The sauce that actually earns its reputation

Most American BBQ sauces that make it over here taste like they've been watered down for British palates. Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ doesn't bother with that. It's thick, properly sweet, and has a smokiness that sits in the background without shouting. You notice it. Last summer I slathered it on some chicken thighs that had been low-and-slow for a couple of hours, and honestly, the bottle was half gone before the day was out.

The honey version specifically is a bit gentler than the original. Less vinegar bite, more rounded finish. If you're cooking for kids or people who find American BBQ sauces a touch sharp, this is the one to reach for.

Who it's actually for

Look, if you're a BBQ purist who makes their own sauce from scratch, you can stop reading. This isn't for you. But if you want something reliable to keep in the fridge for a weeknight marinade, a dipping sauce, or a glaze for ribs, it's spot on. The 510ml bottle is a decent size too, not one of those tiny jars that's gone after two uses.

My one reservation: it is quite sweet. If you prefer something tangier or more mustardy, the original Ray's or a South Carolina-style sauce would suit you better. But for crowd-pleasing, no-fuss BBQ flavour, this is hard to argue with. The Subscribe and Save price makes it an easy yes if you cook outdoors with any regularity.