Gluten In Bbq Sauce: How Much Is Too Much?

BBQ sauce is a staple condiment and ingredient in many dishes, but is it gluten-free? The answer is not so straightforward. While some BBQ sauces are gluten-free, others are not, and it largely depends on the brand and ingredients used. Many store-bought BBQ sauces use gluten or gluten-containing ingredients as thickeners or colouring agents, so it's important to read labels carefully and opt for those explicitly labelled as gluten-free if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Some popular gluten-free BBQ sauce brands include Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauces (select flavours), Stubbs, Sweet Baby Ray's, Lip Lickin' BBQ Sauce, and Bone Suckin' Sauce. It's worth noting that even if a product doesn't contain gluten ingredients, it may not be labelled as gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination during processing. Therefore, it's always best to check labels and choose products that are certified gluten-free by reputable organisations.

If you're unsure about the gluten content of store-bought BBQ sauces, you can also opt to make your own gluten-free BBQ sauce at home using carefully sourced ingredients.

Gluten-free BBQ sauce options

While barbecue sauce may not seem like a food product that contains gluten, not all store-bought barbecue sauces are gluten-free. Gluten or gluten ingredients such as barley-based beer, soy sauce, or bourbon may be used as thickeners or colouring agents. Many sauces also contain natural smoke flavouring, and barley malt flour can be used to produce this ingredient. In addition, some sauces contain vinegar derived from gluten grains, which some in the gluten-free community may react to.

Bone Suckin' Sauce

This brand offers a range of gluten-free BBQ sauces, including Sweet Southern, Thick Sweet Southern, Spicy Sweet Southern, Extra Hot Honey, Hot Honey, Thicker, and Hot Thicker Style. While their Bone Suckin' Yaki sauce contains wheat in the form of soy sauce, it also tests below 5 parts per million (ppm) of gluten. All Bone Suckin' products are all-natural, non-GMO, and free from high-fructose corn syrup, canola oil, and added MSG.

Lip Lickin' BBQ Sauce

Distributed by Thomas Gourmet Foods, Lip Lickin' BBQ Sauce offers two gluten-free options: Bold & Spicy and Sweet & Smoky. These all-natural barbecue sauces contain no fat or cholesterol and are labelled "gluten-free", meaning they contain less than 20 ppm of gluten.

Organicville

Organicville's Original BBQ and Tangy BBQ sauces are certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO), which requires testing to ensure products fall below 10 ppm of gluten. Their products are also certified organic and use a gluten-free vinegar derived from cane.

Jack Daniels BBQ Sauces

Jack Daniels offers several gluten-free BBQ sauce options, including Full Flavor Smokey, Smooth Original, Extra Hot Habanero, and Hot Pepper Steak Sauce. As the name suggests, these sauces get their distinct flavour from a small amount (1%) of Jack Daniels whiskey.

Sweet Baby Ray's Gourmet Sauces

All flavours of Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce are labelled gluten-free, containing less than 20 ppm of gluten. They offer nine different flavours, including Original, Honey, Hickory & Brown Sugar, Sweet 'n Spicy, Honey Chipotle, Sweet Vidalia Onion, Hawaiian, Raspberry Chipotle, and Sweet Golden Mustard.

Stubbs Legendary Bar-B-Q Sauces

Stubbs offers a variety of gluten-free BBQ sauces, including Original, Simply Sweet Reduced Sugar, Sticky Sweet, Spicy, Sweet Heat, Smokey Mesquite, Smokey Brown Sugar, Sweet Honey & Spice, Hickory Bourbon, and Dr Pepper. Stubbs' gluten-free products are certified by the GFCO, testing below 10 ppm of gluten. However, those with a gluten reaction to bourbon may want to avoid the Hickory Bourbon flavour, as it includes a small amount of real bourbon.

Bull's-Eye BBQ Sauce

While Bull's-Eye BBQ Sauce is not certified gluten-free, it does not contain any gluten ingredients. However, it may be subject to gluten cross-contamination during processing, so those sensitive to trace amounts of gluten should be cautious.

KC Masterpiece

KC Masterpiece offers a range of barbecue sauces, marinades, and seasonings. While they do not label their products as gluten-free, they state that many of their barbecue sauces do not contain allergens like wheat, barley, or rye, and any gluten ingredients will be disclosed on the package label. They plan to label products as "gluten-free" once they conduct additional allergy protocols.

Gluten ingredients in BBQ sauce

Barbecue sauce is not always gluten-free. Many store-bought brands contain gluten, and it is important to always check the labels, especially if you have coeliac disease or a gluten intolerance.

Gluten ingredients commonly found in BBQ sauce include barley-based beer, soy sauce, and bourbon. Many BBQ sauces also contain natural smoke flavouring, which can be produced using barley malt flour. Vinegar derived from gluten grains is also a common ingredient, although distilled vinegar is considered safe for gluten-free diets.

