Everyone loves their barbecue, and everyone thinks theirs is the best. Steaks, chicken, pork ribs, and even tofu are slathered in sauce and placed on the grill. Sauces add sweet, tangy, mustard, or heat flavor.
Most of Sweet Baby Ray’s products are gluten-free. All Barbecue Sauces, 4 out of 5 Wing Sauces, 3 out of 4 Dipping Sauces, and Ray’s No Sugar Added are gluten-free. The Marinades and Hot Sauce are not gluten-free. The best gluten-free alternatives are Mr. Spice Organic Honey BBQ Sauce, Yo Mama’s BBQ Sauce, and Primal Kitchen Classic Unsweetened BBQ Sauce.
Let’s chat about Sweet Baby Ray’s history, talk about one of the controversial ingredients, and explore all of Sweet Baby Ray’s products. We’ll tell you which ones are gluten-free and give you a whole list of gluten-free alternatives, some of which are more natural and even paleo-friendly.
Contents
- History
- Is Sweet Baby Ray’s Healthy?
- Sweet Baby Ray’s Products
- Is Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce Gluten Free?
- Dipping Sauces
- Wing Sauces and Glazes
- Alternatives to Sweet Baby Ray’s
- Related Questions
History
Chef Larry Raymond and his brother Dave won a local contest in Chicago in 1985 with his barbecue sauce. It was his fourth time entering the competition, and he won second place. He decided to start selling it to consumers and named it Sweet Baby Rays after his little brother’s nickname. Since then, they have expanded to over 20 flavors. The brothers sold the business in 2005 to Ken Foods (a company known for its salad dressings).
Is Sweet Baby Ray’s Healthy?
High Fructose Corn Syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch. It’s used in a lot of processed foods, including barbecue sauce. While there is no evidence that it’s worse for you than other types of sugar, and the FDA has approved its use, there is a growing movement to avoid products with this as an ingredient. In general, most of us would benefit from cutting down on sugar of any type.
Sweet Baby Ray’s Products
- Barbecue Sauces
- Wing Sauces and Glazes
- Marinades
- Dipping Sauces
- Hot Sauces
Is Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ Sauce Gluten Free?
All Ray’s barbecue sauces are gluten-free.
Flavors:
- Maple Barbecue
- Original
- Honey
- Hickory & Brown Sugar
- Sweet ‘n Spicy
- Sweet Golden Mustard
- Hawaiian BBQ
- Honey-Chipotle
- Sweet Vidalia Onion
Original Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients:
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Distilled Vinegar
- Tomato Paste
- Modified Corn Starch
- Salt
- Pineapple Juice Concentrate
- Natural Smoke Flavor
- Spice
- Caramel Color
- Molasses
- Sodium Benzoate
- Garlic
- Mustard Flour
- Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Tamarind
- Natural Flavor
- Celery Seed
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp.):
- 70 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 290mg Sodium
- 18g Carbohydrates (17g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
Sweet Golden Mustard Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients:
- Yellow Mustard
- Distilled Vinegar
- Water
- Mustard Seed
- Salt
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Spice
- High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Sugar
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Tomato Paste
- Distilled Vinegar
- Salt
- Pineapple Juice Concentrate
- Molasses
- Xanthan Gum
- Natural Smoke Flavor
- Natural Flavor
- Mustard Bran
- Sodium Benzoate
- Spice
- Corn Syrup
- Caramel Color
- Garlic
- Tamarind
- Celery Seed
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoons):
- 60 Calories
- .5g Fat
- 320mg Sodium
- 14g Carbohydrates (1g Dietary Fiber, 13g Sugars)
- 1g Protein
Dipping Sauces
Flavors:
- Creamy Buffalo Dip
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
- Ray’s Secret Sauce
- Ray’s Chicken Sauce
Ray’s Chicken Sauce is the only flavor listed as not gluten-free.
Ray’s Secret Sauce
Ingredients in Ray’s Secret Sauce:
- Soybean Oil
- Distilled Vinegar
- Water
- Corn Syrup
- Horseradish
- Yellow Mustard
- Distilled Vinegar
- Water
- Mustard Seed
- Salt
- Turmeric
- Paprika
- Spice
- Modified Corn Starch
- Xanthan Gum
- Garlic
- Spice
- Polysorbate 60
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Benzoate
- Artificial Flavor
- Oleoresin Paprika
- Disodium Inosinate
- Disodium Guanylate
- Calcium Disodium EDTA
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp.):
- 100 Calories
- 10g Total Fat (1.5g Saturated)
- 15mg Cholesterol
- 210mg Sodium
- 3g Carbohydrates (2g Sugar)
- 0g Protein
Wing Sauces and Glazes
- Buffalo
- Mild Buffalo
- Honey Barbecue
- Sweet Red Chili
- Kickin’ Bourbon
Ray’s Buffalo Wing Sauce
This is Gluten-free and Kosher.
