara sauce likely first developed in the southern region of Italy, in either Naples or Sicily, after tomatoes first appeared in Europe via explorers from the New World in the 16th century.
Marinara simply means “sailors’ style” because it was the preferred meal of Italy’s merchants during long expeditions at sea. The top vegan marinara sauce brands include:
- 365 Everyday Value Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce
- Bertolli Traditional Marinara with Italian Herbs & Fresh Garlic Sauce
- Classico Riserva Marinara
- Newman’s Own Marinara with Mushrooms Pasta Sauce
- Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce
- Thrive Market Organic Tomato Basil Sauce
- Mezzetta Artizan Ingredients Italian Plum Tomato Marinara
Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional value of marinara sauces, as well as these top 7 brands.
Contents
- Is Marinara Sauce Vegan?
- Is Marinara Sauce Healthy?
- What Are the Top Vegan Marinara Pasta Sauce Brands?
- 1. 365 Everyday Value Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce
- 2. Bertolli Traditional Marinara with Italian Herbs & Fresh Garlic Sauce
- 3. Classico Riserva Marinara
- 4. Newman’s Own Marinara with Mushrooms Pasta Sauce
- 5. Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce
- 6. Thrive Market Organic Tomato Basil Sauce
- 7. Mezzetta Artizan Ingredients Italian Plum Tomato Marinara
- Alternative Vegan Marinara Sauce Options
- In Conclusion
- Related Questions
Is Marinara Sauce Vegan?
Marinara sauce is considered vegan as it is made with plant-based ingredients such as tomatoes, garlic, onions, and spices. Some marinara sauces do contain meat or dairy products, but most brands offer vegan options, as well. Always be sure to review the ingredients label.
Is Marinara Sauce Healthy?
Since tomatoes are the main ingredient or marinara, the sauce is a serving of vegetables. Specifically, a serving of tomato sauce contains 20% of the recommended daily value of both vitamins A and E. Additionally, tomato sauce provides nutrients in the form of vitamin K, B6, potassium, niacin, and copper. On the other hand, marinara sauce is often high in sodium, and in some cases may contain added sugar.
What Are the Top Vegan Marinara Pasta Sauce Brands?
This article reviews the ingredients and nutrition of several different Vegan Marinara Pasta Sauce brands. And we also review several of the best Vegan Marinara Pasta Sauce brand alternatives.
1. 365 Everyday Value Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce
All 365 Everyday Value pasta sauces are vegan! They are usually labeled vegan, so if you see the V, no need to read the ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Organic Diced Tomatoes (organic Tomatoes, Organic Tomato Juice)
- Organic Tomato Puree (water, Organic Tomato Paste)
- Organic Garlic Puree (organic Garlic, Water)
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Organic Onions
- Salt
- Organic Garlic
- Organic Basil
- Organic Oregano
- Organic Black Pepper
Nutrition Facts (½ cup):
- 60 Calories
- 5g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 8g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
- 410mg Sodium
Allergen Info: Produced in a facility that processes peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, wheat and soy.
2. Bertolli Traditional Marinara with Italian Herbs & Fresh Garlic Sauce
Made with a few key ingredients such as juicy tomatoes and accented with garlic, onion and basil. The simple technique of cooking lightly with olive oil locks in layers of flavor
Not all red sauces by Bertolli are vegan-friendly. Make sure you read the ingredients carefully before you buy.
Ingredients:
- Diced Tomatoes
- Water
- Tomato Paste
- Onions, Olive Oil
- Sugar
- Salt
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Basil
- Oregano
- Spices
- Calcium Chloride
- Citric Acid
Nutrition Facts (½ cup):
- 70 Calories
- 3g Total Fat
- 5g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 0g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 7g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- 9g Protein
- 490mg Sodium
3. Classico Riserva Marinara
Some Classico pasta sauces are vegan, while others are not, make sure you read the ingredients carefully before you buy. Classico Marinara claims this is the perfect blend of tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, garlic and spices. With no artificial ingredients and no sugar added, this pasta sauce is also gluten free.
