14 best liquid smokes

Liquid smoke is a food product that imparts a smoky flavor to various dishes, typically without the need for traditional smoking methods. It is commonly used as a seasoning or marinade and can be found in the pantry staples section of grocery stores. Here's what you should know about liquid smoke:

  1. Production: Liquid smoke is made through a process called "smoke condensation." It involves burning wood, such as hickory, mesquite, or applewood, in a controlled environment. The smoke generated is then condensed into a liquid form.

  2. Flavor Profile: Liquid smoke captures the essence of smokiness from the wood it's derived from. Different types of wood impart distinct flavors to the liquid smoke, allowing for a variety of smoky profiles.For example, hickory liquid smoke has a strong, robust smokiness, while mesquite imparts a more intense, earthy flavor.

  3. Uses: Liquid smoke is a versatile ingredient used to enhance the flavor of foods. It can be added to marinades, sauces, gravies, and various dishes to infuse a smoky taste. It is commonly used in barbecue sauces, chili, soups, and even vegetarian dishes to mimic the flavors of traditional smoking.

  4. Concentration: Liquid smoke comes in varying concentrations, so you can adjust the amount you use based on your desired level of smokiness. It's important to use it sparingly, as it can be quite potent.

  5. Storage: Liquid smoke should be stored in a cool, dark place and kept tightly sealed to prevent evaporation and maintain its flavor.

  6. Vegetarian and Vegan Use: Liquid smoke is a popular ingredient for adding a smoky flavor to vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as tofu, tempeh, and vegetable-based "meats."

  7. Preservative-Free: Liquid smoke is often free from artificial preservatives, making it a natural choice for those who prefer clean-label ingredients.

  8. Gluten-Free and Allergen-Friendly: Liquid smoke is typically gluten-free and does not contain common allergens like nuts or dairy, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

  9. Safety: Liquid smoke is generally safe to consume when used as directed. However, as with any seasoning or condiment, it's best to follow recommended usage guidelines to avoid overpowering dishes with smokiness.

Liquid smoke is a convenient way to add a smoky flavor to your cooking, especially when grilling or smoking outdoors is not an option. It has become a staple in many kitchens, allowing home cooks to create dishes with the distinctive taste of smoked foods without the need for specialized equipment or extensive preparation.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best liquid smokes on the market
  

Lazy Kettle Brand All Natural Liquid Smoke | Perfect for Flavoring Meat | Hickory | Used to Flavor Beef Jerky, Steak, Fish, Cheese, Sauces and More | 5 Oz Each

Lazy Kettle

Based on 967 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The finest natural liquid smoke made, Lazy Kettle Liquid Smoke is sure to please. Great for use on meat, vegetables, crock-pot cooking, sauces, marinades, smoking salt, salmon, and trout, smoking popcorn, or just pop a drop before cooking a steak or sauteeing some veggies for that wonderful 'outdoor grill' flavor. Try Lazy Kettle Liquid Smoke today!

  • LAZY KETTLE LIQUID SMOKE: Pure smoke in a liquid form. Highly concentrated and made by burning wood!
  • THIS IS ACTUAL SMOKE: Not a mixture of ingredients, this is 100% pure smoke in an aqueous base.
  • PERFECT IN THE KITCHEN: Want a "cooked in the outdoors" flavor? A drop of Lazy Kettle Smoke will do it!
  • VEGAN COOKING: Liven up vegetarian meals. So many applications. Smoke fish or cheese. Use it to make beef jerky. Gluten Free!
  • NATURAL SMOKE: Made by burning wood, and capturing the smoke. Hickory wood is used. A natural smoke flavor!

