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  4. 9 Best BBQ Sauces 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed
  • 9 Best BBQ Sauces 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed 1
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  • 9 Best BBQ Sauces 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed 5

9 Best BBQ Sauces 2022 | UK Nutritionist Reviewed

Whether drizzled on ribs or used to marinade pulled pork, veggies or chicken — we’re salivating just thinking about it! In this article, we’ll be looking at some of the best bottled barbecue sauces money can buy. Whether you’re wanting a jerk, American or Asian style sauce, there's something for meat-lovers, vegetarians and vegans alike. 


With offerings from BBQ sauce brands like Levi Roots, Sweet Baby Ray's and Rufus Teague, our recommendations can be found on Amazon Tesco and Asda. Moreover, we have partnered with Nutritionist Tara Corbett for reviewing and fact-checking the article so that we can deliver the best information to our users.

Last updated 28/03/2024
Tara Corbett
Expert
Nutritionist
Tara Corbett

mybest UK specialist Tara is a nutritionist and energy coach who helps clients lose weight, improve their eating habits, and get their energy back through their nutrition. Tara specialises in helping busy parents specifically improve their eating with ease and without overwhelm, and get back on track so the whole family can benefit.

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Table of Contents

Fact-Checked & Approved by Nutritionist Tara Corbett

Fact-Checked & Approved by Nutritionist Tara Corbett

Tara is a nutritionist and energy coach who helps clients to lose weight, improve their eating habits, and get their energy back through better nutrition. She specialises in helping busy parents improve their diets without overwhelming them with information, and get them back on track so that the whole family can benefit.

How to Choose a BBQ Sauce in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Each Sauce has a Unique Flavour, Choose the Right BBQ Sauce for Your Cooking
  2. Check the Ingredients, Some BBQ Sauces Contain Fish Paste or Honey
  3. Opt For the Right Sauce if, You’re Trying to Reduce Your Sugar Intake
1

American, Caribbean Jerk or Asian BBQ? Select a Sauce to Suit the Dish You're Cooking

American, Caribbean Jerk or Asian BBQ? Select a Sauce to Suit the Dish You're Cooking

American BBQ Sauce Tastes Sweet Yet Smoky, so It Pairs Well With Ribs and Pulled Pork

This is by far the most common style of BBQ sauce and the one you've likely found stashed away in the back of your kitchen cupboard from time to time. There's a long-standing debate in the US over whose is the original (and best) sauce — whether it's Carolina, Texas, or Kansas City. Although we'd love to get involved, we've found it impossible to choose, so we've had to throw them all in together.

 
Generally speaking, BBQ sauce from the US has 3 main ingredients: vinegar, tomato ketchup (or mayonnaise) and tomato paste. This provides a sweet, salty, smoky taste — all at the same time, and it's the kind of sauce you'd associate with those classic American dishes such as ribs & pulled pork. 

Caribbean-Style Jerk Sauce Has a Fiery Flavour That’s Ideal for BBQ Chicken

Although jerk BBQ sauce had existed for many years in the UK, it rose to prominence with the famous Levi Roots, whose Reggae Reggae sauce (which we'll be seeing later on) made a splash after being picked up on the hit TV show, Dragons Den. From there it went on to be a staple in most major supermarkets in the UK


Jerk BBQ sauce traditionally uses fiery scotch bonnets, thyme, and a Jamaican pimento spice mix to create its unique flavour. It's generally seen at it's best when used on barbecued chicken — although it can be used on fish, vegetables and other types of meats as well. This is a type of sauce for those of you that love a little heat with your BBQ flavours. 

Asian BBQ Sauce Is Usually Made With Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil, so It’s Perfect as a Marinade

Asia is big, so summarising a whole continent's worth of sauce in one or two easy-to-read paragraphs isn't the easiest thing to do. However, for the purposes of keeping things simple, sauce wise, we'll say that BBQ sauces originating in Asian countries are typically much thinner and often utilised to baste or marinate foods rather than to create a dipping sauce. 


Ordinarily, Asian style BBQ sauce will be made with a soy sauce and sesame oil base, as well as other ingredients such as honey, apples, or pears. This not only generates a sophisticated sweetness but an original tasting overall flavour, too.


And if you're after something a little hotter, why not check out our favourite hot sauces too!

2

Check the Ingredients if You Have Specific Dietary Requirements, as Some BBQ Sauces Contain Fish Paste or Honey

Check the Ingredients if You Have Specific Dietary Requirements, as Some BBQ Sauces Contain Fish Paste or Honey

Whilst BBQ sauces are often created using a base of simple ingredients, various flavourings are often used to create flair in individual recipes. So it's always a good idea to check the label if you have any dietary requirements or allergies


For example, if you follow a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle there can sometimes be unwanted surprises in some BBQ sauces, such as fish pastes or honey. However, as we like to make life easier for you wonderful folks, this will be specified in our ranking so you can be sure of what you're getting when purchasing your sauce of choice.

