Who says you need to spend a fortune to enjoy delicious BBQ sauce? Whether you’re grilling, dipping, or marinating, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that deliver big flavor without breaking the bank.
In this post, we’ll explore the best cheap BBQ sauces available, store-bought bargains, and even homemade recipes that cost pennies per serving.
What Makes a BBQ Sauce Cheap?
Affordable BBQ sauces cut costs by using simpler ingredients, larger production scales, or store-brand alternatives. While they may lack some premium elements like smoked spices or organic sweeteners, many still offer great taste.
Key Factors in Budget BBQ Sauces:
- Fewer specialty ingredients (no exotic spices or high-end sweeteners)
- Mass production (economies of scale reduce costs)
- Store brands (often just as good as name brands)
Top 5 Cheapest Store-Bought BBQ Sauces
1. Great Value (Walmart Brand) Original BBQ Sauce
At under $1 per bottle, Walmart’s Great Value BBQ sauce is a steal. It has a balanced sweet-tangy flavor, making it perfect for ribs, chicken, or pulled pork. According to Walmart’s product listings, this is one of the most cost-effective options.
2. Kroger Brand BBQ Sauce
Kroger’s store-brand sauces often go on sale for $0.99-$1.50 and come in various flavors like hickory, honey, and spicy.
3. Aldi’s Burman’s BBQ Sauce
Aldi’s Burman’s line offers BBQ sauces for around $1.29, with a thick, rich consistency comparable to pricier brands.
4. Heinz Classic BBQ Sauce
A trusted name, Heinz’s BBQ sauce is frequently discounted to $1.50-$2 and delivers a classic smoky-sweet taste.
5. Sweet Baby Ray’s (On Sale)
While normally mid-priced, Sweet Baby Ray’s often drops to $2 or less during sales at stores like Kroger or Amazon.
DIY Cheap BBQ Sauce Recipe (Under $0.50 per Cup!)
Why buy when you can make your own for pennies?
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup ($0.20)
- ¼ cup brown sugar ($0.10)
- 2 tbsp vinegar ($0.05)
- 1 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
- 1 tsp onion powder ($0.02)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika ($0.03)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a saucepan.
- Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
- Let cool and store in a jar.
Total cost: ~$0.42 per cup—way cheaper than store-bought!
Where to Find the Best Deals on BBQ Sauce
- Dollar Stores (Dollar Tree, Family Dollar) – Often carry name brands for $1.25.
- Warehouse Clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club) – Bulk buys lower the per-unit cost.
- Online Retailers (Amazon, Walmart) – Watch for discounts and subscribe-and-save options.
Are Cheap BBQ Sauces Lower Quality?
Not necessarily! Many budget sauces use similar base ingredients (tomato, sugar, vinegar) as premium brands. The main differences are:
- Less complex flavors (fewer spices, no specialty smoke)
- More preservatives (for longer shelf life)
- Higher sugar content (cheaper sweeteners like HFCS)
If you avoid high-fructose corn syrup, check labels or opt for a homemade version.
Best Bang for Your Buck
For the absolute cheapest option, Great Value or Kroger brand are solid picks. If you want better flavor at a still-low price, wait for Sweet Baby Ray’s sales or make your own.