Kroger Traditional Pasta Sauce — OKAY

Munch or Dump rates Kroger Traditional Pasta Sauce by Kroger OKAY — score 62/90.

A real tomato base with recognizable ingredients: puree, diced tomatoes, oil, and seasonings. It leans on added sugar and refined soybean oil, which keeps it out of MUNCH territory, but there are no artificial colors, flavors, or gums. A solid, honest jarred sauce.

Why this verdict

• Tomatoes are the real base (puree plus diced tomatoes)
• No artificial colors, flavors, or thickening gums
• Added sugar and refined soybean oil keep it merely OKAY, not clean
• Modest sodium and moderate sugar for the category (NOVA 3)

Ingredients (9)

• Tomato Puree (safe) — Real tomato base; source of lycopene and flavor.
• diced tomatoes in tomato juice (safe) — Additional whole-tomato content; a positive sign.
• Soybean Oil (moderate) — Second refined oil in the chicken component.
• Sugar (moderate) — Small added sweetener to balance acidity; minor at salsa portions.
• Salt (moderate) — Main sodium source; keep an eye on it if you use large amounts.
• dried onions (safe) — Real aromatic; standard seasoning.
• citric acid (safe) — Mild acid for tartness and preservation.
• Spices (safe) — Standard seasoning blend.
• dried garlic (safe) — Real garlic, dehydrated for shelf life.

Healthier alternatives

• Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce, 24 oz
• Good & Gather Organic Marinara Pasta Sauce
• H-E-B Fresh Guacamole - Mild
• Central Market Private Reserve Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Simple Truth Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil