Marinade vs BBQ Sauce: Which should you use?

Allegro pork chops in BBQ sauce and marinade

When enhancing the flavor of your next meal, it’s important to know the differences between marinades and BBQ sauces. Although they are both tasty, they can be used differently depending on what you’re cooking. Check out the comparison below to learn more about marinades and BBQ sauces.

Marinades

BBQ Sauces

  • Typically used before cooking
  • Mixture of acids, salt, and spices
  • Thin liquid
  • Tenderizes
  • Only affects the surface of the food
  • Typically used during or after cooking
  • Mixture of sugar, tomato paste, salt, and spices
  • Thick liquid
  •  Adds moisture
  • Can add flavor to the whole cut of meat

So which one should you use?

Both! Marinades and BBQ Sauces can be used together to maximize the flavor in your next meal! To make tender, juicy, flavorful food, make sure you add your favorite marinade and BBQ sauce to your cart!


Choose a Marinade


Choose a BBQ Sauce


Check out this recipe that uses both!

Once you’ve figured out when to use a marinade instead of BBQ sauce, you might be wondering what kind of marinade works best. We’ve got you covered with a breakdown of bottled vs. homemade marinades to help you choose what suits your kitchen. And if you’re looking for easy, flavorful meals, don’t miss our guide on how to use marinade in a slow cooker—it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights.