Kraft BBQ sauce is a popular condiment used for grilling, marinating, and dipping. With its sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor, it can enhance the taste of a variety of foods like chicken, pork, and vegetables. But what exactly gives Kraft BBQ sauce its signature flavor? The answer lies in the blend of spices and seasonings used.
Tomato Puree and Tomato Paste
Two of the main ingredients in Kraft BBQ sauce are tomato puree and tomato paste. Tomato puree is made from cooked and strained tomatoes, giving the BBQ sauce its thick, red color. Tomato paste is a concentrated form of tomato puree that adds even more rich, tomato flavor. The combination of tomato puree and paste forms the tangy, tomato foundation of the BBQ sauce.
Molasses
Molasses is a thick, brown syrup that is another major component of Kraft BBQ sauce. Molasses is a byproduct of refining sugarcane into table sugar. It has a rich, bittersweet flavor that contributes to the signature sweetness in the BBQ sauce.
Corn Syrup
Corn syrup is a sweetener made from corn starch that helps balance out the acidity from the tomatoes and vinegar in Kraft BBQ sauce. It adds body and thickness in addition to a touch of sweetness.
Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar adds a bright acidity to balance the sweetness of the molasses and corn syrup in Kraft BBQ sauce. The vinegar helps provide a tangy flavor note.
Garlic and Onion Powders
Garlic and onion powders provide aromatic backbone to Kraft BBQ sauce. They add layers of savory, subtly spicy flavor from the allium family. The powders allow the flavor to evenly permeate throughout the sauce.
Salt
Salt is used judiciously in Kraft BBQ sauce to enhance all the other flavors. A touch of salt makes the sweetness of the molasses and corn syrup pop while rounding out the savory and tangy notes.
Spices
The exact blend of spices in Kraft BBQ sauce is a proprietary secret. However, based on the ingredient list, it likely contains some of the following:
- Paprika – For a subtle smokiness
- Mustard – For tang
- Red Pepper – For mild heat
- Black Pepper – For peppery bite
- Onion – For savory aroma
- Garlic – For added aroma
These spices allow Kraft BBQ sauce to take on a warm, multi-layered flavor profile with smoky, spicy, and peppery notes.
Natural Flavors
In addition to the spices, Kraft BBQ sauce contains “natural flavors” according to the label. These proprietary natural flavorings enhance the sauce’s overall taste and likely contain extractives of ingredients already in the sauce to amplify the flavor.
Caramel Color
Caramel color is added to deepen the color of Kraft BBQ sauce and make it a dark reddish-brown. It allows the sauce to take on a more appetizing, rich shade.
Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is used as a food thickener and stabilizer in Kraft BBQ sauce. It helps maintain the sauce’s thick, pourable consistency and keep the ingredients well-incorporated.
Conclusion
Kraft BBQ sauce gets its unmistakable, sweet and tangy barbecue flavor from a blend of tomatoes, molasses, vinegar, spices, and natural flavors. Tomato puree and paste provide the major tomato taste while molasses and corn syrup add sweetness and body. Spices like paprika, mustard, red pepper, black pepper, onion, and garlic contribute to the sauce’s savory and smoky notes. Vinegar balances out the sweetness and xanthan gum maintains the thick texture. Together, these components come together to make Kraft’s signature BBQ sauce so irresistible on grilled meats, veggies, and more.
When making your own BBQ sauce at home, you can experiment with these ingredients and adjust spice quantities until you achieve your ideal sweet, tangy, and smoky flavor. Tomato-based sauces also pair well with additions like Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, honey, canned chipotle peppers, liquid smoke, and cayenne pepper. Sauces made with Kraft BBQ sauce as a base benefit from the company’s proprietary blend of seasonings for an authentic, down-home barbecue taste.
Beyond BBQ recipes, Kraft’s sauce can also be used to add instant flavor to weeknight dinners. Stir it into ground beef or turkey for sloppy joes, mix it with canned beans for a fast baked bean side, or shake it up into a simple salad dressing. The versatility of this pre-made sauce means you’re only limited by your imagination. Keep a bottle on hand for an effortless way to infuse smoky, tangy flavor into family favorites any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main tomato ingredients in Kraft BBQ sauce?
The main tomato ingredients in Kraft BBQ sauce are tomato puree and tomato paste. Tomato puree provides thickness and tomato flavor, while tomato paste is concentrated for even richer tomato taste.
What makes Kraft BBQ sauce sweet?
Molasses and corn syrup give Kraft BBQ sauce its signature sweetness. The molasses contributes a rich, brown sugar-like flavor, while the corn syrup provides sweetness along with body and thickness.
What gives Kraft BBQ sauce its tangy flavor?
Distilled white vinegar is responsible for the tangy, acidic flavor notes in Kraft BBQ sauce. It balances out the sweetness from the molasses and corn syrup.
How does Kraft BBQ sauce achieve its smoky and spicy profile?
The blend of spices like paprika, mustard, red pepper, black pepper, onion, and garlic lend smoky, mildly spicy flavors to Kraft BBQ sauce. Natural flavors likely contain extractives that enhance these spice flavors.
What ingredient thickens Kraft BBQ sauce?
Xanthan gum is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in Kraft BBQ sauce. It maintains the sauce’s thick consistency and keeps the ingredients well-blended.
Can you make your own version of Kraft BBQ sauce at home?
Yes, you can easily recreate Kraft BBQ sauce at home using tomato puree, molasses, vinegar, corn syrup, and your favorite blend of spices. Adjust ingredients to suit your preferences for sweetness, tang, and smokiness.
