I always think the best canned enchilada sauce will make a perfect enchilada. Some people may wonder why not make a homemade sauce.
But actually, cooking one ideally needs tons of ingredients and skills. So, why bother doing so when you can just grab a can of enchilada sauce? Surely it will not affect the taste of this iconic Salvadoran dish that much, right?
If you are afraid that it won’t taste as delicious, you are pretty wrong. I admit there are low-quality brands on the market, but that doesn’t apply to these products in this article.
Not only are they all high-grade, but each brand also has its own features that are suitable for various palates. Read this list carefully, and you’ll have your best choice!
What Is Enchilada Sauce?
To learn about that, you need to know what enchiladas are. Simply put, enchiladas contain several filled corn tortillas. They are covered with a sauce before getting baked. Enchiladas make a perfect dinner meal for your family.
There are many variants of the dish in various countries. Although many people might think that the Mexican version is the best, enchiladas in other American countries are no less delicious. They are considered a signature dish in Guatemalan cuisine.
And enchilada sauce is the topping sauce in this dish. It includes several Mexican ingredients for a flavorful taste. But most of the time, its main components are tomatoes or chili peppers.
Enchilada is not complete without proper side dishes. This means that you’ll also need to be mindful about what you serve with this delectable dish. Many people might not be aware of it, but side dishes can actually make or break your meal course.
Depending on the color, people divide this sauce into two groups: Red enchilada sauce and green ones. Red sauce often contains tomato puree, white green one uses green peppers and jalapenos instead
You can’t find an enchilada dish better than this! You can see this video to know more:
A Guide To The Top Brands Of Canned Enchilada Sauce
Regardless of red or green sauce, these below brand names are a good start when it comes to making perfect meals with enchilada.
Las Palmas
Las Palmas is a brand of B & G Food corporation. With more than 75 years in producing and distributing processed foods, Las Palmas products ensure delivering the high-grade yet affordable items and the most authentic flavor for your Mexican-style meals.
Rosarita
Another brand that is well-loved for its authentic taste is Rosarita. Established from the 1940s, it is also a familiar name among customers who fall in love with Mexican food. Their signature is refried beans but Rosarita sauces are impressive as well.
La Preferida
At La Preferida, you can find more than 250 finest products to make a hearty Mexican-style meals with ease, such as Spanish rice, canned peppers, chiles, beans/peas, canned sauces, and more.
Quick Answer: What Are The Best Canned Enchilada Sauce To Buy In 2023?
Buying the best canned enchilada sauce isn’t as simple as it sounds. However, I have come up with this list full of top-rated products. You can take it as a recommendation if you have a hard time deciding.
Among these brands, the one standing out the most is Rosarita, with its authentic Mexican flavor. And if your budget is a bit tight, you can consider the El Pato Red brand.
- Best Overall: Rosarita Keto-Friendly Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Fresh, authentic Mexican ingredients; mild flavor suitable for everyone; Keto-friendly, fat-free, sugar-free, low in calories.” - Best Budget: Las Palmas 10 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Red enchilada sauce; mild and zesty flavor; packed of authentic Mexican ingredients; perfect for non-spicy eaters” - Best For Gluten-Free Diet: El Pato 28 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Contain fresh chile peppers; no preservatives, affordable price.” - Best Red Sauce: Old El Paso 10 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Mild-to-hot flavor, trustworthy brand, various packaging options.” - Best Tomatillo Sauce: La Costena 28oz Green Tomatillos Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Made of tomatillos, mild spiciness, combined with other dishes, ready to serve.” - Best Green Sauce: Las Palmas 28 oz Green Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Fresh, authentic Mexican ingredients; zest flavor; versatile uses.” - Best For Non-Spicy Eaters: La Victoria 10 oz Mild Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Organic ingredients; mild flavor; no additives.” - Best With Medium Spiciness: Hatch 15 oz Green Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Green sauce; designed with a pre-seal lid cover; medium hot flavor; additive-free” - Best With Authentic Flavor: La Preferida 10 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Red sauce; mild flavor; BPA-free packages; suitable for vegan diet; high versatility” - Best With Organic Ingredients: 365 By WFM 15.5 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
“Red enchilada sauce; dade with fresh and organic ingredients; no fat content; USDA Organic certification”
Best Canned Enchilada Sauce Comparison Chart 2023
When you are in a hurry, you can just glance at this table for a full comparison among these top 10 best canned enchilada sauces. All of their vital features are all presented here!
Top 10 Best Canned Enchilada Sauce Review In 2023
Here’s what you’ve been waiting for: Top 10 best canned enchilada sauce! In this part, you will learn all the details about each product, including its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages.