User questions & answers

Question: does this have any sugar
Answer: No, it doesn't. I use it for making sugar-free barbecue sauce.
Question: Can someone give me a list of the ingredients, and the sodium amount per serving? Thanks
Answer: According to the back of the bottle. Zero on everything.Serving size: 1 teaspoon (that varies depending on taste)For Calories, Fat, Sodium, Carbs and Protein the numbers are all zero."Hickory and a little mesquite are burned at a low temperature, then the smoke is captured and diverted into a tunnel, says Lawrence Ames, president of Honest Foods. In the tunnel, a constant stream of distilled water is channeled through the smoke to pick up the flavor. The liquid is then filtered to remove any sediment or oil before bottling. There are no additional ingredients."
Question: is this vegetarian
Answer: Yes. The wood used to make this fantastic All Natural Liquid Smoke is non-animal. By that, we mean to say that no animals were used in the making of this smoke, except perhaps for the unfortunate bark beetle larva that may have been in the wood at the time of its immolation. Removal of every insect from the Hickory used to make this flavorful and delicious Liquid Smoke proved too costly. But the intent is 100% Vegan. So, yes, Lazy Kettle All Natural Liquid Smoke is vegetarian.
Question: You need to post the ingredient list so that people can easily see if it would work for them. Is the sugar of any form in this
Answer: Ok. Here are the ingredients: Ready? All natural liquid smoke. That's it. No sugar. No soy sauce. No caramel color. Simple, right? That's why it is so wonderful!

Stubb's Hickory Liquid Smoke, 5 oz (Pack of 6)

Stubb's Legendary Bar-B-Q

Based on 310 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Looking for some smokey flavor? Without actually firing up the smoker? You’ve come to the right bottle. Stubb’s Hickory Liquid Smoke is great for marinades, sauces or basting any kind of meat. It also adds a delicious, earthy flavor to fish, shrimp and vegetables without a smoker or barbecue grill. Liquid smoke can also get that legendary Stubb’s flavor in your baked beans for a classic barbecue taste. It can even add a rich character to cocktails. And for just that right finishing touch, add liquid smoke to cooked meat - but you be careful, just a few drops is plenty.

  • Adds fragrant natural-smoked flavor to meat on the BBQ grill, no smoker needed
  • USAGE TIP: This liquid smoke is strong stuff, it only takes a tiny bit
  • Kicks up sauces and dips with a smokey taste
  • Gluten Free
  • Perfect for baked beans

User questions & answers

Question: Is it vegan
Answer: Stubb's Hickory Liquid Smoke is suitable for a vegan diet. ~ Erica
Question: Is there Carbohydrates In this
Answer: Below is the nutritional information for Stubb's Hickory Liquid Smoke. ~ Erica Serving Size 1 tsp (5ml) Servings per Container about 30 Amount per serving %Daily Value* Calories 0 Calories from Fat 0 Total Fat 0g 0% Saturated Fat 0g 0% Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg 0% Sodium 40mg 2% Total Carbohydrates 0g 0% Dietary Fiber 0g 0% Sugars 0g Protein 0g Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 0%
Question: Why does it say 1 to 2 month shipping when it's prime for 2 days
Answer: I have always received mine in two days.
Question: What are the ingredients
Answer: The ingredients of Stubb's Liquid Hickory Smoke are as follows. ~ Erica Water, Natural Hickory Smoke, Organic Tamari Sauce (Water, Organic Soybeans, Salt), Cane Sugar, Organic Distilled Vinegar, Caramel Color, Salt, Contains Less than 0.5% of: Garlic, Onion.

Product features

Humble Beginnings

Every bottle of Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Sauce is crafted as a tribute to our namesake, C.B. Stubblefield. His belief in legendary ingredients, hard work and careful craftsmanship remains the backbone of the company. And with every bottle of his sauce, that legend continues.

More Than Sauce

Making quality bar-b-q is all about love and happiness. It also helps if you truly enjoy every minute of the process. You’re definitely going to need some sauce, but if you want it done right, you might need some rubs and marinades too.

Real Ingredients

Stubb’s dedication to his craft was what truly set him apart. And his Bar-B-Q sauce is just the same. He always used real ingredients. And that’s the authentic flavor that continues to be loved by so many.

Made with Music

When the best bar-b-q cook in town is also a fan of live music, you’ve got yourself a pretty good time on your hands. Everyone knows that when you have good tunes and good bar-b-q, you can expect a good time with friends and family.

Colgin Liq Smoke Hckry 16 Oz, (Pack of 2)

Colgin

Based on 368 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Natural Hickory Flavor.