Some gluten-free BBQ sauce brands include:

• Jack Daniels BBQ Sauces (some flavours)
• Stubbs Legendary Bar-B-Q
• Sweet Baby Ray's Gourmet Sauces
• Lip Lickin' BBQ Sauce
• Bone Suckin' Sauce
• Organicville

If you are unsure, it is always best to check the label and avoid any gluten ingredients.

BBQ sauces with no gluten ingredients

BBQ sauce is not always gluten-free, but there are several brands that are. Some brands also make sauces with no gluten ingredients, but they are not labelled as gluten-free. If you have coeliac disease or a serious gluten intolerance, it is best to opt for a sauce that is labelled gluten-free.

• Jack Daniels BBQ Sauces (some flavours)
• Stubbs Legendary Bar-B-Q
• Sweet Baby Ray's Gourmet Sauces
• Lip Lickin' BBQ Sauce
• Bone Suckin' Sauce (some flavours)
• Organicville BBQ Sauce
• Rib Rack All Natural BBQ
• Gluten Free Asian BBQ Sauce
• Ford's Gourmet Foods

The following BBQ sauces do not contain gluten ingredients, but are not certified gluten-free:

• Bull's-Eye BBQ Sauce
• Kraft Barbecue Sauce
• Lillie's Q Hot Smoky BBQ Sauce
• Hunt's BBQ Sauce
• KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce
• Trader Joe's Organic Kansas City Style BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce ingredients to source carefully

BBQ sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or topping for grilled meats, tofu, and more. While it typically has a tomato base with a sweet and spicy flavour profile, not all store-bought BBQ sauces are created equal when it comes to gluten content. Here are some ingredients to source carefully if you want to make or buy a gluten-free BBQ sauce:

Ketchup

Ketchup is a staple ingredient in many BBQ sauce recipes, providing a smooth, silky texture and a tomato base. However, not all ketchup is created equal when it comes to gluten content. Some brands may contain gluten, so it is important to carefully read the labels and choose a gluten-free option.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another common ingredient in BBQ sauce, adding a tangy kick to the final product. While distilled vinegar is generally considered safe for gluten-free diets, some individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity may still react to vinegar derived from gluten grains. Therefore, it is important to opt for vinegar made from gluten-free sources such as apple cider, corn, or cane.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is often used in BBQ sauce to impart a savoury flavour. However, traditional soy sauce is made with wheat and is therefore not gluten-free. If you want to make a gluten-free BBQ sauce, look for tamari, a wheat-free soy sauce alternative, or choose a different savoury ingredient altogether.

Barley-Based Beer

Some BBQ sauce recipes incorporate barley-based beer for added flavour. However, barley contains gluten, so this ingredient should be avoided if you want to make a gluten-free sauce. There are plenty of gluten-free beer alternatives available that can be used instead.

Natural Smoke Flavouring

Many BBQ sauces contain natural smoke flavouring, which can be produced using barley malt flour. To avoid potential gluten contamination, opt for BBQ sauces that are explicitly verified as gluten-free by the manufacturer, or choose a different type of flavouring altogether.

In conclusion, while BBQ sauce is a delicious addition to many dishes, it is important to carefully source ingredients if you want to ensure it is gluten-free. By choosing gluten-free alternatives to common ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, and beer, you can create a delicious and safe BBQ sauce for all to enjoy.

Homemade gluten-free BBQ sauce

Commercially prepared BBQ sauce is sometimes gluten-free, and sometimes not. Like most packaged products, BBQ sauce may have added thickeners or colouring agents that contain gluten. Making your own BBQ sauce is simple, and you can adjust the ingredients based on your taste preferences and sensitivities.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (8 fl oz) gluten-free tomato ketchup
• 1/4-1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1-2 tbsp vinegar (white wine, white balsamic, or apple cider)
• 1 tbsp gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
• 1-2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1-3 tsp onion powder
• 1/2-1 tbsp mustard powder
• 1/4 cup tamari or soy sauce (ensure gluten-free)
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or ground chipotle pepper (optional)
• 1/8 tsp each sea salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Method

• In a small, heavy-bottom saucepan, place all the ingredients and whisk to combine well.
• Cook, whisking frequently, over medium-low heat until reduced and thickened (about 1/8).
• Remove from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature before serving or storing in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

Tips

• If you want to skip store-bought ketchup, you can use tomato paste instead. However, be aware that ketchup has more spices than you might realise, and it can be difficult to get the blend just right.
• If you are making this sauce for coeliacs or those with gluten intolerance, be sure to carefully source your ingredients. Vinegar is typically gluten-free, unless it's made from malt (a gluten-containing grain). Worcestershire sauce often contains soy sauce, which typically contains wheat, and sometimes contains malt vinegar.
• In the US, Heinz ketchup, French's, and Organicville products are reliably gluten-free. Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free in the US, as is French's brand Worcestershire sauce.
• This sauce will keep for nearly two weeks in the refrigerator.

Serving suggestions

This sauce is delicious on sandwiches, veggie burgers, pulled pork, burgers, meatballs, and meatloaf. It can also be used as a dip for sweet potato tater tots or gluten-free onion rings.

Frequently asked questions