If you're a barbecue lover, you know how important it is to have the right sauce for your meat. And when it comes to Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce, there's no substitute. Just 2 tablespoons (36g) of this sauce packs in 60 calories, making it a great way to add flavor to your meals without going overboard on calories.

But what makes this sauce so special? Let's take a closer look at the ingredients and nutritional information to find out.

From tangy to sweet and smoky, Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce is one of the most versatile sauces around. But it's not just for grilled meats - you can also use it as a dip, marinade, or even to add flavor to your favorite soups and stews. In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for making the most of this delicious sauce.

Calories in 2 tbsp (36 g) of Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

As mentioned earlier, 2 tablespoons (36g) of Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce contains 60 calories. This makes it a relatively low-calorie addition to your meals, especially when you consider the flavor kick it provides. Of course, if you're watching your calories or trying to lose weight, it's still important to use this sauce in moderation. You can also look for lower-calorie versions or try making your own healthy barbecue sauce at home.

Ingredients in Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

The exact ingredients in Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce can vary depending on the brand or recipe, but most versions contain a mix of sweet, savory, and acidic flavors. Common ingredients include: - Tomato paste or ketchup - Brown sugar or molasses - Worcestershire sauce - Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar - Mustard or mustard powder - Garlic powder or onion powder - Paprika or cayenne pepper Some versions may also include liquid smoke, honey, or other spices and seasonings to create a unique flavor profile.

Amount of Sugar in Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

One downside to some barbecue sauces is that they can be high in added sugars. While Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce does contain some sugar from the brown sugar or molasses, the amount in 2 tablespoons (36g) is relatively low - usually around 6-8 grams. However, if you're trying to cut back on added sugars, you may want to read the label carefully and look for versions with less sugar or no added sugars.

Amount of Sodium in Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

Another potential downside to barbecue sauce is that it can be high in sodium. This is especially true of store-bought versions, which often contain added salt as a preservative and flavor enhancer. In 2 tablespoons (36g) of Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce, you can expect to find around 250-300 milligrams of sodium. While this isn't an excessive amount, it can add up quickly if you use a lot of sauce throughout the day. If you're watching your sodium intake, read the label carefully and consider making your own sauce with less salt.

Protein Content in Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

Barbecue sauce isn't typically a source of protein, and Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce is no exception. In 2 tablespoons (36g), the protein content is negligible at less than 1 gram. But don't overlook the fact that barbecue sauce can help make protein-rich foods like chicken or pork more flavorful and enjoyable to eat!

Total Fat Content in Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

One of the benefits of Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce is that it's relatively low in fat. In 2 tablespoons (36g), you can expect to find around 0-1 grams of fat, depending on the brand or recipe. Of course, if you use a lot of sauce or pair it with high-fat foods like ribs or brisket, the overall fat content of your meal will be higher.

Carbohydrate Content in Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

As you might expect from a sweet and tangy sauce, Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce contains a fair amount of carbohydrates. In 2 tablespoons (36g), the carbohydrate content is typically around 16-18 grams. This comes from the sugar in the sauce, as well as any added thickeners like cornstarch or xanthan gum. While this isn't necessarily a bad thing, it's worth keeping in mind if you're watching your carb intake for health or weight reasons.

Vitamins and Minerals in Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

While barbecue sauce may not be a major source of vitamins and minerals, it does contain some key micronutrients. In 2 tablespoons (36g) of Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce, you can expect to find: - Some vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium from the tomato paste or ketchup - A small amount of iron and calcium from the molasses or vinegar - Trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals from the various herbs and spices While these amounts may be small, every little bit helps when it comes to getting all the nutrients your body needs.

Benefits of Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

Aside from the great taste, Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce may offer some health benefits as well. Some potential benefits include: - Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects from the herbs and spices - Improved blood sugar control from the vinegar and mustard powder - Reduced risk of certain cancers from the tomato paste and garlic powder Of course, more research is needed to fully understand the potential health effects of this sauce.

Ways to Use Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce

The possibilities are endless when it comes to using Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce! Here are just a few ideas to get you started: - Brush it over grilled chicken, ribs, or pork chops - Use it as a dip for veggies, chicken tenders, or fries - Mix it into meatloaf or meatballs for extra flavor - Drizzle it over pizza for a BBQ pizza twist - Use it as a base for BBQ pulled pork or brisket sandwiches No matter how you use it, Kansas City Style Barbecue Sauce is sure to add bold flavor to your meals!