Ranked: Top pasta sauces

If Prego’s marinara sauce were any worse, said Lucas Kwan Peterson in the Los Angeles Times, “the SEC would have to get involved.” Other big names, such as Classico and Barilla, aren’t much better. But I sampled 30 jarred marina sauces, and there are many solid options, starting with this ranked top 4. Rao’s “A bulletproof choice for any pasta,” Rao’s is simple and balanced, “generous with the olive oil” but with “a strong tomato flavor.” Mezzetta Mezzetta’s entry “has a bright, strong tomato flavor and is quite onion-forward.” Silver Palate Salty, tangy, and “slightly peppery,” this sauce gets added flavor dimension from carrots and pear concentrate. Victoria This is another good sauce, but Victoria’s now-hard-to-find premium

White Linen brand is even better—“as close to perfect as a jarred sauce can get.”