Just in time for summer grilling, Living Essentials LLC, Farmington Hills, Mich., expanded its 5-Hour Energy brand with 5-hour ENERGY Inspired Energizing BBQ Sauce, a “sauce that delivers a caffeinated kick.” It debuted in a Peach Mango flavor.

“Created with our partners at The National Food Lab, energy has never tasted so good,” said Living Essentials. “And with 60 milligrams of caffeine per serving, the sauce packs an energizing punch that goes beyond its bold flavor.”

Nestlé USA, Solon, Ohio, introduced a limited-edition, “pocket-sized” barbeque sauce to mark the return of its Hot Pockets BBQ Recipe Beef sandwich. Available only as an exclusive online giveaway, BBQ fans were invited to visit hotpockets.com/bbqsauce on August 14 and August 21, for the opportunity to get a complimentary jar.

"We've loved seeing the support of Hot Pockets BBQ Recipe Beef over the past few years and are thrilled to be able to bring this iconic sandwich back to our fans," said Bryan Waddell, Hot Pockets brand marketing manager. "And because we know BBQ is a fan-favorite flavor choice, we wanted to take things to the next level with the introduction of our Hot Pockets BBQ Sauce."

The National Honey Board, Erie, Colo., announced its “Queen’s Choice Award” winners, the best new “made-with-honey” foods and beverages considering flavor, packaging and market position. Included among 2024 honorees were a Japanese Barbecue Sauce Sweet Honey (Bachan’s, Inc.), Hidden Valley Ranch Hot Honey Ranch (The Clorox Company) and a Habanero Honey Mustard Pepper Sauce & Condiment (Melinda’s Foods).

"These awards highlight the dedication of product developers and manufacturers to producing high-quality products with honey that delight consumers,” noted Catherine Barry, the National Honey Board’s vice president of marketing.

This August saw Japanese barbecue sauce brand, Bachan’s Inc., Sebastopol, Calif., expand into dipping sauces in two flavors: Original and Sweet & Spicy. They debuted exclusively at Whole Foods Market. Officials say Bachan’s Japanese Dipping Sauces feature traditional Japanese Neri Goma (stone-ground sesame paste), Suri Goma (crushed sesame seeds), white miso, and real ginger.

“Our loyal fans gave us inspiration,” says Justin Gill, Bachan’s founder and CEO. “Fans have always loved to marinate, barbecue, and stir-fry with Bachan’s sauces, but have always asked us for a thicker sauce for dipping. Our new Dipping Sauces are unlike any other dipping sauce in the market. They’re thick, sweet and savory and are designed to be scooped, dunked, and dipped for a bite of big, bold Bachan’s flavor.”