When you think of pasta sauce, what comes to mind? Traditional tomato flavors, potentially paired with basil and garlic, or maybe a creamy vodka sauce if you're feeling particularly adventurous?
Well, it's time to expand your palette. To help, our editors recently got their hands on jars of Sauz, a brand specializing in unique premade pasta sauces, and they're "obsessed" with their elevated flavors, aesthetic packaging and how they don't tend to cling or stick to dishes.
Unsurprisingly, we're not the only ones who are looking to Sauz to spice up suppertime — two of the brand’s flavors are currently breakout topics on Google Trends.
We also spoke with Jamie Kenyon, head chef at the restaurant Bottino here in New York City, about all the different ways you can utilize this sauce in your meals. Spoiler: The options are endless.
How we tried Sauz
Some of us first tried Sauz in spring and summer of 2024 and have since bragged about it every chance we get. Personally, I’ve told family members and friends about the myriad of ways you can incorporate it into your favorite dishes — pizza, pasta, sandwiches and more.
We put our team of editors (who double as foodies) to the test, trying out various flavors and seeing what they could come up with. Their irresistible creations are below — combining shrimp with summer lemon flavors, topping pizza crusts with hot honey sauce and more.
Sauz Cracked Pepper and Parmesan Sauce
- Gluten-free
- Great consistency
- Hard to meal prep around
- Not for lactose intolerant
Size: 25 oz. | 2- or 4-pack available? Available in both | Gluten-free? Yes
Being part-Italian means senior SEO editor Jess Bender knows what makes a good marinara sauce, prompting her to make her own from scratch most times.
“That said, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Sauz’s thoughtful (and sometimes out-of-the-box) flavors and eye-catching packaging, so I’ve taken myself out of my saucy comfort zone to try some of their offerings over the last several months,” says Bender. “Out of all the ones I’ve tried, the one that surprised me the most was their Cracked Pepper & Parmesan. Described to be as if “marinara and cacio e pepe had a baby,” it’s exactly as promised — while you’re getting the classic notes you’d expect from a typical marinara, but the peppery, creamy notes are pronounced and decadent without feeling too heavy.”
Sauz Sage Brown Butter Alfredo Sauce
- Available in a single pack
- Doesn't stick to dishes
- A bit of a bitter aftertaste
- Available only at Whole Foods
Size: 16 oz. | 2- or 4-pack available? Yes, 2-pack available | Gluten-free? Does not specify
This sauce was a bit harder to win over associate partnerships editor, Lauren Witonsky, who found the sage flavor a bit "overpowering," and the sauce as a whole difficult to cook with.
While recommendations on the bottle say it pairs best with risotto, Witonsky noted there weren't any instructions on how to make said meal. Described as "rich, nutty and earthy," this is good for people who enjoy a heavier, bolder taste.
Sauz Hot Honey Marinara Sauce
- Large bottles; last a while
- Primarily found in 2-packs
Size: 25 oz. | 2- or 4-pack? Available in both | Gluten-free? Yes
Perfect for pizza, the hot honey marinara is a favorite of quite a few editors on our team. Swap out your traditional pizza sauce for this one for a little bit of added kick.
"It had just enough heat for someone who prefers mild flavors (you can also add more honey to balance out the spice), and while I really enjoyed it on my homemade pizza, I think it would taste just as good over a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs," Witonsky says.
The hot honey sauce blends spicy and sweet flavors perfectly, according to production coordinator, Camryn Privette.
"The flavor is something I’d want to order at a restaurant anyways since I love spice so it works out great for me," says Privette. "Even when I use other sauces, I add in a ton of red pepper flakes so the fact that this one already comes spicy is perfect for me."
Sauz Summer Lemon Marinara Sauce
- Lemon flavor shines through
- Cost per jar is pricey
Size: 25 oz. | 2- or 4-pack? Available in both | Gluten-free? Yes
When making pasta, this is the flavor of Sauz I find myself craving and reaching for most. Its citrus flavor couldn't be more well-described by its name — it has a light lemon-forward flavor.
A self-proclaimed sauce "snob," senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil also prefers to make her own sauce variations, yet was willing to give this flavor of Sauz a go, intrigued by the "attractive packaging, fun flavor names and minimal ingredients list."
"The lemon flavor definitely came through and added complexity," she says. "The 25 oz jar was perfect for one pound of my favorite bronze-cut linguine and about a pound of thawed frozen shrimp. While the pasta cooked, I sautéed the shrimp and heated the Sauz in a separate pan. Then I added the heated sauce and cooked pasta to the pan with the shrimp and simmered for about a minute more to combine. The sauce clung nicely to the pasta, and the flavors worked really well with the shrimp."
Sauz Wild Rosemary Marinara Sauce
- Tastes fresh
- Not too thick of a texture
- Available at limited retailers
Size: 25 oz. | 2- or 4-pack? Available in both | Gluten-free? Yes
While the brand describes this sauce as "better-than-basil," and they're giving themselves kudos for finally realizing that rosemary is the better herb to add in pasta sauce, social media editorial assistant Annie Shigo has been doing it for quite some time now.
"I love rosemary and normally add it into my sauces or on top of my pasta, so I was so happy that it was the main flavor profile of this flavor," she says, also adding that this flavor tastes "fresh and restaurant-grade."
