Sauces are used to add flavor, texture, and moisture while enhancing the visual appeal of your food. They are consumed all over the world and have many types. Pasta sauce and tomato sauce are two of the most widely used sauces and are loved for their flavors, which may leave you confused.
So, which sauce tastes better? There have been many debates on this topic. If you are going through a dilemma and do not know which sauce is right for you, this article is for you. Today, we intend to compare pasta sauce and tomato sauce hereinafter. By the end of this article, you’ll know which one to choose.
Pasta Sauce vs Tomato Sauce
Comparison Table
| Features | Pasta Sauce | Tomato Sauce |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Tomato-like | Acidic/sweet |
| Main ingredient | Tomatoes | Tomatoes |
| Cooking time | 20 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Shelf life | 5-7 days | 5-7 days |
Pasta Sauce
Taste
Like tomato sauce, pasta sauce is also primarily made of tomatoes. It has a typical tomato-ish taste, similar to tomato sauce. Having said that, the taste of your pasta sauce greatly depends on the recipe.
Different recipes call for different ingredients, which of course, will change its taste. For example, some people add sugar to make it sweeter. It all comes down to your personal preference. If you want it to taste sweet, you can add sugar.
Uses
Also known as spaghetti sauce and marinara sauce, pasta sauce is another famous sauce. As its name suggests, it is mainly put on pasta, spaghetti, and several other fast food items. However, you can use it in a variety of other ways as well.
Pasta sauce can be used as a dip and can be served with fries and vegetables. Its rich flavor makes it an ideal option for fast foods, and it will certainly add to the flavor of your food.
Nutritional Information
Since pasta sauce is often used with fast foods, you may think that it is unhealthy. However, it turns out that it has many health benefits. Pasta sauce has a low fat count. Its unsaturated fat lowers the cholesterol level in your body and doesn’t contribute to weight gain.
It is full of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, E, and K, and improves your eyesight, skin, and blood flow. It also has great antioxidant properties, thus reducing the risk of many diseases. Also, it boosts the immune system of your body.
Pasta sauce is a rich source of lycopene. This chemical compound is known for its antioxidant properties. It fights free radicals, thus protecting your body from cancers. Furthermore, it also increases testosterone levels in men and improves fertility. It also benefits your bones and prevents bone loss.
Shelf Life
As far as the shelf life is concerned, pasta sauce should be used within 5-7 days, just like tomato sauce. Since it is also made of tomatoes, it is also prone to mold formation.
And yes, an unopened store-bought jar can last 1-2 years if stored properly. Consider refrigerating an unopened jar to extend its lifespan.
Tomato Sauce
Taste
Starting with the tomato sauce, it is a thick sauce made of tomatoes. It comes in different varieties, such as Mexican, Italian, French, and a few others. It is relatively thicker than tomato juice but thinner than puree. Depending on the recipe, it can have an acidic or sweet taste.
Uses
Tomato sauce is often mistaken for ketchup, as tomatoes are the main ingredient in both items. However, ketchup is a puree and tends to be a bit thicker than tomato sauce. Besides, ketchup is cold and used as a condiment. Tomato sauce, on the other hand, can be used in recipes and often served hot.
Tomato sauce is used in many dishes. It is usually used as a base ingredient for other sauces. From Mexican salsa to pasta, you can use it in any recipe to enhance the flavor. If you have a bland food item, tomato sauce can add a touch of tanginess to it.
Nutritional Information
Tomato sauce offers many benefits to those who consume it. For starters, it is a nutritional powerhouse and is loaded with many nutrients that benefit your body. It is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants and prevents the formation of free radicals in your body.
For those who do not know, free radicals damage your body cells and promote many severe health problems, including cancer and cardiovascular problems. Tomato sauce also regulates the blood pressure in your body and is recommended for people suffering from blood pressure problems.
Studies have linked regular tomato consumption with better heart health as it contains fiber, potassium, and chlorine. In addition to that, it improves the sugar level in your blood and can help your body fight diabetes.
Shelf Life
Tomato sauce has a short shelf life and will be good for 5-7 days. After that, mold will form, and the sauce will not be safe to eat. The best thing about the tomato sauce is its affordable cost. It costs far less than a complete cream-based or meat-based sauce because tomatoes cost next to nothing.
Final Verdict
Tomato and pasta sauce are two famous sauces used in dozens of recipes. Although both have great taste, tomato sauce wins the battle, thanks to its versatility and health benefits.
It has a place in all cuisines across the globe. From traditional food to fast food, it can be served with dozens of food items.
