Lillie's Q Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce

Lillie's Q Carolina Gold Barbeque Sauce is the most distinct regional voice on this list, built on a yellow mustard base from South Carolina's Carolina Gold tradition that sets it apart from every tomato-based competitor. Created by Charlie McKenna, a two-time World Barbecue Champion, its mustard-forward punch pairs turmeric for earthiness with tamarind for fruity depth, balanced by cane sugar. At $5.99 for a 19-ounce bottle ($0.31 per ounce), it is mid-range in price and widely available. Its ingredient list is among the cleanest here: no HFCS, non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, with 30 calories and 7 grams of sugar per serving. Best on pulled pork, chicken, turkey, sausages, or as a potato salad mixer, this is the most rewarding discovery for mustard enthusiasts or anyone exploring regional American barbecue.