This is our review of the best barbecue sauce you can buy online.
There is no barbecue without the sauce! The debate over the best barbecue sauce will go on forever.
I just like all barbecue styles. I am a fan of Kansas City, Memphis, and Carolina barbecue. There’s nothing like slathering on some good BBQ sauce to complete your meal.
And the best barbecue sauce overall is Capital City Sweet Hot & Mild Mambo Sauce.
Whether you’re looking for a classic sauce, something with a bit of heat, or something extra fruity and sweet, we’ve got you covered.
I’ve picked out 11 of the best store-bought sauces that you can buy online. I have included a list of ingredients and nutrition information to help you make the best buying decision.
Let’s get started!
Our Best Barbecue Sauce You Can Buy Online
- Capital City Sweet Hot & Mild Mambo Sauce (Best Overall)
- Sweet Baby Rays Original Barbecue Sauce (Best Budget BBQ Sauce)
- Cattlemen’s Carolina Tangy Gold BBQ Sauce (1 Gal) (Best Mustard-Based BBQ Sauce)
- Blues Hog Original BBQ Sauce (Best Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce)
- Stubb’s Original Legendary Bar-B-Q Sauce (Best Texas Style BBQ Sauce)
- Dukes Alabama-Style White BBQ Sauce (Best White BBQ Sauce)
- Killer Hogs Barbecue Vinegar Sauce (Best Vinegar-Based BBQ Sauce)
- Traeger Pellet Grills Apricot BBQ Sauce (Best Sweet BBQ Sauce)
- Mr. Spice’s Organic Honey BBQ Sauce (Best Honey BBQ Sauce)
- Keto Barbecue Sauce by Yo Mama’s Foods (Best Sugar Free BBQ Sauce)
- Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce (Best Japanese Style)
11 Best Barbecue Sauces You Can Buy Online Reviewed
Don’t get me wrong, nothing beats a delicious homemade barbecue sauce. But, there’s no need to go to the trouble of whipping something up these days. Many online or store-bought sauces taste just as good.
Check out some of the very best.
Capital City Sweet Hot & Mild Mambo Sauce
Main Ingredients (Sweet Hot): Tomato Ketchup, Sugar, Water, Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce , Paprika, Habanero Pepper Extract
Main Ingredients (Mild): Tomato Ketchup, Sugar, Water, Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Cayenne Pepper Hot Sauce , Paprika.
Calories: 40 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 3 g – 1% Daily Value
Flavor: sweet and tangy
You can have the best of both worlds from Capital City with this combo set. It provides two tangy options to add flavor to your favorite dishes – Mild Mambo Sauce and Sweet Hot Mambo Sauce.
Capital City Mambo sauce is a hot mess of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds. Capital City Mambo sauce is everywhere! It’s been featured in various reputable news outlets such as First We Feast, The Hot Ones and even made it onto Buzzfeed’s list “The Best Sriracha Sauces to try this year.”
These sauces create a sweet and tangy addition to any dish.
Bring the flavor of Washington DC home with Capital City™ Mambo Sauce. This sweet and tangy hot sauce is great for any dish, but we especially love using it as a marinade or glaze because its light sweetness balances out some tough flavors like habanero peppers well!
Capital City Sweet Hot Mambo Sauce is infused with cayenne and habanero peppers for a sweet medium heat that will tantalize your taste buds.
It is perfect for use as a marinade, glaze, dipping or finishing sauce. If you’re looking for an original taste of Washington, DC, look no further than Capital City Sweet Hot Mambo Sauce.
Consider other options if you are avoiding wheat and soy in your diet.
Sweet Baby Rays Original Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Tomato Paste, Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Natural Smoke Flavor
Calories: 70 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 18 g – 7% Daily Value
Flavor: Sweet and tangy
Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce is the original sweet and tangy sauce. It has won awards and the hearts of BBQ fans around the world.
This delicious sauce is perfect for brushing on beef, chicken, pork, or shrimp during the last 15 minutes of cooking. You can also pour it onto burgers and brats.
And you can’t go wrong using it for BBQ chicken pizza.
It’s gluten free and certified Kosher. So go ahead and squirt, slather, and dunk to your heart’s content. After all, “the sauce is the boss”!
Cattlemen’s Carolina Tangy Gold BBQ Sauce (1 Gal)
Main Ingredients: Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Water, #1 Grade Mustard Seed, Soy Sauce, Aged Cayenne Red Peppers, Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar, Tomato Paste
Calories: 70 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 15 g – 5% Daily Value
Flavor: tangy mustard
If you’re a fan of Carolina-style BBQ, then you need to try Cattlemen’s Carolina Tangy Gold BBQ Sauce. This sauce is tangy, sweet, and smoky all at the same time.
