Ragu is best known for their line of pasta sauces, but they have also offered other products over the years including a cheese sauce. Ragu’s cheese sauce allowed customers to quickly and easily prepare dishes like macaroni and cheese. With its shelf-stable packaging in cans or jars, Ragu’s cheese sauce offered convenience and versatility in cooking. But is this iconic cheese sauce still available today? The quick answer is yes, Ragu continues to sell their traditional cheese sauce product. However, its availability and packaging has changed over time.
History of Ragu Cheese Sauce
Ragu began selling its prepared cheese sauce in 1943. The product was marketed as “Ragu Cheese Sauce for Macaroni, Vegetables, Casseroles.” Early on, it was sold in 14 oz cans and touted as “The velvety-smooth delicious cheese sauce – ready to heat and serve.” Advertisements highlighted its convenience for quick dinners, suggested serving it over macaroni, vegetables, fish and hamburgers. The classic cheese sauce joined Ragu’s lineup alongside their expanding variety of spaghetti sauce products.
Over the decades, Ragu’s cheese sauce became popular for making quick macaroni and cheese. In the 1990s, Ragu capitalized on this with marketing specifically positioning it as “macaroni and cheese in minutes.” The cheese sauce was sold in cans for mixing with macaroni elbow pasta and topping with bread crumbs to bake. Ragu also introduced a microwaveable version in a plastic pouch for even quicker preparation.
While the packaging and marketing changed, Ragu’s traditional recipe for the popular cheese sauce remained largely the same over the long term. It was made with a blend of cheeses including cheddar, Parmesan and Romano. The smooth, pale orange cheese sauce had a distinctive tangy, almost sharp flavor profile. It was thickened with wheat flour and enriched with milk and butter.
Current Availability of Ragu Cheese Sauce
Ragu cheese sauce remains available today, but no longer with as wide distribution. For much of its history, the cheese sauce was considered one of Ragu’s core products. But over time, Ragu streamlined their product line to focus more exclusively on their pasta sauce offerings.
Ragu cheese sauce is still sold, but primarily through just select retailers and online. In most mainstream grocery stores, you are unlikely to find Ragu cheese sauce on the shelves. The product has been dropped by many retailers like Walmart, Target, and local grocery chains.
However, Ragu cheese sauce in the traditional 14 oz cans can still be found at some stores like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and Albertsons. Availability varies by region and location. It is more widely available through online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.com. The 14 oz canned cheese sauce currently has an MSRP of $3.19.
While less ubiquitous, Ragu cheese sauce still maintains a loyal following of customers who seek it out for recipes and nostalgic appeal. The classic canned cheese sauce evokes nostalgia for some who remember it from childhood. Demand has remained high enough for Ragu to continue producing it on a limited scale.
Changes to Packaging and Varieties
Beyond the more limited availability, Ragu cheese sauce has also seen some packaging changes over the years. In the 2000s, Ragu introduced the cheese sauce in a 15 oz plastic jar as well as the original 14 oz can. The move to plastic jars was likely influenced by environmental concerns over BPA chemical in cans. However, the canned option remains available for purchase.
Ragu has also expanded the cheese sauce line with other flavor varieties over the years. For a time “Zesty Cheese” and “Nacho Cheese” versions were available but have since been discontinued. Today, the offerings have been simplified to just the classic cheese sauce.
While Ragu Cheese sauce is not as ubiquitous as it once was, the original tangy, pale orange cheese sauce can still be purchased. Devotees willing to hunt for it can enjoy the nostalgic flavor for making macaroni and cheese, casseroles, vegetables, and more. Ragu’s cheese sauce has clearly stood the test of time.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (62g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Fat | 13g |
| Sodium | 470mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Protein | 6g |
Ragu cheese sauce delivers bold, cheesy flavor, but also significant amounts of fat and sodium. A 1/4 cup serving provides 13g of fat, which is 20% of the daily value. Sodium content is also high at 470mg per serving. The cheese sauce gets its rich, creamy texture from dairy ingredients like milk, butter, and a blend of cheeses. Cheddar cheese is the first ingredient listed. Vegetable oil and wheat flour make up the base.
Though not a low-calorie food choice, Ragu’s cheese sauce can be enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall balanced diet. It provides a good source of protein and calcium. When preparing recipes, you can reduce the fat and sodium content by using less cheese sauce and adding more low-fat ingredients like vegetables and whole grain pasta. Enjoy this nostalgic comfort food, but focus on your overall eating pattern.
How to Use Ragu Cheese Sauce
Ragu cheese sauce delivers convenience, but also versatility to elevate a variety of dishes:
Macaroni and Cheese – The rich, tangy cheese sauce can quickly transform elbow macaroni into everyone’s favorite comfort food. For a classic baked mac and cheese, simply prepare pasta, mix with cheese sauce, transfer to a casserole dish, top with bread crumbs and bake until hot and bubbly.
