Prego Traditional Italian Sauce contains inflammatory canola oil and 5g of added sugar per serving, plus vague 'natural flavor.' Our DIY version replaces the problematic canola oil with nutrient-dense extra virgin olive oil, reduces added sugar by using organic coconut sugar sparingly, and substitutes real herbs for artificial flavoring.
Based on: Prego Traditional Italian Sauce
· Makes approximately 30 servings
· Serving: 1/2 cup (120g)
Why This Recipe is Seed Oil Free
Commercial Prego Traditional Italian Sauce from Prego often contains inflammatory seed oils like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil. This homemade version replaces them with healthier fats like butter, ghee, coconut oil, or avocado oil — giving you the same great taste without the processed oils.
Natural preservative and acidity regulator, identical function to commercial version
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare workspace and measure all ingredients using a kitchen scale for accuracy. Organic tomatoes can vary in thickness, so having precise measurements ensures consistent results batch to batch. Open all tomato cans and drain any excess liquid from the diced tomatoes, reserving the juice for thinning later if needed.
Step 2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil (45g) over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant but not smoking. The olive oil replaces the inflammatory canola oil and provides superior flavor — heating gently preserves its beneficial compounds and prevents bitterness.
Step 3. Add the organic onion powder (6g) and garlic powder (3g) to the warm oil. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until aromatic, being careful not to burn. This blooming process releases essential oils that commercial 'natural flavor' attempts to replicate artificially. If the powders start browning, reduce heat immediately.
Step 4. Add all three cans of organic tomato puree (2352g total) and two cans of drained diced tomatoes (about 1400g after draining). Stir thoroughly to combine. The mixture will be quite thick initially — this concentrates flavors during the cooking process. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5. Once simmering, reduce heat to low and add the organic coconut sugar (24g), fine sea salt (12g), Italian seasoning (3g), and citric acid (1g). Stir well to distribute evenly. The coconut sugar provides 60% less added sugar than commercial Prego while maintaining the slight sweetness that balances tomato acidity. Taste and adjust salt gradually — the sauce will concentrate as it cooks.
Step 6. Simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring every 10-15 minutes and scraping the bottom to prevent scorching. The sauce should reduce by about 15-20% and coat a spoon when finished. If too thick, add reserved tomato juice 1/4 cup at a time. If too thin, continue simmering with lid off. Final consistency should match commercial marinara.
Step 7. Taste and adjust seasoning in the final 10 minutes. The sauce should have balanced sweetness, acidity, and herbaceous notes without any single flavor dominating. Remove from heat and let cool for 15 minutes before portioning. For best flavor development, let the sauce rest overnight in the refrigerator before using — flavors meld and improve significantly.
Step 8. Portion into clean glass jars or BPA-free containers in 120g (1/2 cup) servings. Leave 1/2 inch headspace if freezing. Label with date and contents. Use within 5 days refrigerated, 6 months frozen. To use: warm gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring halfway through heating. One serving (120g) provides the same portion size as commercial Prego.
Storage
Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 6 months. Glass jars work best for preserving flavor and avoiding plastic chemicals. Thaw frozen portions in refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Cost Comparison
Cost per serving (homemade)$0.19
Cost per serving (store-bought)$0.70
Savings73%
Higher upfront cost for organic ingredients, but dramatic per-serving savings due to bulk quantities. Spice purchases alone last for 200+ future batches, making long-term cost even lower.