First and foremost, this sauce tastes great. The tangy vinegar base is balanced out by a touch of sweetness from the sugar, and the smokiness from the paprika gives it that classic Carolina flavor that many of us crave.
In addition to being delicious, Cattlemen’s Carolina Tangy Gold BBQ Sauce is made with all natural ingredients. And you can really taste the difference!
It has a thick, sticky texture that clings nicely to whatever meat you’re grilling.
The sauce also has a versatile side. It can be used on all kinds of meats, including chicken, pork, beef, and fish. It’s also great on vegetables.
Blues Hog Original BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Ketchup, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sugar, Salt, Spices including Paprika, Worcestershire Sauce
Calories: 100 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 23 g – 8% Daily Value
Flavor: Sweet and spicy
Have you been searching for the perfect BBQ sauce? Look no further than Blues Hog Original BBQ Sauce!
This sauce is both highly rated and delicious. It has the perfect blend of sweet and heat. Blues Hog Original BBQ Sauce has been voted “best baste on the planet” by competition BBQ teams across the country.
Made with all-natural, high-quality ingredients, Blues Hog Original BBQ Sauce is thick, sticky, and full of flavor.
Put it on your ribs, chicken, or any other meat you’re grilling up, and taste the difference that a true champion’s sauce can make.
So if you’re looking for a sauce that will really stick to your meat, look no further than Blues Hog Original BBQ Sauce!
Consider other options if you are avoiding soy and fish (anchovies) in your diet.
Stubb’s Original Legendary Bar-B-Q Sauce
Main Ingredients: Tomato Puree, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Molasses, Salt, Spices, Corn Starch, Brown Sugar,
Calories: 25 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 6 g – 2% Daily Value
Flavor: tangy and sour
Stubbs Original Legendary Sauce is the real deal when it comes to authentic Texas barbecue flavor. This rich, homemade-tasting sauce is slow-simmered to perfection.
C.B. Stubblefield opened Stubb’s Legendary Bar-B-Q in Lubbock, Texas in 1968, serving a plate of what he called “Love and Happiness”. Today, his legacy lives on in this delicious BBQ sauce.
It is made with gluten-free ingredients and with no high-fructose corn syrup.
Stubbs Original Legendary Sauce has a finger-licking, hickory pit flavor. Baste it on to make your ribs, chicken, wings, steak and pork to make them taste legendary.
Duke’s Alabama-Style White BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Water, Sugar, Distilled and Cider Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Egg Yolks, Horseradish, Salt, Natural Flavors, Onion, Garlic
Calories: 130 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 14 g
Total Carb: 1 g – 0% Daily Value
Flavor: tangy and spicy
Looking for a BBQ sauce that is out of this world? Look no further than Duke’s Alabama-Style White BBQ sauce. This tangy, flavorful sauce is perfect for chicken, fish, and vegetables.
It’s also fantastic as a dip or dressing. Here are just a few of the many reasons to love this sauce that Northern Alabamians made popular:
It’s made with all-natural ingredients, including vinegar, lemon juice, and pepper.
It has a unique flavor that is perfect for adding some zing to your food.
It’s incredibly versatile – use it as a marinade, baste, or condiment.
It’s shelf-stable, so you can keep it on hand for whenever the mood strikes you.
So what are you waiting for? Get your bottle of Duke’s Alabama White BBQ sauce today!
Killer Hogs Barbecue Vinegar Sauce
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Water, Corn Syrup, Tomato Paste, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Worcestershire Sauce
Calories: 50 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 12 g – 4% Daily Value
Flavor: sweet tangy vinegar
Inspired by their roots in West Tennessee barbecue, the Killer Hogs Championship BBQ Team have been making this sauce for over 10 years.
The taste of Killer Hogs Vinegar Sauce is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. It’s tangy and sweet, with just a hint of heat at the end.
But what really sets Killer Hogs Vinegar Sauce apart from all the other sauces out there is the fact that it is truly handmade.
When a mediocre sauce just won’t cut it, Killer Hogs Vinegar Sauce will deliver that world champion level of flavor your BBQ deserves.
Whether you’re using it as a dip, a marinade, or a finishing sauce, it’s designed to give you consistent, delicious results every time.
So go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
Consider other options if you are avoiding milk and fish (anchovies) in your diet.
Traeger Pellet Grills Apricot BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Tomato Puree, Apricot Puree, Vinegar, Modified Food Starch, Soy Sauce
Calories: 60 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 13 g – 5% Daily Value
Flavor: sweet and tangy apricot
If you’re looking for something new to try, Traeger Pellet Grills Apricot BBQ Sauce is a great option. It is one of the best selling sauces around.
Traeger Pellet Grills Apricot BBQ Sauce is a great way to add a touch of sweetness to your grilled foods.
