CLEVELAND, Ohio – While Labor Day is the traditional end to summer, there will still be plenty of warm weather left to fire up the backyard barbecue and enjoy dinner on the grill.
Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, more of us have discovered a new love for cooking over an open flame.
According to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association, almost two-thirds of American households own a grill or a smoker, and 56% of American grill owners say they plan to cook out during the Labor Day weekend.
Whether you’re grilling ribs, chicken, brisket or plan on a big pan of pulled pork, the sauce can make -- or break -- your reputation as a pit master. But with dozens and dozens of sauces sold at grocery stores, how do you find the perfect complement to your meat?
Cleveland.com reporters Yadi Rodriguez and Brenda Cain spent a month this summer tasting all the BBQ sauces we found at just one local Giant Eagle – 79 bottles sold at the Legacy Village store in Lyndhurst -- plus a handful more because, you know, 79 varieties was not enough.
Whether you like your sauce sweet or with a fire-y kick, or maybe you are a fan of vinegar- or mustard-based sauces, we determined the best sauce in each category. Check out our favorites below.
We also sampled and ranked three sauces from Famous Dave’s that are sold in local grocery stores. And we discovered a local brand, Branch sauces, with a unique twist and made right here in Lakewood.
Related: If you missed the full BBQ sauce rankings, check out the results of the 79-bottle taste test
Peach Whiskey, The Pioneer Woman
Peach Whiskey BBQ Sauce (photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Price: $2.99. Note: This was one of four sauces purchased at the Giant Eagle in Beachwood.
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 50 | Fat 0g | Sodium 320mg | Carbs 13g | Sugar 11g
First ingredient: Liquid cane sugar
Bottle says: “My Peach Whiskey Chicken is one of the Drummond family’s favorite dinners, and this BBQ sauce brings those same scrumptious flavors to your kitchen! Sweet chunks of juicy peaches and sassy southern whiskey perfect an unexpectedly delicious dip for fried chicken tenders.”
We say: There was no debate to be had. We whole-heartedly agreed this thick, succulent sauce is the perfect topper for just about anything you choose to grill. It will add a refreshing summertime twist to your barbecue. The fresh, fruity aroma greets your nostrils as soon as you open the jar. Chunky pieces of peaches can be found throughout. Be sure to have a spoon handy because this sauce is too thick to pour. And besides, you’ll want to lick the spoon so you don’t miss one drop of this barbecue sauce.
Buy it on Amazon $10.46 (18.5 ounces) | Buy it at Giant Eagle $2.99
Winner: Dortmunder Gold Lager, Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Great Lakes Dortmunder Gold BBQ Sauce (photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Price: $4.79
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 35 | Fat 0g | Sodium 270mg | Carbs 9g | Sugar 8g
First ingredient: Crushed tomatoes
Bottle says: “Flavorful from-scratch beer infused sauces and dressings have long been a signature at our Cleveland brewpub. With a dash of hickory smokiness and a subtle sweetness reminiscent of Dortmunder Gold Lager’s balanced malt character, we’re proud to bring a taste of our pub to your kitchen, patio, or wherever good food, friends, and beer meet.”
We say: Great Lakes has created a very well-balanced BBQ sauce that has a sweeter taste, with a kick. The thick sauce is filled with onion and garlic pieces to ramp up the flavor of anything you pour it over. While you can definitely taste the lager, it doesn’t overpower and it allows the spices to shine through. We tried this on brisket and it was delicious.
Buy it at Giant Eagle $4.79 | Buy it on Instacart $4.99
Bourbon Brown Sugar, Guy Fieri
photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Price: $4.79
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 40 | Fat 0g | Sodium 135mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 8g | Gluten-free
First ingredient: Tomato purée
Bottle says: “Chef Guy’s sweet, sticky Bourbon Brown Sugar BBQ Sauce rocks on just about anything. Smoky bourbon, sweet brown sugar and a hint of spicy black pepper creates off-the-hook flavor that’s a perfect complement to everything from beef to chicken, pork and seafood.”