Ingredients:
- Aged Cayenne Red Pepper
- Distilled Vinegar
- Water
- Salt
- Soybean Oil
- Vegetable Oil (Soybean and/or Canola Oil)
- Garlic
- Paprika
- Propylene Glycol Alginate
- Xanthan Gum
- Citric Acid
- Soy Lecithin
- Oleoresin Paprika
- Calcium Disodium EDTA
- Natural and Artificial Flavor
- Beta Carotene
Nutrition Facts (per 1 Tbsp.):
- 20 Calories
- 2g Fat
- 410mg Sodium
- 1g Carbohydrates
- 0g Protein
Ray’s No Sugar Added Barbecue Sauce
Gluten-free, Low-Sugar, Keto-Friendly.
Flavors:
- Original
- Hickory
- Sweet ‘n Spicy
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
Ray’s No Sugar Added Sweet’ n Spicy Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients in Sweet’ n Spicy:
- Water
- Tomato Paste
- Distilled Vinegar
- Allulose
- Salt
- Modified Corn Starch
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Garlic
- Caramel Color
- Natural Flavor
- Natural Smoke Flavor
- Spice
- Potassium Sorbate
- Sodium Benzoate
- Xanthan Gum
- Mustard Flour
- Paprika
- Onion
- Sucralose
Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp.):
- 15 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 360mg Sodium
- 4g Carbohydrates (Less than 1g Dietary Fiber, 1g Sugar)
- 1g Protein
- 143mg Potassium
Alternatives to Sweet Baby Ray’s
Mr. Spice Organic
Salt-free, Organic, Gluten-Free, Cholesterol-Free, GMO-Free, Dairy Free, Wheat Free, Fat-Free, Low Calorie, No MSG, No HFCS, No Preservatives, No HVP, No Sulfites
Flavors:
- Honey BBQ
- Tangy Bangy
- Garlic Steak
- Hot Wing
- Thai Peanut
- Ginger Stir-Fry
- Honey Mustard
- Indian Curry
- Sweet & Sour
Mr. Spice Organic Honey BBQ
Ingredients in Honey BBQ:
- Water
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Evaporated Cane Juice
- Tomato Paste
- Blackstrap Molasses
- Rice Starch
- Herbs and Spices
- Potassium Chloride
- Garlic
- Natural Flavor
- Onion
- Lemon Juice
- Xanthan Gum
- Gum Arabic
- Mustard Powder
- Honey
- Citric Acid
- Spice Extract
- Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor
Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp.):
- 40 Calories
- .1g Fat
- 5mg Sodium
- 250mg Potassium
- 10g Carbohydrates (8g Sugars)
- .5g Protein
Annie’s BBQ Sauce
Annie’s has a whole line of foods, including 3 flavors of barbecue sauce. They are Vegan, Gluten-free, Certified Organic, have no high-fructose Corn Syrup, no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, are non-GMO, and are made with California-grown tomatoes. It does contain soy for those with sensitivities.
Flavors:
- Original
- Smoky Maple
- Sweet & Spicy
Annie’s Original Flavor BBQ Sauce
Ingredients in the Original Flavor:
- Water
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Tomato Paste
- Molasses
- Cane Sugar
- Stone Ground Mustard
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
- Mustard Seed
- Sea Salt
- Clove
- Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil
- Corn Starch
- Sea Salt
- Tamari Soy Sauce
- Water
- Soybeans
- Salt
- Alcohol
- Dried Celery Seed
- Dried Garlic
- Dried Chili Pepper
- Allspice
- Black Pepper
- Xanthan Gum
- Clove
Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp.):
- 35 Calories
- 1g Fat
- 200mg Sodium
- 6g Carbohydrates (5g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
Stubb’s BBQ Sauce
Stubb’s is owned by McCormick. They have a full line of BBQ Sauces, Wet Marinades, Marinade Mixes, Cooking Sauces, Rubs, Anytime Sauces, and More.
