Store-bought BBQ sauces are usually loaded with sugar, honey, or molasses and might contain a high sugar content. However, cutting down on sugar intake doesn't mean you have to skip delicious BBQ dishes since there are many sugar-free BBQ sauces available online that are still sweet and spicy! Instead of sugar, they are sweetened with artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, or sugar alcohols. There are also sauces that are completely free from all of them.
If you are struggling to find a sugar-free BBQ sauce, take a look at our list of favorites! G Hughes' Smokehouse BBQ Sauce ranked first on our list. It has a rich, smoky, and oaky flavor that goes perfectly with all kinds of meat and veggies. Importantly, sucralose is the only sweetener in this BBQ sauce. In addition to our 9 best list, we also created a buying guide, reviewed by a registered dietician, with many tips to help you choose the best sugar-free BBQ sauce for yourself and a recipe if you want to go the homemade route!
Quick List - Top Sugar-Free BBQ Sauces
Lakanto
Monk Fruit-Sweetened BBQ Sauce: Classic Flavor, Low Carb, No Added Sugar
Andrea Marincovich (aka The Realistic Dietitian), is a registered dietitian and macros nutrition expert. She helps individuals reach their weight, body composition, and specific health goals through nutrition. Andrea specializes in altering diets in order to meet the needs of each client, such as: macro-centered, keto, paleo, Mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, diabetic, renal, cardiovascular, IBS/IBD, and GERD diets.
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Table of Contents
In this buying guide, we will discuss all the factors you should take into consideration when choosing a BBQ sauce, including flavors and some common sugar substitutes.
Sugar-free BBQ sauces are usually made with artificial sweeteners, natural sweeteners, or sugar alcohols. Read on to learn more about these sugar substitutes.
Artificial sweeteners are synthetically made and are many times sweeter than sugar. Since they aren't found in nature, they can impact your gut health. But there's yet to be any conclusive evidence showing that artificial sweeteners lead to any digestive problems.
Another concern about artificial sweeteners is that they might cause cancer. However, the National Cancer Institute says that there's no sound proof that artificial sweeteners approved by the Food and Drug Administration lead to cancer.
On another note, artificial sweeteners have no glycemic impact and are generally safe for those who have diabetes. They also have zero to a few calories and are a great option if you're trying to manage your weight.
Sucralose is an artificial sweetener used frequently in many sugar-free BBQ sauces. It's recognized as generally safe by the Food and Drug Administration. Plus, it doesn't have a bitter aftertaste like many other artificial sweeteners.
Some BBQ sauces might contain stevia or monk fruit extract. While stevia is made from the leaves of the stevia plant, monk fruit extract is derived from the fruit of Siraitia grosvenorii, a subtropical melon in Asia. Both of them contain virtually no calories and are much sweeter than sugar.
These sweeteners don't affect your blood glucose and are suitable for those with diabetes. They can also be metabolized by the body more easily than artificial sweeteners too.
Sugar alcohols are not alcohol but a kind of carbohydrate. In comparison to sugar, sugar alcohols are less sweet and are lower in calories.
However, sugar alcohols cannot be completely absorbed by the body and might cause digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea if consumed in a high quantity. They are not suitable for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or FODMAP intolerance. They might raise your insulin levels, too!
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol often used in sugar-free BBQ sauces. It has about 70 percent of the relative sweetness of sugar but provides only five percent of the calories. Unlike other sugar alcohols, erythritol is less likely to irritate your digestive system as it can be absorbed in the small intestines. It also doesn't affect your insulin levels.
When searching for a sugar-free BBQ sauce, you might find claims such as "no sugar added," "unsweetened," and "sugar-free." So what are the differences between them?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, a product can only be labeled "sugar-free" if it has less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. It can include both natural and added sugar.
The "no added sugar" label means that sugar isn't added to the product during production. However, it might still contain naturally-occurring sugar, sugar alcohols, and artificial sweeteners. So, unsweetened BBQ sauces are usually free from sugars or sugar substitutes but might still contain naturally-occurring sugar.
