Keto-Friendly Store-Bought Alfredo Sauce: What You Need To Know

Alfredo sauce is a popular choice for those on a low-carb or keto diet. The creamy, white sauce is traditionally made with butter, cream, and parmesan cheese, and is typically served with pasta. While it is possible to make keto-friendly alfredo sauce at home, there are also several store-bought options available. However, it is important to check the ingredients list, as some brands may contain added starch, thickeners, or other ingredients that are not keto-friendly.

Keto-friendly store-bought alfredo sauce options

Alfredo sauce is a popular choice for those on low-carb diets, as it is typically made with ingredients that are keto staples, such as heavy cream, cheese, and garlic. While it is easy to make your own keto-friendly alfredo sauce from scratch, there are also several store-bought options available. Here are some keto-friendly alfredo sauce brands that you can find on store shelves:

Primal Kitchen No-Dairy Alfredo Sauce

This alfredo sauce is made with avocado oil and is suitable for vegan, keto, and dairy-free diets. It contains no dairy, gluten, soy, or canola oil, and is free from artificial ingredients. The sauce is made with creamy cashew butter and avocado oil, and seasoned with roasted garlic, onion powder, and black pepper.

Rao’s Homemade Alfredo Sauce

Rao's alfredo sauce is a delicious blend of cream, butter, cheese, salt, and pepper. It is low-carb and keto-friendly, and free from added sugar, starch, water, paste, artificial colours, and other unnecessary additives.

Spinellis Sauce Co Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Sauce

Spinellis Sauce Co is known for its high-quality, keto-friendly products, and this alfredo sauce made from cauliflower is no exception.

Bertolli Alfredo

Bertolli Alfredo sauce has been described as having a "homemade" taste, as it is made with real cream, aged parmesan, and garlic. It has a silky texture and is ideal for using with meat and seafood pastas, as well as pizza and potato dishes.

Newman’s Own Alfredo Pasta Sauce

This gluten-free alfredo sauce is suitable for all the family. It is crafted without preservatives, artificial colours, or artificial flavours, and 100% of net profits go to charity.

Little Italy in the Bronx Alfredo Sauce

This alfredo sauce is produced in the Bronx, New York City, with traditional and simple ingredients, such as cream, butter, fresh garlic, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. It is free from preservatives and added sugar, and a portion of the proceeds go towards preserving the traditions of Little Italy in the Bronx.

Botticelli Premium Alfredo Pasta Sauce

This alfredo sauce contains extra types of cheese, including ricotta, Grana Padano, and Pecorino, and is made in Italy.

Classico Creamy Alfredo Pasta Sauce

This budget-friendly alfredo sauce is gluten-free and made with fresh cream, butter, aged parmesan, and black pepper.

When choosing a store-bought alfredo sauce, it is important to check the list of ingredients and nutrition labels to ensure that the product fits within your dietary requirements and preferences.

Making your own keto alfredo sauce

Making your own keto-friendly Alfredo sauce is easy and quick. It is also versatile and can be used with keto-approved pasta alternatives like shirataki noodles, spaghetti squash, or zucchini noodles.

Ingredients:

• Butter (unsalted)
• Garlic (freshly minced)
• Heavy cream (also known as thickened or double cream)
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated or refrigerated)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Nutmeg (optional)

Method:

• Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Add the Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until well incorporated and melted.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavour.
• Keep cooking the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
• Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding other ingredients like cream cheese or spices. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more cream for a thinner sauce or extra cheese for a thicker sauce. Enjoy your homemade keto Alfredo sauce!

Keto-friendly pasta alternatives

If you're craving a big bowl of pasta on a keto diet, there are plenty of low-carb alternatives to traditional wheat pasta that you can try. Here are some options to satisfy your pasta cravings while sticking to your keto diet:

Vegetable-based noodles:

• Zucchini noodles (zoodles): One of the most popular choices, zoodles can be pan-fried or baked and served with your favourite sauce.
• Cucumber noodles: Perfect for Asian-style dishes, especially when paired with a tahini or peanut sauce.
• Spaghetti squash: Its stringy flesh resembles spaghetti, and it's a nutritious and filling option.
• Eggplant noodles: These work great in lasagna recipes but may get mushy if used as a spaghetti replacement.
• Kohlrabi noodles: Made from a type of turnip, kohlrabi noodles are crunchy and work well in pasta salads.
• Celeriac noodles: With a mild celery-like flavour, these can be a great base for alfredo or pesto sauce.
• Cabbage: Cut into long strips, cabbage can be twirled on a fork just like pasta and works well in stir-fries and casseroles.

