Pantry Staples

The Best Sauces, Gravies & Marinades

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Elevating a dish from ordinary to extraordinary often comes down to the sauces, gravies, and marinades used. These pantry staples are flavor powerhouses, capable of transforming simple ingredients into memorable meals. Choosing the right ones can make all the difference in your culinary creations.

No. 1
Lawry's Teriyaki With Pineapple Juice Marinade, 12 fl oz
  • Tenderness you can taste. An exotic fusion of pineapple juice, soy sauce and traditional Asian-inspired seasonings
  • No high fructose corn syrup, made with natural flavors
  • No MSG*
  • Liven up chicken, beef and fish in just 30 minutes. Mix marinade into ground beef for a teriyaki burger or try on grilled veggies or pineapple for a sweet side dish
  • FUN FACT: Your flavor sidekick for go-to-seasoning blends and marinades, Lawry’s has been making perfectly blended flavors for over 75 years
  • Natural flavors
  • Excellent on chicken, beef, fish, vegetables and grilled pineapple
SaleNo. 2
Lawry's Herb & Garlic with Lemon Juice Marinade, 12 fl oz
  • Made with lemon juice, red bell peppers and herbs like basil & thyme
  • Adds robust Italian flavor to chicken, pork, vegetables and shrimp
  • Great as a chicken marinade for grilled or sheet pan chicken recipes
  • 15-minute wet marinade for tasty meals in a flash – just pour, marinate & cook
  • Works great no matter how you use it – grill, bake or saute
  • With natural flavors, no high fructose corn syrup and no added MSG
No. 3
Stubb's Citrus & Onion Chicken Marinade, 12 oz
  • Marinade for chicken and other meats
  • Delicious blend of citrus, onion and garlic
  • Non-GMO Project Verified
  • Marinate chicken for 1-hour, or longer before putting on the BBQ grill for extra flavor
  • USAGE TIP: You can also use this marinade to baste on the barbecue grill
No. 4
Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce, 10 oz
  • Teriyaki marinade and sauce is great for adding to veggies, meat or chicken
  • Makes prepping your favorite Asian food a breeze
  • 47% less sodium than Kikkoman's regular teriyaki sauce
No. 5
Arby’s Original Sauce, 12 fl. oz., All Purpose Sauce for Sandwich Spreads, Chicken Wings, Burgers...
  • BRING HOME OUR FAMOUS FLAVOR: Enjoy classic Arby's flavor at your own dinner table with Arby's Original Sauce; Pair with pork, chicken wings, steak or any meal for elevated seasoning and taste.
  • SWEET AND TANGY: Made with vinegar, garlic and onion, our Original Sauce adds the sweet tanginess you crave; Recreate Arby's signature sandwiches at home and take lunch to the next level.
  • NO MORE HOARDING SAUCE PACKETS: With your own 12 oz. bottle, there's no need to ask for extra sauce packets the next time you visit Arby's; Refresh your condiment collection with Arby's Original Sauce.
  • THE TANG YOU LOVE: Popular for its tangy, slightly sweet flavor, Arby's Original Sauce can elevate home-cooked meals, adding a satisfying flavor with minimal effort.
  • DUNK AND DIP AT HOME: Our sauce goes beyond roast beef sandwiches; Upgrade your dipping sauce, chicken marinade, burger seasoning and more with our delicious condiment.
No. 6
Gravy Master: Grilling, Seasoning and Browning Sauce - Ready to Use - 1 Bottle (5 fl oz) - Vegetarian, No...
  • Bring the Restaurant Experience Home to Help You Cook Like a Pro: Create restaurant-worthy flavors and meal displays for delicious chef-quality, home-cooked dinners
  • Convenient, Quick, and Reliable Way to Enhance Flavor and Color: Gravy Master’s unique formula is a proprietary blend of savory flavors to enhance your cooking & grilling umami profile. Just pour it on and turn up the flavor of any protein and...
  • Perfect Dish, Everytime: It is one of the only flavor-enhancing sauces on the market that can caramelize along with your sauces. Save valuable time in your kitchen so you can savor each moment
  • Don’t Let the Name Fool You: Use it for meat, vegetables, soups, stews and chili, gravy, sauces, and marinades. It is also perfect for BBQ, grilling, smoking, roasting, glazing, braising, dish finishing, and à la minute cooking and caramelizing
  • Made in the USA, No Preservatives, and with High-Quality Ingredients: Our recipe has absolutely no gluten and is natural, vegetarian, Kosher, and Pareve. Gravy Master is uniquely formulated with a concentrated blend of flavors to enhance the savory...
No. 7
Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce (9 oz - 1 Pack) Rich, Umami & Savory, All-Purpose Seasoning, Perfect for...
  • Rich Umami Flavor – Crafted with the finest oyster extract, this sauce delivers a robust and balanced umami flavor, that is both savory and sweet, enhancing the natural flavors of meats, vegetables, and other ingredients. Its rich, savory taste adds...
  • Versatile Culinary Essential – Beyond traditional Chinese dishes, this oyster sauce excels in a variety of Asian cuisines. It’s perfect for stir-fries, seasoning dim sum, or as a key ingredient in fusion recipes. It works beautifully in Western dishes...
  • Perfect for Marinating – The sauce’s rich, savory profile deeply seeps into proteins, enhancing their taste and tenderness. Whether you’re marinating pork, chicken, or beef, the results are consistently delicious, with an added layer of savory...
  • Great for Fusion Cooking – Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce bridges the gap between traditional Chinese recipes and creative modern dishes. Its adaptability makes it an all-purpose seasoning, ensuring authentic and flavorful results in any meal you...
  • Smooth, Silky & Thick Texture – With a thick and glossy consistency, this oyster sauce clings effortlessly to vegetables, meats, and noodles, ensuring even flavor distribution and an attractive presentation. It’s perfect for achieving that signature...
No. 8
Mr. Yoshida's Original Japanese Barbecue Gourmet Marinade & Cooking Sauce, 2-48 oz Bottles (48 Fl Oz (Pack of...
  • Two 48 oz bottles of Mr. Yoshida's Sweet Teriyaki Marinade & Japanese Barbecue Cooking Sauce
  • Mr. Yoshida's Marinade & Japanese Barbecue Cooking Sauce is a versatile ready to use sauce
  • Contains a unique blend of flavors for a classic teriyaki taste
  • Use as a marinade or cooking sauce for chicken, beef, vegetables, noodles, and fish
  • Packaged in a resealable and easy to pour bottle
  • Refrigerate after opening
  • Great for those keeping Kosher
SaleNo. 9
G Hughes Sugar Free, Assorted Marinades - Gluten Free, Sugar Free Sauces and Marinades Gift Sets, Marinades...
  • ALWAYS SUGAR FREE - Yeah, you read that right! You can always expect a savory experience in our sugar free marinades. It's a great fit for anyone wanting a healthier way of life
  • GLUTEN FREE - Don't worry our marinades are gluten free. You deserve to experience this beautifully-crafted flavor without having to worry about fatigue or stomach pains
  • 3 AMAZING FLAVORS - We put together our best marinades into this delicious marinade gift set perfect for any aspiring grill master. Slather these on to help tenderize and add flavor to your next meal
  • DIET-FRIENDLY - Our low-calorie meat marinades work for your healthy diet. You're welcome. Pair with our sugar free sauces to really amplify the taste. Give your taste buds what they deserve
  • EPIC SAUCES FROM THE PIT MASTER - G Hughes created a line of sugar free, gluten free perfection with all of the taste and none of the guilt. Try slathering our finger-licking sauces on your next meal
No. 10
Lawry's Hawaiian with Tropical Fruit Juices Marinade, 12 fl oz
  • Made with honey, soy sauce, ginger, pineapple & papaya juices, and mango
  • Adds the flavor of the Hawaiian Islands to chicken, pork, salmon & shrimp
  • Great as a chicken marinade for grilled or sheet pan chicken recipes
  • 15-minute wet marinade for tasty meals in a flash – just pour, marinate & cook
  • Works great no matter how you use it – grill, bake, stir-fry or slow cook
  • With natural flavors, no high fructose corn syrup and no added MSG*