Some BBQ sauces are made with Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, and fruit juice. Worcestershire sauce includes molasses and has sugar in it. Tomato paste and fruit juice might also contain natural sugar. Although the sugar content might not be significant, avoid them if you're searching for a sauce with no sugar.
However, some products without a "sugar-free" label are actually sugar-free or low in sugar! So, if you see a BBQ sauce that seems appealing, it doesn't hurt to check the nutrition facts to see if it happens to be sugar-free.
There are four prominent BBQ styles in the United States: Carolina, Kansas, Texas, and Memphis. Each style has unique flavors that might work better for certain types of ingredients or recipes.
Carolina-style BBQ sauce is usually tangy with just a slight hint of sweetness. While North Carolina BBQ sauce is vinegar-based and has a thin consistency, South Carolina-style sauce is made with mustard and has a thicker texture.
The tanginess of both North Carolina and South Carolina sauces can cut through the rich and fatty flavors and are especially good on pulled pork. They're fantastic on grilled pork chops, grilled chicken, smoked pork ribs, and veggies as well.
Memphis-style sauce is the ultimate accompaniment for pulled pork but is also great on ribs, chicken, and veggies. It's usually made with cider vinegar, tomato sauce, and sugar and strikes a nice balance between sweet and tangy. Also, it has a nice kick of spices.
Kansas City BBQ sauce is tomato-based and quite sweet. It usually contains smoke additives that impart a smoky flavor to the sauce. Its sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor works beautifully with ribs and can compliment the richness of beef!
Texas-style BBQ sauce is thin and has many strong ingredients like garlic, chili powder, cumin, and Worcestershire sauce. It might also contain meat drippings for a hearty and rich flavor. This style of BBQ sauce is delicious slathered on beef brisket or brisket sandwiches.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sugar-Free | Amount | Flavor | Calories | Ingredients | |||||
1 | G Hughes Sugar Free BBQ Sauce - Original | ![]() | Sweet, sugar-free goodness for all your meals | 18 Ounces | Original | 10 Calories | Vine-Ripened Crushed Tomatoes (Water, Crushed Tomatoes), Cider Vinegar | ||
2 | Lakanto BBQ Sauce - Original | ![]() | Monk Fruit-Sweetened BBQ Sauce: Classic Flavor, Low Carb, No Added Sugar | 13 Ounces | Smoked | 10 Calories | Tomato Concentrate, Monk Fruit Sweetener | ||
3 | Mrs Taste BBQ | ![]() | Zero Calorie, Zero Sodium, Zero Sugar BBQ Sauce with Sensational Flavor | 12 Ounces | Original | 0 Calories | Filtered Water, Vinegar, Tomato Pulp | ||
4 | Head Country Sugar Free Original Bar-B-Q Sauce | ![]() | Bold Flavor Sine 1947 | 20 Ounces | Original | 10 Calories | Water, Tomato Puree, Vinegar, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Worcestershire Sauce, Liquid Smoke, Spices, Xanthun Gum | ||
5 | Lillie's Q Zero Sugar Carolina Barbeque Sauce | ![]() | Great for Pork and Beef | 16 Ounces | Carolina BBQ | 10 Calories | Water, Tomato Concentrate (Water, Tomato Paste), Distilled Vinegar, Yellow Mustard (Distilled Vinegar, Mustard Seeds, Salt, Turmeric, Spices) | ||
6 | Simple Girl Southern Blend Organic, Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce | ![]() | Clean flavor, no sugar, just pure goodness | 12 Ounces | Southern Blend | 5 Calories | Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Mustard | ||
7 | Stevia Sweet BBQ Barbecue Sauce | ![]() | A Tasty No-Sugar-Added BBQ Sauce | 15 Ounces | Barbecue | 10 Calories | Water, Tomato Paste, Worcestershire Sauce | ||
8 | Date Lady BBQ Sauce | ![]() | Naturally Sweetened and Smoky | 22 Ounces | Original | 37 Calories | Organic California dates, organic crushed tomatoes, organic tomato paste, organic apple cider vinegar, organic garlic powder | ||
9 | Lillie's Q Zero Sugar Gold Barbeque Sauce | ![]() | Bbq with a Mustard Base | 16 Ounces | South Carolina Mustard | 15 Calories | Water, Yellow Mustard, Tomato Concentrate | ||
10 | G Hughes Sugar Free Steak Sauce | ![]() | Bold Flavor Zero Sugar | 13 Ounces | Barbecue | 5 Calories | Tomato Puree, Plum Puree |
Sugar-Free | |
---|---|
Flavor | Original |
G Hughes Original BBQ Sauce offers a gluten-free, sugar-free alternative to traditional barbecue sauces without compromising on flavor. Packed with bold, tangy notes, it’s a perfect match for everything from grilling to dipping. Ideal for those on a low-carb or keto diet, this sauce provides the satisfaction of barbecue taste without any added sugar.
