Beyond the Jar

Pasta sauce in a pouch

The latest innovation in commercial pasta sauce is the microwaveable plastic pouch. Consumer-review data indicates that these pasta sauces are suitable for singles or couples, but one 13.5-ounce pouch probably won't feed a family. It's also worth noting that these sauces cost more than their jarred counterparts, and, unlike glass, plastic pouches are not recyclable. Although sauce pouches are marketed as offering greater convenience, consumers aren't convinced. They say that microwaving a pouch is not much easier than heating sauce in a pan, and if there are leftovers, they must be stored in a separate, lidded container, not in the pouch.

Pasta sauces in pouches have garnered little critical attention, but a review at Chow.com says that Ragú Tomato, Onion and Garlic, as well as Traditional Tomato Basil (both *est. $2 for a 13.5-ounce bag), taste a little fresher than their jarred counterparts (but still like "pizza sauce mixed with honey"). At Amazon.com, Ragú Tomato and Basil earns an average rating of 3.5 stars out of five in more than 70 reviews. Reviews are mixed, but most consumers agree that Ragú in a pouch isn't substantially different from the jarred variety.

Chow.com's reviewer calls Bertolli's Champignon & Portobello Mushroom (*Est. $3 for a 13.5-ounce bag) "surprisingly seductive as a possible day-to-day pantry stocker." Nearly 100 people have posted reviews of Bertolli Tomato and Basil (*Est. $3 for a 13.5-ounce bag) to Amazon.com, where it earns an average rating of four stars out of five. Most reviewers say it tastes pretty good, although it won't be mistaken for homemade. To the consternation of some, the package crackles and pops during cooking in the microwave.