I have a confession. I think most jarred pasta sauce is pretty mid. I usually just grab whatever is on sale at the store because, in general, it just can’t compete with homemade tomato sauce. There are exceptions, of course. The Sporked team is pretty stoked on Rao’s marinara, and we love the Rao’s dupe Aldi sells, too. But to be totally honest, there’s never been a Trader Joe’s pasta sauce that’s really knocked our socks off. When editor-in-chief Justine Sterling tasted and ranked 16 flavors of TJ’s pasta sauce, only half earned more than five Sporks. But we’re pleased to report that there’s a new Trader Joe’s tomato sauce on the scene—and it’s good.
New Product!
Trader Joe’s Caro Sugo Italian Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce
Pros: This new Trader Joe’s pasta sauce has a lot of great qualities. It’s olive oil-forward, but still nice and bright. Pair it with a fun pasta shape—this stuff will really stick. It’s garlicky without tasting like jarred garlic. And at least one taste tester appreciated that although it is oily like Rao’s, it doesn’t taste as salty as Rao’s.
Cons: That said, this new Trader Joe’s pasta sauce isn’t quite as savory as Rao’s either. It’s bright and tomatoey, but just doesn’t have the same depth of flavor. Likewise, the basil flavor didn’t hit for everyone. All the same, this is good jarred pasta sauce—I’m rushing down to TJ’s right now to stock up before it’s gone. You never know when TJ’s will do you dirty!
Vinz Karl is a freelance contributor to Sporked and self-proclaimed Guy Fieri superfan. He believes in breakfast supremacy and is on a never-ending mission to try every flavor of Oreo out there. Originally from the Midwest, Vinz now resides in Los Angeles, where you can find him going on hikes, checking out new restaurants, and preparing for his eventual casting on CBS's Survivor.
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!
Thoughts? Questions? Complete disagreement? Leave a comment!