I Tried Dozens Of BBQ Sauces And Here’s What’s Worth Buying (And What’s Not)
In the world of culinary delights, BBQ sauces can make or break a meal. With an overwhelming variety available in the market, finding the perfect sauce can be daunting. This blog post explores 20 dozen BBQ sauces, highlighting those worth buying and those better left on the shelf. Dive into the rich flavors, aromatic spices, and unique blends that each sauce brings to the table. Discover new favorites or reaffirm your love for classic choices.
1. Sweet Baby Ray’s Original
Sweet Baby Ray’s Original remains a beloved staple for BBQ enthusiasts. Its sweetness, balanced with a tangy kick, offers a versatile flavor that complements any grilled dish. Whether drizzled over ribs or mixed into pulled pork, its thick consistency ensures every bite is flavorful.
This iconic sauce has a rich history, winning numerous accolades since its creation. The secret blend of spices continues to captivate taste buds across generations. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to enhance rather than overpower the meat’s natural flavors.
For those seeking a reliable sauce with a hint of nostalgia, Sweet Baby Ray’s is a top contender.
2. Stubbs Original
Stubbs Original BBQ sauce stands out with its smoky, peppery profile. Unlike many of its counterparts, it opts for a less sugary composition, focusing on a robust blend of spices. Ideal for grilled chicken or brisket, its unique flavor profile adds depth without overwhelming the palate.
The sauce pays homage to its Texan roots, capturing the essence of traditional BBQ through its carefully curated ingredients. Its creator, C.B. Stubblefield, was a barbecue legend whose culinary legacy continues in every bottle.
For those craving a genuine taste of Texas, Stubbs delivers authenticity with every pour.
3. Lillie’s Q Smoky
Lillie’s Q Smoky BBQ sauce elevates ribs to new heights with its rich, smoky flavor. The sauce’s depth is achieved through natural smoke and a clean ingredient list, ensuring each mouthful is both authentic and satisfying.
Rooted in Southern tradition, Lillie’s Q captures the spirit of a classic backyard BBQ, where family and friends gather to enjoy grilled delights. Its creator, Chef Charlie McKenna, brings his award-winning expertise to this artisanal blend.
Perfect for those who appreciate a well-rounded BBQ experience, Lillie’s Q Smoky is a must-try for rib enthusiasts.
4. Bone Suckin’ Sauce
Bone Suckin’ Sauce is the go-to for those who enjoy a tangy vinegar punch with a hint of sweetness. Its thinner consistency makes it ideal for marinades, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply into meats like chicken wings.
The sauce, a North Carolina favorite, embodies the spirit of Southern hospitality with every taste. Its unique blend of spices and natural ingredients caters to purists who value simplicity without compromising on flavor.
For a sauce that stands out in a sea of imitators, Bone Suckin’ Sauce continues to delight with its unpretentious and satisfying profile.
5. Trader Joe’s Kansas City Style
Trader Joe’s Kansas City Style BBQ sauce offers a rich molasses base, creating a sticky texture that clings perfectly to meats. The smoky finish complements its sweet undertones, making it a budget-friendly favorite for BBQ lovers.
Ideal for those who enjoy a classic BBQ experience without breaking the bank, this sauce delivers on both taste and value. It embodies the sweet, tangy essence of Kansas City BBQ, a style revered by pitmasters nationwide.
Whether slathered on ribs or brushed over chicken, Trader Joe’s sauce delivers consistent quality at a fraction of the cost.
6. Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sensuous Slathering Sauce
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que Sensuous Slathering Sauce is bold and flavorful, boasting a deep tomato base that enhances burgers and sausages. Its unique blend of spices provides a satisfying kick without overwhelming the senses.
Originating from the renowned Dinosaur Bar-B-Que restaurant, this sauce captures the essence of their acclaimed BBQ dishes in every bottle. It’s perfect for those seeking a robust flavor that stands up to hearty meats.
Whether grilling in the backyard or at a tailgate, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que’s sauce promises a taste adventure worth indulging in.