Flavors of BBQ Sauces:
- Pepper Legendary
- Hickory Bourbon
- Original
- Simply Sweet Reduced Sugar
- Smokey Brown Sugar
- Smokey Mesquite
- Spicy
- Sticky Sweet
- Sweet Heat
- Honey & Spice Legendary
Stubb’s Original Flavor BBQ Sauce
Ingredients in Original Flavor:
- Tomato Puree
- Water
- Tomato Paste
- Distilled Vinegar
- Sugar
- Molasses
- Salt
- Spices
- Black Pepper
- Paprika
- Chili Pepper
- Corn Starch
- Brown Sugar
- Onion
- Garlic
- Guar Gum
- Xanthan Gum
- Natural Flavor (including Hickory Smoke)
Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp.):
- 30 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 250mg Sodium
- 7g Carbohydrates (5g Sugar)
- 0g Protein
Yo Mama’s BBQ Sauce
Yo Mama’s has No Sugar Added, Low Carb, Keto, Paleo Friendly, Vegan, and is Gluten-free. It is made with whole non-GMO Tomatoes
Ingredients:
- Non-GMO Tomato Paste
- Water
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Sea Salt
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chili Powder
- Paprika
- Black Pepper
- Mustard Seed
- Natural Smoke Flavor
- Monkfruit Extract
- Bay Leaf
Nutrition Facts (per 1 Tbsp.):
- 0 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 75mg Sodium
- 1g Carbohydrates (less than 1g Dietary Fiber, less than 1g Sugar)
- Less than 1g Protein
Primal Kitchen BBQ Sauce
Primal is Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Low-fat, Paleo-friendly, Vegan, Vegetarian, Keto-Friendly, USDA Organic, and has No Soy,
Flavors:
- Classic Organic Unsweetened
- Golden Organic Unsweetened
- Hawaiian Style
- Mango Jalapeno
Primal Kitchen Classic Organic Unsweetened
Ingredients in the Classic Recipe:
- Water
- Organic Crushed Tomatoes
- Organic Balsamic Vinegar
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Organic Dijon Mustard
- Organic Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
- Organic Mustard Seed
- Salt
- Organic Spices
- Sea Salt
- Organic Tapioca Starch
- Organic Coriander
- Organic Cumin
- Organic Black Pepper
- Organic Onion Powder
- Organic Chipotle Powder
- Natural Smoke Flavor
- Organic Garlic
- Organic Cinnamon
- Organic Garlic Powder
Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp.):
- 15 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 160mg Sodium
- 3g Carbohydrates (Less than 1g Dietary Fiber, 2g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
The Rib Doctor BBQ Sauce
This brand is Dairy-free, Gluten-free, and Low-fat. It does have soy and fish (anchovy paste) in the Worcestershire Sauce.
Flavors:
- Southern Tangy
- Caribbean Sweet
The Rib Doctor Southern Tangy Flavor BBQ Sauce
Ingredients in Southern Tangy Flavor:
- Tomato Puree
- Water
- Tomato Paste
- Brown Sugar
- Onion
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Water
- Distilled Vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- Hydrolyzed Soy Protein
- Caramel Color
- Dehydrated Garlic and Onion
- Tamarind Extract
- Spices
- Anchovy Paste
- Flavorings
- Sugar
- Chili Pepper
- Salt
- Oregano
- Spices
- Corn Starch
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Soybean Oil
- Cayenne Pepper
- Lemon Juice Concentrate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
- Paprika Oleoresin
- Natural Flavor
- Citric Acid
- Xanthan Gum
Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp.):
- 35 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 210mg Sodium
- 8g Carbohydrates (6g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
Kevin’s Paleo BBQ Sauce
Kevin’s is Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Low-Fat, Paleo-Friendly, and Vegan. It contains tree nuts (from the coconut nectar), and it contains Sulfites (from the Balsamic Vinegar)
Ingredients:
- Water
- Coconut Nectar
- Tomato Paste
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Wine Vinegar
- Concentrated Grape Must
- Sea Salt
- Smoked Granulated Onion
- Tamarind Puree
- Tamarind Pulp
- Water
- Smoked Paprika
- Yeast Extract
- Mustard
- Spices
- Xanthan Gum
- Turmeric
- Monkfruit Extract
- Stevia Leaf Extract
- Citric Acid
Nutrition Facts (per 2 Tbsp.):
- 40 Calories
- 0g Fat
- 260mg Sodium
- 9g Carbohydrates (7g Sugars)
- 0g Protein
Related Questions
Is Sweet Baby Ray’s Vegan?
Ray’s No Sugar Added Barbecue Sauces are vegan, gluten-free, and keto-friendly. The Original Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce is also vegan. The company has confirmed on various sources that the natural flavors are not from animal products or by-products.
Is Sweet Baby Ray’s Keto-Friendly?
Again, Ray’s No Sugar Added Barbecue Sauces are keto-friendly. The original recipe has a lot of carbohydrates and sugars.
What is the Best-Selling Barbecue Sauce in the US?
Sweet Baby Ray’s consistently tops the best-selling and most popular lists of barbecue sauces in America. That is amazing, considering the number of sauces on the market.