Quick Answer:
Some Ragu pasta sauces are gluten-free, but not all flavors. Several Ragu sauces are labeled gluten-free and are made without wheat, but others may contain gluten or are processed in facilities with cross-contact risk. Always check the label carefully to confirm the gluten-free status of any Ragu product.
What is Ragu Made of?
Ragu is a brand of jarred pasta sauces that includes a wide range of flavors, from traditional tomato sauces to cheesy Alfredo and meat-based options. Ingredients vary by product, but common ingredients include:
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Garlic and herbs
- Cheese (in creamy sauces)
- Meat (in some hearty varieties)
The issue is that some varieties may contain wheat-based thickeners or flavor enhancers, or be processed on equipment that has been shared with gluten-containing foods and ingredients.
Ragu is very strict about labeling their sauces, so read their ingredient list carefully to ensure it is gluten free. The company states on its website that its recipes and ingredients often change over time. So, no matter how often you buy a specific sauce, ALWAYS check the ingredients list in case of any alterations.
🔑 Sandi says: Ragu flavors Parmesan & Romano, and the Mama’s Garden line of sauces contained barley in the past. Barley is no longer listed as an ingredient on these flavors, nor is barley declared on the labels. I would treat these flavors with caution.
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Trusted Gluten-Free Pasta Sauce Brands:
If you’re looking for certified gluten-free pasta sauces (especially for celiac safety), here are some reader-trusted options:
- Sonoma Pasta Sauce
- Mezzetta
- Rao’s
- Yo Mama’s Sauce
- Barilla Tomato-based Sauce
- Prego Farmers’ Market Classic Marinara
- 365 Organic Pasta Sauce
- Trader Joe’s Pasta Sauce (most flavors, but always check the label!)
- Signature Reserve and O Organic (Albertson’s chain carries this line)
Bonus tip: Store brands (like Whole Foods 365 or Trader Joe’s) often have gluten-free options. Just check for certification or allergen info.
What to Watch For on Pasta Sauce Labels:
When checking if a jarred sauce is gluten-free, look out for:
- Wheat flour or modified food starch (gluten-based).
- Malt extract or flavoring (usually from barley).
- “Natural flavors” without clarification.
- Cross-contact warnings like “processed on equipment shared with wheat”
If the sauce doesn’t say “gluten-free” on the label and you’re sensitive, it’s safest to skip it!
Easy Recipes To Make With Jar Pasta Sauce:
- This one-pot Gluten-Free Italian Pasta is a delicious meal you can make in 30 minutes.
- Save time using my Gluten-Free Skillet Lasagna recipe. It has the flavor of lasagna without the hassle of making it from scratch.
⚠️ Always double-check product labels and manufacturing practices, since brands can change ingredients or processing methods without warning.
I truly hope you enjoy this recipe. I have been testing and creating gluten-free recipes for over 15 years. Creating gluten-free recipes that do not taste gluten-free is my goal for every recipe. Sometimes I only have to test a new recipe a couple of times, and others it takes multiple times. I do this so you get reliable, delicious results every time!
