8 Store-Bought Cranberry Sauce Brands Ranked Worst To Best
The holiday season is fast approaching, and with it comes the delightful tradition of indulging in a sweet side dish — cranberry sauce. Whether you're serving it alongside turkey, slathering it on a sandwich, or dolloping it onto your dessert, cranberry sauce adds a burst of tangy sweetness to your festive feasts. But with a plethora of options lining the store shelves, how do you know which cranberry sauce brand truly stands out?
To help you choose, we've scoured the supermarket aisles, consulted discerning taste buds, and dissected ingredient lists to determine which cranberry sauce brands deserve a spot at your next holiday dinner table. In this comprehensive guide, we'll uncover the hidden gems and expose the disappointments, all while sharing insights on flavor, texture, and overall quality. With our expert analysis, you'll be armed with the knowledge to ensure your cranberry sauce is even better than a homemade sauce.
8. Aldi's Sweet Harvest
Unfortunately, Aldi's Sweet Harvest Jellied Cranberry Sauce lands at the bottom of our list. However, let's be clear –- it's not a complete failure. The sauce exhibits a rather bland taste, lacking the sweetness one might typically associate with cranberry sauce. Instead, it leans towards the familiar tanginess of traditional cranberries, which can be appealing to those who prefer a more tart flavor.
While it's not terrible, the lack of flavor and a not-so-ideal ingredient list pushes this one to last. Aldi's cranberry sauce contains a significant 24 grams of sugar per serving, with high fructose corn syrup among the ingredients. On the brighter side, it comes in a BPA-free can, addressing some concerns related to health and wellness.
Overall, the Sweet Harvest brand is not a complete loss, but it certainly isn't our first choice. Its somewhat uninspiring flavor and the use of less-than-ideal ingredients place it at the bottom of our list. If you're a fan of the tangy side of cranberries and can overlook some of its ingredients, it might find a place on your holiday table.
7. Trader Joe's
Trader Joe's Cranberry Sauce left us with mixed feelings. On the positive side, it contains only 20 grams of sugar, with 19 of those grams being added, making it a relatively healthier option than others on the list. The highlight is the use of all-natural ingredients, which is commendable and fits Trader Joe's reputation for quality. We also can't forget to mention the easy-open jar — convenient and practical for saving leftovers.
However, the texture and flavor fell short. Unlike the traditional congealed, smooth cranberry sauce one expects from a store, this has a gritty texture with discernible fruit pieces. The taste, surprisingly, leans more towards apple than cranberry, and its super tart and tangy profile is dominated by the added pectin, resulting in a somewhat artificial apple flavoring that overpowers the cranberry notes.
While not a bad choice in terms of ingredients and ease of use, Trader Joe's Cranberry Sauce misses the mark on delivering that classic cranberry sauce experience. Its unique apple-centric flavor and gritty texture might not appeal to those seeking the traditional cranberry sauce taste, making it a less preferred option in our ranking, but we know there are many out there who would appreciate this option.
6. Signature Select
Signature Select Jellied Cranberry Sauce, found at Safeway, Shaws, and Star Market, fits the bill of your typical cranberry sauce with a congealed texture consistent with what you'd expect from a canned jelly. The flavor profile offers a pleasant balance, with a touch of sweetness at the forefront, followed by the dominant and traditional tangy cranberry taste at the back. While it's not overwhelmingly sweet, a somewhat bitter aftertaste lingers, which may not be to everyone's liking.
In terms of ingredients, this cranberry sauce contains 24 grams of sugar, with 21 of those grams coming from added sugars. The use of high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, while not ideal, is in line with many commercial cranberry sauces but might be something you want to consider when choosing your cranberry option this year.
While Signature Select's option presents a familiar and decent choice for those who appreciate the traditional cranberry sauce experience, it's not overly sweet but offers a tangy taste. We're ranking this one as an average choice for your holiday table that would work in a pinch.
5. Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen's Holiday Spiced Cranberry Sauce steps out of the box, offering a unique and flavorful departure from traditional cranberry sauces. It boasts some impressive features, including a gluten-free and non-GMO label, making it a health-conscious choice. With just 15 grams of sugar, of which 14 are added, it stands out as one of the healthier options on our ranking. The all-natural ingredient list further enhances its appeal, and its small-batch production out of York, Maine, makes us feel like this one was crafted with care.
