Open Pit Bbq Sauce: Gluten-Free Option For Grilling?

Open Pit BBQ sauce is a unique, robust, and tangy sauce that has been a specialty for BBQ pit masters for over 50 years. The sauce comes in a variety of flavors, including Original, Hickory, Honey, and Brown Sugar & Bourbon. While the Original flavor is gluten-free, the Thick & Tangy flavor is not, as it contains soy sauce. Some people have also created their own recipes for the sauce, substituting ingredients to make it gluten-free.

Open Pit Traditional Original is gluten-free

Pinnacle Foods, the company that manufactures Open Pit BBQ Sauce, has confirmed that Open Pit Traditional Original is gluten-free. This is great news for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease who want to enjoy the unique, robust, and tangy flavour of Open Pit's signature sauce.

The Traditional Original sauce is distinct from the Thick & Tangy BBQ sauce, which is not gluten-free due to the presence of soy sauce in its ingredients. It's always important to check the labels and ingredients of products to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs, as raw ingredients may change over time.

The Original sauce has a blend of spices and tang, making it perfect for dipping or as a base for your own secret BBQ sauce recipe. The full list of ingredients includes tomato puree (water, tomato paste), high fructose corn syrup, vinegar, corn syrup, salt, modified food starch, soybean oil, hydrolyzed soy protein, mustard flour, dried onions, dried garlic, natural flavour (including celery seed), and preservatives.

Open Pit Traditional Original BBQ Sauce is widely available in different-sized containers, ranging from 18 oz to 128 oz (1 gallon) bottles. It has received numerous positive reviews from customers, who praise its delicious taste and versatility.

Open Pit Thick & Tangy BBQ sauce is not gluten-free

Open Pit BBQ sauce is a unique, robust, and tangy sauce that is perfect for dipping or as a base for your own secret sauce. The Thick & Tangy variety is an enhanced version of the original Blue Label sauce, with a thicker consistency that coats food better. However, it is important to note that this variant is not gluten-free.

The Thick & Tangy BBQ sauce contains soy sauce, which includes gluten. Though the original Open Pit Traditional Original sauce is gluten-free, the presence of soy sauce in the Thick & Tangy variant makes it unsuitable for those with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease.

Pinnacle Foods, the company that manufactures Open Pit BBQ Sauce, has confirmed that the Thick & Tangy sauce is not gluten-free and is labelled as such. They also recommend that consumers always review the list of ingredients on the package before purchase to ensure the product meets their specific dietary needs.

It is always essential for individuals with gluten intolerance or coeliac disease to carefully read labels and ingredient lists to make informed choices. While the Thick & Tangy sauce offers a delightful flavour and consistency, it is not a gluten-free option, and consumers should be aware of this when making their purchasing decisions.

Open Pit BBQ sauce ingredients

Open Pit BBQ sauce is known for its unique, robust, and tangy flavour. The exact ingredients of the Open Pit BBQ sauce vary slightly depending on the specific variety. Here is a breakdown of the ingredients for some of the varieties:

Open Pit Original Flavor Barbecue Sauce:

• Tomato puree (water, tomato paste)
• High fructose corn syrup
• Vinegar or distilled vinegar
• Corn syrup
• Salt
• Modified food starch
• Soybean oil
• Hydrolyzed soy protein
• Mustard flour
• Dried onions
• Dried garlic
• Natural flavour (contains celery seed)
• Red 40
• Blue 1
• Potassium sorbate (as a preservative)

Open Pit Thick & Tangy BBQ Sauce:

This variety contains soy sauce and is not gluten-free.

Open Pit Blue Label Sauce:

This variety has a spicy and vinegary flavour and can be used as a base for creating your own secret sauce recipe.

Open Pit Thick & Sweet BBQ Sauce:

This variety fuses ingredients like brown sugar and bourbon to create a unique flavour.

Gluten-free alternatives to Open Pit BBQ sauce

Open Pit BBQ sauce comes in a variety of flavors, and according to Pinnacle Foods, the company that manufactures the sauce, some of these flavors are gluten-free while others are not. The Traditional Original flavor is gluten-free, but the Thick & Tangy flavor is not, as it contains soy sauce.

If you are looking for gluten-free alternatives to the Open Pit BBQ sauce, there are several options available:

Make Your Own Gluten-Free BBQ Sauce:

You can make your own BBQ sauce at home using gluten-free ingredients. This way, you can control exactly what goes into the sauce and tailor it to your taste preferences. A basic recipe for a gluten-free BBQ sauce includes apple cider vinegar, gluten-free soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can adjust the proportions and add additional ingredients to suit your taste.

Choose Certified Gluten-Free Brands:

When purchasing BBQ sauce, look for brands that explicitly state they are gluten-free. Read the ingredient lists carefully and opt for products that are certified gluten-free by reputable organizations. This ensures that the product has been independently verified to meet strict gluten-free standards.

Explore International Cuisines:

Some sauces from international cuisines, such as Asian or Middle Eastern sauces, can be naturally gluten-free. For example, tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) or tahini-based sauces can be excellent alternatives to traditional BBQ sauce. These sauces offer unique flavors and can be used as a base for creating your own gluten-free BBQ sauce variations.

Experiment with Substitutions:

If you have a favorite BBQ sauce recipe, try experimenting with gluten-free substitutions. For instance, you can replace soy sauce with gluten-free alternatives like coconut aminos or liquid aminos. You can also use gluten-free flour blends instead of wheat flour to thicken your sauce.

Try Alternative Condiments:

There are several alternative condiments that can be used in place of BBQ sauce. Hot sauce, honey mustard, teriyaki sauce, balsamic glaze, and chimichurri sauce are just a few examples of flavorful options that can enhance your grilled dishes. These sauces offer a variety of tastes, from spicy to tangy, and can be easily found or made at home.

Remember, when in doubt, always check the ingredient lists and look for certified gluten-free products to ensure that your chosen BBQ sauce aligns with your dietary needs.

Making gluten-free BBQ sauce at home

While some commercially available BBQ sauces are gluten-free, others are not, and it can be hard to tell which is which. Making your own gluten-free BBQ sauce at home is simple, cost-effective, and ensures you know exactly what's in it. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Most BBQ sauce recipes include tomato ketchup or paste, vinegar, sugar, and spices. Be sure to check that all your ingredients are definitely gluten-free. For example, some brands of Worcestershire sauce contain gluten, so check the label or opt for gluten-free tamari soy sauce instead.

Recipe 1:

• 1 cup gluten-free tomato ketchup
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white wine or white balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons smoked Spanish paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

Recipe 2:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (ensure gluten-free)
• 1/2 teaspoon plain yellow mustard
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder blend (not cayenne or chili flakes)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper or ground chipotle pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon each sea salt and black pepper

Method

Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and whisk to combine. Warm over medium heat until bubbling, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and allow to cool before serving or storing in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Frequently asked questions