1. Rosarita Keto-Friendly Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best Overall)
Rosarita is a well-known Mexican food brand for its traditional and authentic products. And this enchilada sauce is one of them. Made with natural ingredients, it promises to bring a genuine Mexican taste to your dish. Not to mention, all the components are Keto-friendly.
And enchilada sauce from Rosarita is more on the mild side, so even non-spicy eaters can enjoy it. Also, my favorite part about this brand is the sauce comes in a batch of twelve cans, so I can use it as much as I want.
Key Features:
- Red enchilada sauce
- Made of fresh, natural ingredients
- Each pack contains 12 cans
Pros
- Authentic Mexican flavor with organic ingredients
- Suitable for non-spicy eaters
- Good for Keto-free diet
- Low in calories, fat-free, and added sugar-free
- Can be combined with different dishes
Cons
- The quantity may be too much for one serving
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 20 oz |
| Dimensions | 14.6 x 10.2 x 4.7 inches (12 pack) |
| Serving Number | 9 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (61g) |
| Sauce Type | Red |
| Nutrition | 20 calories/serving, iron, potas; no trans fat, no cholesterol, no added sugar |
| Brand | Rosarita |
A full review about Rosarita canned enchilada sauce!
2. Las Palmas 10 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best Budget)
If you need a low-priced sauce, this Las Palmas product is ideal. Featuring a zesty flavor, however, this red sauce is milder compared to the green version but still provides enough Mexican flavors.
Also, since Las Palmas prioritize high-quality ingredients and spices, you can feel comfortable eating your enchiladas knowing all the components are trustworthy.
Key Features
- Red enchilada sauce
- Mild and zesty flavor
- Authentic Mexican ingredients
Pros
- Suitable for non-spicy eaters
- Excellent for Mexican cuisine lovers
- 10 oz is perfect for individual use
Cons
- Quite hard to open
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 10 oz |
| Dimensions | 3.8 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Serving Number | 4.5 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Sauce Type | Red |
| Nutrition | 15 calories/serving, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron; no trans fat, no cholesterol |
| Brand | Las Palmas |
3. El Pato 28 Oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best For Gluten-Free Diet)
Sometimes the best lies in the simplicity, and this enchilada is an appropriate example. Unlike other sauces, it doesn’t have complex recipes but only contains two main ingredients: chile peppers and tomato puree.
Due to this and the fact that El Pato doesn’t add any preservatives, this sauce is full of fresh flavors, especially when compared to regular brands using chile powder.
However, some people may not like that El Pato enchilada sauce comes in a 28 oz can, which is too much for regular meals. But you can easily rectify that by saving some Mexican lasagna, a lip-smacking Mexican dish prepared in a crockpot.
Key Features:
- Red enchilada sauce
- Using fresh chile peppers
- 28-oz cans for large meal
Pros
- Not using chile powder
- No preservatives
- Fresh, natural flavors
Cons
- The package is too abundant for single use
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 28 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.5 x 3.9 x 3.8 inches |
| Serving Number | 13 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (6g) |
| Sauce Type | Red |
| Nutrition | 15 calories/serving, no fat |
| Brand | El Pato |
4. Old El Paso 10 Oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best Red Sauce)
When it comes to Mexican food brands, you can’t skip this Old El Paso as it has been there for such a long time, acting as the primary force for Tex-Mex cuisine. Once you try this enchilada sauce, you’ll understand why it’s so popular.
This sauce carries enough heat for you to feel the Mexican cuisine but remains easy enough to eat for people who can’t handle too much spiciness.
Also, with Old El Paso sauce, you don’t have to worry about how many cans you should buy. It has various package categories for you to choose from, such as 12 cans of 10 oz/each or 6 cans of 28 oz/each.
Key Features:
- Red enchilada sauce
- Mild-to-hot flavor
- Various package choices
Pros
- Come from famous brand name
- Suitable for people who can’t handle much heat
- 10 oz is enough for a small family or 1 person
Cons
- Containing sugar and other processed food
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 10 oz |
| Dimensions | 11.2 x 8.1 x 3.9 inches (12 pack) |
| Serving Number | 4.5 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Sauce Type | Red |
| Nutrition | 20 calories/serving, no fat, no cholesterol |
| Brand | Old El Paso |
5. La Costena 28oz Green Tomatillos Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best Tomatillo Sauce)
If you want something different from other regular canned enchilada sauce, this La Costena product will surely liven up your dinner table. Since it uses tomatillos instead of tomatoes or chili peppers, this sauce offers a unique taste that you can’t find in other brands.
Also, even a cooking beginner can use this sauce. La Costena enchilada sauce doesn’t require any further flavorings. You can just pour it over your meal and enjoy its moderate spiciness. You can also use this product to whip up a quick and easy Mexican breakfast.