In terms of texture, it has a gritty consistency that, interestingly, gives it a homemade appearance. The powerful presence of ginger sets this cranberry sauce apart, which dominates the flavor profile. Surprisingly, this ginger kick is not off-putting but rather adds an intriguing twist to the sauce. While ginger takes the lead, the cranberry flavor comes through on the backend, offering a delightful balance.
Stonewall Kitchen's cranberry sauce isn't your run-of-the-mill option; it's for those who enjoy indulging in decadent and unconventional flavors. With a focus on ginger and a unique texture, this sauce is an excellent choice for those looking to break the norm and try something different on their holiday table.
4. Amazon Fresh
Amazon's Fresh Jellied Cranberry Sauce was a pleasant surprise with its quality and affordability. While the can itself was a little banged up from its travels, this option is made from 100% North American cranberries — it's a noteworthy aspect that speaks to the use of quality ingredients. Priced at around $2 per can, it's a budget-friendly option that provides good value.
This cranberry sauce stands out in terms of texture as it's not as congealed as typical canned cranberry sauce. Instead, it has a more sauce-like consistency, somewhat resembling pasta sauce. The taste is moderately sweet, striking a balance, but it lacks the traditional tang associated with fresh cranberries.
While Amazon Fresh may not have the healthiest ingredient list, with 24 grams of sugar and the presence of high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup, it still managed to deliver a solid cranberry sauce experience. If you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option that deviates from the traditional cranberry sauce texture, Amazon's cranberry sauce is a worthwhile choice at an excellent price point.
3. Ocean Spray
Ocean Spray's Jellied Cranberry Sauce secures the bronze medal on our list, which is quite fitting for a brand well-known for its cranberry products. This canned cranberry sauce boasts the absence of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, enhancing its appeal for those seeking a more natural option. However, it's important to note that it ranks as the least healthy option on our list, with a substantial 25 grams of sugar, 24 of which are added, and the use of high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup in its ingredients.
In terms of texture, it strikes a balance between being congealed and juicy, offering the familiar canned cranberry sauce experience. And the taste? No complaints here. If there's one thing Ocean Spray knows, it's cranberries. Compared to the rest, the taste profile leans more towards the acidic side, but it mellows out with a sweet finish, delivering that classic tangy cranberry flavor. This sauce is a reliable and traditional choice for those who appreciate the iconic canned option, even though it may not be the healthiest. We highly recommend this option and suggest you give it a try to see if it's the right one for you.
2. Woodstock
Woodstock Organic Jellied Cranberry Sauce impressively secures the silver medal in our ranking, and it's easy to see why. This cranberry sauce is health-conscious, boasting USDA organic and non-GMO certifications. The ingredient list is simple, all-natural, and free from artificial additives. These are the main reasons it pushed ahead of the famed Ocean Spray brand. What sets Woodstock's offering apart is its true balance of sweet and traditional cranberry tang. With 24 grams of sugar, of which 21 are added, it strikes a reasonable balance between sweetness and tartness.
The flavor is not overpowering, making it suitable for a wide range of palates, from those who prefer a milder taste to those who appreciate a more authentic cranberry experience. In terms of texture, it maintains the congealed quality expected from canned cranberry sauce, offering a solid and satisfying mouthfeel. Woodstock Organic Jellied Cranberry Sauce is a must-try for those seeking a well-rounded and organic cranberry sauce option.
1. 365 Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods 365 Organic Jellied Cranberry Sauce emerges as the top choice on our list, and it's clear why. This cranberry sauce perfectly blends a traditional canned congealed texture and a touch of juiciness, offering a balanced experience. But what truly sets this cranberry sauce apart is its wholesome ingredient list, as it boasts the USDA-certified organic label and contains only all-natural components.
While it maintains the traditional cranberry tang on the back end, 365 distinguishes itself by being notably sweeter than the other options. Featuring 24 grams of sugar, of which 21 are added, it caters to those who have a sweet tooth. It's the perfect choice for those who appreciate a sweeter cranberry sauce and want to enjoy a delightful pairing with savory sides like stuffing, gravy, and mashed potatoes.
Whole Foods Jellied Cranberry Sauce is a no-brainer, offering a well-balanced, sweet, and tangy flavor profile. With its organic certification and all-natural ingredients, it's a top pick for your holiday table and a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and high-quality cranberry sauce.