7. Blues Hog Original
Blues Hog Original is renowned for its super sweet and ultra-thick consistency, making it a favorite for those who love their BBQ on the sweeter side. When applied to ribs or burnt ends, it caramelizes beautifully, offering a mouthwatering glaze.
The sauce’s rich flavor profile includes hints of spices that complement its sweetness, creating a balanced and indulgent experience. Originating from a family recipe, Blues Hog has become a staple at BBQ competitions.
For those who crave a decadent BBQ sauce that packs a sweet punch, Blues Hog Original is an irresistible choice.
8. Rufus Teague “Touch O’ Heat”
Rufus Teague’s “Touch O’ Heat” offers a mild kick, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice without overwhelming heat. Its molasses undertones provide a rich sweetness that balances the subtle heat, enhancing the natural flavors of meats.
The sauce is a testament to its creator’s dedication to quality, using only the finest ingredients. It pays homage to traditional BBQ with a modern twist, satisfying the palates of spice lovers and traditionalists alike.
Ideal for those who appreciate nuanced flavors, Rufus Teague’s sauce is a delightful addition to any BBQ spread.
9. Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce (Full Flavor Smokey)
Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce (Full Flavor Smokey) infuses a slightly boozy essence into its smooth, smoky profile. This sauce is perfect for ribs, where the whiskey undertones enhance the meat’s flavor without overpowering it.
The sauce embodies the spirit of Tennessee whiskey, offering a unique taste experience that BBQ lovers cherish. Its rich blend of spices and premium ingredients ensures a high-quality flavor in every drop.
For those seeking a BBQ sauce with character and depth, Jack Daniel’s delivers a bold, memorable taste that complements a variety of dishes.
10. G Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce
G Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce surprises with its full-bodied flavor, perfect for those mindful of their carb intake. Despite being sugar-free, this sauce maintains a rich taste that rivals traditional BBQ sauces.
Its unique blend of spices and natural ingredients provides a satisfying alternative without sacrificing quality. Ideal for those on a keto or low-carb diet, G Hughes offers a guilt-free way to enjoy BBQ.
Whether used as a marinade or a glaze, this sauce proves that you don’t need sugar to achieve a delicious BBQ experience.
11. Bull’s-Eye Original
Bull’s-Eye Original BBQ Sauce disappoints with its overly salty and artificial taste. Lacking real depth, it fails to capture the essence of a good BBQ sauce. The flavor profile is dominated by salt, leaving little room for the natural taste of meats.
Many find it reminiscent of processed sauces, with a texture that’s gloopy rather than smooth. Though it has its fans, most BBQ enthusiasts seek alternatives that offer genuine, robust flavors.
For those looking for a sauce that enhances rather than detracts, Bull’s-Eye Original might be better left on the shelf.
12. Kraft Hickory Smoke
Kraft Hickory Smoke BBQ Sauce leans heavily on sweetness, resulting in a sauce that tastes more like ketchup with added smoke flavoring. Its generic profile lacks the complexity that many BBQ lovers seek.
The sauce’s gloopy texture doesn’t do it any favors, often clinging in an unappetizing way to meats. Despite its widespread availability, it fails to deliver the authentic BBQ experience that many desire.
For those in search of a nuanced, satisfying sauce, Kraft Hickory Smoke may not meet expectations, making it worth exploring other options.
13. Heinz Classic BBQ Sauce
Heinz Classic BBQ Sauce attempts to please everyone but ends up tasting like nothing in particular. Its flat and uninspiring flavor profile leaves much to be desired, lacking the punch that true BBQ enthusiasts crave.
Though convenient, the sauce doesn’t stand out in a crowded market, blending into the background with its lackluster taste. Many find it reminiscent of a watered-down ketchup rather than a robust BBQ sauce.
For those seeking a sauce with character and depth, Heinz Classic might be a miss, better suited for those who prefer subtlety over boldness.
