Marinara pasta sauce

Image: Open Food Facts (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Common questions

Is Marinara pasta sauce healthy?

Marinara pasta sauce scores 75/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This marinara pasta sauce contains beneficial ingredients like Italian tomatoes, onions, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil, and oregano, which contribute to its nutritional value and health benefits.

How processed is Marinara pasta sauce?

Marinara pasta sauce is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Marinara pasta sauce's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Italian Tomatoes, Onions, Extra Virgin Olive Oil count in its favor; Sunflower Oil is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Marinara pasta sauce

Best Yet
Bioengineered
75 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 6
Harmful ingredients 1
Category Pasta
Summary

This marinara pasta sauce contains beneficial ingredients like Italian tomatoes, onions, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, basil, and oregano, which contribute to its nutritional value and health benefits. However, the presence of sunflower oil, a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, is a concern due to its potential to promote inflammation. Additionally, the sauce is moderately processed, which limits its overall health score despite the presence of high-quality ingredients.

Key ingredients 9

Italian Tomatoes
Very Good

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which supports heart health. Tomatoes are minimally processed and retain most of their nutritional value. They are a staple in Mediterranean diets known for their health benefits.

Benefits

High in vitamin C and potassium, contributing to overall health and wellness. Lycopene content may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Very Good

High-quality monounsaturated fat with anti-inflammatory properties. Contains antioxidants that support heart health. Cold-pressed extraction preserves beneficial compounds.

Benefits

Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health and provide anti-inflammatory properties. Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols that may reduce oxidative stress.

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Onions
Good

Onions are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They contain quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Onions are used fresh and retain their nutritional benefits.

Benefits

May support heart health and reduce inflammation due to their antioxidant content.

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Garlic
Good

Garlic is known for its potential health benefits, including antimicrobial and cardiovascular benefits. It contains allicin, which may help reduce blood pressure. Used fresh, it retains its beneficial compounds.

Risks

May cause digestive discomfort in some individuals when consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

May support immune function and cardiovascular health due to its bioactive compounds.

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Basil
Good

Basil is an herb rich in antioxidants and essential oils that may support health. It is used fresh or dried, retaining its beneficial properties. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.

Benefits

May support immune function and reduce inflammation due to its antioxidant content.

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Oregano
Good

Oregano is an herb with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is used fresh or dried, retaining its beneficial compounds. Known for its potential to support immune health.

Benefits

May support immune function and reduce inflammation due to its antioxidant content.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used as a seasoning and preservative. It is a refined product without additional trace minerals. While necessary for bodily functions, excessive intake can lead to health issues.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.

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Modified Corn Starch
Neutral

Modified corn starch is used as a thickening agent in processed foods. It is a refined carbohydrate with minimal nutritional value. It is generally considered safe for consumption.

Benefits

Provides texture and stability to food products.

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Sunflower Oil
Very Bad

Sunflower oil is a seed oil high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation if consumed in excess. It is often highly processed, which can degrade its nutritional quality. The high omega-6 content is a concern for balanced fatty acid intake.

Risks

High omega-6 content may promote inflammation when consumed in excess.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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