This sauce is sweet and sticky with bold flavor and a hint of spice from cloves. Made with fruit-based ingredients like grape jelly, blackberry jam, and pureed butternut squash (or pumpkin), it delivers that classic BBQ depth—without triggering histamine responses. It’s ideal for spooning over meats, veggies, or even mixing into rice bowls.
Ingredients Needed:
- ½ cup blackstrap molasses: rich, iron-packed sweetener (use small amounts).
- ½ cup brown sugar (not packed): adds sweetness and thickness.
- ⅓ cup cooked, pureed butternut squash or pumpkin: adds body and depth.
- 5 oz (10 tbsp) grape jelly: naturally sweet and sticky.
- 5 oz (10 tbsp) blackberry jam: fruit-forward flavor.
- 1½ tsp minced garlic (optional): omit for strict level 0.
- 2 tsp onion powder: adds savory flavor.
- 1 tsp minced dried onion or 1 tbsp fresh white onion: use fresh for level 0.
- 1½ tsp salt: enhances overall flavor.
- ⅛ tsp ground cloves: optional gentle spice.
How To Make Low Histamine BBQ Sauce:
Blend the Base:
Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Stovetop Cooking (Preferred for Simplicity):
Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken as it cooks and cools.
Instant Pot Version:
Pour mixture into the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and valve. Cook on high pressure for 6 minutes. Let pressure naturally release. Stir and cool.
Cool and Store:
Let the sauce cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or silicone trays. Freeze until ready to use.

Recipe Tips:
- Use fresh onion instead of dried for the lowest histamine version.
- Omit garlic if you’re sensitive—flavor still holds up.
- Molasses is rich but sweet—use in moderation if you’re sensitive to sugar spikes.
- Sauce thickens more after cooling.
- Freeze in small portions for easy future use.
How to Store & Reheat:
- Room Temperature: Not recommended—cool quickly and refrigerate or freeze.
- Fridge: Use within 2 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw on the counter or microwave for 5 seconds.
Nutrition Facts (approx. per 2 tbsp serving, yields ~2 cups):
- Calories: 60
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbs: 15 g
- Fibre: 0.3 g
- Sugar: 12 g
FAQs:
Can I have BBQ sauce on a low histamine diet?
Yes! As long as it’s homemade and skips vinegar, tomatoes, and aged spices. This recipe is a low histamine alternative.
Is molasses low histamine?
It’s not on SIGHI, but many tolerate it in small amounts. Stick to blackstrap molasses and watch your sugar intake.
Can I leave out garlic and onion?
Yes—omit garlic completely and use fresh onion instead of dried for a level 0 histamine rating.
What can I use this BBQ sauce for?
Use it on grilled chicken, veggie skewers, or mix into rice bowls. It adds sweet and smoky flavor without the histamine worry.
How do I make this BBQ sauce thicker?
Simmer longer on the stovetop or reduce more in the Instant Pot. It thickens further as it cools.
Try More Recipes:
Low Histamine BBQ Sauce
Course: SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy2 cups
servings10
minutes30
minutes60
kcalThis thick, sweet, and gently spiced BBQ sauce skips tomatoes and vinegar—perfect for BBQ lovers on a low histamine diet.
Ingredients
½ cup blackstrap molasses
½ cup brown sugar (not packed)
⅓ cup cooked butternut squash or pumpkin puree
5 oz (10 tbsp) grape jelly
5 oz (10 tbsp) blackberry jam
1½ tsp minced garlic (optional)
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp minced dried onion or 1 tbsp fresh onion
1½ tsp salt
⅛ tsp ground cloves
Directions
- Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend 1–2 mins until smooth.
- Pour into saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 30 mins, stirring.
- Let cool. Sauce will thicken as it cools.
- Portion and freeze for later use.
