When it comes to spaghetti sauce, there are many options. Some spaghetti sauces contain ingredients that make them not the best spaghetti sauce for diabetics, such as sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. The spaghetti sauce you choose should be low-carb spaghetti sauce, low in fat, and high in fiber. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and reduce your risk of spiking blood sugar levels!
Key Takeaways
- Diabetics can eat tomato-based sauces, but must watch for added sugars and high-carb ingredients.
- Spaghetti sauces with no added sugar, healthy fats (like olive oil), and high fiber are best.
- Many brands like Yo Mama’s, Rao’s, and Barilla offer diabetic-friendly options with low net carbs and clean ingredients.
- Avoid sauces with high-fructose corn syrup, cane sugar, and excess sodium—they can spike blood sugar.
- Homemade or canned tomato sauces without additives are often the safest and healthiest option.
- Always read labels—sauces can range from 0g to over 18g of sugar per serving.
Table of Contents
Can Diabetics Eat Tomato Sauce?
Yes, but with moderation and close attention to what tomato sauce you pick.
Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants like lycopene which help your body function its best on a cellular level! Tomatoes have a low glycaemic index of less than 15, which is good for diabetics.
But, spaghetti sauce typically contains sugars that are not good for diabetics. It’s recommended you eat homemade sauce or spaghetti sauce that has been made with less sugar. Those who like to add some sweet stuff may want to consider buying spaghetti sauce without added sugars and add your own natural sweetness such as fruits or veggies.
There are plenty of low-carb spaghetti sauces out there if you look hard enough! While the product isn’t bad for diabetics, it’s best not to eat too much in one serving size due to its high carb content from the pasta or noodles themselves.
What Is The Healthiest Pasta Sauce?
Is it time to cook a low-sugar, low-carb pasta dinner? To begin, get a box of high-protein pasta to reduce carbs. There are many brands with good ingredients that won’t spike blood sugar levels too much! I tried to rate based on taste, but I made decisions based on how healthy they are.
This is a great sauce that tastes authentic and wonderful! This pasta sauce is the perfect complement to your favorite food. It's almost sugar-free and made from fresh tomatoes for a hearty flavor and without added sugars. You can feel good about giving this as a gift or having it on hand as an everyday necessity.
This healthy, low-carb pasta sauce doesn't sacrifice flavor! Made with all-natural ingredients for a guilt-free meal your whole family will enjoy. Enjoy a truly authentic Italian Pasta Sauce made with whole, fresh, non-GMO tomatoes, fresh garlic, basil seasoning, and organic chicken stock.
- 60 calories
- 4,5 grams fat (0 grams saturated fat)
- 130 mg sodium
- 5 grams carbs (1 gram fiber, 2 grams sugar)
- 1 gram protein
- 0 grams added sugar
- Great flavor
- Fresh ingredients
- Non-GMO Tomatoes
- No Added Sugars
- Some say it has a little bit too much garlic
It makes any dish feel like it came from a street cart in the Middle East.
Presented with savory or sweet, Shakshuka sauce is 100% satisfying and tastes better than ever on your favorite dishes. It may seem impossible to replicate the taste of Morocco's famous Egg Skillet using pasta, but Mina's thick and vibrant tomato sauce comes close.
Enticing aromas will arise when you add chopped tomatoes, leeks peeled off their strings, and a little thyme for flavor touch-up—but that's where the magic begins! One splash of crystallized extra virgin olive oil transforms minced garlic into a captivating aroma you can practically see dancing through your kitchen island.
- 80 calories
- 5 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat)
- 310 mg sodium
- 6 grams carbs (2 grams fiber, 3 grams sugar)
- 1 gram protein
- 0 grams added sugar
- Authentic Moroccan Flavor
- Fresh ingredients
- Meets Whole30 Guidelines
- No Added Sugars
- A bit overpriced
A wholesome and indulgent marinara sauce made with organic tomatoes and long-cooked patiently in a time-honored tradition. The secret is a simple olive oil base, fresh garlic, sea salt, and umami spices; no added sugar or preservatives are used.
You can make an infinite number of dishes simply by picking up your jar not only for Marinara: sauces like Puttanesca (tomato wine anchovy), Bolognese (meatless), Arrabbiata (spicy tomato), Carbonara - but also soups, stews, pizza, and noodles dishes.
- 80 calories
- 6 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat)
- 300 mg sodium
- 6 grams carbs (0 grams fiber, 3 grams sugar)
- 1 gram protein
- 0 grams added sugar
- Keto Certified
- Fresh ingredients
- NON-GMO Verified Tomatoes
- No Added Sugars
- Was expecting a thicker sauce
From the makers of 365 by Whole Foods Market pasta sauces with organic basil, the newest product is rich in flavor and big on taste. Not only do they cater to vegans, but they also offer a sauce that has no added sugar, is lower in fat than most traditional sweet tomato sauces, and contains less fat and more fiber than other leading brands.
