The Short Answer
Yes, Rao's is clean.
Rao's Homemade Marinara is the rare exception in the pasta sauce aisle. While competitors dilute their product with water, thicken it with tomato paste, and load it with sugar and seed oils, Rao's uses whole peeled Italian tomatoes and olive oil.
There are no hidden gums, starches, or "natural flavors." It is one of the few processed foods that genuinely mimics a homemade recipe.
Why This Matters
Most jarred pasta sauces are sugar bombs disguised as dinner. A half-cup serving of a standard brand like Prego can contain as much sugar as a donut. They achieve their texture using tomato paste and water rather than reducing whole tomatoes, which degrades the nutrient profile.
Even "healthy" brands often sneak in inflammatory seed oils like soybean or canola oil to save money. Rao's uses olive oil, which is heat-stable and heart-healthy. Oils In Salad Dressing
The biggest concern for Rao's fans is the 2024 Campbell's acquisition. When big food conglomerates buy independent "clean" brands, quality cuts usually follow. As of early 2026, however, the ingredients remain unchanged.
What's Actually In Rao's
The ingredient list is refreshingly short. Here is what is inside the classic Marinara:
- Italian Whole Peeled Tomatoes — The base is real tomatoes, not reconstituted paste.
- Olive Oil — A clean fat source. No canola, soybean, or sunflower oil.
- Onions & Garlic — Real aromatics, not just powders.
- Salt, Basil, Black Pepper, Oregano — Simple seasonings.
There is no added sugar and no citric acid (a preservative often derived from mold).
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Whole Peeled Tomatoes — First ingredient should be tomatoes, not "tomato puree (water, tomato paste)."
- Olive Oil — Look for pure olive oil or extra virgin olive oil.
- Glass Jars — Avoids BPA/BPS lining issues often found in cans.
Red Flags:
- Added Sugar — Pasta sauce doesn't need sugar if the tomatoes are ripe. Sugar In Pasta Sauce
- Vegetable Oils — Soybean, corn, and canola oils are cheap fillers.
- "Natural Flavors" — A catch-all term that hides processed additives.
The Best Options
Rao's is excellent, but it's not the only game in town anymore.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rao's | Homemade Marinara | ✅ | The reliability king. Clean ingredients, widely available. |
| Carbone | Marinara | ✅ | A premium rival. Some find it tastes fresher than Rao's. |
| Prego | Traditional | 🚫 | Contains sugar, canola oil, and "natural flavors." |
| Ragu | Old World Style | 🚫 | Soybean oil and sugar in the top ingredients. |
The Bottom Line
1. Buy Rao's with confidence. It remains a clean, safe, and delicious option.
2. Watch the label. Since the Campbell's buyout, stay vigilant. If you see "canola oil" or "sugar" appear, switch brands immediately.
3. Check the price per ounce. Rao's is expensive. Costco often sells 2-packs for the price of one grocery store jar. Is Raos Worth It
FAQ
Does Rao's have glyphosate?
Likely very low levels. While Rao's isn't certified organic, they source tomatoes from Italy, where GMOs are banned and pesticide regulations are stricter than the US. Independent testing by consumer groups like Mamavation has found no detectable PFAS in Rao's, a common contaminant in packaged foods.
Did Campbell's change the Rao's recipe?
Not yet. As of 2026, the label is identical to the pre-acquisition formula. Campbell's CEO stated they "would not touch the sauce," but corporate promises can be broken. Always check the back of the jar.
Is Rao's Whole30 compliant?
Yes. The Marinara, Tomato Basil, and Arrabbiata flavors are compliant because they contain no added sugar, alcohol, or non-compliant additives. Always double-check specialty flavors (like those with cheese), which would not be compliant.