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Home » Dressings and Sauces

Low FODMAP BBQ Sauce

Modified: Oct 2, 2025 · Published: Jul 14, 2023 by Venessa Mandelkow · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment
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Make a batch of this sweet and savory low FODMAP BBQ sauce to enjoy in recipes, as a topping, or as a dip! It has all the flavor of traditional purchased barbecue sauce but without the high FODMAPs. Making this sauce perfect for anyone on a low FODMAP diet.

bbq sauce in a wooden bowl with a wooden spoon.
Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Featured Ingredients
  • Step-By-Step Instructions
  • Tips and Tricks
  • Ingredient Swaps
  • Variations
  • Recipes That Use BBQ Sauce
  • Storing and Freezing
  • Low FODMAP Notes
  • FAQs
  • Meal Planning
  • Additional Low FODMAP Sauce Recipes
  • Love This Recipe?
  • Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Homemade BBQ Sauce Without Ketchup
  • Comes Together in Under Twenty Minutes
  • Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, and Low FODMAP

Featured Ingredients

bbq sauce ingredients.
  • Tomato Puree - Tomato base in the simplest form. Build your BBQ sauce from the ground up. 
  • Brown Sugar - Light or dark brown sugar will work.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar - This adds that tangy BBQ sauce flavor.
  • Worcestershire Sauce - Brings a great umami flavor. 
  • Smoked Paprika - Adds some smoky spice flavor notes.
  • Ancho Chili Powder - Brings a great earthy, fruity flavor to the sauce. 
  • Salt - Kosher is my favorite.
  • Black Pepper - Ground black pepper blends perfectly in the background.

See the recipe card for the exact measurements and complete instructions. Selected ingredients are based on guidance on current serving sizes measured by the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App at the time of publishing. As always, follow your gut and modify as needed.

Step-By-Step Instructions

sauce ingredients in a saucepan.

Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, add the tomato puree, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir. 

saucepan of bbq sauce with a wooden spoon.

Step 2: Cook over medium-low heat on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes or until sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce is thick.

Tips and Tricks

Make a double batch and freeze half. The other half will be kept in the freezer and be ready to use after it is defrosted.

Ingredient Swaps

  • Unrefined Sugar Options: Swap out brown sugar for pure maple syrup.
  • Vinegar Options: Swap out apple cider vinegar for white vinegar. It will have a bit more of a bite, but still delicious. 
  • Spice Swap: Switch the ancho chili powder for chipotle powder for a smokier BBQ sauce.

Variations

Smoky BBQ Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce for a wonderful smoky flavor! 

Spicy BBQ Sauce: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to add a spicy flavor to the sauce. Expert tip - add small amounts and taste. It is easier to add versus take out spice!

Recipes That Use BBQ Sauce

Not only is this homemade BBQ sauce delicious as a low FODMAP condiment, it is also great in these recipes:

  • Pulled Pork in Slow Cooker
  • BBQ Pulled Pork With Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Low FODMAP BBQ Bacon Chicken
  • Gluten Free Chicken Nuggets

Need more low FODMAP sauces or dressings in your life? Check out more delicious options!

bbq pulled pork on a bun with bbq sauce.

Storing and Freezing

Store: Keep BBQ sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for seven - ten days. Give it a good stir before using. 

Freeze: Once BBQ sauce is cool, put it in a freezer-friendly container and store in the freezer for up to four months. Defrost before using.

Low FODMAP Notes

Low FODMAP information is based on the Monash University Food App and FODMAP Friendly App testing results. I highly recommend using these apps for guidance on ingredients and serving sizes and working with a Low FODMAP dietician. As always, modify and adjust based on your own tolerance and individual needs on a modified low FODMAP diet.

  • Tomato Puree - Safe at 2 tablespoons or 36 grams per meal.
  • Brown Sugar - Safe at ¼ cup or 40 grams per meal. 
  • Apple Cider Vinegar - Safe at 2 tablespoons or 42 grams per meal. 
  • Worcestershire Sauce - Safe at 2 tablespoons or 42 grams per meal. 
  • Smoked Paprika - Safe at 1 teaspoon or 2 grams per meal. 
  • Ancho Chili Powder -Safe at 1 teaspoon or 2 grams per meal.

For additional information on a low FODMAP diet, please visit  Monash University or  FODMAP Friendly. Both have websites and apps for additional guidance and testing results.

FAQs

How long does homemade BBQ sauce ever keep in the fridge?

BBQ sauce will keep in the fridge for ten days. If you need it to last longer, freeze it and defrost it overnight before you need it.

How will I know if BBQ sauce is no longer good to use?

First, smell it. Your nose knows. If it smells off, there is mold on the cover, or on the top of the sauce, toss it. Making a fresh batch is better than eating it and regretting it. Toss it out if you are not sure.

Where do FODMAPs hide in traditional BBQ sauce?

If you look at the ingredients listed on a bottle of BBQ sauce in the grocery store, you may find high fructose corn syrup, garlic powder, onion powder, apple juice concentrate, and more.

Can I purchase low FODMAP BBQ sauce?

Yes! Smoke and Sanity offers a couple of certified low FODMAP BBQ sauces. You can grab a bottle or two from Amazon.

Meal Planning

BBQ sauce is one of my FAVORITE condiments! I love to add it to gluten free chicken burgers or dip low FODMAP chicken nuggets into it - with dairy free ranch too. Best of both worlds, ranch dressing and BBQ sauce!

Additional Low FODMAP Sauce Recipes

  • Low FODMAP Buffalo Sauce - Enjoy the classic buffalo sauce flavor without FODMAPs. Customize spice level, too!
  • Low FODMAP Pasta Sauce in Slow Cooker - Make a delicious slow cooker pasta sauce to top gluten free noodles and so much more!
  • Low FODMAP Enchilada Sauce - Skip the canned enchilada sauce and make this hearty, rich, flavorful sauce for low FODMAP enchiladas.
  • Low FODMAP Pizza Sauce - Use this fresh, uncooked pizza sauce on low FODMAP pizza crust.
  • Low FODMAP Tarter Sauce - A homemade tarter sauce for baked cod or any seafood dish.

Love This Recipe?

Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating + comment. It helps so much, and we love hearing from everyone! Thank You -Venessa

Recipe

wooden bowl full of bbq sauce with a wooden spoon.

Low FODMAP BBQ Sauce

5 from 4 votes
A sassy BBQ sauce with all the flavors, thick and delicious.
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Servings: 32 Servings
Author: Venessa Mandelkow
Pin Print (email required)

Ingredients

  • 29 ounces tomato puree canned
  • 1 cup brown sugar (Note 1)
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
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Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, add tomato puree, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, ancho chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
  • Cook over medium heat. Allow the sauce to come to a slow boil, stirring constantly.
  • Lower the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until it thickens and comes together.
  • Cool the BBQ sauce for fifteen minutes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to ten days. Or freeze for up to four months and defrost before using.

Notes

Note 1: Brown sugar can be swapped with pure maple syrup for an unrefined sugar option. 
Low FODMAP Notes:
Low FODMAP ingredient information is based on the  Monash University Food App and  FODMAP Friendly App testing results.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2 TablespoonsCalories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 1gSugar: 6g
Love this recipe?Tag Us @Loveable_Lemons or #loveablelemons

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Writer sitting on rocks

Hello, I'm Venessa! After a diagnosis that would change how I cook and eat meals, I had to adapt my favorite recipes to be low FODMAP—turning what was once a sour lemon into something loveable. So join me on a delicious journey to falling in love with food again.

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bbq sauce in a wooden bowl with a wooden spoon.

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