The cardinal rule of Italian cooking — start with quality ingredients — applies even if you're gussying up a jar of store-bought spaghetti sauce. In search of the best ready-mades on the market, Real Simple sampled 20 grocery-aisle regulars.

Buitoni Marinara was favored over the others for its full-bodied taste, chunky texture, and delicate herb infusion. Close behind was Bertolli Marinara With Burgundy Wine, a medium-bodied sauce with a harmonious combination of sweet and savory. Third place was a surprise: It went to a kids' favorite, canned Del Monte Traditional Spaghetti Sauce. It was preferred for its subtle, blank-canvas flavor that seemed to say "Anything is possible."