Lillie's Q Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce

Lillie's Q Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce is the most distinct regional voice on this list. Unlike every other entry, which builds on a tomato-based foundation, Lillie's Q starts from yellow mustard — the defining characteristic of South Carolina's "Carolina Gold" barbecue tradition. The result is a sauce that looks and tastes unlike any standard BBQ bottle, with a bright gold color, a tangy-mustardy upfront punch, and a supporting cast of turmeric for earthiness, tamarind for fruity depth, and cane sugar for just enough sweetness to balance the acidity. The sauce was created by Charlie McKenna, a two-time World BBQ Champion, whose competition credentials give it serious credibility. Lillie's Q Carolina Gold took the number-one spot for Best Vinegar Sauce at the 2024 World BBQ Championship — a high-profile validation of what McKenna's family recipe has always known. At approximately $5.99 for a 19-ounce bottle, working out to roughly $0.31 per ounce, it is mid-range in price and accessible enough to find at select grocery chains and online retailers. The ingredient list is among the cleanest on this list: no HFCS, non-GMO certified, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, with cane sugar as the sole sweetener. At 30 calories and 7 grams of sugar per two-tablespoon serving, it is one of the lighter options available without being sugar-free. Best uses emphasize its affinity for pork: it is transcendent on pulled pork sandwiches, excellent on chicken and turkey, and a natural dipping sauce alongside sausages and brats at a cookout. It also works as a potato salad mixer and a sandwich spread. If you are a mustard enthusiast or are looking to introduce a regional American style to your rotation, Carolina Gold is the most rewarding discovery on this list.