Marinara pasta sause

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

Common questions

Is Marinara pasta sause healthy?

Marinara pasta sause scores 80/100 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 such as tomato puree, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, which are minimally processed and contribute to its nutritional value.

How processed is Marinara pasta sause?

Marinara pasta sause is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Marinara pasta sause's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Tomato puree, Diced tomatoes, Onions count in its favor. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Marinara pasta sause

Aldi
80 Good

Analysis updated June 2026 · How Scout scores

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Near you

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 7
Harmful ingredients 0
Owned by Aldi
Category Pasta
Summary

This marinara pasta sauce contains beneficial ingredients such as tomato puree, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, and olive oil, which are minimally processed and contribute to its nutritional value. The sauce is processed but maintains a clean ingredient list with only one additive, citric acid, which is commonly used for preservation. The presence of olive oil, a healthy fat, further enhances the sauce's health profile, although the processing level limits its maximum potential score.

Key ingredients 11

Tomato puree
Good

Tomato puree is a concentrated source of tomatoes, providing a rich supply of vitamins and antioxidants. It is minimally processed, retaining most of the nutritional benefits of fresh tomatoes. The puree is a good source of lycopene, which is linked to reduced risk of certain diseases.

Benefits

Rich in lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Provides vitamins A and C, supporting immune function and skin health.

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Diced tomatoes
Good

Diced tomatoes are a minimally processed form of tomatoes, retaining most of their natural nutrients. They provide a good source of vitamins and antioxidants, similar to fresh tomatoes. The inclusion of diced tomatoes adds texture and nutritional value to the sauce.

Benefits

Provides vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune health and skin maintenance. Contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

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Onions
Good

Onions are a natural ingredient that adds flavor and nutritional value to the sauce. They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. Onions are also a source of vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants like quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation and support heart health.

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Garlic
Good

Garlic is a flavorful ingredient known for its health benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is minimally processed and adds depth to the sauce's flavor profile. Garlic is also linked to improved cardiovascular health.

Benefits

May support heart health and immune function due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

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Olive oil
Good

Olive oil is a healthy fat known for its monounsaturated fatty acids and antioxidant content. It is minimally processed and supports heart health. The use of olive oil in the sauce enhances its nutritional profile.

Benefits

Rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health and provide anti-inflammatory properties.

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Parsley flakes
Good

Parsley flakes are a dried form of parsley, adding flavor and a small amount of nutrients to the sauce. They are a source of vitamins A, C, and K, and have antioxidant properties. The use of parsley flakes enhances the sauce's flavor and nutritional profile.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants and vitamins that support overall health.

Spices
Good

Whole-food seasonings, antioxidant-bearing.

Benefits

May provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits depending on the specific spices used.

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Citric acid
Neutral

Citric acid is a natural preservative and flavor enhancer commonly used in food products. It is generally recognized as safe and helps maintain the acidity and freshness of the sauce. While it is naturally found in citrus fruits, the citric acid used in foods is often synthetically produced.

Risks

Excessive consumption may cause stomach upset in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

Helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the sauce without adding calories.

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Calcium chloride
Neutral

Calcium chloride is used as a firming agent in canned vegetables and is generally recognized as safe. It helps maintain the texture of diced tomatoes in the sauce. While it is a source of calcium, the amount present in food additives is typically negligible.

Benefits

Helps maintain the firmness and texture of canned vegetables, contributing to the overall quality of the product.

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Onion powder
Neutral

Onion powder is a dehydrated form of onions used to enhance flavor. It is a convenient way to add onion flavor without the bulk of fresh onions. While it retains some nutritional properties, it is less potent than fresh onions.

Benefits

Provides flavor enhancement with some antioxidant properties.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is used to enhance flavor and preserve the sauce. It is a common culinary ingredient but should be consumed in moderation due to its sodium content. The salt used in this product is refined and does not provide additional trace minerals.

Risks

Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Enhances flavor and acts as a preservative in the sauce.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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