Keto Tomato Sauce (marinara) Rich and thick, this low-carb version of marinara is perfect for your ketogenic recipes but versatile enough to go along with a bunch of different dishes. Conventional tomato sauces are often sneaky sources of sugar that can unnecessarily jack up carbs but the keto version sheds these in favor of nutritious, low-carb ingredients. It’s usually created using tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, olive oil, garlic and Italian spices, and it brings a hearty, savory flavor that works well with keto pasta, zoodles, or low-carb pizzas.
Herbs like oregano, basil, and onion powder enrich the taste, and red pepper flakes can add a little heat for a touch of spice. A dab of olive oil or butter adds richness and tempers acidity. The sauce can be fast and stovetop-cooked or left to simmer and develop a deeper flavor.
Keto tomato sauce is versatile, in that you can use it as a base for casseroles, meatballs, zucchini or eggplant lasagna or as a dip for cheese sticks. A lot can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for easy meal prep. With a name you can trust, this sauce tastes just like homemade, without the fuss of having to make your own.
Keto Tomato Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mince the garlic, and finely chop the onion
- Heat olive oil in saucepan, over medium heat
- Add onion and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes or until soft and fragrant
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce
- Stir in the oregano, basil, salt, pepper and chili flakes if using
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally
- If too sour, add erythritol. Adjust salt and pepper
- Use right away over zucchini noodles, shirataki pasta or grilled meats
Notes
Flavour Profile of Keto Tomato Sauce
- Rich & Savory- Constructed using ripe, low-carb tomatoes (or tomato paste) as the deep, hearty base.
- Herbaceous & Aromatic- YK Home Herb Grinder, Pulverizer with Handle,120 Mesh Spice Grinding for Kitchen, Seasoning, Herbs, Minced Vegetables for Sauces, Classic Italian Seasoning Seasoned with Basil, Oregano, Thyme or Parsley
- Garlicky & Slightly Sweet- Garlic and onion (in reasonable amounts or as powders) add depth, while natural sweetness of tomato neutralizes acidity.
- Tangy & Bright- The tomatoes provide a natural acidity, which is softened with a little olive oil.
- Umami Depth- A dusting of Parmesan, red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar (sugar-free), to add some complexity.
Keto Tomato Sauce Nutrition and Calories
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 40–60 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2–3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0–1 g |
| Protein | 1–2 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 5–6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1–2 g |
| Net Carbs | 3–4 g |
| Sugar | 2–3 g (natural from tomato) |
| Sodium | 200–300 mg |
FAQs
Q1. Is tomato sauce keto-friendly?
A1. Yes — if it’s sugar-free and portion-controlled, it’s keto-approved.
Q2. How many carbs are in keto tomato sauce?
A2. Roughly 3-4 net carbs per ½ cup serving.
Q3. Why is the carbs so high on some tomato sauces?
A3. Lots of store-bought varieties include sugar, corn syrup or starches that ramp up the carbs.
Q4. Can I use fresh tomatoes in keto sauce?
A4. Yes — just simmer them down in olive oil, garlic and herbs.
Q5. What is the best store bought keto tomato sauce?
A5. Seek out brands such as Rao’s Homemade, Yo Mama’s, or Primal Kitchen (with no added sugar).
Hi, I’m Candice Knauer!
I’m passionate about creating delicious, healthy meals that make the keto lifestyle simple and enjoyable. What started as my personal journey into low-carb cooking has grown into a collection of recipes that I love sharing with others who want to feel their best while still enjoying great food.