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White and cream sauces are the culinary equivalent of a soft blanket for your food — they add comfort, richness, and a creamy texture that turns a simple meal into something satisfying. Whether you’re whipping up a quick midweek pasta, dressing up roasted veg, or making a crowd-pleasing bake, a good cream sauce can lift flavours and bring ingredients together. If you’re anything like me, you want options: ready-made jars for speed, pouch sauces for convenience, and staple recipes like béchamel for when you want full control over taste and texture.
Not all white sauces are created equal. Some are light and milky, while others are rich and cheesy. Knowing the main types makes shopping easier and cooking faster.
Béchamel is the mother of all white sauces — a simple mix of butter, flour, and milk that’s silky and versatile. Supermarkets often sell ready-made béchamel in jars or tubs, typically in sizes around 10–14 oz, perfect when you don’t want to stand at the stove. It’s a great base for lasagne, moussaka, or as a finishing touch for gratins.
Alfredo is richer and cheesier than a plain béchamel, often made with Parmesan and cream. You’ll find both authentic-style jarred versions and lighter supermarket variants. Think of Alfredo for indulgent pasta nights — it’s got that restaurant-style mouthfeel without too much fuss.
Carbonara in jars or pouches approximates the luxurious egg and cheese emulsion of the original. These are handy when you want the taste of carbonara but prefer a packaged option. They're best used for quick pasta dishes and pair beautifully with pancetta or mushrooms.
For more flavour-forward options, look for garlic cream, mushroom cream, or herb-infused sauces. These are ready to pour over chicken, steaks, or roasted veg and are often available as 9–12 oz jars. They’re great when you want a distinct flavour profile without making the sauce from scratch.
Most UK supermarkets stock a range of white and cream sauces, from supermarket own-brands to national manufacturers and speciality lines. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect from the major stores, and why you might choose one over another.
Tesco offers a broad selection of own-brand sauces across its value, standard, and Finest ranges. You’ll find affordable 10–12 oz jars for everyday cooking and premium options that lean toward restaurant-style flavours. Tesco is a good stop if you want variety and frequent promotions that make stocking up economical.
Sainsbury’s tends to balance value and taste, with a trustworthy own-brand range and Taste the Difference lines for higher-end picks. Their sauces often sit around 10–13 oz per jar, and seasonal or limited-edition flavours pop up from time to time—great if you like trying new twists on classics.
Asda’s selection emphasizes accessibility and budget-friendly choices, including larger tubs and multipacks for families. If you’re feeding a crowd and want a hearty sauce at a lower price per pound, Asda can be the practical choice.
Morrisons offers own-brand sauces and occasionally collaborates with suppliers for slightly different flavour takes. Look out for 10–12 oz jars and easy-to-use pouches that make midweek cooking fast. Morrisons often balances everyday affordability with decent quality.
Waitrose is the place to go if you want premium or artisan-style cream sauces. Their own-brand and specialty ranges focus on higher quality ingredients and richer profiles. Expect jar sizes in the 8–12 oz range and flavours that are a bit more refined — perfect when you’re cooking for guests.
Discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl have surprised many cooks with very competitive ready-made sauces. Their own-label lines often mimic popular flavours at a fraction of the price, usually in compact 9–11 oz jars. These are brilliant for budget-friendly weeknights without compromising taste too much.
Ocado is an online specialist that stocks a wide variety of brands, including international and premium options you might not see on the high street. It’s handy for finding specific jar sizes (like 10 oz or 14 oz) and niche flavours. If you want to compare brands side-by-side, Ocado’s search filters make shopping quicker.
Iceland tends to focus on frozen meal accompaniments and value jars, while Booths, a regional favourite in the north, offers more artisan and local producer lines. Both are useful depending on whether you prioritise convenience or local, hand-crafted goods.
For imported sauces or hard-to-find brands, online marketplaces like Amazon are worth checking. You’ll find jar and pouch options from small producers and international labels. Just watch shipping sizes and totals — sauces often come in multi-packs that can add up in pounds if you don’t need them all.
Choosing a sauce is like picking a soundtrack for a movie — it should complement the action, not overpower it. Start by asking what you’re serving: pasta, protein, vegetables, or a bake? For delicate seafood, go light with a creamy lemon or garlic sauce. For meaty dishes, richer alfredo or mushroom cream works best. If you’re layering in a bake or lasagne, béchamel provides structure and subtle creaminess.
There’s a balance between value and flavour. Budget jars are great for everyday meals and when you need a reliable base. Premium options, often found at Waitrose or Ocado, typically use higher-quality dairy, real cheeses, and fewer stabilisers — you’ll notice the texture and depth. If you’re hosting or want a sauce that tastes of homemade, it’s worth splashing out on a nicer jar.
Not everyone wants dairy, and supermarkets have responded. Many stores now stock vegan cream sauces made from oat, soya, or almond milks, often in similar jar sizes like 10 oz. These are especially handy for creamy pasta without the dairy fallout and work well in plant-based lasagnes and casseroles. Check ingredient lists for allergens and salt content if that’s a concern.
Buy the right size: single-serving jars of around 8–10 oz are great for one or two meals; larger 20–26 oz tubs suit families or batch cooking. Watch for multipack deals if you use a sauce regularly, but be realistic about how quickly you’ll use them before flavours fade. Also, compare price per ounce rather than just the sticker price to see true value.
Once opened, most jarred cream sauces keep in the fridge for around 5–7 days; that’s usually about a week’s worth for small households. If you buy larger tubs and won’t finish them, consider freezing portions in airtight containers — 8–12 oz portions freeze well and defrost quickly. Reheat gently on low heat; cream sauces can split if boiled, so slow and steady is the winning method.
Even the best jar can benefit from a little love. Stir in a handful of grated cheese, a knob of butter, or a splash of white wine to deepen the flavour. Fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or sautéed garlic and mushrooms can transform a plain cream sauce into something special. Think of the jar as your canvas — small tweaks create big differences.
Instant dinner ideas: toss a jarred alfredo with cooked pasta and peas for a creamy one-pot, pour béchamel over assembled lasagne layers for a fuss-free bake, or warm a garlic cream sauce and spoon it over grilled chicken and steamed greens. For meal-prep, use portions of sauce to bind a vegetable bake or as a base for soups that need extra body.
In general, expect value jars to range from around £1.00 to £2.50 per jar for mainstream supermarket own-brand products, with premium and artisan jars starting from about £3.00 and up. Larger tubs or multipacks change the math — always divide total cost by ounces to compare fairly. Promotions and seasonal deals often drop prices dramatically, so keep an eye out for offers.
Be curious and taste-test. Buy a small jar first, experiment with your favourite add-ins, and note what you prefer — lighter or richer, herby or cheesy. Use store loyalty apps and newsletters to spot deals, and consider online supermarket filters to compare jars by ingredient or dietary tag. Once you know your go-to style, shopping becomes fast and satisfying.
White and cream sauces are incredibly versatile staples that can make midweek cooking effortless and special occasions stress-free. UK supermarkets and online retailers offer a wide range from budget-friendly jars to premium, artisan options. By understanding the different types, knowing where to look, and learning a few simple upgrade tricks, you’ll be able to buy, store, and use cream sauces like a pro. So next time you’re planning dinner, don’t underestimate the power of a good jar — it might just rescue a recipe and become your new secret weapon.
| White & Cream Sauces | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Supersonic - Hazelnut Cream | £ 4,70 |
