• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Health My Lifestyle
  • Meal Planner
  • Recipes
  • Learn
    • Nutrition
    • Lifestyle
  • Shop
    • Vegan Fat Loss Meal Plan
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Start Here
  • Meal Planner
  • Recipes
  • Learn
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Start Here
    • Meal Planner
    • Recipes
    • Learn
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Sauces & Dips

    Best Vegan BBQ Sauce

    Feb 21, 2022 by Rachel · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This is the best Vegan BBQ Sauce with a subtly smoky flavor and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It's also easy to make, requiring just 9 simple ingredients and ready in less than 25 minutes!

    Vegan bbq sauce in a jar on a cutting board.
    Jump to:
    • Is BBQ Sauce Vegan?
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredient notes
    • How to make
    • What to serve with
    • More vegan sauces and dips
    • 📖 Recipe

    Is BBQ Sauce Vegan?

    Although usually vegan, there are a few ingredients found in store bought BBQ sauce that can indicate that it is not vegan-friendly.

    Here's what to look out for:

    Worcestershire Sauce—Worcestershire sauce is traditionally made with anchovies. There is vegan Worcestershire sauce available but most likely won't be used in BBQ sauce unless the sauce is explicitly labeled vegan.

    Honey—Honey is sometimes used as the sweetener. Since it is made by bees, which are technically part of the animal kingdom, it is not vegan-friendly. There are vegan honey options but if you see honey on the label of store-bought BBQ sauce, it most likely is not vegan.

    Mayonnaise—Some creamier versions of BBQ sauce contain mayonnaise which has eggs in it. This is less common but something to keep in mind.

    Why this recipe works

    I grew up near Kansas City so I'm partial to the sweeter KC BBQ flavor. It's typically a thick tomato based sauce with a balance of sweet and tangy. I made sure to model my BBQ sauce off this classic and delicious sauce.

    And might I add that this is a vegan BBQ sauce you can actually feel good about eating! It's naturally sweetened with dates rather than loaded with high fructose corn syrup often found in store bought ones.

    It's also made with easy to find ingredients! There's a good chance you have everything in your pantry already. I made sure to keep the ingredient list simple so that it actually makes sense to make your own—if it takes too long it's just not practical in my opinion.

    And this vegan version is full of flavor and better than store bought! Trust me, it's a game changer to all your favorite BBQ sauce-laden dishes with this incredibly delicious homemade barbecue sauce. You'll want to make it often!

    Ingredient notes

    This vegan BBQ sauce only requires 9 easy to find ingredients (including water!). Short and sweet! Reference the recipe card at the bottom for exact measurements.

    Ingredients for vegan BBQ sauce measured and labeled.

    Tomato paste—to mimic that thick tomato-based KC style BBQ sauce.

    Dates—for a natural sweetener. You can also use maple or agave syrup or homemade vegan honey instead. Use half the amount listed if using a liquid sweetener.

    Apple cider vinegar—gives it the tanginess found in BBQ sauce. White distilled vinegar works well too or try coconut vinegar.

    Like it spicier? Add a little chili powder, cayenne powder or some of your favorite hot sauce.

    Like it sweeter? Add a little maple syrup.

    How to make

    This step by step walk-through shows the process of making this vegan BBQ sauce recipe. Exact times and temperatures are available in the recipe card at the bottom.

    1. Start by soaking the dates in hot water for at least 15 minutes (especially if you don't have a high-speed blender). Then drain and transfer to a blender along with the rest of the ingredients.

    Dates soaking in hot water.

    2. Blend until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple times.

    Vegan BBQ sauce ingredients all blended together in a blender.

    3. Add the BBQ sauce to a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally.

    If you're in a hurry you can skip the cooking step as it is technically safe to eat, but heating it allows the flavors to meld together better for a richer flavor.

    Vegan BBQ sauce in a pan.

    4. Transfer to a jar and allow to cool before storing. Enjoy!

    What to serve with

    Vegan BBQ sauce in a jar with a basting brush.

