Will sugary sauces burn on the grill?

They can. Brush sweeter sauces on during the last 5–10 minutes over indirect heat to caramelize without scorching. Use thin, vinegar-forward sauces for marinades and save the sticky stuff for finishing.

Are no-added-sugar sauces actually tasty?

Yes, but they’re different. Expect tangy, savory notes without the candy-like finish—great if you prefer spice and smoke to sweetness. If you miss sweetness, finish with a light drizzle of honey at the table.

Can I use BBQ sauce as a marinade?

You can, but pick a thinner, tangier sauce and dilute with a splash of vinegar or citrus and oil. Thick, sugary sauces are better as a glaze; they don’t penetrate well and can burn if used too early.

How do I stretch one bottle for a big cookout?

Make a quick 1:1 blend with apple cider vinegar or stock to thin for mopping. Serve a thicker version at the table for dipping so you use less on the grill but still get full flavor.

Is BBQ sauce gluten-free and vegan?

Many are gluten-free, but always check labels. Vegan is trickier—some sauces include Worcestershire with anchovies. If that matters, look for explicitly vegan and gluten-free markings.

What should I look for on the label?

Scan sugar per 2 tablespoons (aim lower if grilling hot) and sodium under ~300 mg if you’re watching it. Flags like no high-fructose corn syrup, organic, or gluten-free are helpful but not essential for taste.

Any tips for wings specifically?

Bake or grill wings until nearly done, then toss in a sticky sauce like Kinder’s Bourbon Peach and finish a few minutes to set the glaze. Add a second toss at the table for that glossy, saucy finish.

How long does BBQ sauce last after opening?

Most bottles last 1–3 months in the fridge; check the label. If it smells off, separates strangely, or shows mold, toss it. Keep the cap clean so crust doesn’t invite bacteria.

How can I make store-bought sauce taste homemade?

Doctor it: simmer with a splash of apple cider vinegar, a spoon of tomato paste, and fresh cracked pepper. For smoky depth, add smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke—go easy, it’s potent.

Back to All Collections

Occasion

BBQ Essentials

Q: What’s the difference between Kansas City and Texas-style BBQ sauce?

Kansas City sauce is thick, sweet, and molasses-tomato based—great for ribs and pulled pork. Texas-style leans thinner and tangier with peppery heat, better for brisket or smoked chicken where you don’t want sweetness to dominate.

Grilling staples, sauces, and sides for summer BBQs

Products

3.8

Avg. NOVA Score

Top Brands

Franklin BarbecueRUFUS TEAGUE'S365 by Whole Foods Market

✨ Editor's Picks

Our top recommendations for this category

Editor's Choice

Franklin Barbecue

30 products

Sort by:

Franklin Barbecue

Vinegar BBQ Sauce, 18 OZ

$6.99📊 NOVA 4

RUFUS TEAGUE'S

Touch O' Heat Bbq Sauce, 15.25 OZ

$6.49📊 NOVA 4

365 by Whole Foods Market

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Texas True Barbecue Sauce, 18 Ounce