  • Country of origin is United States
  • The package dimension of the product is 7.4"L x 5"W x 2.7"H
  • The package weight of the product is 2.3 Pound

User questions & answers

Question: Is the 16 ounce bottle plastic or glass
Answer: They were plastic bottles on my last order.
Question: Is this product vegan
Answer: Should be; no animal products used to make smoke flavoring, just a fire and a means for collection. Read the bottle. Cannot verify otherwise.
Question: Is it gluten free
Answer: Colgin says yes, it is gluten free.
Question: How long can you save it once opened
Answer: I leave it on the counter after opening, I always run out after a month or so. Last a long time.

Stubbs Hickory Liquid Smoke 5 Fl OZ (148ML)

Stubb's

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A delicious Mesquite Hickory BBQ taste to your favourite meats, veggies or dips. Truly delicious and a little goes a long way.

  • Free Of Fillers and Chemicals
  • All natural, gluten free, no trans fats
  • Made in United States
  • A pack of 5-Ounce
  • Perfect addition to any sauce
  • Strong in taste

User questions & answers

Question: is this sweet like BBQ sauce
Answer: Stubbs Mesquite Liquid Smoke brings big West Texas flavor to meats, sauces and more. For marinades or basting, you can enjoy the tasty flavor of smoked meats in briskets, chicken, pork and more. This Liquid Smoke is the perfect way to recreate authentic mesquite-smoked taste. ~ Erica
Question: Could you please provide a list of ingredients
Answer: On the amazon site, it lists the ingredients as Water, Soy Sauce (Water, Salt, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Corn Syrup, Caramel Coloring), Hickory Smoke Flavor, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Vinegar, Caramel Coloring, Garlic & Onion Powder and Spices. Which one is right? I don’t purchase items made with corn syrup.
Question: Does this come in a glass or plastic bottle
Answer: Glass bottle
Question: Why does the label on the bottle say hickory smoke but all the info coming from amazon says mesquite? i sure hope it is actually hickory
Answer: Hi there, I can suggest contacting the seller. We offer both a Mesquite and a Hickory Liquid Smoke. The seller has Mesquite in the title but has a bottle of Hickory pictured. ~ Erica

Product features

Humble Beginnings

Every bottle of Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Sauce is crafted as a tribute to our namesake, C.B. Stubblefield. His belief in legendary ingredients, hard work and careful craftsmanship remains the backbone of the company. And with every bottle of his sauce, that legend continues.

More Than Sauce

Making quality bar-b-q is all about love and happiness. It also helps if you truly enjoy every minute of the process. You’re definitely going to need some sauce, but if you want it done right, you might need some rubs and marinades too.

Real Ingredients

Stubb’s dedication to his craft was what truly set him apart. And his Bar-B-Q sauce is just the same. He always used real ingredients. And that’s the authentic flavor that continues to be loved by so many.

Made with Music

When the best bar-b-q cook in town is also a fan of live music, you’ve got yourself a pretty good time on your hands. Everyone knows that when you have good tunes and good bar-b-q, you can expect a good time with friends and family.

Wright's All Natural Hickory Seasoning, Liquid Smoke - 1 Quart

Wright's

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This seasoning is produced by burning fresh cut hickory chips, then condensing the smoke into a liquid form. The liquid smoke is then scrubbed and filtered to remove all impurities. Modern ovens and condensers are used to ensure consistent quality

  • 1 quart
  • Great flavor enhancer
  • No preservatives, no fat, no cholesterol
  • Use in basting, microwaving, sauce and more

User questions & answers

Question: Can I mix this into ground beef to cook indoors on a griddle? How much per lb of meat
Answer: I have used Wright's mainly on baked beans. My response is usually I do more than less. I would think two-four tablespoons per lb, depending on taste.
Question: This product is labeled as all natural hickory seasoning. is this different from wright's "liquid smoke" product
Answer: The full label description is as follows: Wright's All Natural Hickory Seasoning, Concentrated Liquid Smoke. It is the same Wright's Liquid Smoke that has been on the market for many years.
Question: Can you rub it on meat before cooking
Answer: Yes you can rub it on meat before cooking. It is a liquid smoke, no salt or artificial flavors. It is good on meats, seafood, or poultry and in dishes like jambalaya, dirty rice, anywhere you would like a smoky flavor. Don't use too much or it smells like dirty socks though. Use sparingly as a little goes a long way
Question: Why is the price so high, I can buy a gallon for the price of your quart bottle in Portland,Or
Answer: It is your right to choose to buy the gallon. That is one of the reasons America is so great!