Amount | 18 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 10 Calories |
Ingredients | Vine-Ripened Crushed Tomatoes (Water, Crushed Tomatoes), Cider Vinegar |
Sugar-Free | |
---|---|
Flavor | Smoked |
Lakanto BBQ Sauce - Original offers a classic barbecue flavor without the guilt, sweetened with monk fruit extract instead of traditional sugars. Ideal for health-conscious consumers, this sauce boasts just 1 net carb per serving, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets. It's also vegan and non-GMO, catering to diverse dietary preferences without compromising on taste.
Crafted with tomato concentrate, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of spices, this sauce delivers a robust, smoky flavor profile perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating. Its monk fruit sweetener maintains the sauce's sweetness without adding unnecessary calories or impacting blood sugar levels.
Amount | 13 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 10 Calories |
Ingredients | Tomato Concentrate, Monk Fruit Sweetener |
Mrs Taste BBQ Sauce offers a guilt-free dining experience with its zero-calorie, zero-sodium, and zero-sugar formula. Ideal for enhancing grilled meats and various dishes, it can also substitute traditional sauces on items like fries and pizzas. This versatile sauce is designed to add robust flavor without compromising health, making it suitable for those on restricted diets, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and fat-free preferences. Crafted without harmful ingredients like high fructose corn syrup or artificial colors, Mrs Taste ensures a wholesome culinary experience.
Amount | 12 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 0 Calories |
Ingredients | Filtered Water, Vinegar, Tomato Pulp |
Sugar-Free | |
---|---|
Flavor | Original |
Experience the essence of barbecue with Head Country's Sugar Free Original BBQ Sauce, a true classic since 1947. This rich blend of flavors captures the spirit of BBQ with its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and subtle spice. With 80% fewer calories than the original and crafted to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, it’s a diet-friendly choice that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Trusted by competition pitmasters and judges alike, this premium barbecue sauce is ideal for pulled pork, ribs, chicken, burgers, and more. Enjoy the robust, well-balanced flavor that brings friends and family together, whether at home or in a restaurant setting.
Amount | 20 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 10 Calories |
Ingredients | Water, Tomato Puree, Vinegar, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Worcestershire Sauce, Liquid Smoke, Spices, Xanthun Gum |
Sugar-Free | |
---|---|
Flavor | Carolina BBQ |
This BBQ sauce from Lillie's Q is mustard-based and made with many spices such as turmeric, paprika, and garlic. The addition of apple juice concentrate further gives it a nice sweetness. Since this sauce is quite tangy, it can cut through fat and balance flavors. This makes it fantastic for pulled pork and beef brisket.
Keep in mind that the Worcestershire sauce and apple juice concentrate in the ingredient list might contain an insignificant amount of sugar. Even so, according to most reviewers, this sauce is quite flavorful and has a thick texture. It was a big hit for those on the keto diet, too.