3

Many BBQ Sauces Are High in Sugar, so Opt For One With Less Than 30g per 100g if You’re Trying to Reduce Your Intake

Many BBQ Sauces Are High in Sugar, so Opt For One With Less Than 30g per 100g if You’re Trying to Reduce Your Intake

It's worth mentioning that one of the main ingredients in BBQ sauce is sugar or another sweetener like molasses. This is what gives it its distinctive sweet-savoury flavour when mixed with its other herbs and spices. 


The recommended daily sugar intake is no more than 30g, so it's best to read the sugar intake on each BBQ sauce and make sure it is below 20g per 100g serving as a maximum.


However, if you're watching your sugar intake or are on a bit of a health kick, you may like to choose a BBQ sauce that isn't too high in the sweet stuff. BBQ sauces that contain only naturally occurring sugars or those with under 25g of sugar per 100g are your best bet.



For something a little healthier, check out our top 10 olive oils.

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9 Best BBQ Sauces in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Sweet Baby Ray's

Barbecue Sauce

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce 1

£3.20

Mid

With the Perfect Texture for Both Marinating and Dipping

2

Levi Roots

Reggae Reggae Jerk BBQ Sauce

Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Jerk BBQ Sauce 1

£1.50

Low Mid

A Tangy Caribbean Condiment That's Great Value for Money

3

Dr Wills

All Natural BBQ Sauce

Dr Wills All Natural BBQ Sauce 1

£5.91

High Mid

The Same Great Flavour, but Containing Only Naturally Occurring Sugars

4

Encona

Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce

Encona Jamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce 1

£1.50

Low Mid

A Little Spice and Lots of Flavour

5

Stokes

Original BBQ Sauce

Stokes Original BBQ Sauce 1

£12.62

High Mid

A Sweet, Thick and Smoky British BBQ Sauce

6

Ajumma Republic

Korean BBQ Marinade Sauce 300 g

Ajumma Republic Korean BBQ Marinade Sauce 300 g 1

£3.00

Mid

A Delicious Asian Sauce Thats Perfect for Those With Allergies or Sensitivities

7

Rufus Teague

Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce

Rufus Teague Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce 1

£15.25

High

For Those Wanting Sweetness but With Less Sugar

8

Lee Kum Kee

Char Siu Sauce (Chinese Barbecue Marinade)

Lee Kum Kee Char Siu Sauce (Chinese Barbecue Marinade) 1

£5.30

Mid

Authentic Asian BBQ Flavour From a Top Chinese Brand

9

Bull's-Eye

Original BBQ Sauce

Bull's-Eye Original BBQ Sauce 1

£2.00

Low Mid

An American-Style Sauce That's Ideal for Those With a Sweet Tooth

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Sweet Baby Ray'sBarbecue Sauce

Barbecue Sauce 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.20
Mid
Reference price
£3.20
Mid

With the Perfect Texture for Both Marinating and Dipping

In at number one, this award-winning sauce from Sweet Baby Ray's has it all. A perfect texture for both marinating and dipping, and a sweetness that's beautifully countered by an aromatic smokiness with just a touch of spice. This sauce will transform even the blandest of dishes into something special!


For those that are mindful of their health, you may wish to savour this only now and then as part of a balanced diet. But if you're strictly looking for the best BBQ sauce in town, this is your bottle. Best of all, it's super affordable, so it's no wonder it takes our top spot! 

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No.2

Levi RootsReggae Reggae Jerk BBQ Sauce

Reference price
£1.50
Low Mid
Reference price
£1.50
Low Mid

A Tangy Caribbean Condiment That's Great Value for Money

This famous sauce is a staple in almost all UK supermarkets. A recipe that was born in Jamaica to be enjoyed by the whole world, it's a tangy Caribbean BBQ sauce that incorporates scotch bonnet chillies, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, spring onion and many other wonders to create a truly well-balanced spicy condiment.


Other than the lip-smackingly great taste of this product, it's also great value for money, being the cheapest on our ranking yet by no means the smallest bottle. It can be used in pretty much any way you like, on anything you like, and will add a little sunshine to every dish. 

No.3

Dr WillsAll Natural BBQ Sauce

All Natural BBQ Sauce 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£5.91
High Mid
Reference price
£5.91
High Mid

The Same Great Flavour, but Containing Only Naturally Occurring Sugars

This sauce from Dr Will's is a game-changer. We thought it was impossible to create an authentic BBQ sauce without a big dash of sugar. Boy, were we wrong. They create a natural sweetness through a mixture of succulent tomatoes, dates and beetroot. It's wonderfully balanced by the smoky flavours too, which are produced by naturally-smoked waters. 