Key Features:
- Enchilada sauce made with tomatillos
- Ready to use
- Mild flavor
Pros
- Unique taste, different from other canned enchilada sauce
- Require no further cooking or seasonings
- Suitable for everyone, even non-spicy eaters
Cons
- The quantity may be too much for one meal in small family
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 28 oz |
| Dimensions | 4.6 x 4 x 4 inches |
| Serving Number | 4 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 123g |
| Sauce Type | Green |
| Nutrition | 40 calories/serving, protein, calcium, and iron; no trans fat, no cholesterol |
| Brand | La Costena |
6. Las Palmas 28 oz Green Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best Green Sauce)
Made with green chile peppers and jalapeno peppers, this Las Palmas sauce provides authentic Mexican spiciness. Not to mention, it also has a distinct zesty flavor that sets it apart from other sauces, making it a vital ingredient for making authentic Mexican appetizers.
Moreover, this sauce is so versatile that you can use it with any dish without worrying whether it can overpower the main ingredients.
Key Features:
- Made with fresh components
- Zest flavor
- Authentic Mexican ingredients and spices
Pros
- If you are not a fan of spiciness, you must try this mild sauce
- It can be used in different dishes, including non-Mexican ones
- Comes with 12 packs for longer use
Cons
- The packaging is pretty tricky if you buy this product the first time
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 28 oz |
| Dimensions | 16.4 x 12.1 x 5 inches (12 pack) |
| Serving Number | 13 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Sauce Type | Green |
| Nutrition | 25 calories/serving, vitamin A, vitamin C, iron; no fat, no cholesterol |
| Brand | Las Palmas |
7. La Victoria 10 oz Mild Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best For Non-Spicy Eaters)
The first thing you taste in La Victoria enchilada sauce is not the heat but the flavor of fresh ripe tomatoes. Though it doesn’t carry much spiciness like other sauces, this product brings a refreshing, healthy taste.
Also, this sauce is a bit thicker than several other brands, but you can thin it down by adding stock or water to it. Alternatively, you can combine this with canned chicken for a quick meal. With La Victoria enchilada sauce, dishes made with canned chicken will taste absolutely delicious.
Another strong point of La Victoria enchilada sauce is it has the Kosher certification, making it a more suitable option for Jewish people. And it’s gluten-free too, so anyone with low gluten tolerance can enjoy it.
Key Features:
- Red enchilada sauce
- Mild flavor
- Thick consistency
Pros
- Suitable for people who can’t handle hot sauce
- Ideal for a gluten-free diet
- Proven by Kosher
Cons
- Package may cause the sauce to leak if not handled carefully
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 10 oz |
| Dimensions | 11.6 x 8.1 x 4.3 inches (12 pack) |
| Serving Number | 5 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Sauce Type | Red |
| Nutrition | 30 calories/serving, no trans fat, no cholesterol, no gluten |
| Brand | La Victoria |
8. Hatch 15 oz Green Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best With Medium Spiciness)
If you want something spicier than those red enchilada sauces above, you can try this Hatch green chile sauce. Made from authentic ingredients and without any additives, this sauce is full of flavor and good for your health as well.
Also, while it is spicier than regular red enchilada sauce, this product doesn’t contain too much heat, which may be a let-down for people expecting a hot sauce from green chile.
Key Features:
- Green enchilada sauce
- Pre-seal lid cover
- Medium hot flavor
Pros
- Healthy, organic ingredients
- Additive-free
- Suitable for people who can’t handle too much heat
- Easy to open
Cons
- It may be not hot enough for spicy lovers
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 15 oz |
| Dimensions | 8.8 x 5.7 x 4.5 inches (6 pack) |
| Serving Number | 7 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Sauce Type | Green |
| Nutrition | 25 calories/serving, vitamin C; no trans fat, no cholesterol |
| Brand | Hatch |
9. La Preferida 10 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best With Authentic Flavor)
Since this sauce contains mainly chile pepper paste, it’s more on the milder side, preferable to people who want a sauce full of flavor but less heat.
Aside from enchilada, you can use this product in tons of Mexican side dishes like tacos, burritos, etc. However, if you want to lose weight, pay attention to the amount you use, as this La Preferida sauce has 70 calories in each serving.
