Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

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This 10-minute sugar-free BBQ sauce requires no cooking and contains just a few simple ingredients and no added sugar.

Simply drop the ingredients into a bowl, whisk them for two minutes, and your delicious homemade sauce is ready!

Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (1)

BBQ sauce is delicious, but store-bought varieties often contain large amounts of sugar. This homemade version is just as good, and it's sugar-free.

It's also incredibly easy to make - it requires no cooking and is ready in just a few minutes. You can keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to a week; I make a batch almost weekly and use it in several recipes.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Variations
  • Instructions
  • Expert Tip
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storing Leftovers
  • Related Recipes
  • Foodie Newsletter
  • Recipe Card

Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. The exact measurements are included in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

  • Tomato paste: I use tomato paste in a 7-ounce glass jar. After I empty out the tomato paste, I use it to measure the vinegar.
  • Balsamic vinegar: You definitely want to use balsamic vinegar in this recipe. Other types of vinegar will be too harsh and acidic, especially distilled white vinegar.
  • To season: Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  • Sweetener: You can use any sugar-free liquid sweetener or the equivalent in stevia.
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (2)

Variations

  • Sometimes I use smoked salt instead of regular salt. It adds a lovely smoky flavor to the sauce.
  • You can add 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter for a richer sauce.
  • If you don't mind the carbs, you can use real maple syrup or honey instead of a sugar-free sweetener.
  • To make it spicy, add a generous pinch of cayenne pepper.

Instructions

Making this sugar-free BBQ sauce is easy! Scroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps:

  • Place the tomato paste in a medium bowl. (Photo 1).
  • Add the balsamic vinegar. (Photo 2).
  • Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. (Photo 3).
  • Add a sweetener.(Photo 4).
  • Use a hand whisk to whisk the ingredients until well-blended. (Photo 5).
  • Use immediately in your favorite recipe, or refrigerate for up to a week. (Photo 6).
Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (3)

Expert Tip

It's fine to use this sauce immediately after you mix it, but it's even better to make it an hour or so ahead and let it rest at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a more flavorful sauce. Give it another stir before using it.

Recipe FAQs

How do you define "sugar-free?"

I define it as "free of added sugar." So while there are naturally occurring sugars in the tomato paste and balsamic vinegar used in this recipe, I don't add any sugar to the sauce or use ingredients that contain added sugar.

Can I freeze BBQ sauce?

Yes. You can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months and thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can use an ice cube tray if you'd like to freeze small quantities. Once the cubes are frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.

Can I substitute white vinegar for balsamic?

No. Balsamic vinegar is syrupy and almost sweet; white vinegar is acidic and harsh. I hardly ever use white vinegar for cooking. It's much better as a cleaning agent!

How is sugar-free BBQ sauce sweetened if it doesn't contain sugar?

This sauce is sweetened with a sugar-free sweetener such as stevia.

How does the taste of this sauce compare to regular BBQ sauce?

It's very similar, but it's not as sweet, and it's a bit more acidic. It's best used as a cooking sauce, not a dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is excellent for brushing on meats, then slow cooking or grilling them. Cooking caramelizes the natural sugars in the sauce and brings out its sweetness.

Without cooking, this sauce is a bit acidic. So I don't use it as a dipping sauce. I typically use it when making oven-baked ribs, pulled pork, BBQ beef, or pulled chicken.

Storing Leftovers

You can store this sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Remember to stir it again before using it.

Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (4)
  • Carolina BBQ Sauce
  • Pulled Beef
  • Oven-Baked Ribs
  • Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Recipe Card

Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (9)

4.98 from 403 votes

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Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce

This 10-minute sugar-free BBQ sauce requires no cooking and contains just a few simple ingredients and no added sugar.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 26kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 (7-ounce) jar tomato paste (¾ cup)
  • ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 tablespoons liquid sugar-free sweetener or the equivalent in stevia

Instructions

  • Place the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and sweetener in a medium bowl or jar.

    Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (10)

  • Use a hand whisk to whisk everything together until well-blended.

    Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (11)

  • Use immediately in your favorite recipe, or cover and refrigerate for up to a week.

    Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (12)

Video

Notes

  • This recipe makes about 1.5 cups of sauce.
  • While it's OK to use this sauce immediately after you mix it, it's even better to make it an hour or so ahead of time and let it rest at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld. Just make sure to give it another stir before using it.
  • You can store this sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week. Remember to stir it again before using it.

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Nutrition per Serving

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g

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Cup measurements refer to the standard American cup, which is 240 milliliters. Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate, and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read these Terms of Use carefully before using any of my recipes.

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About the Author

Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (23) Vered DeLeeuw, LL.M., CNC, has been following a low-carb real-food diet and blogging about it since 2011. She's a Certified Nutrition Coach (NASM-CNC), has taken courses at the Harvard School of Public Health, and has earned a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from Cornell University. Her work has appeared in several major media outlets, including Healthline, HuffPost, Today, Women's Health, Shape, and Country Living. Click to learn more about Vered.

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Comment

  1. Linda

    What could you use that’s more healthy (whole-food type ingredient) instead of the liquid sweetener?

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      Hi Linda,
      If you don't mind the added carbs, you can use maple syrup.

      Reply

  2. Faith

    Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (24)
    Love how easy this is and it tastes amazing!

    Reply

    • Vered DeLeeuw

      I'm so glad you like this BBQ sauce, Faith! Thank you for leaving a comment.

