There’s nothing more comforting than digging into a homemade meal that’s just as rich in history as it is in flavor. That’s what you get every time you cook with Rao’s pasta sauce, which manages to capture over a century of Italian tradition in a single jar. Not only is the company family-owned, passed down from generation to generation, but products are made with a short list of premium, natural ingredients (many grown in Italy) and free of artificial colors, additives, and preservatives. As the brand attests, it’s the sauce that makes the meal. In other words, Rao’s understands that you can’t compromise when it comes to this star ingredient. Here’s more about this sauce maker you can trust again and again to elevate pasta night.

The History of Rao’s

Rao’s Specialty Foods began in 1896, when Charles Rao opened a small saloon in New York City. More than a century later, the business remains in the hands of the Rao family and is now one of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the city (with additional locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles). As a beloved fixture, Rao’s now offers everyone a chance to enjoy a taste of history with a line of sauces and Italian pantry staples.

Rao’s Company Mission

Rao’s believes that when it comes to Italian cooking, it’s the sauce that makes the meal. That’s why the sauces are made from premium, natural ingredients and kept simple. “In our recipes, we try to use the fewest number of ingredients and take the fewest number of steps,” says Frank Pellegrino Sr., legendary owner of Rao’s restaurant. “Good cooking is simple. It’s called ‘pulito’—Italian for ‘pure, clean.’ That’s the right way to cook. That’s what we do. That’s how we do it.”

Benefits of Rao’s

Every Rao’s product is rooted in authenticity. The Certified Organic tomatoes are grown in Italy, and then washed and steam-peeled. The brand refuses to use tomato blends, pastes, starches, fillers, artificial colors, preservatives, or added sugar. They are also never watered down. All sauces are also gluten-free. In addition to sauces, Rao's Specialty Foods also offers a selection of dressings and marinades, extra virgin olive oil, organic vinegar, aged balsamic vinegar, balsamic glazes, Italian pastas, and antipasti such as fire-roasted red peppers and grilled vegetables.

Top Rao’s Products

Meet your new secret sauce(s) with these brand favorites.

Marinara Sauce

Hearty and bold, this simple recipe combines sweet, imported Italian tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil, onions, basil, garlic, black pepper, salt, and oregano. Try it with spaghetti, chicken parmesan, or even polenta.

You Might Like

Want more? Dig into the Thrive Market blog!

The History of Rao’s

Rao’s Company Mission

Benefits of Rao’s

Top Rao’s Products

Marinara Sauce

You Might Like

Italian Meatballs

Roasted Cauliflower and Pine Nut–Parmesan Pasta

Perfect Carbonara Recipe

One-Pot Kale and Mushroom Pasta

Goat Cheese and Fig Pasta

Rao's Homemade, Chicken Noodle Soup