Ingredients:
- Ground Tomatoes (Tomatoes, Tomato Puree, Citric Acid)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Onions
- Garlic
- Sea Salt
- Spices
Nutrition Facts (½ cup):
- 00 Calories
- 4g Total Fat
- 5g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 0g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 5g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
- 420mg Sodium
4. Newman’s Own Marinara with Mushrooms Pasta Sauce
While there are plenty of vegan tomato sauce options from Newman’s Own, be careful of the seemingly vegan sauces that actually contain an ingredient that may or may not be vegan, such as wine and natural flavor. Marinara with Mushrooms Pasta Sauce contains No Artificial Flavors, No Artificial Fillers, No Artificial Colors.
Ingredients:
- Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste, Citric Acid)
- Diced Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Sugar
- Salt
- Soybean Oil Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Spices
- Dried Onion
- Dried Garlic
Nutrition Facts (½ cup):
- 70 Calories
- 2g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 12g Total Carbohydrates
- 3g Dietary Fiber
- 11g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
- 520mg Sodium
5. Primal Kitchen Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce
For those of you on a vegan Paleo diet or trying to eat more whole foods, Primal Kitchen is a great brand to have on hand. While not all paleo foods are vegan, all Primal Kitchen pasta sauces are vegan, organic, and made from whole-food ingredients!
Ingredients:
- Organic Diced Tomatoes
- Organic Tomato Puree (Water, Organic Tomato Paste)
- Organic Basil
- Avocado Oil
- Sea Salt
- Organic Onions
- Organic Garlic Powder
- Organic Oregano
- Citric Acid
- Organic Garlic
Nutrition Facts (½ cup):
- 50 Calories
- 2g Total Fat
- 5g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 8g Total Carbohydrates
- 1g Dietary Fiber
- 5g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- 1g Protein
- 470mg Sodium
6. Thrive Market Organic Tomato Basil Sauce
This brand contains organic plum tomatoes grown in Naples, Italy and giving Thrive Market Organic Basil Pasta Sauce it’s incredible flavor. The sweet tomatoes are slowly simmered with organic ingredients such as olive oil, onions, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, and basil for a premium pasta sauce.
Ingredients:
- Organic Whole Peeled Tomatoes
- Organic Fresh Onions
- Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Organic Fresh Garlic
- Sea Salt
- Organic Black Pepper
- Organic Fresh Basil
Nutrition Facts (½ cup):
- 70 Calories
- 4g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 7g Total Carbohydrates
- 2g Dietary Fiber
- 3g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
- 400mg Sodium
7. Mezzetta Artizan Ingredients Italian Plum Tomato Marinara
All Mezzetta pasta sauces are not all vegan, but the vegan varieties are clearly labeled vegan! Just look for the V on the jar and you’re in the clear. Certified vegan, certified gluten-free, keto, no sugar added and no artificial flavors or colors.
Ingredients:
- Italian Plum Tomatoes From Italy’s San Marzano Region
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Fresh Onions
- Sea Salt
- Fresh Garlic
- Black Pepper
- Spices
- Fresh Basil
Nutrition Facts (½ cup):
- 100 Calories
- 8g Total Fat
- 1g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 6g Total Carbohydrates
- 1g Dietary Fiber
- 0g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
- 510mg Sodium
Alternative Vegan Marinara Sauce Options
1. Primal Kitchen No-Dairy Garlic Alfredo Sauce
Primal Kitchen has two varieties of plant-based pasta sauce that are hard to come by: vegan alfredo sauce and vegan vodka sauce! The new Primal Kitchen No-Dairy Alfredo Sauce delivers that same decadent Alfredo sauce taste without dairy (or gluten, soy, canola oil or artificial ingredients). It contains creamy cashew butter, avocado oil, onion powder, and a sprinkle of black pepper and make this marinara Paleo- and Keto-certified, and a plant-based sauce.