      Reply

Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce - Healthy Recipes Blog (2024)

FAQs

What is a healthy substitute for BBQ sauce? ›

Fruit-based sauces are a great option for people looking to cut down the acid content in tomato base sauces like the BBQ. These sauces use fruits like pineapples, mangos, apricots, apples, and even peaches to enhance the taste while doing away with the need to add granulated sugar.

Is G. Hughes really sugar free? ›

G Hughes' family of signature sauces – Carolina Gold, Mesquite Flavored, Maple Brown Flavored, Hickory Flavored, Honey Flavored, Sweet & Spicy, and Carolina Style Sweet Heat. Plus, his Original bbq sauce that started it all. Flavored with a unique blend of spice and sweetness, and completely sugar and gluten free!

Can you eat barbecue sauce on the keto diet? ›

You can absolutely enjoy keto barbecue even if you're following a low-carb diet. Barbecue sauce often hides a lot of sugar, so you'll just need to make sure you pick a keto BBQ sauce to slather on your meat.

Is sugar free barbecue sauce ok for diabetics? ›

Just like sugar-free barbecue sauce, sugar-free ketchup can be a better option for diabetics as it is usually lower in carbohydrates and does not contain added sugars such as high fructose corn syrup, which can cause blood sugar spikes.

Can barbecue sauce be healthy? ›

Barbecue sauce does contain small amounts of some vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A. However, you're not likely to reap major health benefits from these micronutrients unless you're drinking sauce by the cup (which may be tempting, but isn't advisable).

What is the healthiest sauce option? ›

What is the healthiest condiment?
  • Guacamole.
  • Mustard.
  • Balsamic Vinegar.
  • Salsa.
  • Hot sauce.
  • Tzatziki.
  • Hummus.
  • Pesto.
Mar 17, 2024

Is anything sugar-free healthy? ›

A snack labeled low sugar or no sugar may not be the most nutritious choice. Whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, usually have the best mix of nutrients for the body. But artificial sweeteners can help some people enjoy sweetness without excess calories.

Is sugar-free safe for diabetics? ›

Sugar substitutes don't affect your blood sugar level. In fact, most artificial sweeteners are considered "free foods." Free foods contain less than 20 calories and 5 grams or less of carbohydrates, and they don't count as calories or carbohydrates on a diabetes exchange.

What ingredients should you avoid in sugar-free? ›

Plus foods and drinks that are "sugar-free" contain artificial sweeteners which are also equally bad. Artificial sweeteners like Aspartame, Sucralose, Acesulfame K, etc. can cause a higher risk of diabetes and obesity and also have side effects like migraines and digestive issues.

Is Sweet Baby Ray's sugar free keto friendly? ›

Sweet Baby Ray's New No Sugar Barbecue Sauce Is Keto-Friendly And Vegan. Each serving has only 1 gram of net carbs. Memorial Day is the unofficial kick-off to the summer season. Even if you're spending the holiday at home this year, your day likely entails a barbecue.

Does the sugar in BBQ sauce cook off? ›

Sugar burns between 260ºF to 275ºF, and leaves behind a bitter, sharp taste. If you're using a fruit BBQ sauce, those natural sugars will burn at an even lower temperature.

How many carbs are in sugar free BBQ sauce? ›

G Hughes Sugar Free Bbq Sauce Original (2 tbsp) contains 2g total carbs, 2g net carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, and 10 calories.

What barbecue sauce doesn't have sugar? ›

So we worked hard to make sure that Ray's No Sugar Added Barbecue sauces deliver sweet, smoky and tangy flavor with only 1g of sugar per serving. All that's left for you to do is pop the cap, lay it on thick and enjoy the signature barbecue flavor only Ray can deliver. The Sauce is the Boss!

Can diabetics eat sugar free applesauce? ›

All fruits are nutrient dense and when consumed in small portions, can be part of a healthy eating plan for people with Diabetes. It is recommended to eat a variety of fruits. Consider using fresh fruit in season, frozen fruit like berries, pumpkin puree, or no sugar added applesauce to make muffins or pastries.

Can a diabetic eat sugar free ketchup? ›

A tablespoon of ketchup has just under 5 grams of carbohydrates. But who eats just one tablespoon? No-sugar-added ketchup is also available. It contains only 10 calories and 1 gram of carb per serving, which makes it a great alternative for people living with diabetes.

What is the best alternative to BBQ? ›

WAYS TO GRILL WITHOUT A GRILL
  1. GRILLING ON A STOVETOP. You can turn your cooktop into a grill station with the help of a cast iron or aluminum grill pan. ...
  2. GRILLING IN AN OVEN. ...
  3. GRILLING IN AN AIR FRYER.

What can I use instead of barbecue sauce for pulled pork? ›

There are several substitutes for barbecue sauce in pulled pork that you can try: 1. **Apple Cider Vinegar Sauce:** Mix apple cider vinegar with a bit of brown sugar, ketchup, and spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a tangy alternative.

What can I eat instead of sauce? ›

20 Healthy Condiments (And 8 Unhealthy Ones)
  • Pesto. Traditional pesto is a sauce made with fresh basil leaves, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts. ...
  • Salsa. Salsa can be a great low-calorie condiment to add to your diet. ...
  • Tahini. ...
  • Mustard. ...
  • Kimchi. ...
  • Sauerkraut. ...
  • Hummus. ...
  • Guacamole.
Aug 20, 2020

What can I use instead of sauce? ›

7 Substitutes for Tomato Sauce If You Run Out of the Pantry...
  • Canned Tomatoes.
  • Fresh Tomatoes.
  • Tomato Paste.
  • Tomato Soup.
  • Ketchup.
  • Tomato Purée.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Apr 27, 2024

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