What’s the best sugar free BBQ sauce for a keto diet?

Greetings, lovely readers! If you’re on a low carb, sugar-free, or keto diet, you most likely find it challenging to find BBQ sauce options that cater to your diet requirements. Fret not! Fortunately, I’ve got you covered. Have you ever thought of whipping up your sugar free BBQ sauce recipe? Not only will I share a delicious and straightforward keto BBQ sauce recipe, but I’ll give you the low down on the store bought sugar free barbeque sauce options out there. Stay tuned as I delve into the details of this fantastic low carb recipe also perfect for grilling and dipping!

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Is BBQ sauce keto friendly | Sugar free barbeque sauce brands | Lowest carb keto BBQ sauce | Best value | Organic BBQ sauce winner | My opinion | Equipment | Ingredients | How to make keto BBQ sauce | Conclusion | Sugar free keto recipes | Homemade BBQ sauce recipe card

🤔 Does barbecue sauce have sugar?

Absolutely, barbecue sauce is usually loaded with sugar! Most store-bought BBQ sauces contain high fructose corn syrup or added sugars, which makes it difficult to determine an exact amount of sugar per serving. On average, just 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce can contain around 10 grams of sugar, which is almost as much sugar as a whole glazed donut!

However, it is possible to find sugar free or low sugar BBQ sauce options at grocery and health food stores or by making your own sauce at home. So, if you’re trying to cut back on sugar, be sure to check the label and opt for a healthier BBQ sauce option or make your own for a delicious and more nutritious option. I hope this information is helpful when deciding what type of BBQ sauce to use for your next grill party!

🙋‍♀️ Is BBQ sauce keto friendly?

Oh, dear! If you’re a keto diet enthusiast and love some good old-fashioned southern-style barbeque, the question of whether barbeque sauce is keto friendly may be nagging at you. Let me reassure you, there are ways to enjoy the flavors and spices of barbecue while keeping it keto friendly!

While commercial BBQ sauces are typically loaded with sugar and other high-carb ingredients, you can find keto friendly barbecue sauce with low carbs or make your own keto barbeque sauce recipe, making them a great condiment option to accompany your meats, veggies, and salads. First option, you can make your own keto BBQ sauce using my recipe below, which I highly recommend!

Alternatively, some premade sauces, such as Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ sauce or True Made Foods No Sugar Added BBQ Sauce, are made without added sugars and offer a keto friendly option. You can now dip, smother, or put your low carb barbecue sauce on anything without worrying about its carb content. How exciting is that?

🍅 Sugar free barbecue sauce brands

Sugar-free barbecue sauce options are becoming increasingly popular among individuals who are looking to control their sugar intake. Whether you are diabetic, on a low-carb diet, or simply trying to cut back on sugar, there are a variety of store-bought sugar-free barbecue sauces available to meet your needs. I have compiled a list of the easiest to find sugar free BBQ sauce brands (in the US) on the market.

⚠️ Warning: Companies change ingredients

Before you just go out and buy any premade sauce, read the ingredients! I’ve found different ingredients in the same brand of ketchup, Buffalo sauce, etc. at different times or locations. It’s not uncommon for companies to change their formulations, so always double-check the label.

Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ Sauce

Made with organic ingredients, this tangy keto BBQ sauce is both soy and dairy-free. It has a tangy, tomato-based flavor that is enhanced by the addition of balsamic vinegar and wholesome spices. It is unsweetened. This one is easy to find online, in grocery stores, and in health food stores.

Calories: 15 per 2 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 3g per 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 2g per 2 tablespoon serving

Price: $6-7 for 8.5 oz bottle

(I’ve worked out a coupon code for you if you use my Primal Kitchen affiliate link! Get 10% off your order with the code EXPLORERMOMMA)

Keto BBQ Sauce by Yo Mama’s Foods

Specifically designed with the keto diet in mind, this sauce is both sugar-free and low-carb. It has a smoky, sweet flavor that makes it a great choice for anyone looking to maintain ketosis.

Calories: 0 per 1 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 1g per 1 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 1g per 1 tablespoon serving

Price: $8-10 for 14 oz bottle

True Made Foods Central Texas Style No Sugar Added BBQ Sauce

Made with a blend of vegetables including carrots, butternut squash, and spinach, this sauce has a unique taste that is both sweet and tangy. The sugar is naturally occurring from the vegetables. You can find it online and in some grocery stores.

Calories: 25 per 2 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 5g per 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 4g per 2 tablespoon serving

Price: $8-9 for 18 oz bottle

Ray’s No Sugar Added Original Barbecue Sauce

This sauce has a savory, smoky flavor from the makers of Sweet Baby Ray’s that is good for any grilling occasion. The newer version is sweetened with allulose, which makes it an excellent choice for those looking for no added sugar or on a low carb or keto diet. I’ve found it in grocery and some specialty foods stores. Older versions seem to have sucralose so read the ingredients.

