Masterpiece BBQ sauce is a popular barbecue sauce brand made by Sweet Baby Ray’s. As a classic barbecue sauce, Masterpiece contains tomato puree as its base along with spices, sugar, vinegar, and other flavorings. Understanding the ingredients in Masterpiece BBQ sauce can help you determine if it fits your preferences and dietary needs.
Tomato Puree
The first ingredient listed on Masterpiece’s ingredients label is tomato puree. Tomato puree provides the classic red-orange color of barbecue sauce as well as the tangy, tomato flavor. Tomato puree is made from cooked, strained tomatoes, resulting in a thick, smooth consistency.
Tomato puree is the foundation of most barbecue sauces. It gives body and texture while allowing the other ingredients to adhere. The tomato flavor balances the sweet and spicy elements. Tomato puree also provides lycopene, an antioxidant with nutritional benefits.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
The second ingredient is high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn that consists of glucose and fructose. It is commonly used in processed foods and condiments as a cost-effective sweetener.
In Masterpiece BBQ sauce, high fructose corn syrup contributes sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. It enhances the sauce’s thick texture and clings to food. The sweetness also complements flavors like smokiness and spice.
Distilled Vinegar
Distilled vinegar is the third ingredient. Distilled vinegar is vinegar made from grain alcohol that has been fermented. It has a sharp, tart taste.
In barbecue sauce, distilled vinegar provides acidity to brighten the other flavors. The tartness balances the sweetness from ingredients like high fructose corn syrup. Vinegar also acts as a preservative and contributes to the sauce’s thickness.
Molasses
Molasses is the fourth ingredient. Molasses is a thick, dark brown syrup that remains after sugar is extracted from sugarcane or sugar beets. It has a rich, bittersweet flavor.
Molasses adds sweetness, depth, and complexity to Masterpiece BBQ sauce. It also enhances the sauce’s thick, sticky texture to help it cling to meat. The bittersweet molasses flavor helps cut through smokiness and spice.
Natural Flavors
“Natural flavors” is a broad ingredient term for compounds extracted from plant or animal sources. Specific natural flavors are not disclosed on the label.
These natural flavors enhance Masterpiece’s overall flavor profile. They likely provide smoky, savory notes as well as richness. Natural flavors allow Masterpiece BBQ sauce to have complexity while keeping the overall ingredient list short.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is the sixth ingredient. Corn syrup is a sweetener made from cornstarch. It consists mostly of glucose.
Like high fructose corn syrup, regular corn syrup adds sweetness and texture to Masterpiece BBQ sauce. The two corn syrups work together to make the sauce thick and cling to food. Corn syrup also balances acidity and amplifies overall flavor.
Salt
Salt is an important ingredient in barbecue sauce, listed seventh in Masterpiece’s ingredients. Salt enhances overall flavor and balances sweet and acidic ingredients.
A small amount of salt reduces bitterness and brings out the natural flavors of the other ingredients. Salt also thickens the consistency of the barbecue sauce.
Spices
Spices are also included in Masterpiece BBQ sauce. Specific spices like garlic, onion, paprika, mustard, and pepper likely provide seasoning.
These spices add layers of flavor like savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy. They complement the tomato, sweetener, and vinegar ingredients. The spices differentiate Masterpiece from being just a plain tomato-based sauce.
Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is made from fermented anchovies, vinegar, molasses, tamarind, and spices. It has an umami, tangy flavor.
In barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce contributes savory meatiness along with extra depth and richness. It seasons the sauce in a way similar to natural flavors. Worcestershire sauce pairs especially well with smoky barbecue.
Onion Powder
Onion powder provides onion flavor without fresh onion pieces that could get slimy. It is a dried, ground form of dehydrated onion.
In Masterpiece barbecue sauce, onion powder gives a subtle boost of savory, slightly sweet onion taste. It adds another layer of flavoring without altering the sauce’s smooth texture.
Garlic Powder
Like onion powder, garlic powder provides concentrated garlic flavor without risk of spoilage from fresh garlic. It is made from dehydrated, ground garlic.
The garlic powder contributes a savory, pungent garlic taste that complements the other ingredients. It gives another dimension of flavor to Masterpiece without skewing the overall balance.
Preservatives
Masterpiece BBQ sauce contains preservatives to prevent microbial growth and extend its shelf life. Specific preservatives like potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate help inhibit mold, yeast, and bacteria.
Thanks to these preservatives, Masterpiece BBQ sauce can be stored at room temperature after opening. The sauce lasts significantly longer than perishable homemade barbecue sauces.
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is added for thickness in a small amount. Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide commonly used as a food thickener and stabilizer.
It helps maintain Masterpiece’s thick, clingy texture even at room temperature after opening. Xanthan gum keeps the water and ingredients well blended.
Paprika Extract
Paprika extract contributes additional paprika flavor. Paprika is a spice made from ground dried red peppers.
The paprika extract enhances the general spice profile of Masterpiece BBQ sauce. It likely provides both color and a hint of sweetness and heat.