Ingredients:
- Water
- Cashew Butter
- Avocado Oil
- Organic Tapioca Starch
- Sea Salt
- Roasted Garlic
- Onion Powder
- Black Pepper
- Lemon Juice Concentrate
- Citric Acid
- Nutritional Yeast
Nutrition Facts (¼ cup):
- 60 Calories
- 1g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 4g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- <1g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- <1g Protein
- 350mg Sodium
Allergen Info: Contains: Tree Nuts (Cashew)
2. Victoria Fine Foods Vegan Arugula Pesto Alfredo Sauce
Not only are Victoria pasta sauces delicious and made with high-quality ingredients, but they also have a large selection of specialty vegan sauces, Victoria has many creamy vegan sauces that you won’t find anywhere else, including multiple vegan alfredo sauces, vegan vodka sauce, and even a vegan arugula pesto sauce. It features the distinct and savory tastes of basil, arugula and pine nuts. Gluten-free, Kosher and Non-GMO.
Ingredients:
- Cashew Cream (Water, Cashews)
- Basil
- Garlic
- Sea Salt
- Turbinado Sugar
- Non-Dairy Lactic Acid
- Natural Cocoa Butter Flavor
- Corn Starch
- Arugula
- Xanthan Gum
- Gum Acacia
- Pine nuts
- Black Pepper
- Lemon Juice Concentrate
- Rosemary
Nutrition Facts (¼ cup):
- 70 Calories
- 5g Total Fat
- 1g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 6g Total Carbohydrates
- 1g Dietary Fiber
- 1g Sugar
- 1g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
- 320mg Sodium
Allergen Info: Contains: Tree Nuts
3. Jar Goods Bet + Basil Pesto Sauce Vegan Vodka Tomato Sauce
Jar Goods pasta sauces are all certified non-GMO and are clean label, meaning they are made with as few ingredients as possible. Many Jar Goods spaghetti sauces are vegan, but watch out for some varieties that use animal products. Jar Goods is one of the only brands with a vegan vodka sauce and made with ingredients like coconut milk and their Classic Red tomato sauce, this sauce is minimally processed, Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free.
Ingredients:
- Tomatoes
- Coconut Milk (Coconut, Water, Xanthan Gum)
- Water
- Olive Oil
- Onions
- Red Curry Paste (Jalapeño Peppers, Shallots, Spices, Ginger, Canola and Olive Oil Blend, Garlic, Water, Salt, Brown Sugar, Lemongrass, Lime Peel Powder, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum)
- Contains 1% or less of each of the following: Garlic, Salt, Citric Acid, Spice, and Basil
Nutrition Facts (¼ cup):
- 160 Calories
- 14g Total Fat
- 0g Saturated Fat
- 0mg Cholesterol
- 9g Total Carbohydrates
- 0g Dietary Fiber
- 4g Sugar
- 0g Added Sugars
- 2g Protein
- 260mg Sodium
In Conclusion
Marinara is one of the world’s simplest sauces that are easily added to pasta. Typically, marinara sauce is vegan and counts as a serving of vegetables as it’s typically made of tomatoes, onions and herb seasoning. Some marinara brands contain multiple animal products including milk and animal flavors, always double-check labels. Marinara sauce is a healthy option to add to your diet providing a good source of vitamin K and B6 along with being low in calories.
Related Questions
Is Non-Organic Sugar Vegan?
Refined sugar is known to contain animal-derived bone char. Therefore, refined sugar is not vegan. Some marinara brands contain non-organic sugar double-check your food label looking for an asterisk (*).
What Is the Difference Between Marinara and Spaghetti Sauce?
Marinara sauce is a tomato-based sauce that cooks quickly. Spaghetti sauce is actually a version of marinara sauce but usually contains ingredients such as meat or vegetables.