Stubb's Mesquite Liquid Smoke, 5 oz

Stubb's

Based on 737 reviews Check latest price

Product description

For that unique flavor of mesquite wood, Stubbs Mesquite Liquid Smoke brings big West Texas flavor to meats, sauces and more. For marinades or basting, you can enjoy the tasty, earthy flavor of smoked meats in briskets, chicken, pork and more. This Liquid Smoke is the perfect way to recreate authentic mesquite-smoked taste without a smoker or barbecue grill. You can also stir legendary Stubb’s flavor into baked beans for classic BBQ taste. It can even add a bit of character to your cocktails. And for a nice little finishing touch, add 1 or 2 drops directly onto meat for a quick splash of big flavor.

  • Enjoy the flavor of mesquite-smoked meats, no smoker needed
  • Liquid Smoke pairs nicely with all your favorite seasonings and rubs
  • Gluten Free
  • Infuse burgers with slow-cooked smoky flavor on the BBQ grill
  • USAGE TIP: This liquid smoke flavor is pretty potent, so a little goes a long way

User questions & answers

Question: Could this be added to, say a bean soup or pea soup for a smoked ham flavor or would it be more like a barbecue taste that wouldn't work well in asoup
Answer: Good question. I have been using Stubbs for YEARS on my famous baked bean dish I think Stubbs would work wonderfully in a soup. Thank you for the suggestion!! I love Stubbs
Question: Is this better than the colgin brand
Answer: I have no basis for comparison. While this product is certainly good, and does deserve your attention, I have never tried the colgin brand. MT C
Question: How many bottles is in one order
Answer: Hi there, This ad is for one bottle of Stubb's Mesquite Liquid Smoke. ~ Erica
Question: Is this product vegan
Answer: Yes, Stubb's Mesquite Liquid Smoke is suitable for a vegan diet. ~ Erica

Product features

Humble Beginnings

Every bottle of Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Sauce is crafted as a tribute to our namesake, C.B. Stubblefield. His belief in legendary ingredients, hard work and careful craftsmanship remains the backbone of the company. And with every bottle of his sauce, that legend continues.

More Than Sauce

Making quality bar-b-q is all about love and happiness. It also helps if you truly enjoy every minute of the process. You’re definitely going to need some sauce, but if you want it done right, you might need some rubs and marinades too.

Real Ingredients

Stubb’s dedication to his craft was what truly set him apart. And his Bar-B-Q sauce is just the same. He always used real ingredients. And that’s the authentic flavor that continues to be loved by so many.

Made with Music

When the best bar-b-q cook in town is also a fan of live music, you’ve got yourself a pretty good time on your hands. Everyone knows that when you have good tunes and good bar-b-q, you can expect a good time with friends and family.

Colgin Gourmet Liquid Smoke - Natural Mesquite (2 Pack), Natural Hickory (2 Pack) 4 oz

