Baby Friendly BBQ Sauce (Low Salt, Low Sugar | 6+ Months)

Baby Friendly BBQ Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 cup tomato passata (use a no-added-salt passata)
• 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp malt syrup
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

Directions

1. Place a small saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the passata, rice wine vinegar, malt syrup, dijon, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, garlic powder and cumin.
3. Whisk together as you bring it to a gentle boil over low heat.
4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
5. Remove from the heat and use as required. Cool fully before storing.

Slow Cooker Marinade Variation

You can also use this sauce as a slow-cooker marinade. Skip the cooking step, simply whisk all the ingredients together, pour over chicken breast (or your meat of choice) and slow cook for 4-5 hours until tender and easily shredded. Perfect for pulled chicken or pork the whole family can enjoy.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze in small portions or an ice-cube tray so you can defrost just what you need.

Nutrition Notes

This homemade version gives you all the smoky, tangy flavour with a fraction of the salt and sugar of a shop-bought bottle. There's no added refined sugar, the gentle sweetness comes from malt syrup and the natural sugars in tomato. Using a no-added-salt passata keeps the sodium low.

How it compares to a standard supermarket BBQ sauce:

• Sugar (per 100g): ~10.5g vs ~26g — around 60% less sugar
• Salt/sodium (per 100g): ~95mg vs ~950mg — around 90% less salt
• Sugar (per 30g serve): ~3.2g vs ~7.8g — around 60% less sugar
• Salt/sodium (per 30g serve): ~29mg vs ~285mg — around 90% less salt

Figures are estimates based on a no-added-salt passata; the bottle values are a typical Australian supermarket BBQ sauce.

Parent Tip

Make a double batch and freeze in an ice-cube tray, then pop out a cube whenever you need a quick flavour boost for mince, chicken or veggies. A Sticky Spoon makes it easy for new self-feeders to scoop and dip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can babies have BBQ sauce?

Most shop-bought BBQ sauces are very high in salt and sugar, so they aren't ideal for babies. This homemade version is made to be much lower in both, so it can be offered from around 6 months in small amounts.

Why use a no-added-salt passata?

It keeps the sodium low. Many passatas have added salt, so checking the label makes a real difference for little ones.

Can I make it without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, leave it out and add a little extra vinegar and paprika. This also makes it fish-free and lower in salt again.

How long does it keep?

Up to a week in the fridge, or up to 2 months in the freezer.

Can I use it as a marinade?

Absolutely. Whisk it raw, pour over chicken or pork and slow cook for 4-5 hours.