Barbecue sauce is a popular condiment used to add flavor and moisture to grilled meats, sandwiches, and more. But many barbecue sauces are loaded with sugar, so you may wonder just how many carbs are in BBQ sauce. Here’s a detailed look at the carb counts for different types of barbecue sauce.
An Introduction to Carbs in BBQ Sauces
Barbecue sauce comes in a range of styles, from tangy tomato-based sauces to thick, sweet molasses and honey sauces. The ingredients and carb counts can vary widely between brands and types.
In general, tomato-based barbecue sauces tend to be lower in carbs, while thick, sticky sauces flavored with sugar have much higher carb counts. Ketchup-style barbecue sauces fall somewhere in between. Homemade barbecue sauces can also vary a lot in carbs depending on what ingredients are used.
When counting carbs, it’s important to check the nutrition label on your barbecue sauce. Let’s take a closer look at the carb contents of popular barbecue sauce styles.
Tomato-Based Barbecue Sauces
Tangy, tomato-based barbecue sauces tend to be one of the lowest carb options. They are typically made with tomatoes, vinegar, spices, and small amounts of sugar.
For example, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Heinz Tomato Ketchup-based barbecue sauce contains around:
- Total Carbs: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 3g
So tomato-heavy barbecue sauces contain about 3-4 grams of carbs and 3 grams of sugar per tablespoon serving on average.
Other brands, such as Stubb’s Original Bar-B-Q Sauce, also contain around 3g net carbs per tablespoon.
Sweet & Sticky Barbecue Sauces
On the other end of the spectrum, thick, sticky barbecue sauces flavored with molasses, honey, brown sugar or maple syrup are much higher in carbs.
For example, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Barbecue Sauce contains:
- Total Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 11g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 12g
So sweet, sticky barbecue sauces can contain over 10 grams of net carbs and 11 grams of sugar per tablespoon.
Other sweet sauces like KC Masterpiece Original Barbecue Sauce also have around 12g net carbs per serving.
Ketchup-Based Barbecue Sauces
Many mild-tasting barbecue sauces use ketchup as a base before adding spices and small amounts of sugar.
For example, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of Heinz Classic Barbecue Sauce contains:
- Total Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Net Carbs: 4g
So ketchup-based barbecue sauces contain 4-5g net carbs and 3-4g of sugar on average per tablespoon.
Other ketchup-style sauces like Kraft Original Barbecue Sauce also have about 4-5g net carbs per serving.
Low-Carb Barbecue Sauces
There are also some low-carb barbecue sauce options made with less sugar, or sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol.
For example, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of G Hughes Sugar Free Hickory Flavored Barbecue Sauce contains:
- Total Carbs: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 0g
So some sugar-free barbecue sauces have only 0-1g of net carbs per tablespoon. But be aware that sugar substitute aftertaste is not for everyone.
Making your own low-carb barbecue sauce at home is another option. Subbing sugar for erythritol or stevia and using a tomato base can create a keto-friendly alternative.
How Many Carbs in a Common Serving Size?
Barbecue sauce is often used as a condiment or dip, rather than a main ingredient. Here are some common serving sizes and their average carb counts:
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) – 6-24g net carbs
- 1/4 Cup (60ml) – 15-60g net carbs
- 1/2 Cup (120ml) – 30-120g net carbs
As you can see, carb counts add up quickly if you are dipping foods like chicken wings or sandwiches in barbecue sauce. Sticking with around 1-2 tbsp per serving helps limit carbs.
Tips for Reducing Carbs in BBQ Sauce
Here are some tips for lowering carb counts if you want to enjoy barbecue sauce on a low-carb or keto diet:
- Choose tomato-based sauces instead of sweet, sticky sauces.
- Look for low-carb or sugar-free barbecue sauce options.
- Make your own homemade barbecue sauce with a sugar substitute.
- Use sparingly and stick to small 1-2 tbsp servings.
- Opt for dry rubs or hot sauce as lower-carb alternatives.
Conclusion
Barbecue sauces can contain anywhere from 3-12+ grams of net carbs per tablespoon, depending on whether they are tomato-based, ketchup-style, or thick and sweet. Sticky, honey and molasses sauces are highest.
Check labels and aim for tomato-based or sugar-free options if limiting carbs. And be mindful of serving sizes, as carbs add up quickly in large portions. A spoonful or two of barbecue sauce can be fit into low-carb and keto diets when used sparingly.