Calcium Disodium EDTA
Calcium disodium EDTA is an preservative and chelating agent. It binds to metals to prevent oxidation and help preserve freshness.
This ingredient protects the quality and shelf life of Masterpiece BBQ sauce. It works together with the other preservatives to inhibit spoilage.
Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor
Natural hickory smoke flavor contains distillates from hickory wood smoke. It imparts a smoky, charred flavor reminiscent of barbecue.
This natural smoke flavor gives Masterpiece BBQ sauce its classic barbecue taste. It replicates the flavor meats get from smoking without needing actual smoked ingredients.
Caramel Color
Caramel color provides a dark brown hue to Masterpiece BBQ sauce. Caramel color is made by heating sugars like glucose and fructose.
Beyond contributing color, caramel coloring carries a slightly sweet, buttery flavor. It also enhances the sauce’s thickness.
Sugar
Sugar is also listed among the ingredients. The sugar adds sweetness to complement the savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Sugar helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and tomatoes. It allows the molasses and corn syrup flavors to come through as well.
Corn Starch
Corn starch is used as a thickening agent in Masterpiece barbecue sauce. Corn starch is starch extracted from corn grains.
It absorbs liquid and helps bind the ingredients together. This creates the characteristic thick, sticky texture of barbecue sauce that adheres to meat.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds fruity acidity and tanginess. Apple cider vinegar is vinegar made by fermenting apple cider.
The apple cider vinegar contributes another dimension of tart, bright flavor. It likely balances some of the sweetness and enriches the overall taste profile.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a typical serving of Masterpiece barbecue sauce:
| Amount Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories 60 |
| Total Fat 0 g |
| Sodium 300 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate 15 g |
| Protein 0 g |
Masterpiece BBQ sauce is high in carbohydrates from the corn syrups and sugar. It is low in fat and protein. The sodium content reflects the salt and other sodium-containing preservatives.
Overall, the nutrition profile is comparable to traditional high-sugar barbecue sauces. The sauce fits into a balanced diet in moderation, enhancing the flavor of grilled meats, sandwiches, and more.
Common Allergens
Masterpiece barbecue sauce contains potential allergens to be aware of:
- Corn – Contains corn syrups and corn starch
- Onions and garlic – Contains onion and garlic powder
The sauce does not contain major allergens like wheat, soy, peanuts, dairy, or shellfish. People with allergies to corn, onions, or garlic should exercise caution or avoid this product.
Preparation Tips
Masterpiece BBQ sauce can transform everyday meals into flavorful barbecue dishes. Follow these tips for getting the most use out of the sauce:
- Use as a marinade or baste for proteins like chicken, pork, and beef before grilling
- Brush on smoked or grilled meats toward the end of cooking
- Add to sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, and sliders for saucy flavor
- Mix into baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and other sides
- Use as a base for cooking minced meats to make sloppy Joes or barbecue tacos
- Whisk a bit into mayo or sour cream for a quick sauce or sandwich spread
- Simmer into meatloaf mix or add to chili for a flavor boost
- Brush over corn on the cob, squash, or other veggies before grilling
Start with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup sauce per pound of food. Adjust to your desired sauciness. Refrigerate leftover sauce for up to 6 months.
Buying Tips
Look for these tips when purchasing Masterpiece barbecue sauce:
- 18 ounce and 34 ounce sizes available
- Sold in the condiment aisle at grocery stores
- Typically priced around $3 to $6 per bottle
- Store at room temperature before opening
- Refrigerate after opening for up to 6 months
- Watch for sales, discounts, and store coupons
- Buy in bulk online for added savings if you use a lot
Comparison to Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Sauce
As a product line from Sweet Baby Ray’s, Masterpiece BBQ sauce has some similarities and differences compared to the brand’s original sauce:
| Masterpiece BBQ Sauce | Sweet Baby Ray’s Original Sauce |
|---|---|
| Thicker, sticker texture | More thin, pourable consistency |
| Darker, more molasses flavor | Brighter red color and flavor |
| More robust smoky, savory taste | More pronounced sweetness and tang |
| Bolder overall flavor | More balanced, versatile flavor |
Masterpiece has a thicker texture and more powerful flavor profile tailored to stand up to smoked meat. Sweet Baby Ray’s original is a bit brighter and more versatile for everyday use.
High Quality and Convenient
Masterpiece barbecue sauce offers quality ingredients and convenience. The tomato puree and molasses base provides authentic barbecue flavor boosted with seasonings and spices. Corn syrup sweeteners and vinegar balance for perfect saucy taste.
As a bottled sauce, Masterpiece allows you to skip lengthy homemade sauce recipes. Yet it still has complex flavor and thick texture thanks to natural flavors, spices, starch, and stabilizers. Preservatives allow versatile storage.
Slather this Sweet Baby Ray’s sauce on all kinds of grilled, smoked, and roasted foods. Brush over chicken, ribs, pulled pork, steak tips, chops, and other meats. Or add to mayo, slaws, baked beans, sandwiches and beyond.
Masterpiece barbecue sauce delivers convenience, quality, and restaurant-worthy flavor to your homemade barbecue meals.