Low-carb pasta alternatives:

• Shirataki noodles: Made from konjac yam and water, these Japanese-style noodles are almost zero calories and carbs. Rinse them before use, and cook them dry to improve their texture.
• Kelp noodles: Made from brown seaweed, kelp noodles are also low in calories and carbs. Rinse and cut them before adding to stir-fries or your favourite sauce.
• Hearts of Palm pasta: When cut, rinsed, and cooked properly, hearts of palm can remarkably resemble traditional pasta.

Homemade keto pasta:

• Cheese and egg pasta: Made with mozzarella cheese and egg yolks, this pasta has a soft, chewy texture and is a perfect base for your favourite low-carb sauces.
• Almond flour and coconut flour pasta: While it may be tricky to get the same texture as wheat pasta, this option allows you to twirl your pasta and enjoy it with sauce.

So, the next time you're craving pasta night, give one of these keto-friendly alternatives a try! With so many options available, you can still enjoy your favourite pasta dishes while sticking to your keto diet.

Other keto-approved pasta sauces

While alfredo sauce is typically keto-friendly, as it is made with ingredients like heavy cream, cheese, and garlic, some store-bought options may include non-keto-friendly ingredients, such as soybean oil, modified starch, and high-fructose corn syrup. If you're looking for a store-bought keto-friendly alfredo sauce, Primal Kitchen No-Dairy Alfredo Sauce, Rao’s Homemade Alfredo Sauce, and Spinellis Sauce Co Cauliflower Alfredo Pasta Sauce are all good options.

Garlic and Oil Sauce

A simple yet tasty option, garlic and oil sauce is a great keto-approved choice. Simply sauté some garlic in olive oil, and you're good to go! This sauce pairs well with various keto-friendly pasta alternatives, such as zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Marinara Sauce

When it comes to marinara sauce, it's essential to choose one without added sugar. Rao's Homemade Marinara Sauce and Yo Mama's Keto Marinara Pasta Sauce are two keto-friendly options available on the market. You can also make your own by sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil, then adding crushed tomatoes, basil, and spices.

Tomato Basil Sauce

Tomato basil sauce is another excellent choice for keto dieters. Again, be sure to choose a brand without added sugar, like Rao's Tomato Basil Sauce or Yo Mama's Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce. If you want to make your own, simply add some fresh basil to the marinara sauce recipe mentioned above.

Vodka Sauce

If you're craving a creamy, indulgent pasta sauce, vodka sauce is a keto-friendly option. Rao's Homemade Vodka Sauce and Little Italy Bronx Alla Vodka Sauce are two store-bought options. To make your own, start with a tomato sauce base and add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of vodka.

Arrabbiata Sauce

For those who like their pasta sauce with a kick, arrabbiata sauce is a great choice. Rao's Arrabbiata Sauce and Due Cellucci Arrabbiata Sauce are both keto-friendly options. To make your own, add some red pepper flakes to your basic tomato sauce for a spicy kick.

Remember, when choosing store-bought pasta sauces, always read the ingredient labels to ensure they align with your keto diet.

Storing and reheating keto alfredo sauce

Storing Keto Alfredo Sauce

As keto alfredo sauce is made with heavy cream, it is best to consume it within 3-5 days if stored in the refrigerator. If you want to store it for a longer period, it is recommended to freeze it. However, freezing alfredo sauce may cause it to lose some texture and consistency when thawed. To store the sauce, use airtight containers or mason jars, and let it cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

Reheating Keto Alfredo Sauce

Reheating keto alfredo sauce can be tricky due to its tendency to separate and curdle at temperatures above 170° F. Here are some tips and methods to reheat your sauce while maintaining its creamy texture:

• Stovetop Method: Use a non-stick skillet or small saucepan and heat at medium-low temperature. Add a little water or milk to loosen the sauce. Gently mix the sauce until it is warmed throughout and creamy.
• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the sauce in an oven-safe dish with a splash of water or milk and cover with aluminium foil. Heat for about 10 minutes, then stir and add more liquid if needed. Repeat until the sauce is warmed and creamy.
• Microwave Method: Place the sauce in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of milk or water. Reheat at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. This method is quick and effective but requires frequent stirring to prevent separation.
• Double Boiler Method: Fill a saucepan with 2-3 inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the alfredo sauce in a heat-safe glass or stainless steel container and set it on top of the saucepan, maintaining a distance of 3-4 inches from the simmering water. Heat the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Use a food thermometer to monitor the temperature and remove it from the heat when it reaches 165°F. Stir vigorously until the temperature drops to around 150°F.

General Tips for Reheating:

• Add Liquid: Add a small amount of water, milk, or cream to the sauce to prevent it from drying out during reheating.
• Keep It Moving: Stir frequently to re-emulsify the sauce and prevent separation.
• Low and Slow: Use slow heating methods with low to medium heat for the best results.
• Store Properly: It is easier to reheat the sauce separately from any leftover pasta. If reheating together, gently separate the pasta with a spoon to avoid tearing.

Frequently asked questions