Calories: 15 per 2 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 4g per 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 1g per 2 tablespoon serving

Price: $4-5 for 18.5 oz bottle

Lakanto Monk Fruit Sweetened BBQ Sauce

This keto BBQ sauce is made with monk fruit and erythritol as the main sweeteners, making it a great keto-friendly option. It has a classic barbeque flavor with a hint of sweetness from the monk fruit. It’s available online and in some health food stores.

Calories: 15 per 2 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 6g per 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar alcohols: 4 grams 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 1g per 2 tablespoon serving

Price: $9 for 13 oz bottle

Walden Farms Calorie-Free Honey BBQ Sauce

This sauce is not only sugar free, but according to the nutrition facts on the bottle, it is also calorie-free which makes it perfect for anyone looking to reduce their calorie intake. It has a rich, honey-based flavor that is enhanced with natural smoke flavor. It’s sweetened mainly with erythritol with some stevia, monk fruit, and honey and can be found online or in some health food stores.

Calories: 0 per 2 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 1g per 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 0g per 2 tablespoon serving

Price: $5-6 for 12 oz bottle

Simple Girl Organic BBQ Sauce

Made with organic ingredients and no artificial sweeteners, this barbecue sauce is both sugar-free and gluten-free. It has a well-balanced blend of flavors, including sweet molasses and natural smoke. Sweetened with stevia, it is found online and in some health food stores.

Calories: 5 per 2 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 1g per 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 0g per 2 tablespoon serving

Price: $7-10 for 12 oz bottle

Guy’s Award Winning Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

As the name suggests, this barbecue sauce has received numerous awards for its delicious taste. It has a smoky, sweet flavor that is achieved using sucralose as the sweetener. It can be found online and in some grocery stores.

Calories: 10 per 2 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 2g per 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 0g per 2 tablespoon serving

Price: $8-9 for 18 oz bottle

G. Hughes Sugar-Free Sweet & Spicy BBQ Sauce

This sauce has a unique flavor profile that combines sweetness with a kick of spiciness. It is gluten-free, contains 2g of carbs per serving, and is sweetened with sucralose. Also, it’s available at Walmart and most major grocery stores.

Calories: 10 per 2 tablespoon serving

Total carbs: 2g per 2 tablespoon serving

Sugar: 0g per 2 tablespoon serving

Price: $5-6 for 18 oz bottle

All of these options are available as no sugar added barbeque sauces.

Personally, I prefer those that do not contain sucralose as it raises my blood sugar, but each person needs to decide which one is best for their individual dietary restrictions and preferences.

🙋‍♂️ So what’s the best keto BBQ sauce?

Well, I think that all depends on what you’re looking for. Here are the winners.

✅ Lowest carb keto BBQ sauce

Several of the sauces contain 1 carb per 2 tablespoons. Our winners based on carbs are:

• Simple Girl Organic BBQ Sauce
• Walden Farms Calorie-Free Honey BBQ Sauce
• Homemade Keto BBQ Sauce (recipe below!)

💰 Best value keto BBQ sauce

For the best value, our winner is:

Ray’s No Sugar Added Original Barbecue Sauce

🌱 Organic BBQ sauce winner

For the best organic keto BBQ sauce, our winner is:

Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ Sauce

🧐 My opinion

As you most likely will guess, my favorite option for a sugar free barbecue sauce is my own easy keto BBQ sauce recipe. I love to tweak it to my taste and make the tangy sauce a keto friendly BBQ sauce.

📏 Nutrition information for homemade keto BBQ sauce

Now, let’s take a look at the macros for a homemade sugar free barbeque sauce recipe. In my recipe for sugar free BBQ sauce, one serving is 2 tablespoons. Two tablespoons has 13 calories, 1 grams of protein, 0 grams of fat, and 0 grams net carbs per serving.

These macros for lemon curd are figured with MyFitnessPal, with the ingredients I use in the recipe. I always recommend figuring out your own with the precise ingredients you use. It’s especially important to determine your own if you’re keeping close track and want to be accurate.

🍽 Equipment needed to make this keto BBQ sauce recipe

To make your own sugar free BBQ sauce, you will need a few kitchen items:

• A blender or food processor (optional)
• A medium saucepan or small saucepan and a spoon for stirring
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A jar to store the sauce

🥘 Ingredients in low carb barbeque sauce

Now, I’m going to share with you the amazing ingredients in keto barbecue sauce that make it oh-so-yummy and healthy. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!

Tomato paste

Look for organic tomato paste in a BPA-free can. Tomato paste is loaded with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. It also contains vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Raw apple cider vinegar

Choose organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar that contains the “mother,” which is a colony of beneficial bacteria and enzymes. Raw apple cider vinegar helps improve digestion, balance blood sugar, and reduce inflammation in the body. It also adds a tangy flavor to the sauce.

