Sophie Harris, Senior Lifestyle Reporter, sampled five branded pasta sauces from UK supermarkets to see if paying more makes a difference. The clear winner was Mutti Tomato Pasta Sauce with Basil, scoring 10/10, while Heinz scored just 4/10.
Heinz and Loyd Grossman Results
Heinz Sun-Ripened Cherry Tomato And Basil Pasta Sauce (£2 for 350g) was tasty for those who like pronounced basil flavours, but Harris found it too overpowering. The tomato taste was too acidic, and despite providing enough for three people with the right sauce-to-pasta ratio, she wouldn't buy it again. Score: 4/10.
Loyd Grossman Tomato & Basil Pasta Sauce (£3 for 350g) was a first for Harris. The jar served two to three people, possibly four. It contained clean ingredients and tasted more genuine than other options, but the flavour was understated. She'd consider buying it again only if the price were reduced. Score: 7/10.
Dolmio, Filippo Berio, and Sainsbury's
Dolmio Stir In Pasta Sauce Tomato & Basil (£1.50 for 150g) was reasonably pleasant with a subtle flavour and not too much basil. It blended effortlessly into pasta, but the quantity felt too small for two portions. Score: 7/10.
Filippo Berio Basilico Pasta Sauce (£2.65 for 340g) was too subtle, with neither tomatoes nor basil coming through strongly. Despite impressive ingredients with no added preservatives, Harris doubted she'd buy it again. Score: 6/10.
Sainsbury's own-brand sauce was fairly decent for the price, but the basil was slightly too dominant. Harris suggested a pinch of salt and sugar would bring the flavours into better harmony. Score: 6/10.
Mutti Takes the Top Spot
Mutti Tomato Pasta Sauce with Basil (£3.20 for 400g) was vibrant and full of flavour with a spot-on basil-to-tomato ratio. It fed four people with sauce to spare, and the price was deemed entirely reasonable. The sauce had an intense colour and tasted the most homemade of all tested. Harris called it exceptional and a definite repeat purchase.
It has garnered glowing reviews on the Tesco website. One customer wrote: "Love all the Mutti range, and this was no exception. So flavoursome. I will definitely buy it again." Another commented: "Delicious sauce. Can really taste the quality ingredients. Quite expensive but worth it for the taste." A third added: "This is a fantastic pasta sauce and works wonders when you're in a rush to make your own sauce from scratch." Score: 10/10.