On top of all these mouth-watering flavours, you have absolutely no reason to feel guilty, which we love. This sauce has no additives, preservatives or refined sugars and contains 50% less sugar than most other brands. Their slogan is dollop, dip, dive in. Don't mind if we do.  

No.4

EnconaJamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce

Reference price
£1.50
Low Mid

A Little Spice and Lots of Flavour

From popular hot sauce brand Encona comes a sauce that will give you subtle hints of Caribbean flavours without too much spice, and without leaning too far away from a BBQ sauce. It has a delicious balance of fruitiness, sweetness, tang and spice that would certainly lend itself nicely to baked or barbecued chicken wings or thighs.


Although it is considered medium on the spice scale, always be careful to ease yourself in if you're not used to hot food. If done right, you'll no doubt be coming back for more with this true taste of the tropics!

No.5

StokesOriginal BBQ Sauce

Original BBQ Sauce 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.62
High Mid
Reference price
£12.62
High Mid

A Sweet, Thick and Smoky British BBQ Sauce

This sauce for the British company Stokes stands apart from the other sauces simply because it has such a unique taste. With black treacle, honey and molasses, it has a sharp, fruity flavour and an almost jam-like texture which makes it perfect for basting and marinating slow-cooked meats


Unfortunately, however, its texture doesn't lend itself nearly as well to being a dipping sauce and the addition of anchovies means it isn't suitable for veggies either. So unless you want to pick up a sauce that is specifically for marinating we'd recommend something that can do the dipping with as well. 

No.6

Ajumma RepublicKorean BBQ Marinade Sauce 300 g

Korean BBQ Marinade Sauce 300 g 1
Reference price
£3.00
Mid
Reference price
£3.00
Mid

A Delicious Asian Sauce Thats Perfect for Those With Allergies or Sensitivities

This bright, wholesome Asian BBQ sauce will be an exciting addition to your creations, with a rich umami flavour and a consistency that's ideal as a marinade or a dipping sauce. Along with its great flavour, it's also good for those with allergies or special dietary requirements as it is soy and gluten-free as well as being suitable for vegans


A vegan-friendly sauce, it's delicious. However, unless you have a passion for cooking lots of Korean food, you might not get much use out of this as it only really lends itself to Korean flavours

No.7

Rufus TeagueHoney Sweet BBQ Sauce

Honey Sweet BBQ Sauce 1
Reference price
£15.25
High
Reference price
£15.25
High

For Those Wanting Sweetness but With Less Sugar

This is an award-winning BBQ sauce that tastes fantastic. It's great for marinating, grilling, dipping, and to be honest, you could drink straight out of the bottle and still not get enough of it! It gets its sweetness not only from honey and sugar, but raisin paste too, which gives it a really enjoyable depth of flavour. 


However, this product isn't for everyone, as it contains anchovy paste (sorry vegetarian and vegan friends) and is also on the pricier side for a sauce. But, if you're willing to spend big for big flavour, this will certainly bring the taste of BBQ home. 

No.8

Lee Kum KeeChar Siu Sauce (Chinese Barbecue Marinade)

Char Siu Sauce (Chinese Barbecue Marinade) 1
Source:uk.lkk.com
Reference price
£5.30
Mid
Reference price
£5.30
Mid

Authentic Asian BBQ Flavour From a Top Chinese Brand

If your aim is to recreate the taste of original Chinese BBQ, then look no further. This sauce is generally used as a marinade for all meats, but where it stands out on its own is when it's used on pork. With its thick honey-like texture, one jar of this sauce will competently cover around 500g of food.


Although the flavours are legitimately Chinese and exceedingly good, this sauce is extremely sweet — with 55g of sugars per 100g, to be exact. So if you're looking for something with smoky hints, or just generally conscious of what you are eating, it might be better to pick an alternative.  

No.9

Bull's-EyeOriginal BBQ Sauce

Original BBQ Sauce 1
Source:tesco.com
Reference price
£2.00
Low Mid

An American-Style Sauce That's Ideal for Those With a Sweet Tooth

This sauce from Bull's-Eye has had a shout out on many famous American foodie websites, from Serious Eats to America's Test Kitchen, and for good reason. It is a very flavoursome sauce with hints of smoky, salty, acidic and sweet tang throughout


If you're looking for something slightly on the sweeter side whilst still being relatively balanced, this will be right up your street. The downside is that the inclusion of high fructose corn syrup boosts the sugar content right up. One to be enjoyed in moderation.

Written and researched by Lewis Clark

Top 5 BBQ Sauces

No. 1: Sweet Baby Ray'sBarbecue Sauce

No. 2: Levi RootsReggae Reggae Jerk BBQ Sauce

No. 3: Dr WillsAll Natural BBQ Sauce

No. 4: EnconaJamaican Jerk BBQ Sauce

No. 5: StokesOriginal BBQ Sauce

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The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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