Sweet Baby Ray's: the BBQ sauce born at a Chicago rib competition in 1985 — and now America's #1!

In 1985 in Chicago, brothers Dave and Larry Raymond competed for the fourth consecutive time in the Mike Royko Rib-Off, the country's biggest rib contest with 700 competitors. They came second. Enough to launch their sauce commercially the following year with $2,000, barely a high school diploma and a big dream. The name? Sweet Baby Ray — Dave's basketball nickname on Chicago's West Side. Result: 21% US market share, sold to Ken's Foods in 2005 for $30 million. "The Sauce is the Boss!" My American Market imports it straight for you!

From $2,000 to $600 million — the Sweet Baby Ray's story

Dave Raymond was a pharmaceutical buyer for nursing homes when a salesman challenged him in 1982: "Who makes the best ribs?" Dave took up the challenge and called his brother Larry — a professional cook — to create a sauce. Four years of competition and recipe perfection later, their Sweet Baby Ray's took second place out of 700 competitors at the 1985 Mike Royko Rib-Off. In 2005, Ken's Foods bought the brand for $30 million — and by 2019, it was valued at $600 million. A pure American success story! In 2025, Food & Wine named Sweet Baby Ray's Original the best BBQ sauce on the market.

The 7 Sweet Baby Ray's sauces at MYAM

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue — the original since 1985! Sweet, lightly smoky, perfect balance of tomato, molasses and vinegar. Thick and generous, it clings to ribs, chicken wings and burgers like nothing else.

Sweet Baby Ray's Honey Barbecue — honey sweetness added! The original BBQ sauce with honey for more roundness and softness. The most popular version in the range.

Sweet Baby Ray's Honey Chipotle — honey meets chipotle! Honey sweetness + the smoke and heat of dried chipotle pepper = a complex, irresistible sauce. For bold flavour lovers.

Sweet Baby Ray's Hickory & Brown Sugar — hickory wood version! Intense smoke from hickory wood combined with caramelised brown sugar sweetness. The pit masters' sauce of Tennessee and Kentucky.

Sweet Baby Ray's Hawaiian Style — a trip to Hawaii! Tropical BBQ sauce with pineapple, ginger and umami notes. Perfect for American-style teriyaki chicken or Pacific-flavoured ribs.

Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet 'n Spicy — the sweet-spicy duo! Sweet first, then heat builds progressively. For those who love contrasts.

Sweet Baby Ray's Spicy Garlic Hot Sauce — the hot sauce of the range! Intense garlic, chilli and vinegar. More of a hot sauce than a traditional BBQ sauce. For wings, tacos or anything that deserves a kick!

Where to buy Sweet Baby Ray's in Europe?

Sweet Baby Ray's is impossible to find in European supermarkets. My American Market, your American grocery store online, imports it straight from the USA. Express delivery across Europe!

Into American sauces? Also check out Historic Lynchburg, A.1. and Ro*Tel in our shop!

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