Unleash Flavor: The Best Marinades & Grilling Sauces to Buy in the UK

Why marinades and grilling sauces transform your cooking

Ever wonder why a cheap cut of meat can taste restaurant-quality after a little love? Marinades and grilling sauces are the secret handshake between raw ingredients and bold flavour. They tenderize, infuse, and build complex layers of taste — from sweet smoke to tangy punch — turning a simple 1 pound chicken breast into a superstar at the grill. If you like big flavours with minimal fuss, the right bottle or set will change the way you cook forever.

Where to shop in the UK for marinades and grilling sauces

If you’re hunting for variety, value, or premium sets, the UK market has you covered. You can pick up everyday barbecue staples at big supermarkets, discover limited-edition collaborations at novelty retailers, or order artisanal sauces from specialty online shops. Below I’ll walk you through the best places to shop — from Menkind curated sets to Ocado’s gourmet range — so you know where to look depending on your taste and budget.

Menkind — gift-ready sets and branded collectors’ packs

Menkind is a great stop if you want novelty and carefully curated sauce collections. They often stock themed sets like a Guinness Gourmet Marinades Set of 3, a Jack Daniel's BBQ Sauce Duo Set, and fun bundles such as the Treat Factory Barbecue Bad Boys Sauce Selection of 4. These kits are ideal if you’re buying for someone who loves trying different profiles, or if you want a ready-made tasting session at home. Think of Menkind as the spot for sauces that double as conversation pieces.

Tesco — reliable supermarket range for everyday grilling

Tesco offers an extensive, wallet-friendly selection suited for weeknight barbecues and family meals. From budget jars to branded favourites, you’ll find classic tomato-based BBQ sauces, sticky Asian glazes, and herb-heavy marinades. Tesco often stocks larger bottles that keep your cost-per-serving low, which is handy when you’re prepping for a crowd. Look for multipacks or value sizes if you’re feeding a group — 1 gallon of marinade goes a long way at a summer party.

Sainsbury’s — accessible premium options and seasonal specials

Sainsbury’s is a solid middle ground between budget and gourmet. Their own-brand sauces consistently deliver, and seasonal lines — think smokey summer collections — appear when grilling season hits. If you’re experimenting with new flavour profiles, Sainsbury’s often stocks international-inspired marinades like teriyaki, Korean BBQ, and peri-peri which are great for shaking up the usual roast or grill routine.

Waitrose & Partners — premium and artisan sauces for serious cooks

If you’re after high-quality, small-batch sauces, Waitrose is where many serious home chefs shop. Expect artisan marinades made with premium spirits, speciality vinegars, and unique spices. Products here are often more refined in flavour and packaging, ideal if you want to impress guests or pair sauces with specific cuts — like a 2 pound ribeye or a 3 pound leg of lamb. Yes, premium costs more, but you’ll often use less because the flavour is more concentrated.

Asda & Morrisons — value without sacrificing variety

Both Asda and Morrisons provide broad ranges that mix low-cost basics with surprisingly decent branded options. If you’re planning a backyard barbecue and need to serve a dozen people without breaking the bank, these supermarkets are lifesavers. They regularly offer branded sachets and bottles in family sizes, and they sometimes feature limited-time collaborations with famous names in the BBQ world that are worth sampling.

Ocado & Amazon — specialist and hard-to-find sauces delivered

Want something rare or imported? Ocado and Amazon widen your choices dramatically. Ocado typically carries premium UK and European producers you might not find in supermarkets, while Amazon hosts everything from small artisan labels to global giants like Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauces. Delivery makes it easy to source a 12 ounce gourmet bottle or a 3-pack of international flavours without driving around town.

Lidl & Aldi — budget-friendly discoveries and seasonal gems

Don’t underestimate the weekly deals at Lidl and Aldi — they often stock surprisingly good sauces at a fraction of supermarket prices. These stores rotate unique finds and seasonal offerings, meaning you can sometimes snag a high-quality marinade or limited-run BBQ sauce that’s both cheap and delicious. If you like a bit of culinary treasure hunting, check the shelves or their online flyers each week.

Popular sauce styles and how to pick the right one

Choosing a sauce is like picking a playlist for a party — it sets the mood. Do you want sweet and sticky, spicy and sharp, or umami-rich and dark? Here’s a quick guide to common styles and what they pair with.

Classic BBQ — tomato-based, smoky, and sweet

Classic BBQ sauces are the crowd-pleasers: think thick, slightly sweet, with a smoky backbone. Perfect for ribs, pulled pork, and burgers, a cup of classic BBQ goes a long way when slathered over 2 to 3 pounds of slow-cooked meat. If you’re serving kids or guests who prefer milder flavours, this is a safe bet.

Hot & spicy — chili, cayenne, and jerk blends

Want to raise the temperature? Spicy sauces with chili, cayenne, or jerk spices add heat and complexity. They work brilliantly with chicken wings, skewers, and beef. Use sparingly if you’re unsure of your crowd’s tolerance — a tablespoon or two per pound of meat during the marinade phase is a good starting point.