What we like about Sauz
Its flavor combos make you do a double take — and that’s only half of the allure, according to our editors. They love it as “a quick dinner solution that isn’t boring flavor-wise,” calling it a “quality option” compared to simpler sauces.
It’s also gluten-free, and boasts an easy-to-read ingredient list that is free of GMO’s, seed oils and preservatives.
Plus, our editors appreciate the fact that it’s a recent brand, having only launched in 2023 by two Gen-Zers.
“You can tell it’s run by young people who are looking for a way to make fresh food accessible and move away from more popular brands who rely on fillers, additives, etc,” says Privette.
What to consider
It's super versatile
Despite its distinct flavors, Sauz is still versatile, with our editors using it in a variety of dishes. Kenyon says that marinaras’ already shortened ingredient list is what helps it to remain adaptable — and able to use when making pasta, pizza and more.
“Marinara sauce typically consists of a few high-quality ingredients, such as tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and herbs,” says Kenyon. “This simplicity allows it to complement a wide range of dishes without overpowering them. For pasta dishes, marinara works exceptionally well due to its ability to cling to noodles. It pairs nicely with shapes like fettuccine or rigatoni, which can hold the sauce effectively. A thicker marinara is preferred for pasta to ensure it adheres well. When used on pizza, marinara should be slightly thicker than for pasta to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.”
You might have to get creative when using the sauces
That said, the out-of-the-box and non-traditional flavors make some of the sauces difficult to incorporate into meals that are more elevated than a simple pasta dish.
“While this is harder to plan full-blown meals around, I’ve found it to be a great base for pizza beans and a perfect dip for fresh foccacia,” says Bender of the cracked pepper and parmesan sauce.
Retailers are limited
Currently, it’s available in a limited amount of retailers including Amazon, Whole Foods, Target and the brands site. Plus, it’s available in two and four-packs on Amazon and the brand’s site, making it pricey to shop when you’re just in need of one bottle.
More pasta and accessories to shop
Banza Penne Pasta
- Gluten-free
- Protein-packed
- Not made for picky eaters
Size: 8 oz. | Shape: Penne, gemelli, spaghetti, rotini, rigatoni, wheels, elbows, shells, cavatappi
"I’ve been eating Banza for years because I make pasta far too often, so I like that I can feel like I’m getting some extra protein from the pasta itself," says writer Emma Stessman. "Plus, I think it tastes the best of the pasta alternatives I’ve tried!" Reviewers on Amazon (particularly those with picky eaters) say the noodle taste takes some getting used to.
Rummo Rigatoni Pasta
- Minimal ingredients
- Firm shape
- Amazon description misleading
Size: 1 lb.; 16 oz. | Shape: Rigatoni
"This has become my go-to, better-for-you pasta ever since I discovered them at the Fancy Food Show last year," says Bender. "What sets them apart from other pasta brands I've satiated on is that its ingredient list is overwhelmingly semolina and not much else. It holds an al dente texture throughout even if you accidentally cook it for an extra few minutes, and the way sauce clings onto it with minimal pasta water is miraculous. Ultimately, the taste and texture resembles the pasta I've had at higher-end Italian joints, so I'm willing to spend a little more on this to enhance my at-home dinners."
GIR Premium Silicone Spatula
- Heat resistant
- Easy to clean
- Not meant for thick textures
Colors: 8 | Material: Silicone
This is recipe editor Kelly Vaughan's favorite spatula to use when making a pasta dish, not only because it's heat-resistant up to 550 degrees Fahrenheit, but also because it's great for tomato-based sauces and their consistencies.
Jovial Gluten-Free Brown Rice Organic Pasta
- Gluten-free and vegan
- Some pasta broke when shipped
- Comes in a 4-pack
Size: 12 oz. | Shape: Elbow, spaghetti, tagliatelle, fusilli
This is one of the better gluten-free pastas Vaughan has tried. It comes in a four-pack, perfect for large families or those who eat pasta often and want to stock up.
West Elm Kaloh Stoneware Pasta Bowl Sets
- Come in a pack of four
- Perfect size, durable
- Costly
Material: Stoneware | Colors: 5 | Size: Holds up to 36 ounces, according to the brand | Dishwasher safe? Yes | Microwave safe? Yes
"I make pasta multiple times a week and also when I'm entertaining, so these bowls are in my daily rotation," says Cocchi Zabloudil. "They're the perfect size and depth. I've been using them for years and they've held up so well — not a chip in sight!"
Frequently Asked Questions
"Cooking pasta perfectly is an art form, and consistency is key," says Kenyon. "The water in which the noodles are cooked should be as salty as the ocean. The pasta should always be al dente and not overcooked. Always pull the noodles out early and finish cooking them in the sauce to absorb the flavor. Saving and using the pasta water is a great trick, as it can serve as a binding agent if needed. However, the best advice I can give is to always let the pasta be the star of the show. Making a sauce can be a difficult task, but the pasta itself should be the main attraction of the dish."
"Whenever we use jarred tomato sauce, it’s important to simmer and reduce it," recommends Kenyon. "Canned tomato sauce can be quite acidic and somewhat watery. Cooking it down helps restore the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while thickening and concentrating the flavor. A great tip to add more depth to pasta dishes is to remove the pasta 30 seconds before it reaches al dente or your desired consistency. This allows the pasta to absorb the sauce and elevates the final dish."
Meet the expert
- Jamie Kenyon is the head chef at Bottino, an Italian restaurant based in New York City.
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