These are the favorite pasta sauces of Americans – Kiro 7 News Seattle
To celebrate the national sauce month in March, Instacart throws a thorough overview of the most popular pasta sauces across the country, by the city and the State, according to its owner data. Whether you prefer a fresh pesto or a tart marinara, it is clear that it is a nation that likes to be sassy. Thanks to a delicious dive in depth, take a look at the most frequently landing sauces in consumption trolleys and those that could be left on the shelf.

Infographic showing the 10 most ordered pasta sauces on Instacart in 2024. (Stacker / Stacker)
Instacart
Most popular pasta sauces: who reigns supreme?
At the top of the list of all the sauces sold, Marinara came in first place, amassing 20% of the pasta sauce bought in 2024, followed by Alfredo at 17% and at the 16% tomato basil. In fact, these three sauces were so popular that they represented more than half of all purchases.
Pesto sauce found itself in the middle of the peloton, ranking sixth on the list with 7% of sales. Surprisingly, the pesto even beat a good meat sauce (eighth, 5%) and a vodka sauce (ninth, 3%).
Spicy sauces also seemed too hot for many consumers to manage. The Arrabiata (0.9%), the spicy tomato (0.1%) and Puttaneca (0.02%) completed the bottom of the classification.
Marinara remains the favorite pasta sauce in America, and the data show that four of the five most popular sauces are based on tomatoes, strengthening their lasting attraction. Alfredo Sauce takes place number two behind Marinara, which also makes it a popular choice.
In terms of regional purchasing models for Marinara and Alfredo, Marinara dominates almost everywhere, with the exception of a small pocket largely in the Midwest and the South.
Who is most except? These states take the crown
The midwest certainly becomes sassy with it. Iowa claimed first place for the consumption of pasta sauce, by ordering 49% more often than the national average. Wisconsin (46%), Virginia-Western (43%), Delaware (36%) and South Dakota (35%) followed Wisconsin (46%), Virginia-Western (43%). Conversely, California (-30%), Idaho (-28%) and Maine (-28%) seemed to have less appetite for pasta sauce, ranking at the bottom of the list.

Map showing how the different orders of the State compare themselves to the national average. (Stacker / Stacker)
Instacart
Bouillon regional trends
This analysis has also shown regional quirks, highlighting distinct sauce preferences across the country. Here is the ventilation:
- Animated for Alfredo: The South has a visible preference for the indulgent sauce Alfredo, in particular in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Carolines.
- Magnetic marinara: Dominating the list, Marinara is popular with consumers across the country, the coasts showing a clear penchant for classic sauce.
- Totomate totally: With an interesting point of tastes, the tomato basil showed a higher concentration in the neighboring states Delaware and Maryland, as well as in Missouri and Oklahoma.
- Tomato sauce tradition: In Virginia-Western, the old-fashioned tomato sauce also emerged as a favorite, proving that the classics never demonstrate.

Map showing state preferences according to instacart orders in 2024. (Stacker / Stacker)
Instacart
Like a sauce: cities that bought the most pasta sauce
Kansas City, Mo is not only a barbecue issue – he also took first place in pasta sauce purchases, commanding 20% more often than the national average. At the other end of the spectrum, San Francisco filled with gourmets ordered the pasta sauce, 37% below the national average.

Infographic showing which states have ordered the most and the least sauces. (Stacker / Stacker)
Instacart
The sauce is seasonal
The preferences of the pasta sauce follow the seasons, with a demand by boosting in the cold winter months and by shrinking in summer. The cold feeds the desires, while January has seen orders of sauce with pasta at their highest level.
As expected, pasta sauce orders fell to their lowest level around Thanksgiving while consumers approached their vacation classics. Interestingly, there was a peak in April, indicating the consumer inclination for fresh sauce in early spring.

Graphic showing how command trends change depending on the month. (Stacker / Stacker)
Instacart
Keep calm and carbonara
Comfortable classics like Marinara to indulgent favorites like Alfredo, it is clear that pasta sauces are versatile staples in American kitchens.
This story was produced by Instacart and examined and distributed by Stacker.
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