It is made with real apricot puree and has a slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with chicken, pork, and fish. The apricot puree gives the sauce a beautiful golden color.
And the addition of Traeger’s signature spice blend gives it a subtle heat that will please any barbecue lover.
You can also use it as a marinade or serve with dishes on the side
So go ahead and give it a try – we think you’ll be hooked after just one taste!
Consider other options if you are avoiding soy in your diet.
Mr. Spice’s Organic Honey BBQ Sauce
Main Ingredients: Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Evaporated Cane Juice, Tomato Paste, Blackstrap Molasses, Rice Starch, Herbs and Spices
Calories: 40 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0.1 g
Total Carb: 10 g – 3% Daily Value
Flavor: sweet
Mr. Spice’s Organic Honey BBQ Sauce is the perfect addition to your next cookout. Made with all-natural ingredients, it’s free of preservatives and artificial flavors.
And because it’s made with honey, it’s perfect for those who are looking for a sweet, yet savory, BBQ sauce. Mr. Spice’s Organic Honey BBQ Sauce is also gluten-free and vegan, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
So whether you’re looking for an all-natural BBQ sauce or a sauce that accommodates your dietary needs, Mr. Spice’s Organic Honey BBQ Sauce is the perfect choice.
Keto BBQ Sauce by Yo Mama’s Foods – 2 Pack
Main Ingredients: Non-GMO Tomato Paste, Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Sea Salt, Onion, Garlic, Chili Powder, Paprika
Calories: 0 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 1 g – 0% Daily Value
Flavor: tangy and sweet
BBQ aficionados, rejoice! Yo Mama’s Foods Keto BBQ Sauce delivers all the flavor you expect without the sugar.
This sweet and smoky sauce is perfect for slathering on chicken, ribs, or whatever else you’re cooking. It also makes an awesome pizza sauce. And, unlike other sugar-free sauces, Yo Mama’s doesn’t sacrifice taste for health.
Yo Mama’s Keto Barbecue BBQ Sauce is gluten and dairy free.
The secret ingredient? A touch of molasses, which gives the sauce its signature flavor. So whether you’re watching your carbs or just looking for a delicious BBQ sauce, Yo Mama’s Foods Keto Barbecue Sauce has you covered.
Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce
Main Ingredients: Non-GMO Soy Sauce, Cane Sugar, Mirin, Tomato Paste, Organic Ginger, Green Onion, Organic Rice Vinegar, Organic Garlic,
Calories: 70 per 2 Tbsp serving
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carb: 16 g – 6% Daily Value
Flavor: sweet and salty
Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce is the perfect complement to grilled meat.
This award winning sauce is able to retain the nuances of its ingredients, like ginger and green onion. It’s incredibly well-balanced and delivers just enough umami without being too sweet!
It is one of the most versatile sauces out there. You can pair it with steak, chicken, and ribs. And it makes an excellent marinade or dipping sauce.
It is made with all-natural ingredients, so you know you are eating healthy.
Make Bachan’s Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce your new favorite sauce.
Get yours today.
Some Very Good BBQ Sauces to Consider
We shared our reviews of 11 of the best BBQ sauces you can buy online. During our research we also found that several additional barbecue sauces were also very good.
These sauces will definitely compliment your grill creations. They are provided below.
Bone Suckin’ Sauce
Bone Suckin’ Sauce is a popular barbecue sauce that originated in North Carolina. It is available in original, hot, and mild varieties. This sauce has won several awards for its rich flavor.
G Hughes Smokehouse Sugar Free Hickory BBQ Sauce
G Hughes Smokehouse is a well-known name in the world of sugar free sauces and seasonings. Their hickory BBQ sauce is no exception – it’s a delicious, sugar free option that will complement grilled meats or veggies.
Jack Stack Barbecue KC Original BBQ Sauce
This sauce has a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just a hint of spice. It’s not too heavy or overwhelming, making it the perfect complement for your favorite dishes.
Head Country Hickory Smoke Bar-B-Q Sauce
This hickory smoke sauce has a rich flavor that perfectly complements smoked meats. It’s not overwhelming or artificial like some other smoky sauces on the market.
Bull’s-Eye Hickory Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce
The first thing you’ll notice about this sauce is the rich, deep brown color. This is because of the addition of dark brown sugar. It gives the sauce a unique sweetness that is balanced out by the hickory smoke flavor.
Kraft Sweet Honey Slow-Simmered Barbecue Sauce
There’s nothing quite like the sweet, smoky flavor of barbecue, and Kraft Sweet Honey Slow-Simmered Barbecue Sauce is the perfect way to enjoy it. This delicious sauce is made with real honey and a blend of spices, so it’s perfect for slathering on your favorite grilled meats.