$4.29📊 NOVA 4

Kingsford

Kingsford Baby Back Pork Ribs

—📊 NOVA 4

365 by Whole Foods Market

365 by Whole Foods Market, Organic Memphis Madness BBQ Sauce, 18 Ounce

$4.29📊 NOVA 4

365 by Whole Foods Market

365 by Whole Foods Market, Original Barbecue Sauce, 19.5 Ounce

$2.49📊 NOVA 4

McCormick

McCormick Slow Cookers Seasoning Mix, BBQ Pulled Pork

—📊 NOVA 4

LLOYD'S

Lloyds Shredded Beef in Original BBQ Sauce

—📊 NOVA 4

Bachan's

Sweet Pineapple Japanese BBQ Sauce, 16.5 OZ

$8.99📊 NOVA 3

McCormick®

McCormick Grill Mates Marinades, Brown Sugar Bourbon

—📊 NOVA 4

McCormick®

McCormick Marinades Grill Mates Marinade Mix Mesquite

—📊 NOVA 4

LLOYD'S

Lloyds BBQ Pork Tub

—📊 NOVA 4

THE SALT LICK

Honey Pecan, 12 OZ

$5.49📊 NOVA 4

LLOYD'S

Lloyds Spareribs, Pork, Junior 1/2 Rack, St. Louis Style

—📊 NOVA 4

McCormick®

McCormick Grill Mates Seasoning, Brazillian Steakhouse

—📊 NOVA 4

McCormick®

McCormick Grill Mates Seasoning, Roasted Garlic & Herb

—📊 NOVA 4

Badia

Badia Spices Chimichurri Sauce

—📊 NOVA 4

Bachan's

The Original Japanese Barbecue Sauce, 17 OZ

$8.99📊 NOVA 3

McCormick®

McCormick Grill Mates Marinades, Zesty Herb

—📊 NOVA 4

PRIMAL KITCHEN

Organic Carolina Gold Bbq Sauce, 8.5 OZ

$6.39📊 NOVA 4

Bachan's

Yuzu Japanese Barbecue Sauce, 17 OZ

$8.99📊 NOVA 3

McCormick

McCormick Grill Mates Seasoning Garlic & Crushed Herbs W/Salt Pepper

—📊 NOVA 3

PRIMAL KITCHEN

Organic Hawaiian Style BBQ Sauce, 8.5 OZ

$6.39📊 NOVA 4

LLOYD'S

Lloyd's BBQ Baby Back Ribs

—📊 NOVA 4

Weber

Weber Kick'N Chicken Seasoning

—📊 NOVA 3

McCormick®

McCormick Grill Mates Smoked Paprika & Onion With Garlic & Pepper

—📊 NOVA 3

KETTLE FOODS

Backyard BBQ Chips, 1.5 OZ

$1.69📊 NOVA 4

McCormick

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Marinade

—📊 NOVA 4

Weber

Weber Chicago Steak Seasoning

—📊 NOVA 3

McCormick®

McCormick Grill Mates Brown Sugar Bourbon

—📊 NOVA 4

What is NOVA?

NOVA isn't just about "good vs bad" but about understanding how food is made. Foods are grouped into 4 categories, from unprocessed or minimally processed (Group 1) to ultra-processed foods (Group 4).

📊 NOVA 1

Unprocessed or minimally processedRaw grains, nuts, seeds, fresh produce

📊 NOVA 2

Processed culinary ingredientsOils, butter, salt, sugar

📊 NOVA 3

Processed foodsSimple foods made by combining NOVA 1 + 2 with methods like baking, canning

📊 NOVA 4

Ultra-processedIndustrial formulations with additives

Daily Ritual

Can you Spot Ultraprocessed Foods? Play our Supermarket Game

Take a virtual shopping trip to learn more about what's on grocery store shelves.

What You Should Know About BBQ Essentials

This hub is your shortcut to a summer cookout that actually tastes like summer. We pulled together the BBQ basics—bottled sauces, wing glazes, and easy sides—so you can spend more time flipping burgers and less time debating the difference between Kansas City and Texas style. Think Trader Joe’s organic KC sauce for that molasses-y hug, Franklin Barbecue’s Texas bottle for peppery tang, and sweet-sticky ringers like Kinder’s Bourbon Peach for wings. Plus, convenient swaps like pre-marinated chicken skewers when you want the “I marinated this overnight” energy without the planning. Prices swing a lot by region, but here’s real talk: mainstream sauces often run $3–$5 for a full-size bottle; craft or specialty options can hit $7–$12 (Primal Kitchen’s smaller organic bottle is a splurge, but it’s no-added-sugar and clean-ingredient-friendly). Pre-marinated skewers usually cost more than DIY—call it $9–$13 per pack—but you’re paying for ready-to-cook convenience. Also, not every “processed” bottle is the bad guy. Sauce is a condiment, not a meal, and the trade-off is flavor versus sugar/sodium. If you’re watching either, choose thinner, vinegar-forward labels or no-added-sugar options and use a lighter hand. One more nuance: sauce is not just for meat. Brush it on grilled tofu, charred veg, and even pineapple. And yes, Kansas City style tends to be sweeter and thicker—great for ribs—while Texas leans tangy, tomato-vinegar, and pepper-forward, perfect for brisket or smoked chicken. You don’t have to pick a side; mix and match like the practical grill diplomat you are.

