10 Store Bought Barbecue Sauces Ranked Best to Worst (According To Data)

Few condiments inspire as much loyalty and debate as barbecue sauce. Whether it’s brushed generously over ribs, slathered on pulled pork sandwiches, or used as a zesty dip for fries, the right barbecue sauce has the power to elevate a simple meal into something memorable. Yet with an overwhelming number of store-bought brands crowding grocery shelves, not every option delivers the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors. Based on customer reviews, sales data, and thorough taste comparisons, we’ve ranked 10 popular barbecue sauces from best to worst to help you find the top contenders.

1. Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce

Sweet Baby Ray’s is widely considered the gold standard of store-bought barbecue sauces, and the data confirms its popularity. Its flavor strikes a balance of sweet, smoky, and tangy notes that work on just about anything, from ribs to burgers. Customers also praise its thick texture, which clings beautifully to meat on the grill and delivers a glossy finish. While some argue it can be a touch too sweet, its consistency and versatility keep it at the top. It has become a household staple and a go-to for barbecue lovers nationwide.

2. Stubb’s Original Bar-B-Q Sauce

Stubb’s wins fans who prefer less sugar and more bite. Made with tomato, vinegar, and spices, it offers a bold, peppery tang that feels closer to homemade than mass-produced. Many reviewers appreciate its use of natural ingredients and gluten-free formula, making it a favorite for health-conscious shoppers. It performs especially well on brisket and chicken, where its sharpness cuts through rich meats. Some find it too vinegary compared to sweeter sauces, but for those who want a punchier, authentic flavor, Stubb’s delivers.

3. KC Masterpiece Original Barbecue Sauce

KC Masterpiece has earned a reputation for decades as a smoky, molasses-forward classic. Known for its bold sweetness and thick glaze, it coats meats beautifully on the grill. Many shoppers enjoy the nostalgia it brings, having been a pantry staple for generations. It pairs particularly well with ribs, burgers, and chicken. However, its high sugar content and heavy body mean it is not ideal for those who prefer lighter or tangier sauces. Still, its rich, familiar flavor makes it a reliable pick for traditional barbecue fans.

4. Bull’s-Eye Original Barbecue Sauce

Bull’s-Eye Original Barbecue Sauce stands out for its robust, smoky flavor that packs more punch than many mainstream brands. Their barbecue sauce has a smooth consistency, making it easy to spread or baste, and it works well on pulled pork, burgers, or grilled chicken. Fans love its boldness, but some reviewers feel the flavor leans a bit artificial compared to more natural sauces. Despite that, it remains a dependable choice for anyone who craves a stronger smoke profile in their barbecue.

5. Heinz Classic Sweet & Thick Barbecue Sauce

Better known for ketchup, Heinz has made a name in barbecue with its Classic Sweet & Thick sauce. True to its label, it offers a molasses-heavy sweetness and a velvety texture that sticks nicely to ribs and chicken. Customers enjoy its smooth finish and affordability, with bottles easy to find at most supermarkets. Critics, however, argue that it can taste overly sugary and lack complexity compared to smaller-batch brands. Still, it lands comfortably in the middle of the pack thanks to its reliable flavor and accessibility.

6. Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce

Kraft’s Original Barbecue Sauce has long been a budget-friendly staple, but reviews are mixed. Families with kids appreciate its mild, approachable taste, making it a safe choice for simple meals. Its biggest drawback is texture, which tends to be thin and less effective for grilling since it does not cling well to meat. Some also describe the flavor as closer to sweet ketchup than true barbecue. While it offers nostalgic value and affordability, Kraft struggles to match the depth of more premium sauces.

7. Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Original Barbecue Sauce

Jack Daniel’s stands out in the aisle thanks to its branding and whiskey-inspired twist. Made with real Tennessee Whiskey, the sauce delivers smoky and tangy notes with a touch of sweetness. Fans enjoy the novelty, but critics argue the whiskey flavor is subtle to the point of being almost unnoticeable. Its thinner consistency also makes it less effective for grilling, where a clingier sauce performs better. Ultimately, it is more of an interesting conversation piece than a standout in terms of taste or performance.

8. Hunt’s Original Barbecue Sauce

Hunt’s barbecue sauce earns points for affordability and wide availability, but taste reviews tend to be lukewarm. Many who have tried it describe it as overly sweet with an artificial aftertaste. Its thin texture makes it more suited for dipping than glazing meats on the grill. While it remains a convenient option for shoppers on a budget, Hunt’s does not deliver the smoky depth or balanced flavor that barbecue fans typically look for, leaving it in the bottom tier of this list.

9. Open Pit Original Barbecue Sauce

Open Pit has a cult following, particularly in the Midwest, thanks to its tangy, vinegar-forward flavor. Some barbecue enthusiasts love how it cuts through fatty meats like ribs and pulled pork, offering a sharp contrast. However, outside its fan base, it is often criticized for being too acidic and lacking balance. Its thin texture does not hold up well on the grill, limiting its versatility. While nostalgic for some, Open Pit’s polarizing flavor keeps it low in the rankings overall.

10. Famous Dave’s Original Barbecue Sauce

Despite the restaurant chain’s popularity, the bottled version of Famous Dave’s does not always measure up. Reviews frequently mention inconsistency, with some bottles tasting overly salty or processed. While it offers a smoky and mildly spicy profile, it lacks the layered balance that stronger competitors provide. Combined with a higher price tag compared to other supermarket sauces, it falls short of expectations. Though some loyal fans remain, most shoppers agree that Famous Dave’s bottled sauce ranks among the weakest options on the shelf.