We say: Molasses and bourbon are the strong notes that assail your nostrils when this bottle is opened. You’ll head out on a journey of flavors once this sauce hits your tastebuds as well. The bourbon definitely comes through, providing just the right amount of kick to light up your mouth before the sweetness settles in. Be prepared though, the burn does linger.
Buy it on Amazon $16.55 (19 ounces) | Buy it at Giant Eagle $4.79 | Buy it on Instacart $4.29
Winner: Carolina Sweet, Sticky Fingers
Sticky Fingers BBQ sauce. Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Price: $2.50
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 50 | Fat 0g | Sodium 240mg | Carbs 13g | Sugar 12g | Gluten-free
First ingredient: Water
Bottle says: Contents will quickly disappear upon opening! Our Carolina Sweet Barbecue Sauce is made with real honey and is so full of southern flavor that you’ll find yourself using it on everything. We recommend our signature sauces to enhance your favorite barbecue recipe, ribs, chicken or even to add some zip to your burgers. Our loyal customers say our sauces are a must on turkey, seafood and even baked potatoes.
We say: The smokiness pours out of the jar as soon as it’s opened. A sweet sauce with just enough kick to make it interesting.
Buy it at Giant Eagle $3.29
Winner: Hickory, Woodstock
photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Price: $5.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 45 | Fat 0g | Sodium 360mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 9g | Gluten-free
First ingredient: Water
Bottle says: Eat because it’s good! Sweet with a hint of smoke! Here at Woodstock we celebrate foods that make you feel great about what you buy, eat, and serve your family. Our team has been at it for over 30 years bringing passion for organic, non-GMO, and totally delicious food to the table.
We say: There is a certain brightness to this sauce. We saw plenty of visible pepper flecks in this thick, slightly sweet and smoky sauce. The kids will like this one!
Buy it at Giant Eagle $5.79 | Buy it on Instacart $5.99
Winner: Kansas City, Guy Fieri
photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Price: $4.79
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 45 | Fat 0g | Sodium 270mg | Carbs 10g | Sugar 9g | Gluten-free
First ingredient: Tomato purée
Bottle says: Chef Guy’s Kansas City BBQ sauce is your traditional go-to sauce that you’ll dig on just about everything. Sweet, smoky molasses, a hint of apple cider vinegar and a little black pepper heat will rock everything from beef brisket to chicken wings or anything else you can throw on a grill.
We say: This darker, thicker sauce is so true to its name -- smoky and sweet -- in both aroma and flavor. It is also true to the Kansas City way of smoking meats.
Buy it on Amazon $21.98 (3-pack) | Buy it at Giant Eagle $3.99 | Buy it on Instacart $3.99
Winner: Memphis Style, Market District
photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Price: $2
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 60 | Fat 0g | Sodium 290mg | Carbs 13g | Sugar 11g
First ingredient: Tomato purée
Bottle says: A tangy mingling of mustard and molasses. Full of flavor and texture. All BBQ sauces are not created equal, but they all have their own distinct flavor and flair. Market District’s Memphis Style BBQ Sauce has a combination of spices that has pledged an allegiance to keeping its customers happy. The zesty, full-flavored BBQ sauce meets all your “needs and wants” with a style all its own!
We say: This Memphis-style sauce is sweet and tangy, and just a little tart, with mustard undertones. It’s a thick sauce guaranteed to stick to your ribs!
Buy it at Giant Eagle $3.49
Winner: Branch BBQ Sauce
Branch BBQ Sauce -Photo by Yadi Rodriguez
Price: $4.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 90 | Fat 8g | Sodium 135mg | Carbs 6g | Sugar 5g
First ingredient: Ranch dressing
Bottle says: Branch was created by four friends at a Sunday funday volleyball tournament. They had been enjoying the coldest of beverages for the majority of the day when an idea came to them. They mixed BBQ sauce and ranch together while dipping all sorts of delicious foods in the newly-created sauce known as branch.
We say: Whether you love ranch dressing or barbecue sauce, you will love this one. Branch has managed to hit the perfect balance of both. You can smell and taste each of the individual condiments, but they come together to create an unexpected tasty sauce. Good for kids and adults.
Buy it online at Branch Sauce. It’s also available at local markets and delis (see complete list).
