15 Easy Diabetic Barbecue Sauce Recipes to Try at Home

Barbecue sauce is a staple for grilled dishes, but traditional versions are often high in sugar.

These 15 diabetic barbecue sauce recipes provide all the smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors you love — without spiking blood sugar.

From tangy vinegar-based sauces and smoky chipotle blends to sweetened-with-natural-alternatives recipes, each sauce pairs perfectly with chicken, pork, beef, or vegetables.

Easy to make and packed with flavor, these recipes let you enjoy classic barbecue taste while staying mindful of your diabetes-friendly diet.

15 Easy Diabetic Barbecue Sauce Recipes to Try at Home

These 15 diabetic barbecue sauce recipes prove that flavorful sauces don’t have to be high in sugar.

Each recipe balances tang, spice, and sweetness using low-glycemic or natural sweeteners for guilt-free enjoyment.

Perfect for grilling, slow-cooking, or meal prep, these sauces elevate any dish while supporting a diabetes-friendly lifestyle.

From smoky to tangy and everything in between, there’s a sauce for every craving.

Enjoy the rich, bold flavors of barbecue without compromising your health with these easy, diabetic-friendly recipes.

Smoky Diabetic-Friendly Barbecue Sauce

Smoky Diabetic-Friendly Barbecue Sauce is rich, tangy, and deeply flavorful.

Made without added sugars, it delivers traditional BBQ flavor with a healthy twist.

Perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating meats and vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp mustard powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup or stevia

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  • Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  • Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer gently for 15–20 minutes until thickened.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Cool before storing in a jar or bottle.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is smoky, tangy, and naturally sweetened.

Perfect for grilling, marinating, or dipping.

Healthy, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly.

Tangy Apple Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Tangy Apple Diabetic Barbecue Sauce balances sweetness, tang, and spice.

Apples and sugar-free sweeteners create a low-glycemic, flavorful sauce suitable for diabetics.

It’s perfect for chicken, pork, or vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Combine applesauce, tomato paste, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan.
  • Stir in paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, sweetener, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Adjust spices and sweetness to taste.
  • Let cool before storing.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and well-spiced.

Perfect for chicken, pork, or roasted vegetables.

Low-glycemic, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly.

Mustard Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Mustard Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is tangy, sharp, and aromatic.

Made with Dijon mustard and sugar-free sweeteners, it’s perfect for diabetics who crave zesty barbecue flavor.

Great for grilling or as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

  • Combine mustard, vinegar, and tomato paste in a saucepan.
  • Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener, black pepper, cayenne, and salt.
  • Stir until smooth and well mixed.
  • Heat over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Cool before using or storing in the refrigerator.

This sauce is tangy, sharp, and well-spiced.

Perfect for grilled meats, tofu, or vegetables.

Low-sugar, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly.

Spicy Chipotle Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Spicy Chipotle Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is smoky, bold, and fiery.

Chipotle peppers add heat and depth, while sugar-free sweeteners keep it safe for diabetics.

It’s ideal for grilling, marinating, or dipping.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions:

  • Combine tomato paste, vinegar, and minced chipotle peppers in a saucepan.
  • Stir in sweetener, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
  • Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  • Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low.
  • Simmer for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings.
  • Cool before storing in a jar.
  • Keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is smoky, spicy, and robust.

Perfect for chicken, beef, or vegetables.

Bold, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly.

Caribbean Pineapple Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Caribbean Pineapple Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is sweet, tangy, and tropical.

Pineapple adds natural sweetness while sugar-free sweeteners keep it diabetic-friendly.

It’s perfect for grilling, dipping, or marinating tropical-inspired dishes.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:

  • Combine crushed pineapple, tomato paste, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan.
  • Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener, black pepper, salt, and cayenne.
  • Heat over medium heat until simmering.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning.
  • Cool before using or storing.
  • Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is tangy, sweet, and tropical.

Perfect for grilled chicken, pork, or vegetables.

Fruity, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly

Garlic Herb Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Garlic Herb Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is savory, aromatic, and flavorful.

Fresh herbs and garlic provide robust flavor while sugar-free sweeteners keep it diabetic-friendly.

It’s perfect for chicken, vegetables, or tofu.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
  • Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add tomato paste, vinegar, herbs, smoked paprika, sweetener, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir well to combine.
  • Bring to a simmer, reduce heat, and cook 15–20 minutes.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Cool before storing in a jar.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is aromatic, savory, and slightly sweet.

Perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, or tofu.

Flavorful, healthy, and diabetic-friendly.

Smoky Bourbon Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Smoky Bourbon Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is rich, deep, and slightly sweet.

Smoky paprika and a splash of bourbon flavor make it gourmet while remaining low-sugar for diabetics.

Ideal for ribs, chicken, or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp bourbon extract (non-alcoholic optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.
  • Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
  • Heat over medium heat until simmering.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Cool before storing.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is smoky, rich, and slightly sweet.

