The 6 Top Trader Joe's Pasta Sauces, According to Fans

Recently, the Internet let out a collective primal scream when they learned that Campbell's had purchased the company behind Rao's cult-favorite pasta sauce.

And the screams are still reverberating, especially over on Reddit. A poster looking for Trader Joe's spaghetti sauce recommendations didn't even mention Rao's, but the saucy takes on the sale still popped up.

"I've been having a real craving for spaghetti lately and am going to head to TJ's after all my lectures tomorrow to pick up some sauce and maybe sausage or ground beef," said u/itseggotime in the Trader Joe's subreddit. "Any suggestions/recommendations on your favorite products? I'd be great to make a killer dinner."

Cue the snark.

"Stock up on Rao's marinara at Costco when it goes on sale every other quarter," responded one.

"Stock up on Rao’s while you can before Campbell’s ruins it," said another.

And then there were the pessimists.

"Personally, I’ve yet to find a TJ’s sauce that knocks my socks off," one person said.

Not everyone agrees. Many commenters answered the original poster's question. From seasonal favorites to an all-time classic, these are the best Trader Joe's pasta sauces, according to fans. Who knows—you may even find a Rao's swap in here.

Related: Rao's Fans Sound Off About Potential Changes to Their Beloved Pasta Sauce

6 Fan-Favorite Trader Joe's Pasta Sauces

1. Calabrian Chili Spicy Pasta Sauce

This bright pasta sauce with a tomato base, chili-induced kick and a touch of honey to balance the heat was one of the first suggestions in the thread. "If you like spice, you must try the Calabrian Chili Pasta Sauce," said one person.

2. Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce

Pungent and delicious, Trader Joe's Roasted Garlic Marinara Sauce is a feast for multiple senses. Herbs keep the garlic from stealing the show, and Redditors call it their "favorite...hands down" and simply "the best."

3. Organic Vodka Sauce

Another elevated yet straightforward pick, TJ's Organic Vodka Sauce is a rich and creamy blend of cheese, tomatoes, herbs and olive oil. The kick comes courtesy of a hint of vodka — but "hint" is the keyword, and it makes Trader Joe's Organic Vodka Sauce a little less pink than others on the market. Don't judge the sauce by its color, though. Redditors rave that "the vodka sauce is heavenly." "I don’t love marinara sauce, but this vodka sauce is good," wrote another.

4. Black Truffle Alfredo Pasta Sauce

This seasonal sauce that comes out around the holidays is "worth stocking up on," according to one Redditor. "Delicious, super creamy, not overpowering, and yet a little goes a long way," the person wrote. The creamy-cheesy flavors epitomize comfort food, and the almost velvety texture of the Alfredo is as soothing as a warm blanket.

Related: Top Trader Joe's Cheese Board Cheeses, According to Super Fans (It's a Controversial List)

5. Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce

One Redditor warned that this recommendation was "boring." And, yes, the Trader Joe's Tomato Basil Marinara Sauce leans into a classic recipe with ingredients like tomato puree, tomatoes, oil, salt, sugar, garlic, onions and spices like parsley and obviously basil. But sometimes you need something simple.

"Such a versatile classic and is a very affordable price," wrote one. "Great for lasagna since it lets other flavors come through too." Another loves throwing olives and capers in it. And someone else weaved the R-word into their response. "Before Rao’s hit the market, it was all I would buy," the person said. "It isn’t refined—no bells and whistles. It just is what it says: Tomato. Basil. Marinara."

6. Autumnal Harvest Creamy Pasta Sauce

This seasonal sauce is about to hit shelves, and one commenter is pumped. "The Autumnal Harvest sauce is so good," the person wrote. "I stock up on it every fall— should be coming soon." When it does, fans will once again be able to gobble up the rich, creamy, sweet and savory sauce that mixes classic tomato with fall flavors like pumpkin and butternut squash. It's the perfect sauce for a fall veggie-packed lasagna or for a nice way to fun up your Tuesday evening pantry pasta dish.