What makes this product so special is its vegan-friendly ingredients list, allowing consumers to save or splurge depending on their preferences: dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-carb diets.
- 60 calories, 2,5 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 410 mg sodium, 8 g carbs (2 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 2 g protein, 0 g added sugar
- Vegan
- Fresh & Organic ingredients
- No Added Sugars
- Cheap
- A bit too chunky
Experience the rich flavors of Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce that you'll only find here. They slow-cook sweet Italian plum tomatoes with fresh ingredients to create this classic sauce. It has a sweetness from those plums and a little less acidity for a satisfying taste. All-natural, premium, homemade—you can taste the difference in this small-batch cooking process. Don't wait! Get your jar today.
- 100 calories, 7 g fat (1 g saturated fat), 420 mg sodium, 6 g carbs (1 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 1 g protein, 0 g added sugar
- Rich Flavors
- Small-batch Cooking Process
- No Added Sugars
- Amazing Taste
- Can use a bit more spices
Tomato season is upon us, meaning tomatoes (and their natural sugars) are ripe, affordable, and good for you. Cucina Antica tomato basil pasta sauce uses imported Southern Italian tomatoes, not paste, and it has no added sugar or artificial anything
The pasta sauce is made with fresh herbs and spices like thyme and garlic instead of salt (the key source of sodium). No one will know your family-favorite dish is healthier when they try this zesty pasta sauce alternative!
Save time when cooking tonight by quickly heating our 100% plant-based tray for two...or enjoy many delicious dishes during the week.
- 45 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 230 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (2 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 2 g protein, 0 g added sugar
- No Artificial Preservative
- GMO-Free and Gluten-Free
- No Added Sugars
- Made with imported Southern Italian tomatoes
- Plastic Jars
This is it if you're looking for an amazing marinara sauce that isn't full of preservatives, sugar, or other things that would take away from the healthy flavor. They craft the homemade authentic Italian recipe one small batch at a time with olive oil harvested at its freshness and hand-crushed vine-ripened tomatoes, garlic, and basil. No added sugars (the sauce tastes amazing without anything else). Plus, it's vegan and gluten-free.
- 130 calories, 11 g fat (1,5 g saturated fat), 460 mg sodium, 7 g carbs (1 g fiber, 4 g sugar), 2 g protein, 0 g added sugar
- Vegan
- All-Natural Ingredients
- No Added Sugars
- Fresh and Small-batch Process
- Some speak about being broken/spoiled on arrival
- High in sodium
This sauce always tastes so good, from pasta to salads to even pizza. It's vine-ripened tomatoes cooked with garlic and basil for a flavor that only time can bring out. But the infusion of creamy avocado oil takes things over the top—smooth without being too heavy or cloying—and adds a creamy richness that balances nicely with the fiery zestiness of fresh tomatoes. This super flavorful sauce is perfect atop any spaghetti dish or sandwich toppings for creative spice combinations.
- 50 calories, 2 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 480 mg sodium, 8 g carbs (1 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 2 g protein, 0 g added sugar
- Organic Ingredients
- No Olive Oil (good for allergies)
- No Added Sugars
- Not watery but good thick sauce
- High in sodium
Who says you can't indulge in decadent flavors without feeling guilty? The BARILLA Premium Pasta Sauce is made with 100% extra virgin olive oil and vine-ripened tomatoes, which means their delicious pasta dishes are naturally sweet.
This sauce contains no artificial colors or flavors, preservatives, or added sugar, making it the perfect addition to your daily diet. Whether you're looking for a rich tomato flavor that's light on the spice scale or something more robust to satisfy real craving tastes, this BARILLA Premium Pasta Sauce should be at the top of your list!
- 45 calories, 0 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 430 mg sodium, 11 g carbs (3 g fiber, 5 g sugar), 2 g protein, 0 g added sugar
- No Artificial Flavors and Colors
- Kosher Certified
- No Added Sugars
- 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- High in sodium
Prego Traditional Pasta Sauce delivers the delicious taste of real tomatoes, garlic, and onion using no high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners. Full of flavor without the guilt! It's a tomato-based sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. This traditional pasta sauce is naturally low in fat, which makes it a heart-healthy choice for any meal. The naturally sweet flavor of tomatoes, onions, and fresh garlic adds a wonderful dimension to this traditionally thick pasta sauce.