Perfect for ribs, chicken, or vegetables.

Gourmet, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly.

Chipotle Mango Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Chipotle Mango Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is sweet, smoky, and fruity.

Mango puree adds natural sweetness while chipotle peppers provide heat.

It’s perfect for chicken, pork, or vegetarian grilling.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mango puree
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Combine mango puree, tomato paste, and vinegar in a saucepan.
  • Stir in chipotle peppers, sweetener, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat over medium heat until simmering.
  • Reduce heat and cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Adjust seasoning and sweetness to taste.
  • Cool before using or storing.
  • Keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is smoky, sweet, and spicy.

Perfect for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Fruity, bold, and diabetic-friendly.

Honey-Free Mustard Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Honey-Free Mustard Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is tangy, sweet, and vibrant.

Mustard and apple cider vinegar provide sharpness, balanced with sugar-free sweetener for sweetness.

It’s ideal for chicken, fish, or tofu.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

  • Combine mustard, vinegar, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
  • Whisk until smooth.
  • Heat over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Cool before using or storing.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is tangy, sharp, and mildly sweet.

Perfect for grilled meats or vegetables.

Balanced, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly.

Garlic Pineapple Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Garlic Pineapple Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is tropical, savory, and lightly sweet.

Pineapple adds natural sweetness, while garlic and spices provide depth and flavor.

It’s perfect for chicken, pork, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Sauté minced garlic in a saucepan over medium heat until fragrant.
  • Add crushed pineapple, tomato paste, and apple cider vinegar.
  • Stir in smoked paprika, onion powder, sweetener, salt, and black pepper.
  • Bring to a simmer and reduce heat.
  • Cook 15–20 minutes until thickened.
  • Adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Cool before storing.
  • Keep refrigerated up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is tropical, savory, and lightly sweet.

Perfect for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Flavorful, balanced, and diabetic-friendl

Coffee-Infused Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Coffee-Infused Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is deep, rich, and smoky.

Brewed coffee enhances the savory tomato base while sugar-free sweeteners keep it diabetic-friendly.

Perfect for beef, pork, or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • ½ cup brewed strong coffee
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

  • Combine tomato paste, coffee, vinegar, paprika, garlic, onion powder, sweetener, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
  • Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  • Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Cool before storing in a jar.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is smoky, rich, and bold.

Perfect for beef, pork, or grilled vegetables.

Flavorful, deep, and diabetic-friendly.

Tequila Lime Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Tequila Lime Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is tangy, zesty, and slightly sweet.

Fresh lime juice adds brightness while sugar-free sweeteners balance the tang for a diabetic-friendly option.

It’s ideal for chicken, fish, or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp lime zest
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Combine tomato paste, lime juice, lime zest, vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, sweetener, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
  • Whisk until smooth.
  • Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  • Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Adjust seasoning and sweetness to taste.
  • Cool before storing.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is tangy, bright, and slightly sweet.

Perfect for chicken, fish, or vegetables.

Zesty, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly.

Balsamic Fig Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Balsamic Fig Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is rich, fruity, and tangy.

Sugar-free fig preserves add natural sweetness while balsamic vinegar deepens flavor for a diabetic-friendly sauce.

It pairs well with pork, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup sugar-free fig preserves
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Combine fig preserves, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
  • Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  • Heat over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat and cook 10–15 minutes until thickened.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Cool before storing.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is rich, fruity, and tangy.

Perfect for pork, chicken, or roasted vegetables.

Sweet, bold, and diabetic-friendly.

Maple Pecan Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Maple Pecan Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is nutty, sweet, and smoky.

Sugar-free maple syrup provides gentle sweetness, while pecan flavor adds richness without spiking blood sugar.

It works well with chicken, pork, or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup finely chopped toasted pecans
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Combine tomato paste, sweetener, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
  • Stir in chopped pecans.
  • Heat over medium heat until simmering.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Cool before storing in a jar.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is nutty, smoky, and lightly sweet.

Perfect for chicken, pork, or vegetables.

Flavorful, rich, and diabetic-friendly.

Smoked Cherry Diabetic Barbecue Sauce

Smoked Cherry Diabetic Barbecue Sauce is fruity, smoky, and bold.

Unsweetened cherry puree adds natural sweetness while smoked paprika creates a classic barbecue depth, all without added sugar.

Ideal for beef, pork, or grilled vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened cherry puree
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free sweetener
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  • Combine cherry puree, tomato paste, vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener, salt, and pepper in a saucepan.
  • Whisk until smooth.
  • Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
  • Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Adjust seasoning and sweetness to taste.
  • Cool before storing.
  • Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

This sauce is smoky, fruity, and bold.

Perfect for beef, pork, or roasted vegetables.

Fruity, flavorful, and diabetic-friendly.

Jessica T. Brown

Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn't just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.

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