Fast food barbecue sauce just tastes different, doesn’t it? There’s something about those little tubs you get with your fries or nuggets that hits just right. For some reason, they seem way tastier than the store-bought bottles of barbecue sauce gathering dust in your pantry. While you can always make your own or try to upgrade a store-bought sauce, sometimes you just want that classic fast food flavor at home. Well, good news! There are some great sauces out there that taste almost identical to the ones you love from your favorite fast food spots.
Fast food barbecue sauces vary a lot. Some are sweet, some smoky, some savory—so how do you pick the right one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best store-bought sauces that taste like your fast food favorites.
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce – Try Open Pit Hickory
McDonald’s BBQ sauce is unique. It has that tangy, smoky flavor, but also a hint of umami thanks to ingredients like soy sauce and sherry wine powder. The closest match you can find is Open Pit Hickory BBQ Sauce. It’s got a similar flavor with a nice balance of sweet, smoky, and savory. Both sauces are tomato-based, with a little vinegar, onion powder, and sweetness from high fructose corn syrup. If you’re craving that McDonald’s BBQ sauce, Open Pit is a great option.
Wendy’s BBQ Sauce – Try Buffalo Wild Wings’ Honey BBQ
Wendy’s BBQ sauce is sweet with classic barbecue flavors and a thick, clingy consistency. A great substitute is Buffalo Wild Wings’ Honey BBQ Sauce. It’s sweet, smoky, and has that perfect BBQ thickness. While not an exact match, it’s close enough to hit the spot.
Burger King BBQ Sauce – Try Bull’s Eye BBQ Sauce
Bull’s Eye BBQ Sauce is a popular choice that tastes surprisingly similar to Burger King’s BBQ sauce. Some people even think Bull’s Eye is the sauce Burger King uses, though it’s not entirely clear. No matter what, this sauce has that great balance of sweetness, smokiness, and acidity that you expect from a good BBQ sauce.
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce – Try Kraft Chicken & Rib BBQ Sauce
Believe it or not, Kraft’s Chicken & Rib BBQ Sauce tastes almost exactly like McDonald’s BBQ sauce. It’s sweet, smoky, and tangy, just like the fast food version. In fact, some folks online swear by this match. It’s a great option if you’re craving that familiar McDonald’s BBQ flavor.
Shake Shack BBQ Sauce – Try Austin’s Own BBQ Sauce
Shake Shack’s BBQ sauce has a distinct flavor, but it’s tough to find an exact match. Austin’s Own BBQ Sauce comes close, with similar ingredients like tomato, smoke flavor, and molasses. It’s not a perfect copy, but it’s close enough to give you that BBQ satisfaction.
McDonald’s BBQ Sauce – Try Sweet Baby Ray’s
Sweet Baby Ray’s is one of those sauces that people often say tastes like every other fast food BBQ sauce. It’s especially close to McDonald’s BBQ sauce. Even though the ingredients are a little different, the taste is remarkably similar. Both sauces are sweet and tangy, with a deep-brown color that makes them hard to tell apart.
Popeyes BBQ Sauce – Try Redneck Lipstick Original BBQ Sauce
Popeyes BBQ Sauce is sweet, tangy, and the perfect match for their chicken. If you want that same flavor at home, try Redneck Lipstick Original BBQ Sauce. It’s not an exact match, but it’s pretty close, with a sweet, tangy flavor that’ll remind you of Popeyes.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re craving fast food BBQ sauce, don’t stress! There are plenty of store-bought sauces that are practically identical to the ones you love from your favorite fast food spots. Whether you’re into McDonald’s tangy BBQ or Wendy’s sweet version, there’s a perfect match for your taste buds waiting for you at the store.