Key Features:
- Red enchilada sauce
- Mild flavor
- BPA-free packages
Pros
- Suitable for people who can’t handle spiciness
- Versatile use for different dishes
- A perfect gift for vegans
- Don’t contain artificial flavor
Cons
- Quite high calories if you are on diet
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 10 oz |
| Dimensions | 8.1 x 5.5 x 4.1 inches (6 pack) |
| Serving Number | 4 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (65g) |
| Sauce Type | Red |
| Nutrition | 70 calories/serving, protein, iron; no trans fat, no cholesterol |
| Brand | La Preferida |
10. 365 By WFM 15.5 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce
(Best With Organic Ingredients)
Right from its name, you know that 365 Everyday Value prides itself in making this sauce with all the organic ingredients. Thanks to that, you’ll get to enjoy the freshest taste possible from a canned sauce.
Also, this enchilada sauce is fat-free, so you can eat it to your likings without worrying about your weight. However, as the can is a bit small, you’ll spend it all in just a few days if you use it freely.
Key Features:
- Red enchilada sauce
- Made with fresh ingredients
- No fat content
- USDA Organic certification
Pros
- Made from 100% high-quality ingredients
- Suitable for people not favoring spiciness
- Eye-catchy packaging
Cons
- The sauce may be oversweet for you
Product Specifications:
| Net Weight | 15.5 oz |
| Dimensions | 5.2 x 2.9 x 2.9 inches |
| Serving Number | 7 servings/container |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (60g) |
| Sauce Type | Red |
| Nutrition | 20 calories/serving, no fat |
| Brand | 365 by WFM |
Factors For You To Consider When Choosing Canned Enchilada Sauce
Before picking canned enchilada sauce, make sure you run through all these factors at least once so that you can choose the most appropriate ones for you.
Red Sauce Or Green Sauce?
The most common question I’ve met when choosing canned enchilada is: Should I choose red or green? In fact, there are no fixed rules stating which one you must use. However, there are several differences between them you should know.
The most significant gap is in their ingredients. Red enchilada sauce uses tomato puree as its base, whereas green ones often contain green peppers and jalapenos as their main ingredients.
Thus, their flavor is also slightly different. Red sauce is sweeter with a hint of earthiness. In contrast, the green version is tangier and fresher. So, it’s up to your palate and your dishes that you choose whatever you feel comfortable with.
Spiciness Level
Mexican food is famous for its spiciness, and I know many of you want to replicate it as precisely as possible. However, not everyone is okay with spicy dishes, and too much heat can also harm your stomach.
Thus, that’s why you should pay attention to the heat level of the canned enchilada sauce you’ll buy. Nowadays, most brands have a wide range of spiciness, from mild to super hot.
If you aren’t sure about your preferences, you can buy a sauce that’s on the mild side. Then, you can increase the heat level by adding hot sauce when cooking with it at home.
Ingredients
And of course, you should always look at the product’s ingredient list before deciding. It may contain something that you’re allergic to or causes health problems. You’ll never know, so make sure you check it carefully.
Also, for canned enchilada sauce, it’d be the best if it doesn’t contain many ingredients. It’s because various low-quality brands try to make up for their lack-of-flavor sauce by adding a bunch of preservatives or artificial components.
Nutrition
While some people aren’t too concerned about this matter, healthy cuisine is becoming more than just a temporary trend. And there’s no harm in checking whether this canned enchilada sauce you’re about to choose is good for your health.
A regular can should have only 20 calories, 2-3 grams of sugar, and 3-4 grams of carbs. Besides them, some brands can contain other nutrients like antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, etc.
You should also look out for the additives and preservatives (MSG or hydrolyzed soy) in your canned sauce, as the more they are added, the more calories in the sauce.
Kosher Or Gluten-Free?
Nutrition is important, but there is another factore just as crucial: Your dietary requirement. For example, if you have some religious beliefs, you should check whether your canned enchilada sauce is Kosher or Halal. The same goes to vegetarian or gluten-free diets.
Versatility
Enchilada sauce is obviously born for making enchilada. But this is not the sole reason for their existence. You can use canned enchilada sauce for numerous recipes, from Mexican-based to American-style ones.
However, remember to consider what recipes you intend to use so that you can choose the sauce with the appropriate thickness and heat level.
FAQs
In this part, you’ll find various commonly asked questions about canned enchilada sauce. With this, you’ll be more confident about picking your own choice.
My Top Pick
With this list, now you can make an enchilada dish with canned sauce as tasty as one with a homemade sauce. As long as you remember all these crucial points above, you can pick the one you enjoy the most.
And if you want some of my opinions, I’d put Rosarita Keto-Friendly Red Canned Enchilada Sauce on top of my list as I can freely enjoy it without worrying about my weight. El Pato 28 oz Red Canned Enchilada Sauce is also a decent choice to tighten my spending a bit.
So, are you satisfied with this list? Have you tried making your enchiladas with one of these products above? Do you have any other favorite canned enchilada sauce?… Please share all your thoughts in the comment section below.