- 60 calories, 1,5 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 460 mg sodium, 9 g carbs (3 g fiber, 6 g sugar), 2 g protein, 0 g added sugar
- All Organic Ingredients
- No Added Sugars
- Perfect balance between watery and thickness
- High in sodium
- Not much flavor
How Much Sugar Is There in Tomato Sauce?
Although canned tomatoes contain natural sugar from the tomato, tomato sauce is typically made with added sugar. The amount of sugar in spaghetti sauce would depend greatly on the type of spaghetti sauce you use as well as the flavor. In general, spaghetti sauces contain anywhere between 4–5 grams of added sugars per serving. That’s on top of the already natural sugars from tomatoes.
Some brands have over 18 grams of sugar per serving. That is a lot!
Here is a list of tomato sauces and products that could contain added sugar and should always be checked before buying. Always compare ingredients.
- Marinara sauce
- Sauce with ground beef
- Tomato paste
- Tomato purée
- Peeled tomatoes
- Alfredo sauce
How To Find the Best Low-Carb Spaghetti Sauce
There are a few important things you need to check before buying spaghetti sauce to make sure it’s low-carb and healthy for diabetics.
No Added Sugar
First, check the label for added sugars or any other sweeteners you can’t pronounce! In most tomato sauces, you’ll see a high amount of sugar added. Not good for spaghetti sauce!
High-fructose corn syrup, cane juice crystals, rice syrup, and maltodextrin are added sweeteners that aren’t healthy for diabetics at all! Even though spaghetti sauces are low in these ingredients, they can still be found if not checked carefully enough.
High Fiber Content
A spaghetti sauce with some natural sweetness from fruit such as applesauce but without any added sugars will have a higher fiber content, which is what you want when picking spaghetti sauce for your pasta dishes! The more fiber, the better for balancing blood sugar levels throughout the day and keeping the body in a better state overall.
Low In Fat
Spaghetti sauce can contain high amounts of saturated fat from meats and cheeses, so you’ll want spaghetti sauce with low levels of these ingredients. Opt for spaghetti sauces without meat if possible, or at least less than one gram per serving! Low saturated fat spaghetti sauce will be healthier when it comes to managing your weight as well as keeping blood sugars within healthy limits.
When a pasta sauce contains olive oil, that is all fine. Just make sure it doesn’t contain any fatty oils or additives like saturated fat.
Limited And Clean Ingredients
The fewer ingredients, the better when it comes to spaghetti sauce. If there are 15+ ingredients in spaghetti sauce, keep looking because that’s too many additives and preservatives that will hurt your health rather than help it. Stick with low-carb spaghetti sauces made of real food with limited ingredients for healthier pasta dishes without compromising flavor or taste! Tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a few spices are all you need.
Nutritional Factors
Watch for any sodium content in spaghetti sauces. Some spaghetti sauces have high sodium levels, which can be bad for you if you’re not careful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canned Tomato Sauce Good for Diabetics?
There are many spaghetti sauces that are considered good spaghetti sauces for diabetics. One of these is making spaghetti sauce from canned tomatoes. The reason for this is because this spaghetti sauce and especially homemade pasta sauce is low in sugar and high in fiber compared to premade spaghetti sauce with added sugars.
Conclusion
If you are trying to eat pasta sauce for diabetics, the spaghetti sauce should be low-carb spaghetti sauce, low in fat, and high in fiber. The best spaghetti sauces for diabetics typically have less than 5g of sugar per serving. Sometimes, canned tomato sauce or homemade pasta sauce from canned tomatoes is considered a good spaghetti sauce because it has lower carbs compared to premade spaghetti sauces that contain added sugars.
Sources
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- National Library of Medicine Comparison of blood glucose and insulin responses in non-insulin dependent diabetic patients. Studies with spaghetti and potato taken alone and as part of a mixed meal
Source: National Library of Medicine - BMJ Journals Pasta meal intake in relation to risks of type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women : findings from the Women’s Health Initiative
Source: BMJ Journals
Really appreciated the section on finding low-carb spaghetti sauces without added sugar. As a vegan, it’s challenging to find sauces that fit within my dietary needs, but suggestions like high fiber content and clean ingredients are incredibly helpful. Thanks for sharing, Inez!
hey Inez Briand, i read ur article and got thinking, can diabetics really enjoy tomato sauce without worrying? I mean, I kno labels on foods can be tricky, and I’m always on the hunt for something that won’t spike my sugar. Do u have any brands u’d recommend that are safe? it’s tough finding stuff that tastes good but also doesn’t throw my levels off.
Terry J, I totally feel your pain. Been through the same journey. One thing I found useful is looking for sauces that are labeled ‘no added sugar’ and then checking the nutritional info. Those usually work out for me. Hope that helps!