A good barbecue sauce is a staple of many households—a condiment that can add flavor and smoky char to your favorite foods. From ketchup substitutes to rich, sweet, and tangy options, we’ve rounded up the best barbecue sauce brands that will please all types of palates.
The list includes classic favorites and up-and-coming artisanal labels that are gaining popularity in the condiment aisle. These barbeque sauces can be used to make marinades, a base for homemade barbecue chicken or ribs recipes, and to top burgers or sandwiches.
We also included a few specialty sauces, such as a North Carolina vinegar-forward variety and a traditional Alabama white sauce made with mayonnaise. For this blind taste test, which was held over the course of a day, we invited a group of food professionals and barbecue-sauce enthusiasts from The Kitchn and Apartment Therapy Media (The Kitchn’s parent company) to sample these products. They were asked to rate the barbecue sauces on their sweetness, balance of spice and acidity, texture, and overall flavor.
While it is common for store-brand condiments like ketchup or mayonnaise to maintain fairly consistent tastes and textures, the same can’t be said of barbecue sauce. It is a very versatile ingredient that can be found in all sorts of variations, from the vinegar-forward versions that are popular in North Carolina to the thick, tomato-based options popular in Texas or the sugary choices from the South.
Grill Cover 58 inch, iCOVER Waterproof BBQ Gas Grill Cover, Polyester Easy On/Off, Dustproof Fade Resistant for Weber Char-Broil Nexgrill and More Grills
$7.99 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Kaluns BBQ Accessories Grill Tools, Grilling Gifts for Men Dad, Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Barbecue Grill Accessories for Outdoor Grill with Aluminum Case and Apron, Dad Men Gifts for Christmas
$28.99 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press, Cast Iron CISB-111
$17.78 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
18PCS Griddle Accessories Kit, Flat Top Grill Accessories Set for Blackstone and Camp Chef, Grill Spatula Set with Enlarged Spatulas, Basting Cover, Scraper for Outdoor BBQ
$25.49 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper Bristle Free - Safe BBQ Brush for Grill -Stainless Grill Grate Cleaner - Safe Grill Accessories for Porcelain/Weber Gas/Charcoal Grill - Gifts for Grill Wizard/Men/Dad
$21.99 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
RAPICCA Heat Resistant BBQ Grill Gloves: Oil Resistant Waterproof for Smoking Grilling Cooking Barbecue Deep Frying Turkey Rotisserie Handling Hot Greacy Meat - Long Sleeve 932°F
$18.99 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Comsmart BBQ Gloves, 1472 Degree F Heat Resistant Grilling Gloves Silicone Non-Slip Oven Gloves Long Kitchen Gloves for Barbecue, Cooking, Baking, Cutting
$11.99 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
HOTEC Basting Brushes Silicone Heat Resistant Pastry Brushes Spread Oil Butter Sauce Marinades for BBQ Grill Barbecue Baking Kitchen Cooking BPA Free Dishwasher Safe (Black 2)
$7.99 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Ofargo 304-Stainless Steel Meat Injector Syringe Kit with 4 Marinade Needles for BBQ Grill Smoker, 2-oz Large Capacity, Both Paper User Manual and E-Book Recipe
$27.99 (as of November 12, 2024 23:15 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)