Why Hunter & Gather’s Low-Sugar BBQ Sauce Deserves a Permanent Spot at the Table
BBQ season is in full swing — and oh, it’s good to be back. This is, without question, my favourite time of the year.
Smoke in the air, music cranking, mates in the garden, tongs in hand and plates piled high.
That being said, summer spreads don’t come without their temptations. As someone who tries to stick to some form of clean eating, being selective with what I snaffle off the grill (or the snack table) is second nature.
Sauces, however, have always been my weak spot.
And as much as I try to steer clear of the usual sugar-laden, artificial-filled suspects, let’s be honest… a BBQ plate just doesn’t hit the same without a good drizzle of something smoky — especially when the have-a-go chef has burnt the meat.
So when I heard Hunter & Gather had launched the UK’s first unsweetened BBQ sauce, I was naturally intrigued.
It’s a bold move, stripping out the sugar and sweeteners completely. But with their reputation for clean, award-winning sauces, I had high hopes.
I grabbed a bottle using code GYMFLUENCERSAGENCY for 10% off, got some good quality burgers from the butchers and got to work.
Is this a low-sugar BBQ sauce that actually delivers? Let’s find out.
Low-Sugar BBQ Sauce, Redefined
This isn’t just a low-sugar BBQ sauce. In fact, calling it that would be doing Hunter & Gather a major disservice. It’s a total rethink of what BBQ sauce should be.
Hunter & Gather haven’t simply cut the sugar; they’ve gone back to the drawing board to build a cleaner, more honest bottle from the ground up.
No hidden syrups, no preservatives, no weird gums or sweeteners trying to fool your taste buds. Their recipe for success is a short, purposeful list of natural ingredients.
We’re talking tomatoes, balsamic and apple cider vinegars for tang, Pink Himalayan salt for balance and a mix of mustard, onion, garlic, smoked water, and spices for that rich, smoky depth.
It’s the kind of label you can actually read — and feel good about using generously.
The Taste Test
Part of me was sceptical heading into this taste test, because sweetness is a big part of BBQ sauce’s umami profile.
The fact that a low-sugar BBQ sauce sounds less appealing speaks volumes as to how much I’ve been conditioned by the current macro-wrecking staples. I know that’s true for a lot of other people, too.
Healthier options usually mean compromise, which we don’t always want on special occasions like summer BBQs.
Regardless, I went into this review with an open mind, willing to be shocked.
And honestly? I was. The first thing you notice is the richness — a bold, smoky flavour that holds its own without leaning on cloying, syrupy sweetness.
The vinegar gives it a sharp tang, the tomato base keeps it grounded and the subtle garlic, mustard and spice blend adds proper American-style depth.
It’s punchy, savoury and satisfying — a sauce that actually enhances the plate rather than masking it. At first I tried it on burgers, then branched out into bigger, braver ideas.
Whether I used it as a marinade, a glaze, or just a dollop on the side, it didn’t matter — this low-sugar BBQ sauce held up every time.
Sure, it’s different to your usual sticky BBQ fare, but in the best way. It’s cleaner, leaner and leaves you feeling good after the feast, which might just be the biggest win of all.
How the Macros Stack Up
The flavour is great, but the macros? Chef’s kiss. This low-sugar BBQ sauce contains 75% less of the sweet stuff than your standard bottle.
There’s just 9g of carbs per 100g of sauce. With most other brands, you’re looking at around 34g for the same squeeze.
The wins just keep stacking up. Hunter & Gather’s Smoky BBQ Sauce is fully plant-based, keto and low-carb friendly and free from gluten and seed oils. It’s a certified crowd-pleaser — one that doesn’t go off in a hurry.
Once opened, it lasts up to six weeks in the fridge, thanks to the natural vinegar and salt inside. Who said you need lab-made preservatives?
The Final Word
If you’re looking to clean up your BBQ spread this summer, Hunter & Gather’s easy-squeezy low-sugar BBQ sauce should be top of your shopping list.
A 350g bottle costs just £2.96 with a running subscription (ideal for the BBQ regulars), or £3.70 on a one-time buy.
Is it a little pricier than your usual? Yes. Is it far better for you? Absolutely. Proper nutrition is always worth the money. If you’re splashing out on better burgers, don’t spoil them with a sub-par sauce.
And don’t forget — you can save 10% with code GYMFLUENCERSAGENCY at checkout.
Head to Hunter & Gather’s website to join the flavour revolution today.
SEE ALSO: Is Hunter & Gather’s Collagen Coffee Creamer the Key to a Better Brew and a Better You?
