What barbecue sauce does not have high fructose corn syrup in it?

Over 50% of the sweeteners used in the food and beverage industry come from corn, primarily high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). For those seeking healthier options or avoiding processed ingredients, finding a barbecue sauce that does not have high fructose corn syrup in it can be a challenge. Fortunately, many brands now offer delicious alternatives using natural sweeteners.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of commercial barbecue sauce brands that do not contain high fructose corn syrup, explores ingredient alternatives, and includes a recipe for making your own at home.

Key Points

• Check Labels for Natural Sweeteners: Look for alternative sweeteners like honey, molasses, and maple syrup instead of high fructose corn syrup.

• Explore Specific Brands: Brands such as Annie's Organic, Stubb's, and Primal Kitchen offer a range of delicious and healthy BBQ sauce options without HFCS.

• Make It Yourself: Customizing a homemade BBQ sauce gives you full control over ingredients and allows for personalized flavor profiles.

• Flavor Alternatives: HFCS-free sauces use diverse sweeteners that result in a variety of flavor profiles, from smoky and tangy to rich and fruity.

• Consider Healthier Options: Choosing sauces with natural ingredients aligns with dietary preferences like organic, paleo, or whole-food diets.

Brands Offering HFCS-Free Barbecue Sauces

When navigating the condiment aisle, you'll find a growing number of brands committed to using alternative, natural sweeteners. Checking the ingredient list is crucial, but these companies are known for their HFCS-free options.

Popular HFCS-Free Brands

• Annie's Organic: Known for its commitment to organic ingredients, many of Annie's barbecue sauces are sweetened with natural alternatives like honey or organic cane sugar. Their organic smokey maple BBQ sauce is a popular choice.
• Stubb's Legendary Bar-B-Q: A fan-favorite, Stubb's uses brown sugar, molasses, and cane sugar in place of HFCS. They offer a wide range of sauces, from original to spicy, all with a focus on authentic flavor.
• Primal Kitchen: This brand specializes in condiments made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Their BBQ sauce is made with organic ingredients and sweetened with date paste, offering a different flavor profile without refined sugars.
• Simple Girl Organic: Explicitly catering to health-conscious consumers, Simple Girl offers a range of sugar-free and HFCS-free products. Their sauces are sweetened with stevia, making them a suitable option for those on a keto or sugar-free diet.
• Tessemae's: With a focus on clean-eating and whole foods, Tessemae's provides a variety of dressings and condiments, including BBQ sauces that use dates or maple syrup for sweetness.

Ingredients to Look For

When reading labels, look for these natural alternatives to high fructose corn syrup:

• Honey: A traditional and classic sweetener that provides a rich, floral sweetness.
• Molasses: Offers a deep, robust flavor that complements the smoky notes of barbecue.
• Maple Syrup: A complex, earthy sweetener that works well in a variety of BBQ sauces.
• Date Paste: Provides a mild, fruity sweetness and a thicker consistency, often used in whole-food-based sauces.
• Brown Sugar or Cane Sugar: Standard sugars that many prefer over HFCS.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit: Plant-based, calorie-free sweeteners for those on low-sugar diets.

Make Your Own Homemade BBQ Sauce

Making your own barbecue sauce is the best way to ensure it contains no high fructose corn syrup and to fully control the ingredients. The process is simple and allows for customization of flavor.

Easy Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe

• Ingredients

  • 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup real maple syrup or honey
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional but adds great flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (for a little kick)
  • 1/4 cup water (or more for desired consistency)

• Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Whisk until smooth.
  2. Bring the mixture to a low simmer over medium heat.
  3. Reduce heat and continue to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Allow the sauce to cool completely. It will thicken as it cools. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Comparison of HFCS-Free Sauces

Feature	Annie's Organic	Stubb's Original	Primal Kitchen Classic BBQ
Primary Sweetener	Organic Maple Syrup or Honey	Brown Sugar & Molasses	Date Paste
Base	Tomato Paste	Tomato Paste	Tomato Paste
Flavor Profile	Sweet and Smoky	Tangy and Smoky	Rich and Fruity
Best For	Family-friendly meals	Authentic Texan-style BBQ	Whole30 or Paleo diets
Dietary Notes	Organic, gluten-free	Gluten-free	Paleo, Keto, Whole30

Conclusion

Avoiding high fructose corn syrup in barbecue sauce is not only possible but easier than ever before. With numerous commercial brands offering delicious alternatives, and simple recipes for making your own at home, you can enjoy rich, flavorful BBQ without the processed ingredients. Whether you prefer the organic, tangy, or naturally sweet flavors, there is a perfect HFCS-free barbecue sauce out there for every griller.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is high fructose corn syrup used in so many barbecue sauces?

High fructose corn syrup is a cheap, mass-produced sweetener that also acts as a preservative, giving sauces a longer shelf life and a thicker consistency.

Are barbecue sauces without high fructose corn syrup necessarily healthier?

While HFCS-free sauces are often considered a healthier choice, it's important to read the ingredient list. Some alternatives, like brown sugar, can still be high in sugar. Look for sauces that use natural or low-glycemic sweeteners.

Can I use honey or maple syrup as a substitute in my own sauce?

Yes, absolutely. Honey and maple syrup are excellent natural sweeteners that can replace high fructose corn syrup in a homemade BBQ sauce. Both add unique depth and flavor.

Do HFCS-free sauces taste different?

Yes, they can have slightly different flavor profiles depending on the sweetener used. For example, a molasses-based sauce will be richer, while a maple-sweetened one may have an earthy flavor. The difference is often subtle and preferred by many.

Where can I find HFCS-free barbecue sauces?

These sauces are available at most grocery stores, especially in the organic or natural foods section. They are also widely available online through sites like Amazon or direct from the manufacturers.

Are there any sugar-free HFCS-free BBQ sauce options?

Yes, some brands like Simple Girl offer sugar-free sauces sweetened with stevia, making them suitable for low-carb or diabetic diets. Look for specialty or diet-specific brands.

Can I use a low-sugar ketchup to make my own sauce?

Yes, using a low-sugar or HFCS-free ketchup as a base for your homemade BBQ sauce is an excellent way to reduce sugar content. Many recipes specifically call for HFCS-free ketchup.