Vegetables – From broccoli to cauliflower, green beans, carrots and more – drizzle the cheese sauce over your favorite veggie for extra flavor.
Pizzas – Use Ragu cheese sauce in place of regular pizza sauce. Top with cheese and veggies or pepperoni for a unique, cheesy take on pizza night.
Casseroles – For easy weeknight meals, incorporate the sauce into simple chicken, tuna or eggplant casseroles. The creamy cheese binder infuses dishes with flavor.
Nachos – For bold movie night nachos, ladle the zesty cheese sauce over tortilla chips and top with all the fixings.
With a creamy, velvety texture and bold cheesy flavor, Ragu cheese sauce can take meals from boring to extraordinary. Keep a can or jar on hand for enriching everyday dishes. Get creative in the kitchen with this time-saving secret weapon.
Where to Buy Ragu Cheese Sauce
Want to get your hands on this classic cheese sauce? Here are some of the best places to find it:
Amazon – Both the 14 oz can and 15 oz jar of original Ragu Cheese Sauce are available through Amazon.com. Purchase online and have it shipped directly to your door. Prime Members often get access to lower pricing.
Walmart – While Ragu cheese sauce is no longer on Walmart shelves, you can still purchase it online at Walmart.com. Opt for in-store pickup to grab it easily next time you visit the store.
Kroger – For those with a Kroger-owned grocery store like Kroger, Ralphs, Dillons or Smith’s, check their canned sauce aisle. Ragu cheese sauce is still carried at select locations.
Albertsons/Safeway – Some Albertsons and Safeway stores offer Ragu cheese sauce on their shelves as well as through their websites for delivery.
Dollar General – Surprisingly, Dollar General is one retailer that still carries the Ragu cheese sauce at many locations. It’s perfect for scooping up a deal.
Call ahead to confirm local availability at your grocery store, but Ragu cheese sauce can often still be found both in stores and online. Snag a can to keep on hand any time a cheesy sauce craving strikes.
Ragu Cheese Sauce Recipes
Take Ragu cheese sauce beyond just mac and cheese with these delicious recipe ideas:
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts, baked and cubed
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1⁄4 cup melted butter
1 1⁄2 cups Ragu cheese sauce
1 1⁄2 cups stuffing mix
Instructions:
Cook broccoli until just tender. Mix with chicken, butter, and cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased casserole dish. Top with stuffing mix. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Cheese Sauce Pizza
Ingredients:
1 pre-made pizza crust
1 cup Ragu cheese sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella
Toppings like pepperoni, onions, mushrooms
Instructions:
Spread cheese sauce over pizza crust. Top with mozzarella and any other desired toppings. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes until cheese is melted and crust is crisp.
Cheesy Tuna & Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
8 oz egg noodles, cooked
2 cans tuna, drained
1 1⁄2 cups Ragu cheese sauce
1 cup frozen peas
1⁄4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
Mix noodles, tuna, cheese sauce and peas in a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Ragu cheese sauce allows you to quickly add creamy, cheesy richness to everyday meals. Try it in your favorite comforting casseroles, pastas, pizzas and more.
Common Questions about Ragu Cheese Sauce
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this classic cheese sauce product:
Is Ragu cheese sauce real cheese?
Yes, Ragu cheese sauce is made with real cheese ingredients including cheddar, parmesan, and romano. The blended cheese sauce delivers authentic cheese flavor.
Is the cheese sauce gluten free?
No, Ragu’s traditional cheese sauce contains wheat flour and is not gluten free. Some individuals report tolerating it, but it is not recommended for gluten free diets.
Can you freeze Ragu cheese sauce?
The cheese sauce can be frozen for longer term storage. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating gently over low heat. The texture may be slightly thinner after freezing.
Is Ragu cheese veggie or vegetarian friendly?
The classic version is not vegetarian or vegan because it contains milk and cheese ingredients. However, it does not contain any meat.
Where is Ragu cheese sauce made?
Ragu products sold in the U.S. are produced and packaged in facilities in Owensboro, KY and Paris, TX. The cheese sauce is made domestically.
Ragu takes consumer questions about all their products seriously. Feel free to reach out to them directly for any additional questions on the cheese sauce or other offerings.
Conclusion
Ragu’s classic cheese sauce has been a staple product of the brand for over 75 years. Though not as ubiquitous today, the tangy, creamy cheese sauce can still be found on some grocery store shelves and online. Devoted fans continue to seek out this nostalgia-inducing product. Made with a blend of real cheeses like cheddar, Parmesan, and Romano, Ragu cheese sauce delivers convenience and big flavor for simple meals. Drizzle it over pasta, veggies, pizzas, casseroles and more. While availability has changed, Ragu cheese sauce lives on as a cherished kitchen staple.