14. Open Pit Original
Open Pit Original BBQ Sauce stands out for its super vinegary and thin consistency. While it may not be ideal as a dip or glaze, it works surprisingly well as a mop sauce, infusing meats with its tangy essence.
The sauce’s sharpness is a double-edged sword, appealing to those who enjoy a vinegar-forward profile but off-putting to others. Its unique taste sets it apart, though not always for the right reasons.
Perfect for those who appreciate a bold, tangy kick, Open Pit Original invites exploration for the adventurous palate willing to try something distinct.
15. Sticky Fingers Carolina Gold (Mustard-Based)
Sticky Fingers Carolina Gold BBQ Sauce offers a sharp, mustard-based flavor that may overwhelm those unaccustomed to such intensity. Its acidic nature is not balanced by sweetness, resulting in a potent taste experience.
The sauce captures the bold spirit of Carolina BBQ, known for its distinctive mustard base. While not for everyone, it has a dedicated following among those who appreciate its unapologetically strong taste.
For those seeking a departure from traditional sweet sauces, Sticky Fingers offers a unique option, though it may be an acquired taste for some.
16. Allegro Original BBQ Sauce
Allegro Original BBQ Sauce surprises with its balanced blend of tang, smoke, and sweetness, making it a hidden gem among BBQ offerings. It flies under the radar but leaves a big impression on those who try it.
The sauce’s complexity is achieved through a careful selection of spices and natural ingredients, ensuring each bite is satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for those who appreciate a well-rounded BBQ experience, Allegro delivers consistency and quality.
Ideal for a variety of meats, it enhances without overpowering, proving that sometimes the best choices aren’t always the most obvious.
17. Noble Made Classic BBQ
Noble Made Classic BBQ Sauce stands out for its healthier ingredients and clean taste. Despite its natural composition, the sauce delivers a surprisingly bold flavor that captivates the palate.
It’s perfect for those who prioritize health without compromising on taste, offering a guilt-free indulgence for the conscious consumer. The sauce’s boldness is matched by its versatility, pairing beautifully with a range of grilled dishes.
For BBQ lovers seeking a clean yet flavorful option, Noble Made promises quality and satisfaction without the additives, making it a noteworthy choice in any BBQ lineup.
18. Lynchburg Tennessee Whiskey BBQ Sauce
Lynchburg Tennessee Whiskey BBQ Sauce offers the essence of whiskey without it overpowering the sauce. This delicate balance creates a rich, flavorful experience that complements a variety of meats.
The sauce’s creators have mastered the art of whiskey infusion, ensuring that each bottle delivers a taste of Tennessee’s renowned spirit. Perfect for those who enjoy a hint of whiskey in their BBQ, it provides a sophisticated twist on traditional flavors.
For a sauce that offers depth and character, Lynchburg Tennessee Whiskey stands out as a refined choice for discerning BBQ enthusiasts.
19. Kinders Mild BBQ Sauce
Kinders Mild BBQ Sauce offers a subtle yet dependable flavor, perfect for those who prefer a gentler taste. It’s an ideal choice for chicken or as a dipper for fries, providing a consistent and enjoyable experience.
The sauce’s appeal lies in its simplicity, delivering a straightforward BBQ flavor without overwhelming spices. Its mild nature allows the meat’s natural flavors to shine, creating a harmonious balance.
For those who seek a reliable, easygoing sauce that complements rather than competes, Kinders Mild BBQ Sauce is a versatile addition to any culinary repertoire.
20. Famous Dave’s Rich & Sassy
Famous Dave’s Rich & Sassy BBQ Sauce captivates with its bold flavor and sweetness, underscored by just enough vinegar bite to keep things interesting. This balance makes it a favorite among BBQ lovers who enjoy a robust taste.
The sauce’s creator, Dave Anderson, combined his passion for BBQ with a flair for innovation, resulting in a sauce that stands out in its category. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a vibrant, engaging flavor profile.
Whether slathered on ribs or brushed over burgers, Famous Dave’s delivers a punch of flavor that’s both satisfying and memorable.