I Tried Dozens Of Store-Bought Barbecue Sauces—Only These Are Worth Buying

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When the warm weather hits, there's nothing like a good barbecue. Whether you’re making ribs, grilling salmon, or cooking pulled pork low and slow, you’ll need a good sauce. But with so many styles on the market, it can be tricky to find one you'll love. They can can be mustard- and vinegar- and tomato-based, with sweet, tangy, spicy, and smoky flavor profiles. How do you choose?

The Delish team tasted dozens of different barbecue sauces across different styles. Looking for a classic sauce to slather on grilled chicken, or maybe a tangy one to dress your pulled pork sandwiches? We've got you covered. But first, let's go over some barbecue sauce basics. As you know, barbecue styles vary around the U.S. Here are some common types you'll encounter. Just keep in mind that there's plenty of variation, so this is by no means a comprehensive list.

Styles Of Barbecue Sauces

Kansas City: Think of your classic barbecue sauce. Kansas City-style sauces are usually thick and sweet.

South Carolina: Sauces vary across South Carolina and can include mustard, vinegar, or tomato at their base.

North Carolina: These barbecue sauces usually have a vinegar base, which gives them a nice tang.

Texas: There are regional variations within Texas, but most tend to have a thin consistency and are made with meat drippings.

Alabama: You won't forget this one. Made with mayo, Alabama-style sauces are white.

Lillie's Q Smoky Barbeque Sauce

For a classic sauce that's got it all, you can't go wrong with this one from Lillie's Q. "It feels like a very classic BBQ sauce, but better," said one Delish editor. "Perfectly sweet and tangy, this would be my go-to for dipping."

If you're a fan of McDonald's barbecue sauce, you'll be saying "I'm lovin' it." An editor said that it reminded them of a high-brow McDonald's barbecue sauce. Now all you need are some chicken nuggets.

Stubb's Original BBQ Sauce, 18 oz

You can't go wrong with Stubb's Original BBQ Sauce. One editor referred to it as a "workhorse sauce" and the "Ford Taurus" of barbecue sauces. This one has tomato puree and vinegar at its base, so while it may be ketchup-y, it has a zip to it.

Bachan's Hot & Spicy Japanese Barbecue Sauce

Delish editors had a lot of good things to say about the Bachan's sauces. From being "balanced" to an "absolute winner," the brand's spicy variety is a must for anyone looking for a sauce with some heat. "I'll take all of that you got!" said a tester.

This soy-based Japanese barbecue sauce features a fermented red jalapeño puree. It's loaded with umami and has a thin consistency that's perfect for dipping dumplings. The brand's Original and Yuzu versions were also big hits with our editors.

Lillie’s Q Gold Barbeque Sauce

Out of all the mustard-based options we tried, this tangy barbecue sauce takes the gold–no pun intended. And of the Carolina sauces, one editor said it was their favorite.

Heinz Carolina Vinegar Style Tangy BBQ Sauce

The Heinz Carolina Vinegar Style Tangy BBQ Sauce is a "nice burst of flavor," according to a tester. It has distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and tomato paste as its base, with added seasonings like dark brown sugar and mustard seed.

Ogre Craft BBQ Sauce

The Ogre Sauce which was a pleasant surprise for our editors. It has a little bit of everything. Crafted in Charlotte, North Carolina, the all-purpose sauce combines characteristics of regional sauces across North and South Carolina, which include vinegar, tomato, mustard, and honey.

"Love," said one Delish editor. "Unexpected taste, but perfect balance of mustard, slight spice, and tang."

"Surprising and nuanced," said another. "It's like a wave you can hop on and off, with different notes."

Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory & Brown Sugar Barbecue Sauce

If you're looking for a sweet barbecue sauce, you can rely on Sweet Baby Ray's. Editors loved the texture of this one.

Trader Joe's Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

We know, $12 isn't cheap for a bottle of barbecue sauce, but if you buy it at Trader Joe's it's about $3. One of our editors said if someone told them it came from a small Kansas City barbecue spot, they'd believe them. Enough said?

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