Ingredient

Barbecue Sauce

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Source
Unknown
Not yet classified by editors
Allergen
No
Role in food
Manufacturers add barbecue sauce primarily for its distinct flavor profile, which can be sweet, …

What it is

Barbecue sauce is a thick, tangy, and often sweet or smoky condiment used to flavor meat and other foods. It is typically made from a base of tomato paste or ketchup, vinegar, sweeteners (like sugar or molasses), and various spices and seasonings. The specific ingredients and preparation methods vary widely by region and recipe.

Why it's used

Manufacturers add barbecue sauce primarily for its distinct flavor profile, which can be sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. It is commonly used as a marinade for meats, a basting sauce during cooking, or a finishing sauce and condiment for dishes like ribs, chicken, and sandwiches.

Health notes

Barbecue sauce is a food product regulated by the FDA under general food safety standards, not as a food additive. While it provides flavor, many barbecue sauces can be significant sources of added sugars and sodium. The 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend no amount of added sugars, and at most 10 grams per meal. The FDA's Daily Value for sodium is 2,300 mg. JECFA and EFSA do not evaluate complex food products like barbecue sauce.

Allergen info

Barbecue sauce itself is not a major allergen. However, specific ingredients used in its preparation, such as soy, wheat (in some thickeners or soy sauce), or fish (in Worcestershire sauce), can be major allergens. Consumers should check product labels for allergen information.

Products containing Barbecue Sauce

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67TH STREET BBQ Sliced Seasoned Beef Brisket With Sauce Other Deli High in sodium — 40% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 22% DV per serving 214kcal 15.7Protein 9.3Fat 17.9Carbs Safeway, Inc. BBQ Rib Sandwich Frozen Appetizers & Hors D'oeuvres High in sodium — 34% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving 309kcal 9.3Protein 16.1Fat 31.5Carbs Conagra Brands BANQUET Boneless Pork Ribs Meal, 10 OZ Ready-Made Combination Meals High in sodium — 30% DV per serving 110kcal 5.0Protein 3.9Fat 13.1Carbs BBQ Recipe Chicken Crispy Thin Crust Pizza, BBQ Recipe Chicken LIDL BBQ Recipe Chicken Crispy Thin Crust Pizza, BBQ Recipe Chicken Pizza High in sodium — 30% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 30% DV per serving 231kcal 10.5Protein 8.4Fat 29.4Carbs Western Family Foods, Inc. Baby Back Pork Ribs With Barbeque Sauce Cooked & Prepared High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 229kcal 14.3Protein 14.3Fat 10.7Carbs Kingston Marketing Co Baby Back Ribs Cooked & Prepared High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 229kcal 14.3Protein 14.3Fat 10.7Carbs Western Family Foods, Inc. Baby Back Pork Ribs With Barbeque Sauce Bacon, Sausages & Ribs High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 229kcal 14.3Protein 14.3Fat 10.7Carbs Nash Finch Company Fully Cooked Pork Baby Back Ribs With Barbeque Sauce, Barbeque Sauce Cooked & Prepared High in sodium — 26% DV per serving High in saturated fat — 40% DV per serving High in cholesterol — 25% DV per serving 225kcal 14.1Protein 14.1Fat 10.6Carbs Ahold USA, Inc. Chicken Poppers, Hawaiian Style Barbecue Pizza Mixes & Other Dry Dinners High in sodium — 20% DV per serving 235kcal 17.6Protein 10.6Fat 23.5Carbs Seaboard Foods LLC Seasoned Shredded Pork With Sauce, Seasoned With Sauce Ketchup, Mustard, BBQ & Cheese Sauce High in sodium — 32% DV per serving 193kcal 13.6Protein 4.3Fat 24.3Carbs To-Jo Mushrooms, Inc. Portabella Melt, BBQ Cheddar Other Deli 136kcal 6.8Protein 5.1Fat 15.9Carbs Kor-Bert Inc Pulled Pork, Tangy Barbecue Sauce Pepperoni, Salami & Cold Cuts High in sodium — 21% DV per serving 141kcal 14.1Protein 4.7Fat 29.4Carbs
Salt (138 products) Water (136 products) Sugar (129 products) Tomato Paste (125 products) Molasses (124 products) Spices (104 products) Natural Flavors (100 products) Caramel Color (99 products) Distilled Vinegar (90 products) Garlic Powder (83 products)

Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.