Stubb's Original Bar-B-Q Sauce

Stubb's Original Bar-B-Q Sauce carries more history than almost any other bottle in the grocery aisle. C.B. "Stubb" Stubblefield opened his legendary barbecue joint in Lubbock, Texas in 1968, and the sauce he built his reputation on — tangy, tomato-forward, pepper-laced, and genuinely balanced — is what you get in every bottle today. Now produced under the McCormick brand umbrella while maintaining its heritage identity, Stubb's has become the go-to choice for cooks who want a classic American BBQ sauce without the sugar overload or the ingredient label fine print. The flavor profile is Texas tangy: bright tomato and vinegar upfront, a moderate pepper warmth through the mid-palate, and a finish of molasses that adds depth without being syrupy. At approximately 30 calories per two-tablespoon serving and no HFCS in the formulation, it is one of the lowest-calorie and cleanest mainstream sauces available. Stubb's is certified non-GMO, gluten-free, and kosher — a rare combination at this price point. The 18-ounce bottle runs roughly $3.50, placing it at approximately $0.18 to $0.21 per ounce, virtually tied with Sweet Baby Ray's for best value on the list. Stubb's earns high marks from professional critics specifically because it does not lean on sugar as a crutch. The tangy profile cuts through the fat of pork ribs and beef brisket without cloying, and it integrates into baked beans as a cooking sauce without overpowering other ingredients. Chicken and wings take on a brighter, more acidic character that feels cleaner on the palate. A 36-ounce size is also widely available. If your priority is a sauce that lets the meat speak while adding a backbone of real flavor, Stubb's is the most consistently recommended pick among food critics and competitive pitmasters looking for an everyday clean-label option.