Rao's Isn't Actually The Best Store-Bought Marinara Brand

While Rao's marinara sauce is a renowned cult favorite, Chowhound writer Michelle Bottalico found in her taste test of store-bought marinara brands that Mezzetta comes out on top.

The California brand beats its competitors because of its solid olive oil flavor and use of real San Marzano tomatoes, which many Neapolitans choose for their homemade sauces.

Mezzetta uses plum tomatoes grown in California and San Marzano. They have fewer seeds and lower water content, resulting in a full tomato flavor and authentic marinara.

The high quality of tomatoes also means that the brand doesn't have to add unnecessary fillers like sugar, artificial sweeteners, or flavor or texture improvers.

Plus, its use of olive oil is a huge edge over brands that put canola or soybean oil in their marinara. The brand may be pricey at $7 to $8 per jar, but its quality is worth it.