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    Home » All posts » Low Sodium Condiments (and low/no sugar too!)

    Low Sodium BBQ Sauce

    Published: Jun 7, 2022 by Laura Yautz

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Low Sodium BBQ Sauce will impress at your next cookout. Smoky and tangy, plus a little sweet. It's low sodium with no added sugar too, so no one has to worry about it. Healthy BBQ sauce to the rescue!

    BBQ sauce in a mason jar with grilled chicken on a plate in the background.

    Is BBQ sauce healthy?

    Maybe you already know barbeque sauce isn't so healthy, and that's why you're here! Most commercial BBQ sauces aren't doing your health any favors. They're often high in sodium and added sugar (in the form of brown sugar and/or molasses usually). Even the brands with fewer ingredients that are viewed as more "natural" aren't great for your heart. The serving size is small - just 2 tablespoons - and around 350mg sodium, and 12 grams of added sugar! Two tablespoons isn't a lot, so that adds up really quickly!

    That's why I created this healthy BBQ sauce recipe, that's ultra low in sodium and added sugar (in fact, if you use my low sodium ketchup recipe, there will be no added sugar at all)! I use 100% pineapple juice concentrate to sweeten the no added sugar BBQ sauce, which also pulls double duty as a meat tenderizer. That means it works for marinating too! My version is even a bit lower in calories than most commercial BBQ sauces. About 10 calories lower per serving - it's not a lot, but if you're someone who LOVES to put BBQ sauce on everything, it adds up.

    FAQs and Substitutions

    Does this low sugar BBQ sauce taste like pineapple?

    No. Even though we're using pineapple juice to sweeten it, it does not taste like pineapple. It's lightly sweet, a bit tangy, and smoky, as you would expect from a BBQ sauce. Not tropical at all.

    Can I use another type of fruit juice besides pineapple?

    I have not tested this, but I'm sure you can. Make sure it's a juice concentrate and not ready-to-drink juice, and look for 100% fruit juice with no added sugar. We use concentrate to avoid adding extra liquid that we'll just have to simmer out later. It shortens the cooking time considerably!

    Can you freeze BBQ sauce?

    Yes! Freeze in smaller portions to make it more convenient to use. The BBQ sauce can stay frozen for up to 6 months. To use, simply thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before using. You may notice some water separation, but just stir it up and it will work great.

    Plate of grilled chicken with BBQ sauce being brushed on

    How to use BBQ sauce besides grilling

    If you've got some extra barbeque sauce hanging around, here are some of my favorite ways to use it up that don't involve firing up the grill:

    • Healthy Homemade Baked Beans
    • On a burger! (Try Mediterranean Black Bean Burgers!)
    • Use it on Fries instead of ketchup
    • An ode to my dear husband: use it as a sauce on rice or another whole grain
    • Use it as a pizza sauce, top with sliced onions, peppers, and chickpeas (for a never fail pizza crust, use this Heart Healthy Pizza recipe)
    • Stir a few tablespoons into chili
    • Try it instead of mayo in your next sandwich!
    • Use it as a salad dressing

    If you make my Low Sodium BBQ Sauce, tell me how you like it, and what you put it on!

    📖 Recipe

    Close up of a jar of BBQ sauce.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print

    Low Sodium BBQ Sauce

    Low Sodium BBQ Sauce will impress at your next cookout. Smoky and tangy, plus a little sweet. It's low sodium with no added sugar too, so no one has to worry about it. Healthy BBQ sauce to the rescue!

    Course Condiment
    Cuisine American
    Diet DiabeticDiet, GlutenFreeDiet, LowCalorieDiet, LowFatDiet, LowLactoseDiet, LowSaltDiet, VeganDiet, VegetarianDiet
    Prep Time 3 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 18 minutes
    Servings 8
    Calories 51 kcal
    Author Laura Yautz

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Low Sodium Ketchup
    • ⅓ cup 100% Pineapple Juice concentrate, thawed
    • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
    • 1 tablespoon Liquid Smoke
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
    • ½-1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika

    Instructions

    1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, and bring to a simmer.
    2. Simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
    3. Remove from heat, and store in a glass container, in the refrigerator, until ready to use.
    Nutrition Facts
    Low Sodium BBQ Sauce
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 51 Calories from Fat 5
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 0.6g1%
    Monounsaturated Fat 0.4g
    Sodium 35.9mg2%
    Potassium 255.3mg7%
    Carbohydrates 11.1g4%
    Fiber 1.1g5%
    Sugar 9.1g10%
    Protein 0.8g2%
    Vitamin A 3.9IU0%
    Vitamin C 7.7mg9%
    Calcium 6.4mg1%
    Iron 0.6mg3%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    BBQ sauce in a mason jar with grilled chicken on a plate in the background. Text overlay: Low Sodium BBQ Sauce; easy, no added sugar.
    Plate of grilled chicken with BBQ sauce being brushed on. Text overlay: Low Sodium BBQ Sauce

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    Laura Yautz

    Hi, I'm Laura! I’m a Registered Dietitian and I love food and cooking, It’s my passion to help you discover how delicious and easy heart healthy eating can be! I’m glad you’re here! Take a look around. You’re going to LOVE Being Nutritious!

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