What are the Types of BBQ Sauce?
There are several types of BBQ sauce. Their base ingredients define them.
The most popular types are given below.
- Tomato Based BBQ Sauce – They are often sweet and complement meats cooked in a sugary rub. Some examples are Kansas City-style and Texas-style BBQ sauces.
- Vinegar Based BBQ Sauce – These sauces are tart and strong. This is what true North Carolina Style barbecue sauce is all about.
- Mustard Based BBQ Sauce – These sauces are peppery and tangy. Mustard based sauce originated in South Carolina.
- Mayonnaise Based BBQ Sauce – Mayonnaise based sauce has a creamy texture with added horseradish. It is excellent for smoked poultry. This sauce hails from North Alabama.
What Makes A Good Barbecue Sauce?
When selecting a BBQ sauce, there are four main factors to consider: ingredients, flavor, texture, and versatility.
Ingredients
Take a look at the label and see what kinds of ingredients are listed. Ingredients are important because you want to make sure that the sauce is made with quality ingredients that you’re comfortable eating.
Each ingredient is listed in descending order by weight.
Flavor
Of course, flavor is important too. After all, what’s the point of BBQ sauce if it doesn’t taste good? When considering flavor, think about whether you want a sweet, smoky, or spicy sauce.
Some sauces are all three! It’s up to you to decide what kind of flavor profile you’re looking for.
Texture
Texture is another consideration because you want a sauce that will stick to your food. No one wants a runny sauce that just slides right off the meat. A thick, chunky sauce has more staying power and will give your dish more flavor.
Versatility
Finally, think about versatility when choosing a BBQ sauce. Some sauces are designed for specific types of meat while others can be used on anything from chicken to veggies.
If you want a sauce that can do it all, go for a general purpose sauce. But if you’re looking for something specific, like a chicken-specific sauce, a mayonnaise-based sauce be fit the bill.
How to Make Store-bought Barbecue Sauce Taste Better?
Let’s say you are grilling and can’t get your hands on one of the sauces we mentioned in this post. All you have is a no-name brand from the corner store. Don’t despair – all is not lost.
With a few simple ingredient swaps, you can transform that bland sauce into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Check out the video below for inspiration.
Stir in a little tang
Add some tang. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can help to balance out the sweetness of the sauce and add some much-needed tang. Add one teaspoon at a time until the taste is to your satisfaction.
Stir in a little spice
Up the ante on the spices. A teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can give the sauce a real kick. You don’t want to overdo it though or you may burn up a few taste buds.
Stir in some fullness
Ever heard the saying “a couple of onions and some garlic too”. Fill out the flavor by slowly cooking onions and garlic in the sauce until they are nice and caramelly.
You will be surprised at how much these changes will improve a store-bought barbecue sauce.
How Much Sauce Should I Use?
The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. How much BBQ sauce you should use depends on a lot of things. These include the type of meat you’re cooking, the cooking method, and your personal preference.
Ultimately, the best way to figure out how much BBQ sauce to use is to experiment and find what works best for you.
When Should I Apply the Sauce?
It depends on if you are grilling or smoking meat. The best time to sauce grilled meats is during the last part of the cooking process. This will help prevent the sugar in the sauce from burning.
When you are smoking meat you can baste it with sauce whenever you want. Burning will not be an issue because of the low indirect heat.
You can wait until the meat is cooked and then brush on a thin layer of sauce. However, the flavor from the sauce will not have a chance to be absorbed.
Our Verdict
A good barbecue sauce will enhance the flavor of grilled and smoked meats. So, it is important that you use a good quality sauce after ypour spent all that time on the grill.
Our choice for the best barbecue sauce you can by online is Capital City Sweet Hot & Mild Mambo Sauce.
It pairs well with all types of meats, seafood, or vegetables. So, whether you like a milder sauce or one with a little heat, this one delivers big time.
FAQ for Best Barbecue Sauce You Can Buy Online
Is barbecue sauce vegan?
There are a variety of BBQ sauces available on the market, and not all of them are vegan. Some sauces may contain honey or Worcestershire sauce, both of which are not vegan. However, it is possible to find vegan-friendly options.
How long does barbecue sauce last?
BBQ sauce can last for up to six months if it is stored properly in a sealed container in the fridge. However, if you notice that the sauce has changed color or consistency, or if it develops mold, it should be discarded.
Can you freeze barbecue sauce?
Yes. It will still retain its flavor and texture. You should transfer it to a freezer-safe container and write the date on the container so you’ll know how long it’s been in the freezer.
How can you thicken barbecue sauce?
One option is to add some flour or cornstarch to the sauce. You can also add some tomato paste. Be sure to cook the sauce long enough so that the flavors have a chance to meld together.
