This Jarred Pasta Sauce Is So Delicious, I'm Never Buying Another Brand (It's Not Rao's or Carbone!)

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Pasta with Sauz Miso Marinara

Credit: Alexandra Foster

On those nights when I can’t be bothered to put much effort into cooking, an easy pasta recipe is my go-to dinner: Boil water, cook pasta, stir in sauce, and I’m done. (It’s so satisfying!)

Related: Possum Pie

There are minimal steps and even fewer ingredients, so I make sure I’m reaching for ones that really pack in the flavor. I’ve tried many jarred pasta sauces in my day, and few have wowed me as much as Sauz’s Miso Garlic Marinara. The flavors are so delicious and well-executed that it’ll be the only jar you’ll want to reach for on your next pasta night. (It’s definitely become mine.) Here’s why.

Jar of Sauz Miso Garlic Marinara

Credit: Alexandra Foster

What You Should Know About Sauz Miso Garlic Marinara

Sauz first came to the market in 2023, and was born out of innovation during the pandemic. Its founders wanted to (quite literally) spice up the pasta sauce aisle by crafting fun, innovative flavors unlike any others you’d see on the shelf — including Hot Honey Marinara, Cracked Pepper and Parmesan, Creamy Calabrian Vodka, Paprika Parmesan Alfredo, Lemon Pepper Pesto, and Brown Butter Alfredo.

Miso Garlic Marinara is the brand’s first-ever Italian- and Asian-inspired sauce. The tomato sauce gets its added umami from white miso paste, black garlic, ginger purée, and white wine vinegar.

Miso Garlic Marinara, 2-Pack

Sauz

$25

Buy Now

All Sauz sauces are non-GMO and gluten- and preservative-free. They’re made in small batches, and there’s no compromise on flavor or quality. The Miso Garlic Marinara is at Whole Foods nationwide for a little over $9. You can also buy them in bulk directly on Sauz’s website or Amazon storefront for a few dollars more per jar.

Pasta with Sauz Miso Marinara

Credit: Alexandra Foster

My Honest Review of Sauz Miso Garlic Marinara

When I first got word of Sauz’s new Miso Garlic Marinara, I was intrigued. While I use miso often in my cooking for marinades and quick dressings, I’d never had it with pasta before, let alone marinara sauce.

So I cooked up my favorite rigatoni and waited eagerly to mix in the sauce. As I opened the jar, I noticed that the sauce was thick and chunky. I could see whole pieces of garlic and onion, and it coated the pasta nicely.

Pasta with Sauz Miso Marinara

Credit: Alexandra Foster

I took a bite and was hit with a flavor explosion in my mouth! The miso is PROMINENT and punchy, yet melds beautifully with the subtle sweetness of the tomatoes. The garlic flavor is strong as well, and there’s a hint of ginger, which makes for a layered, funky, fermented sauce.

It’s not overly salty, either, and has just the right balance of seasoning. Typically I tend to doctor up a jarred sauce with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a dash of salt and pepper, but the Miso Garlic Marinara needs no additions.

I love the fusion of Asian and Italian flavors. I could see this sauce being delicious as an add-in to ramen, smeared on a sandwich, or used as a dipping sauce or as the base of a quick shakshuka. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever tried, and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat.

Buy: Sauz Miso Garlic Marinara, $24.99 for two 25-ounce jars at Sauz

Have you tried Sauz Miso Garlic Marinara? Let us know in the comments.

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