Colgin

Based on 52 reviews Check latest price

Product description

NATURAL HICKORY: This is the original recipe by Colgin, Natural Hickory. In 1869 the first smokehouse was built in Mexia, Texas. Colgin is the all-natural liquid smoke with no additives or preservatives. Colgin is Vegan, contains no animal byproducts and is gluten free. Colgin is the instant answer for adding smoke flavor to almost any food that would benefit from real smoke flavor and aroma. Create a gourmet flavored dish with just a few shakes! Perfect cooking sauce for easy oven, charcoal or gas grill cooking. Dash or brush it on steaks,chicken,hamburgers, or hot dogs for a tangy outdoor smoke flavor. Excellent for seasoning soups, gravies, sauces, baked beans, salads, dips, seafood, eggs, or poultry or wherever smoke flavor is desired! NATURAL MESQUITE: Colgin's Natural Mesquite Liquid Smoke is the all-natural liquid smoke with no additives or preservatives. Instantly add smoke flavor to almost any food that would benefit from real smoke flavor and aroma. Dash or brush on any meat, poultry, or vegetable. Excellent for seasoning soups, gravies, sauces, baked beans, salads, dips, eggs, fish, poultry or wherever smoke flavor is desired. In 1869 the first smokehouse was built in Mexia, Texas. Colgin is the all-natural liquid smoke with no additives or preservatives. Colgin is Vegan, contains no animal byproducts and is gluten free. Colgin is the instant answer for adding smoke flavor to almost any food that would benefit from real smoke flavor and aroma. Create a gourmet flavored dish with just a few shakes! Perfect cooking sauce for easy oven, charcoal or gas grill cooking.

  • Colgin Liquid Smoke Variety Bundle, 4 fl oz (Pack of 4) includes 2-Bottle Natural Mesquite + 2-Bottle Natural Hickory

User questions & answers

Question: Title is confusing. is it 2 of the 4 packs for a total of 8 bottles? i looked for clarification, but couldn't find it. title says 2 pk, des says 4 pk
Answer: I got 4 bottles total. It's a great product. Don't hesitate.
Question: Are there carcinogens in liquid smoke as in charcoal smoke
Answer: I sure hope not because I bought the liquid smoke to use instead of grilling over charcoal. I add this liquid in with some water under my grilling pan in my toaster oven. Not quite the same as grilling outside with charcoal. However the meat does taste good.
Question: Are there carcinogens in liquid smoke as in charcoal smoke
Answer: No and if you have msg and gluten allergies you can use this in your sauces and not get sick.
Question: So is liquid smoke the only ingredient? Thanks
Answer: Not sure. But, it's the best I have ever used.

WRIGHT'S Hickory Liquid Smoke - 3.5 Oz

Wright's

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Wright's Liquid Smoke will add real hickory flavor to your beef, pork, poultry and fish! Just baste it on or mix it into your favorite sauce to add an authentic BBQ taste to your meals. This product is all natural and can also be used in marinades, sauces, soups and stews.

  • 3.5 oz Bottle
  • Adds real hickory flavor!

User questions & answers

Question: Why isn't sodium lasted as an ingredient
Answer: Food and Drug Administration does not require flavorings to list ingredients that are not added to the formulation. This is a cold flavoring that is made via passing water through the respective burned/charred wood charcoal types.
Question: What meats is this good with
Answer: I use it, along with some teriyaki sauce as a 24-hr marinade on meat to be dehydrated into jerky.
Question: What is the list of ingredients
Answer: From the bottle, "Ingredients: water, hickory smoke concentrate".
Question: Is this vegan
Answer: Yes. It's distilled wood smoke and water.

Colgin Gourmet Bundle - 2 Items: Natural Mesquite and Natural Hickory Flavors (4 Oz Each)

Colgin Gourmet

Stubb's Liquid Smoke 5oz Variety Pack, Mesquite & Hickory, Gluten Free, Pack of 2

Stubb's

Based on 253 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: How do I contact the seller for a refund
Answer: Information about contacting the seller directly is in the below link. ~ Erica https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=537800
Question: What are the contents? Specifically, does it contain vinegar or acetic acid
Answer: Yes, both contain distilled vinegar. ~ Erica Stubb's Liquid Smoke Hickory ingredients are as follows: Water, Natural Hickory Smoke, Organic Tamari Sauce (Water, Organic Soybeans, Salt), Cane Sugar, Organic Distilled Vinegar, Caramel Color, Salt, Contains less than 0.5% of: Garlic, Onion. Contains: Soy Stubb's Liquid Smoke Mesquite ingredients are as follows: Water, Natural Mesquite Smoke, Organic Tamari Sauce (Water, Organic Soybeans, Salt), Invert Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Caramel Color, Salt, Contains less than 0.5% of: Garlic, Onion. Contains: Soy
Question: is this vegan
Answer: Yes, it is. It was in one of my vegan cookbooks so I decided to try. It is pretty good. I prefer the Hickory over the Mesquite though.