    BBQ sauce is often served with meat-type dishes.

    To keep it vegan, this would be so delicious with either tofu or tempeh!

    If you enjoy BBQ pulled pork, make it vegan it by using jackfruit and this BBQ sauce!

    This sauce would also go great on this Epic Vegan BBQ Sandwich or served with this Vegan Steak. BBQ Sauce is really versatile!

    More vegan sauces and dips

    • Vegan Tartar Sauce (oil free)
    • The Best Vegan Honey Mustard
    • The Best Vegan Nacho Cheese (Nut Free + Oil Free)
    • Best Vegan Guacamole (Classic + Easy!)

    If you enjoyed this recipe please leave a comment below and give it 5 stars! Or on Pinterest (don’t forget to follow me!) and please help me share on facebook!

    📖 Recipe

    Vegan bbq sauce in a jar on a cutting board.

    Best Vegan BBQ Sauce

    This is the best Vegan BBQ Sauce with a subtly smoky flavor and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It's also easy to make, requiring just 9 simple ingredients and ready in less than 25 minutes!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    course: Sauces & Dressings
    cuisine: American
    servings: 8
    prep time: 15 mins
    cook time: 10 mins
    total time: 25 mins
    Author: Rachel

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup dates, pitted and soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
    • 6 oz can tomato paste
    • 1 cup water
    • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, or distilled white vinegar
    • ¼ cup applesauce, unsweetened
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • If you don't have a high speed blender, soak dates in hot water for at least 15 minutes to soften, then drain and add to your blender along with the rest of the ingredients.
    • Blend until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple times.
    • Add the BBQ sauce to a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer for 10-15 minutes stirring occasionally.
    • Transfer to a jar and allow to cool. Enjoy!

    Notes

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This BBQ sauce keeps for several weeks.
    Like it spicy? Add a little chili powder, cayenne powder or some of your favorite hot sauce.
    Like it sweeter? Add a little maple syrup.
    If you're in a hurry you can skip the cooking step as it is technically safe to eat, but heating it allows the flavors to meld together better for a richer flavor.

    Nutrition Per Serving

    Calories: 77kcal Carbohydrates: 19g Protein: 2g Fat: 1g Saturated Fat: 1g Sodium: 171mg Potassium: 360mg Fiber: 3g Sugar: 15g Vitamin A: 451IU Vitamin C: 5mg Calcium: 18mg Iron: 1mg
    Want to eat healthier but don't know where to start?Get a free customizable meal plan and stop the struggle!
    Share this:

    More Plant Based Sauces and Dips

    • Easy Homemade Tahini
    • Super Easy Vegan Stir Fry Sauce
    • Easy Apple Honey (Vegan Honey Recipe)
    • Tempeh explained: What it is and how to cook it + irresistible marinade recipe

    Did you grab your free meal plan yet?

    Sign up here to download it instantly!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kay

      February 23, 2022 at 5:44 am

      What's the difference between Kansas and Carolina sauce?
      I prefer Carolina.
      I think it has mustard in it?
      So maybe this recipe plus a little mustard?

      Do you think the water could be replaced with broth?
      Or would that just be weird?

      Reply
      • Rachel

        February 23, 2022 at 9:12 am

        Carolina has a higher vinegar ratio so you could do a cup of vinegar instead of the water and add a little mustard. Maybe a couple tablespoons to a 1/4 cup depending on how much mustard you like in it. Hope this helps! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Mahy

      February 22, 2022 at 12:39 am

      5 stars
      I have been looking for a veganized BBQ Sauce for quite some time. So glad I've finally found it!

      Reply
      • Rachel

        February 22, 2022 at 4:34 pm

        Woohoo! So glad I could help with that 🙂

        Reply
    3. Healthy Seasonal Recipes

      February 21, 2022 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for including variations for this recipe! Trying this sauce on tofu as soon as possible.