Amount | 16 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 10 Calories |
Ingredients | Water, Tomato Concentrate (Water, Tomato Paste), Distilled Vinegar, Yellow Mustard (Distilled Vinegar, Mustard Seeds, Salt, Turmeric, Spices) |
Sugar-Free | |
---|---|
Flavor | Southern Blend |
Simple Girl Barbecue Sauce is a certified organic, sugar-free option that doesn't compromise on taste. Sweetened naturally with organic stevia and monk fruit, it offers a delicious barbecue experience without any artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols. Perfect for those following a gluten-free or kosher diet, this sauce is free from preservatives and packed with natural, clean ingredients. Enjoy the classic barbecue flavor guilt-free, ideal for grilling, dipping, and more.
Amount | 12 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 5 Calories |
Ingredients | Water, Apple Cider Vinegar, Mustard |
Sugar-Free | |
---|---|
Flavor | Barbecue |
This BBQ sauce is made from tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and spices. They create a tangy and sweet condiment that's great for any barbecue recipe. It's completely free from added sugar and contains stevia for sweetness.
Keep in mind that it still has one gram of sugar per serving from the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce. For a few reviewers, one drawback of this BBQ sauce is its thin consistency. Yet, this sauce is a must-have for those following a keto diet. They say the flavor is sweet, spicy, and tangy.
Amount | 15 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 10 Calories |
Ingredients | Water, Tomato Paste, Worcestershire Sauce |
The Date Lady BBQ Sauce is crafted with natural organic dates for a unique and wholesome sweetness. This 22-ounce bottle offers a gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher, and vegan option that’s free of corn syrup, cane sugar, MSG, soy, preservatives, and artificial flavors.
Enjoy a real, smoky BBQ taste with a complex flavor profile, thanks to sea salt smoked over untreated wood. Made with care in small batches in Springfield, Missouri, this barbecue sauce is perfect for those with dietary restrictions and anyone seeking a deliciously authentic BBQ experience.
Amount | 22 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 37 Calories |
Ingredients | Organic California dates, organic crushed tomatoes, organic tomato paste, organic apple cider vinegar, organic garlic powder |
Sugar-Free | |
---|---|
Flavor | South Carolina Mustard |
Bring the authentic taste of South Carolina BBQ to your table with Lillie’s Q Zero Sugar Gold Barbeque Sauce. This tangy, mustard-based sauce is crafted to honor Southern traditions, delivering the perfect balance of zesty vinegar, spices, and smoky depth.
Made with keto-friendly, gluten-free ingredients and zero sugar, this sauce is perfect for grilling chicken, pork, or even hot links. With no high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, or MSG, every bottle carries the rich heritage and bold flavors Grandma Lillie loved—because great BBQ should always taste this real.
Amount | 16 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 15 Calories |
Ingredients | Water, Yellow Mustard, Tomato Concentrate |
Sugar-Free | |
---|---|
Flavor | Barbecue |
Savor the rich, smoky taste of G Hughes Sugar-Free Barbecue Sauce, crafted for big flavor without the sugar. Made with no high fructose corn syrup, artificial preservatives, or gluten, this low-carb, keto-friendly sauce delivers mouthwatering BBQ goodness while fitting into your healthy lifestyle.
Perfect for grilling, marinating, or dipping, this pit master-approved sauce brings sweet and tangy perfection to steak, chicken, ribs, and more. Guilt-free, gluten-free, and packed with flavor—because great BBQ should never hold you back!
Amount | 13 Ounces |
---|---|
Calories | 5 Calories |
Ingredients | Tomato Puree, Plum Puree |
No. 1: G Hughes|Sugar Free BBQ Sauce - Original
No. 2: Lakanto |BBQ Sauce - Original
No. 3: Mrs Taste|BBQ
No. 4: Head Country|Sugar Free Original Bar-B-Q Sauce
No. 5: Lillie's Q |Zero Sugar Carolina Barbeque Sauce
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