Last update on 2026-07-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Sauces, Gravies & Marinades

Versatility and Application

Don't limit yourself to just one use. Many marinades can double as dipping sauces or basting liquids. Sauces can be stirred into pasta, rice, or vegetable dishes. Gravies are not just for meat; they can add richness to mashed potatoes or even casseroles. Consider products that offer versatility, allowing you to experiment with different applications and maximize their value in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a sauce and a gravy?
Gravy is typically a sauce made from the juices of meats that are cooked, often thickened with flour or cornstarch. Sauces are a broader category and can be made from a wide variety of ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, dairy, or even nuts, and are not necessarily meat-based.
How long do opened sauces, gravies, and marinades last?
This varies significantly by product. Generally, once opened, most items should be refrigerated and used within a few weeks to a couple of months. Always check the product label for specific guidance as ingredients like dairy or fresh herbs can shorten shelf life.
Can marinades be used as sauces?
Yes, in many cases. Marinades often have robust flavors that can work well as a finishing sauce or dipping sauce after they have been properly cooked. Ensure the marinade has been heated to a safe temperature if it contained raw meat juices.
Are there gluten-free options available?
Absolutely. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of popular sauces, gravies, and marinades. Look for labels that explicitly state 'gluten-free' or check the ingredient list for gluten-containing items like wheat or soy sauce made with wheat.
How can I make my own sauces or marinades?
Making your own allows for complete control over ingredients and flavor. Basic marinades often involve an acid (like vinegar or citrus), oil, and seasonings. Sauces and gravies can be built from scratch using stocks, aromatics, thickeners, and spices tailored to your preference.