The Worst Store-Bought BBQ Sauce Has An Artificial Taste

While it's totally possible to make your own BBQ sauce with a few simple ingredients, sometimes it's just easier to pick up a bottle at the store. The problem is, with entire aisles dedicated to this zesty condiment, it can be hard to determine which is the best (or worst) option. Luckily, we've got answers for you — so you can worry less about which BBQ sauce is the tastiest, and focus more on what meat you'll pair it with.

Food Republic's taste-testers ranked 15 store-bought BBQ sauces and found one brand that you should keep on the shelf: G Hughes Smokehouse Original Barbecue Sauce. Funny enough, I also tried this brand of sauce recently on oven-baked ribs while looking for a sugar-free option — technically, I tried the Hickory flavor, but ran into similar issues. Just like our OG taste tester, I also couldn't get past the taste of fake sugar. For an ingredient at the end of their list, it's shocking how strong the sucralose (a type of synthetic sweetener) flavor is. I actually ended up wiping some of it off, it was that bad. Similarly, some Amazon reviewers agree, with one saying, "...this no sugar bbq sauce was gross and left the most awful aftertaste, similar to most artificial sweetened products." Another dissatisfied customer commented, "I saw great reviews so I tried for something sugar free to try the keto diet. I just had to rinse my food off and use another sauce." Unless overly sweet sauce is really your thing, steer clear of the G Hughes Smokehouse brand. 

When you're out shopping for a tasty BBQ sauce, look no further than a trip to Flavortown. Guy Fieri's Smokin' Hickey BBQ Sauce is beloved for a reason, and it's no surprise — he even owns one of our favorite fried chicken chains, so why wouldn't his BBQ sauce hit all the right notes, too? Our taste testers ranked it number one out of the 15 they tried, citing its unique yet versatile flavor that left them with "zero complaints." This sauce contains natural ingredients like molasses, brown sugar, and pineapple juice concentrate that bring the sweetness without being overpowering (or artificial). It also incorporates flavors like anchovy, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, and cocoa that help bring a depth and richness that not many store-bought brands have. "I loved this hickory BBQ sauce because the flavor is a more complex version of this classic flavor. I compared it side to side with my favorite hickory BBQ sauce and Guy's had so much more flavor and tartness," (Amazon review).

Not only is the flavor top-notch, but the consistency is perfect, too. According to another Amazon reviewer, it's not too thin or thick, making it just right to use on all your favorite dishes. Whether you're looking to dress up a steak, top a burger, or brush it onto grilled meats, you can't go wrong with Guy Fieri's Smokin' Hickey BBQ Sauce.