Winner: Smoked Maple Mustard, Hak’s
Smoked Maple Mustard (Photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Price: $6.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 60 | Fat 0.5g | Sodium 115mg | Carbs 12g | Sugar 11g | Gluten-free
First ingredient: Salad Mustard
Bottle says: “Made world famous on TV and coined the “Perfect Sauce.” I’ve always been the guy behind the grill. Now I’m the man behind the sauce. I take a global approach to all of my BBQ flavors and I made no exception with this South Carolina inspired addition. Maple syrup is smoked for depth and sweetness and the perfect blend of whole grain mustards deliver texture along with a tangy finish. Put it on everything! I certainly do.”
We say: Cain’s personal favorite, this sauce is so thick we had to work to get it out of the bottle. But it was worth the effort! Unless you are a fan of true Carolina BBQ, this may not be one you opt for on steaks or pork, but it will be a definite winner on chicken or a burger. It has a smoky mustard flavor, with just enough sweetness and the tiniest of kick. The mustard seeds give it a unique texture. It was a winner on the shredded chicken we poured it on.
Buy it on Amazon $18.90 (15.5 ounces)
Winner: Simply Sweet Reduced Sugar, Stubb’s
photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Price: $3.79
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 35 | Fat 0g | Sodium 300mg | Carbs 8g | Sugar 5g | Gluten-free
First ingredient: Tomato purée
Bottle says: Made right. This carefully crafted Bar-B-Q sauce has the perfect blend of brown sugar, tomato, molasses and quality spices.
We say: For a low-sugar sauce, this one is sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, and has a little kick. This is a decent sauce with a solid taste.
Buy it on Amazon $2.03 | Buy it on Instacart $3.49
Winner: Smokey Brown Sugar, Stubb’s
photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com
Price: $3.79
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 60 | Fat 0g | Sodium 350mg | Carbs 15g | Sugar 12g | Gluten-free
First ingredient: Tomato purée
Bottle says: Made right. Brown sugar, molasses and natural smoky bacon flavor are perfectly blended with a hint of black pepper to create this legendary Bar-B-Q sauce.
We say: Don’t be put off by the burnt sugar smell when you open the jar. This is a thicker molasses-style sauce that will stick to any meat you are craving. Sweet and subtle flavor.
Winner: Buffalo ‘N BBQ, Frank’s RedHot
Frank's RedHot Sauce (photo by Brenda Cain, cleveland.com)
Price: $3.99
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 50 | Fat 0g | Sodium 580mg | Carbs 12g | Sugar 10g
First ingredient: Frank’s hot sauce
Bottle says: “Delish Dunk’d or Dip’d. For dipping sandwiches and more. Dip it -- perfect for fries, nuggets and wraps. Top it -- spread it on burgers and sandwiches. Cook it -- cook boneless pork shoulder with sauce in slow cooker and serve on buns.”
We say: What a spectacular combination of barbecue and buffalo flavors! The cayenne pepper rules in this one. You can smell the buffalo sauce as soon as you open it and you get the kick on your tongue right away. By the way, that kick lingers.
Buy it on Amazon $24.27 (6-pack)
Winner: Sweet & Zesty, Famous Dave’s
“Sweet & Zesty, Famous Dave’s” - Photo by Yadi Rodriguez, cleveland.com
Where we bought it: Marc’s
Price: $2.35
Nutrition per serving:
Calories 70 | Fat 0g | Sodium 320mg | Carbs 17g | Sugar 15g | Protein 0g
First ingredient: High fructose corn syrup
Bottle says: Generously slather my grill master’s secret blend over ribs, chicken, pork and beef for that authentic “right out of the pit” flavor. This sauce is a tasty blend of hand picked herbs, spices and natural favors.
We say: This sauce is full of true western North Carolina barbecue favor. The thick sauce has tiny bits of onion and grains of pepper amid a molasses base. There is a slight peppery after-taste.
Buy it on Amazon $13.84 (2-pack)
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Grilling Labor Day weekend? See winners for best BBQ sauces in 13 categories, including smoky, sweet, spicy - cleveland.com
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