Wrights Liquid Smoke - 3.5 Oz (Pack of 2)

Wright's

Based on 593 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Wright's All Natural Hickory Liquid Smoke in a 3.5 Oz bottle.

  • Enjoy real smoked flavor in minutes
  • Hard to find. Delicious on eggs.

User questions & answers

Question: the shelf life is how long
Answer: I keep mine in the fridge. I have had it quite a long time. Maybe a year and I use it in recipes. Never had a problem with it. I have used this brand for years because it is just liquid smoke. No additives.
Question: How much salt
Answer: It's very low in salt and is by far the best liquid smoke I have found and I have tried several.
Question: What is the sodium amount in the product
Answer: 0 mg and it's the best liquid smoke I've found and I've tried several.
Question: have any and all carcinogens been removed from this
Answer: Everything is a carcinogen. Life is a carcinogen.

Wright's Natural Hickory Seasoning Liquid Smoke, 128 Ounce

Wright's

Based on 620 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This seasoning is produced by burning fresh cut hickory chips, then condensing the smoke into a liquid form. The liquid smoke is then scrubbed and filtered to remove all impurities. Modern ovens and condensers are used to ensure consistent quality. This product is used in many top rate restaurants and dinners across the US.

  • 1.) gallon plastic bottle

User questions & answers

Question: is there a smaller size
Answer: This product also comes in a quart size in which My Brands sells.
Question: What are the measurements of the galon? The description only provides height, I need the diameter of the base of this container
Answer: Without an actual measuring tape, I would say 6-7 inches
Question: Can I mix this with spice to create smoked spice, or will it get moldy
Answer: It's liquid, but never tried mixing it and letting it sit. The liquid itself does not get moldy but no idea if spices mixed in would or not.
Question: Wants to open does it need to be refrigerated
Answer: There is an expiration date stamped on the bottle, yet there is nothing on the label stating that the product requires refrigeration once it is opened. I have stored my Wrights in my pantry for 2 years with no problems. The only thing I noticed when I got to the bottom was some small black sediment pieces (looked like it anyway). It never tasted rancid and seemed to keep fine unrefrigerated. However, now that I have a refrigerator out in my garage, I am planning to keep my new bottle in there. I figure it can't hurt.

Colgin Liquid Smoke, 16 Fl Oz (Pack of 6)

Colgin

Based on 85 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is the original recipe by Colgin, natural hickory. In 1869 the first smokehouse was built in mexia, texas. Colgin is the all-natural liquid smoke with no additives or preservatives. Colgin is vegan, contains no animal byproducts and is gluten free. Colgin is the instant answer for adding smoke flavor to almost any food that would benefit from real smoke flavor and aroma. Create a gourmet flavored dish with just a few shakes. Perfect cooking sauce for easy oven, charcoal or gas grill cooking. Dash or brush it on steaks, chicken, hamburgers, or hot dogs for a tangy outdoor smoke flavor. Excellent for seasoning soups, gravies, sauces, baked beans, salads, dips, seafood, eggs, or poultry or wherever smoke flavor is desired.

  • Large size

User questions & answers

Question: is this a glass or plastic bottle
Answer: It is a glass bottle.

Colgin Liquid Smoke, Natural Hickory, 4 Ounce (Pack of 3)

Colgin

Based on 71 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is the original recipe by Colgin, Natural Hickory. In 1869 the first smokehouse was built in Mexia, Texas. Colgin is the all-natural liquid smoke with no additives or preservatives. Colgin is Vegan, contains no animal byproducts and is gluten free. Colgin is the instant answer for adding smoke flavor to almost any food that would benefit from real smoke flavor and aroma. Create a gourmet flavored dish with just a few shakes! Perfect cooking sauce for easy oven, charcoal or gas grill cooking. Dash or brush it on steaks,chicken,hamburgers, or hot dogs for a tangy outdoor smoke flavor. Excellent for seasoning soups, gravies, sauces, baked beans, salads, dips, seafood, eggs, or poultry or wherever smoke flavor is desired!

  • This is the original recipe by Colgin, Natural Hickory
  • Colgin

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