What are some uses for Kraft BBQ sauce beyond BBQ dishes?
Kraft BBQ sauce can be used to add flavor to sloppy joes, baked beans, salad dressings, meatloaf, burgers, meatballs, and more. It’s a versatile condiment for weeknight cooking.
Nutrition Information
Kraft BBQ sauce is flavorful, but it does come with a good amount of sugar. Here is the nutrition information for a typical 2 tablespoon serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 15 g |
| Sugars | 12 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
As you can see, a 2 tablespoon serving contains 60 calories, 0 g fat, 160 mg sodium, 15 g total carbohydrate, 12 g sugar, and 0 g protein. The carbohydrates and sugar amounts are quite high considering the small serving size. This comes from ingredients like corn syrup, molasses, and other sweeteners.
Those looking to limit sugar may want to be mindful of portion sizes when using Kraft BBQ sauce. However, enjoying it occasionally or in moderation is fine for most healthy diets. Making your own lower sugar BBQ sauce at home is another way to control the amount of added sugars.
Popular Kraft BBQ Sauce Varieties
Kraft offers a wide range of BBQ sauce products to suit different tastes and preferences:
| BBQ Sauce | Features |
|---|---|
| Original | The classic sweet, tangy, and smoky recipe |
| Thick ‘N Spicy | Amped up version with more body and kick |
| Mesquite Smoke | Infused with bold mesquite flavor |
| Hickory Brown Sugar | With smoky hickory and touch of brown sugar |
| Bourbon | Sweet and savory with a touch of bourbon flavor |
| Sweet & Bold | Really amps up the sweetness |
Beyond the classic sauces, they offer limited batch flavors like Chipotle, Memphis Style, and Texas Style. There are also sauce packets, squeeze bottles, and organic options available.
History of Kraft BBQ Sauce
Kraft Heinz is the current owner of Kraft BBQ sauce today. But how did this popular condiment first get its start?
The origins of Kraft BBQ sauce trace back to the 1940s under the leadership of Kraft’s head of product development, Dr. Earl Adamie. At the time, BBQ sauce had a very limited following as grilling was not yet commonplace.
Dr. Adamie worked to develop a shelf-stable, mass market BBQ sauce that would appeal to a wide range of tastes. After extensive tests, he landed on a tomato and molasses-based recipe flavored with vinegar, spices, and sugar. The goal was for it to enhance the flavor of meat without overpowering it.
Kraft launched their thick, sweet tangy BBQ sauce in 1948. Early marketing focused on its convenience for busy home cooks who didn’t have time to prepare their own sauce from scratch. Retailing for 29 cents a bottle, it quickly became popular nationwide.
As backyard grilling gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s, Kraft BBQ sauce’s popularity continued to grow. Their TV commercials featured satisfied neighbors chatting over fences about the sauce. Kraft BBQ sauce would go on to become the country’s #1 selling barbecue sauce and a staple at summer barbecues and grill-outs.
Today Kraft BBQ sauce continues to dominate the market. Over 75 years later, the original tomato and molasses based recipe remains a beloved staple for grilling. The sauce lineup has expanded to offer bolder, regional flavors to suit every barbecue fan. Each summer, over 80 million bottles of Kraft’s BBQ sauces are sold.
Tips for Using Kraft BBQ Sauce
To make the most of Kraft BBQ sauce’s signature zesty flavor, keep these usage tips in mind:
- Shake the bottle before each use. The ingredients can separate so shaking helps re-blend for even flavor.
- Apply sauce during the last 10-15 minutes of grilling to avoid burning.
- Layer sauce on chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, salmon, veggies, skewers, ribs – you name it!
- Use as a dip for chicken tenders, fries, tater tots, onion rings, etc.
- Make homemade baked beans with beans, sauce, bacon, onion, brown sugar, spices.
- Mix into ground beef or turkey for flavorful sloppy joes or meatloaf.
- Stir a spoonful into mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or breakfast hash.
- Use as the base flavoring for easy crockpot recipes by mixing with meat and vegetables.
- Blend with mayo and spices for a quick BBQ salad dressing or creamy dip.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ways to use Kraft BBQ sauce when cooking at home. A spoonful can transform the flavor of everyday dishes.
Homemade Alternatives
While Kraft BBQ sauce is certainly convenient, making your own BBQ sauce at home allows you to customize the flavor. Here are some easy homemade BBQ sauce options:
Basic BBQ Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Whisk together all ingredients in a medium bowl.
- Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using to allow flavors to meld.
- Store leftover sauce for up to 2 weeks.
Spicy Bourbon BBQ Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1⁄2 cups ketchup
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1⁄2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes to blend flavors.
- Remove from heat and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Get creative with homemade sauce recipes until you find your perfect blend of sweet, spicy and smoky!
Conclusion
Kraft BBQ sauce earns its reputation as a grilling staple thanks to its signature sweet and tangy flavor. Tomato puree and paste, molasses, corn syrup, vinegar, and spices combine to give this sauce its addictive taste that enhances everything from chicken to shrimp. While convenient, Kraft’s BBQ sauce can also be mimicked at home by experimenting with ketchup, brown sugar, honey, spices, and other staple ingredients. Whether you slather it on ribs hot off the grill or incorporate it into weeknight dinners, Kraft BBQ sauce is a quick shortcut to infuse smoky, down-home barbecue flavor into all your favorite recipes.