This Is Best Store-Bought Alfredo Sauce You Can Buy, According to Experts

We’re heading into the colder months, and lately, I’ve been overwhelmed with cravings for cheesy, saucy, and indulgent meals. Take, for example, fettuccine Alfredo—a dish I never want in the summer months, yet this past week, I could’ve eaten it daily. 

There’s something I’m embarrassed to admit about Alfredo sauce: I’ve never made it at home. Sure, if I’m out at a restaurant, I’ll opt for a nice shrimp Alfredo, but somehow I’ve not gotten around to making a casserole or chicken dish with this velvety, decadent sauce at home. To find the best jar of Alfredo sauce, I talked with four food bloggers who know their way around a weeknight dinner.

Find our expert’s pick on Amazon Fresh and have it delivered to your door.

The Panel of Alfredo Experts

The Best Store-Bought Alfredo

“If I had to pick a favorite jarred Alfredo sauce, it’s hands down Rao’s,” says Hardin. I was pleased to hear this was the consensus because I’m a huge fan of Rao’s marinara. The food bloggers favor Rao’s for many reasons, all of which fall into this trifecta: ingredients list, texture, and taste. 

“I only recommend store-bought sauces when I recognize the ingredients (aka minimal additives or preservatives) and that taste as close to homemade as possible,” explains Tiemeyer. “Rao’s meets both of those standards, plus I can find it at nearly all the stores in my area.” 

Lonergan totally agrees, saying, “I love that it’s made with simple, all-natural ingredients and has cream, butter, and cheese as the first three ingredients!” And those simple but quintessential Alfredo ingredients are responsible for the sauce’s superb texture.

“Unlike other Alfredo sauces, which can lean too heavily on starches, sweeteners, or weird thickeners, Rao’s isn’t too thick,” says Hardin, “In fact, it tastes like it’s homemade—rich and creamy.” 

What really sets this sauce apart, though, is the flavor. “So many brands have a fake, almost plastic-like flavor or add too much ‘funk’ where it almost tastes like a blue cheese sauce,” says Vine. Lonergan says, “This jar has plenty of rich cheese flavor. Parmesan and Romano are definitely the stars.” Hardin agrees: “It’s full of real Parmesan flavor without being overly salty.” 

Use a jar of Rao’s Alfredo for a chicken Alfredo pasta bake, or take a shortcut with this rotisserie chicken Alfredo. You can use Rao’s as-is or change up the flavor, says Vine: “Don’t be afraid to doctor it up if you’re looking for a twist. For example, adding Italian seasoning or garlic powder can bring out some extra flavor.”