Brown sweetener

Opt for your favorite brown sugar substitute like brown Swerve or monk fruit sweetener. These sweeteners don’t spike blood sugar levels like regular sugar and add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the sauce.

Liquid smoke

Look for a natural liquid smoke that’s made from real wood, not artificial flavors or chemicals. Liquid smoke adds a smoky, barbecue flavor to the sauce without the need for a smoker or grill.

Worcestershire sauce

Make sure the Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free and doesn’t contain any high-fructose corn syrup or MSG. Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor to the sauce and is made from vinegar, molasses, spices, and anchovies.

Smoked paprika

Choose organic smoked paprika that’s made from dried and smoked red peppers. Smoked paprika adds a mild heat and smoky flavor to the sauce and is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Onion powder

Look for organic onion powder that doesn’t contain any additives or preservatives. Onion powder adds a sweet, oniony flavor to the sauce and is a good source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Garlic powder

Choose organic garlic powder that doesn’t contain any fillers or anti-caking agents. Garlic powder adds a pungent, garlic flavor to the sauce.

Mustard powder

Opt for organic mustard powder that’s made from ground mustard seeds without any additives. Mustard powder adds a tangy, mustardy flavor to the sauce and is a good source of selenium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Cayenne pepper

Use organic cayenne pepper to add a spicy kick to the sauce. Cayenne pepper is rich in capsaicin, a compound that helps boost metabolism, reduce pain, and improve heart health.

Salt

Choose a natural sea salt that’s unrefined and doesn’t contain any additives or anti-caking agents. Sea salt adds flavor and helps balance the sweetness and acidity of the sauce. I personally use Redmond Real Salt.

Chicken bone broth

If possible, make your own chicken bone broth using organic, free-range chicken bones. Homemade bone broth is rich in collagen, gelatin, and amino acids that help support gut health, joint health, and immune function. Or if that’s not an option, use an organic brand like Kettle and Fire Chicken Bone Broth.

So, there you have it! The amazing ingredients in keto barbecue sauce and what to look for when selecting each organic ingredient.

🔪 Instructions: keto barbeque sauce recipe

Next, let me tell you how to make the perfect keto barbeque sauce for all your summer grilling needs. Let’s get to it!

First, prepare 6 oz of tomato paste, 1/4 cup of raw apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup of brown sweetener (I like to use brown Swerve), and the chicken bone broth (or water if you don’t have it). I find the bone broth adds a depth of flavor and a little protein. Mix them all together in a saucepan and whisk it up until it’s smooth and uniform.

Next, add some flavor bombs to your sauce! Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke, 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (or more, if you like it spicy). Don’t forget to add a teaspoon of salt to balance out all those flavors.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

💭 Top tip

Take the saucepan off the heat and let the sauce cool for a bit. At this point, add the apple cider vinegar and whisk until mixed in well. Once it’s cool enough, you have the option to blend it until it’s smooth or don’t worry about it if you like the texture as it is. Transfer it back to the saucepan and let it cool completely.

Now you have your very own homemade BBQ sauce! Pour it into a jar or a bottle, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed!

🥣 How to store keto barbecue sauce

To keep your keto barbecue sauce at its best, store it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. I prefer to use a glass jar, and it should last for up to two weeks.

If you make a large batch, freeze some of it for future use. To do this, pour the cooled sauce into an ice cube tray with enough space between cubes so they don’t stick together. Once it’s frozen, transfer the cubes to a container or a Ziploc bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months.

👩‍🍳 Let’s get grillin’!

In conclusion, I hope that this article has been helpful to all my fellow low carb BBQ sauce enthusiasts out there who are looking for sugar free options. It’s so exciting to see how many delicious and healthy sugar free barbeque sauce options are available today, and I’m thrilled to be able to share my own easy keto barbecue sauce recipe with you all!

Not only is this homemade barbecue sauce recipe mouth-wateringly good, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and perfect for your next outdoor gathering or summer cookout. I’m ready for some pulled pork or grilled chicken to slather it on, anyone else?

So go ahead and give it a try, and let me know what you think! Happy grilling!

📋 More easy homemade condiments and keto recipes

• What’s the lowest carb peanut butter for a keto diet?
• What’s the best sugar free ketchup for a keto diet?
• Easy Keto Buffalo Sauce
• Best Easy Keto Enchilada Sauce
• Keto Sweet Chili Sauce
• Easy Keto Teriyaki Sauce

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Nutrition Disclaimer

Please be aware I am not a medical specialist or nutritional professional. On this blog, I share recipes and what works for me. Please do not take anything on this blog as medical advice and always consult with your doctor before starting any diet or exercise program.

I use MyFitnessPal dot com to calculate nutrition facts as a courtesy to my readers, and I remove erythritol from the final carb count and net carb count because does not affect my own blood glucose levels.

This is as accurate as possible, but it’s best to independently calculate nutritional data on your own with the specific ingredients you use. I expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website.