Key Benefits

Ready-to-use sauces save time and reduce weeknight prep without sacrificing flavor.
Regional styles let you match flavor to meats, sides, and your crowd’s palate.
Budget-friendly bottles stretch across multiple meals, marinades, and dipping situations.
Pre-marinated skewers offer reliable results when you’re short on time or tools.
No-added-sugar and organic picks support specific dietary goals without feeling restrictive.

Buying Guide: How to Choose BBQ Essentials

Start with style, then choose sweetness. For a classic, crowd-pleasing glaze, Trader Joe’s Organic Kansas City Style checks the thick, molasses-and-tomato box at a budget price. Want something leaner and more peppery? Franklin Barbecue’s Original Texas has that tangy, thinner vibe that cuts through fatty meats without turning everything candy-sweet. Stubb’s Original lands nicely in the middle: tomato-vinegar, less sugary, and typically free of high-fructose corn syrup. For special cases, Kinder’s Organic Bourbon Peach shines on wings and grilled chicken. And if you want clean-ingredient cred with no added sugar, Primal Kitchen’s Organic Classic is a smaller bottle but a smart choice. Price-wise, mainstream sauces are often $3–$5 for 18 ounces; craft bottles range $7–$12, and Primal’s 8.5-ounce bottle sits around $6–$8. Pre-marinated options like Marcangelo’s Sweet BBQ Chicken Skewers land in the $9–$13 range and absolutely earn their keep when time is tight. Look for 3–11 grams of sugar per 2 tablespoons (go low if you’re finishing on high heat to avoid scorching) and aim for under ~300 mg sodium per 2 tablespoons if that matters to you. Check labels for “no high-fructose corn syrup,” gluten-free certification, and allergen flags; also note that Worcestershire-based sauces may contain anchovies. Where to buy: grocers and big-box stores have the breadth; Trader Joe’s is, of course, only at TJ’s; warehouse clubs are great for multi-bottle packs; and online is clutch for regional or small-batch finds. Strategy tip: use thinner, tangy sauces for marinades; save thicker, sweeter sauces for the last 5–10 minutes of grilling—or for the table—so sugars caramelize instead of burn.

Quick Comparison

Style/Flavor	Sweetness/Heat	Ingredients snapshot	Best Use	Typical Price
Trader Joe’s Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce	Thick, molasses-forward KC-style	Medium sweet, mild heat	Organic, tomato, molasses; no HFCS	Ribs, pulled pork, burgers	$2.50–$3.50 per 17–18 oz
Franklin Barbecue Original Texas BBQ Sauce, 18 oz	Tomato-vinegar, peppery Texas	Lower sweet, noticeable black pepper	Short, classic ingredient list	Brisket, smoked chicken, sausages	$6–$8 per 18 oz
PRIMAL KITCHEN Organic Classic BBQ Sauce, 8.5 oz	Clean, tangy, no-added-sugar	Low sweet, mild heat	Organic, no added sugar, paleo-friendly	Finishing glaze, table sauce	$6–$8 per 8.5 oz
STUBB’S Original Bar-B-Q Sauce, 18 oz	Tomato-vinegar, balanced	Moderate sweet, mild heat	No HFCS; generally gluten-free	Chicken, pork chops, beans	$3–$5 per 18 oz
KINDER’S Organic Bourbon Peach BBQ Wing Sauce, 15.2 oz	Sweet peach, bourbon notes, glossy	Higher sweet, mild heat	Organic; designed as wing glaze	Wings, drumsticks, grilled shrimp	$5–$7 per 15 oz
Marcangelo Sweet BBQ Chicken Skewers	Pre-marinated, sweet-savory	Moderate sweet, mild heat	Ready-to-cook, no mixing needed	Weeknight grilling, party platters	$9–$13 per pack