Costco Now Sells the Rao’s Sauce That Customers Say Is ‘As Good As’ Their Italian Grandma’s

Look, it doesn't take a lot to pique our interest, but two words that are guaranteed to do it every time are "Costco" and "Rao's." That's because Rao's Homemade is the brand behind some of our editors' (and our readers') favorite Italian staples, including pizza and pasta sauces, soups, and frozen Italian dinners. Anyone who's ever tried Rao's Homemade marinara sauce will tell you it's one of if not the absolute best store-bought tomato sauce out there, with one caveat—it's a bit pricey.

That's why real fans know the best place to buy it is without a doubt Costco—the price is unmatched and you often get multiple larger jars for the same price if not less than one jar at another store. And recently, we noticed a new Rao's Homemade product at Costco drumming up hype online: a frozen Eggplant Parmesan. Well, now there is a new sauce cropping up in Costco stores nationwide and causing quite a stir among fans (us included). Here's what you need to know about the new Rao's Homemade Calabrian Chili Marinara, plus our honest review.

Rao's Calabrian Chili Marinara Is Now at Costco

The Rao's Homemade Calabrian Chili Marinara is part of Rao's Limited Reserve line, a collection of exclusive products made in smaller quantities and only sold for a limited time. According to the product page, this sauce is "a sweet and spicy Calabrian Chili marinara, combining naturally sweet Italian cherry tomatoes with the warm heat of chilis grown in the southern Italian region of Calabria."

Previously only available in 19-ounce jars that cost $16.99 each, the sauce is now available in packs of two, 23-ounce jars, for just $14.99. That deal bears repeating: it's two larger jars for even less than the price of one smaller jar elsewhere. If that's not worth the Costco membership alone I don't know what is. But how does it taste?

On Rao's website, the product has stellar reviews; a near-perfect five-star rating across the board with customers raving it's the "best spicy store-bought sauce you can buy" and writing, "you’d be hard-pressed to find a richer, more flavorful sauce." One reviewer even went so far as to say this sauce is "as good as my Calabrian grandmother['s]! Hard for me to say but it’s true!"

Naturally, I had to try it for myself.

My Honest Review of Rao's Homemade Calabrian Chili Marinara

Here's one thing you should know about me: Rao's Homemade regular Marinara sauce is my end-all-be-all. It's one of two products—alongside our family's favorite frozen meatballs—we always, and I mean always, buy at Costco. I have committed the flavor of this marinara to my memory, and I am not above eating it with a spoon (and have been known to in the past). So I had high expectations for this sauce.

I tried it straight up on a spoon to get the full flavor. Upon first taste it has a more pronounced sweetness from cherry tomatoes (there's no sugar added FYI) and stronger herb notes of oregano and basil. The chili doesn't hit you until the very end as a little bit of warming heat lingers on your tongue. Calabrian chilis are one of my favorite spicy peppers; they're known for that bright, fiery kick that builds slowly and pairs so well with tomatoes.

Where the Rao's Homemade marinara is more buttery and rich, this is a more fresh, tomato-forward sauce. And don't let the chilis in the name scare you—while I have a high tolerance for spice, this sauce is definitely on the mild side, even less spicy than Rao's Arrabbiata in my opinion.

It would, of course, add a little heat to any weeknight pasta dish, but I think it would go particularly well with seafood in a Fra Diavolo kind of dish. Other reviews suggested lasagna, and I could see a version with this sauce and spicy Italian sausage being absolutely divine. First up on my list, however, is a spicy version of Uova in Purgatorio (Eggs in Purgatory) or Shakshuka. This sauce plus some sautéed peppers and perfectly baked eggs—with lots of toasted bread to dip—sounds like heaven in the form of Sunday brunch.

While it hasn't dethroned Rao's regular marinara in my heart, it's a delicious way to switch up my routine, especially considering what an incredible deal you get at Costco. And act fast—not only is it already proving to be a popular pick, but it's only in Costco stores now through Feb. 11.