Asian-style — soy, ginger, and sesame-driven glazes

Teriyaki, hoisin, and Korean BBQ sauces bring sticky, sweet, and umami-packed flavours. These are stellar with pork belly, salmon fillets, and chicken thighs. Because they often contain sugar, brush them on near the end of grilling at medium-high heat (around 375°F to 400°F) to avoid burning while building a glossy finish.

Citrus & herb — bright, fresh, and perfect for seafood

Citrus-based marinades with lemon, lime, or orange and fresh herbs make seafood and poultry sing. A light 30-minute to 2 hour marinade is usually enough for delicate 8 ounce fish fillets or 1 to 1.5 pound chicken parts. These profiles are excellent for summer cookouts when you want fresh, clean flavours that don’t overpower the main ingredient.

Dark & savory — beer, whiskey, and umami-rich blends

Marinades made with Guinness or whiskey (like Jack Daniel’s-infused sauces) add deep, savory notes and a touch of caramelized sweetness. These match especially well with beef and robust pork cuts. They’re often used in branded sets you might find at novelty retailers — great for tasting flight nights where each bottle tells a different story.

How to marinate: simple rules that make a difference

Marinating is an art with a few easy rules. First: time matters. For seafood, think 30 minutes to 2 hours; for chicken, 2 to 8 hours; for tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak, aim for 6 to 24 hours. Second: proportion. Use roughly 1/4 to 1/2 cup of marinade per pound of meat for most recipes. Third: safety. Always refrigerate while marinating and discard used marinade unless you boil it for at least 5 minutes before using it as a sauce.

How much marinade to use

As a rule of thumb, allow about 1/4 cup of marinade per 1 pound of meat for a light coating, and up to 1/2 cup per 1 pound for stronger infusion. For large roasts (3 to 5 pounds), you’ll want at least 1 to 2 cups total to ensure every surface gets flavoured. If you’re using a dry rub first, reduce the liquid slightly to prevent slipping off the meat while cooking.

Timing and fridge etiquette

Never leave meat marinating at room temperature. Keep it chilled in a non-metal container or a resealable bag. For poultry, aim for at least 2 hours, but no more than 24 hours in most acidic marinades; the acid can start breaking down the texture if left too long. For robust red meats, overnight (12 to 24 hours) often gives the best punch.

Quick DIY marinades if you don’t want to buy a bottle

Running low or want to experiment? A few pantry staples create fantastic marinades in minutes. Mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 clove crushed garlic for an instant glaze. Another easy mix: 1/4 cup citrus juice, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons chopped herbs for a bright, herby finish on fish.

Simple Asian-style marinade

Combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger. This is ideal for about 1 to 1.5 pounds of chicken or salmon and needs just 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse.

Basic BBQ mop for glazing

Make a quick mop by mixing 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then use in the last 10 minutes of grilling to build sticky layers without burning. If you like, stir in a tablespoon of a whiskey-infused sauce to deepen the flavour.

Pairing sauces with cuts and cooking methods

Match the sauce to the meat and cooking style. Thick, sugary sauces do wonders on ribs and pulled pork where slow heat caramelizes them. Light citrus-and-herb marinades belong on fish and chicken breasts where you don’t want to overpower delicate textures. For steak and beef brisket, reach for darker, umami-rich blends or whiskey-and-beer reductions.

Grilling temperatures and technique

Use medium-high heat, roughly 375°F to 450°F, for most grilling — that’s great for burgers, sausages, and chicken. Lower and slower (about 225°F to 300°F) is best for larger cuts like a 5 pound brisket or big pork shoulder, especially if you plan to use a mop or baste occasionally. Remember: apply sugary sauces near the end to avoid flare-ups and burnt sugars.

Buying advice: what to look for on the label

When you’re comparing bottles on the shelf, check the ingredient list for real, recognizable ingredients: garlic, onion, tomato, real vinegar, or named spirits (like Jack Daniel’s or Guinness) over vague “natural flavourings.” Pay attention to sugar content if you’re watching your intake; some sauces are candy-sweet. Also, consider sodium levels if you’re seasoning heavily elsewhere. Finally, check the bottle size — a 10 to 14 ounce bottle is standard, but value packs and multipacks can drop the cost per serving.

Special features worth paying for

Look for labels that highlight small-batch production, smoked ingredients, or aged spirits — these often pack more nuanced aromas and can be worth the premium for special meals. If you like variety, sampler packs (like those offered in curated sets) let you taste multiple profiles without committing to a large bottle.

A final tip: experiment and build your pantry

The most enjoyable part of grilling is experimenting. Keep a shelf of go-to bottles — a classic BBQ, a spicy jerk, a soy-based glaze, and a citrus-herb mix — and you’ll be surprised how quickly you develop signature meals. Try branded sets from retailers like Menkind when you want to explore new blends, and grab supermarket staples for everyday cooking. With a few bottles and a little curiosity, your backyard meals will consistently taste better.

Conclusion: Whether you’re a weekend griller or a weekday meal planner, marinades and grilling sauces are powerful tools that boost flavour, tenderize meat, and make cooking more creative. Shop smart — Menkind for curated sets, supermarkets for staples, and online stores for rare finds — and use the tips above to choose the right sauce for the job. Your grill (and your guests) will thank you.