      Reply
      • Rachel

        February 22, 2022 at 4:33 pm

        Happy to share! Enjoy!! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Tracy

      February 21, 2022 at 10:38 pm

      5 stars
      Love that this uses dates and apple sauce! What a great recipe and delicious sauce! Makes me excited for summer!

      Reply
      • Rachel

        February 22, 2022 at 4:32 pm

        I can't wait for summer too! And thank you—the dates and applesauce really do provide the perfect amount of sweetness in this sauce 🙂

        Reply
    5. Anjali

      February 21, 2022 at 9:09 pm

      5 stars
      This really is the best vegan bbq sauce I've tried! It was sweet, spicy and tangy - perfect for veggie burgers or for dipping vegan wings!

      Reply
      • Rachel

        February 22, 2022 at 4:31 pm

        I'm so happy to hear that!! Thanks, Anjali!

        Reply
    6. Beth

      February 21, 2022 at 8:31 pm

      5 stars
      We grill year long around my home so this recipe is perfect! I am also in love with smoked paprika - yum!

      Reply
      • Rachel

        February 22, 2022 at 4:31 pm

        Yay, I'm so glad! Isn't smoked paprika just the best? 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I'm Rachel and I'm here to help you transition to a healthy plant-based diet in the easiest way possible. I share simple recipes and tips you can implement today to make it practical and approachable. Read more about my plant-based journey

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    HML Favorites

    Tofu ground beef served in vegan tacos and topped with avocado and cilantro.

    Smoky Tofu Ground Beef (Vegan Tofu Crumbles)

    Beet pasta served in a white plate and topped with crumbled vegan feta, basil leaves, and crushed pistachios.

    Easy Beet Pasta

    Roasted cherry tomato soup in a bowl with a swirl of coconut milk and topped with fresh basil leaves.

    Easy Roasted Cherry Tomato Soup

    three healthy pita pizzas with lots of veggies and toppings

    Easy Pita Pizzas 3 Ways

    Don't Miss Out!

    Sign up to receive recipes, tips, and more!

    Privacy Policy & Disclosure

    Top Recipes

    Homemade Pea Protein Powder (Easy + Vegan)

    Just 5 ingredients and 5 minutes to whip these up. These bars are so easy to make, you'll never buy store-bought granola bars again. They are very filling, boasting 9g of protein using only whole food ingredients, and are vegan and gluten free! #granolabar #vegansnack #easysnack #vegan #glutenfree #healthysnack

    5-Ingredient No-Bake Granola Bars (Vegan + Gluten Free)

    Healthy Vegan Snickers Overnight Oats are going to have you wondering if you're eating breakfast or dessert. They're filling, delicious, high protein, and taste like candy! They're also gluten-free and sugar-free. #snickers #overnightoats #veganbreakfast #postworkoutsnack

    Vegan Snickers Overnight Oats

    This carrot bacon recipe is so easy and great for when you want the delicious sweet and smoky-ness of bacon! Just 8 simple ingredients, a peeler, and an oven or air-fryer is all you need. Vegan bacon can be made in many ways but this carrot bacon is one of the simplest and most similar looking to actual bacon. And did I mention delicious? #carrotbacon #veganbacon #plantbased #vegan #veganrecipe #veganbreakfast #plantbasedbreakfast #meatfree #meatlessmeals

    Carrot Bacon

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Enjoying these recipes?
    Now you can Buy Me a Coffee to help support the creation of new ones. Thank you!

    About

    • Privacy Policy & Disclosure
    • Accessibility Policy
    • About

    Shop

    • My Favorites
    • Vegan Fat Loss Meal Plan & Nutrition Guide

    Stay Connected

    • Sign Up! for a free meal plan and updates
    • Contact
    • Meal Planner Support

      Featured In

      Logos of publications that Rachel from Health My Lifestyle has been featured in including Eat This Not That, Everyday Health, Greatist, MSN, My Fitness Pal, Vegan Life Magazine, and One Green Planet.

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

      Copyright © 2022 Health My Lifestyle LLC