Which U.S. state is known for its mustard-based barbecue sauce?

The U.S. state best known for mustard-based barbecue sauce is South Carolina.

The style is especially associated with central South Carolina’s Midlands, sometimes called the “Mustard Belt.” The sauce is commonly yellow and combines prepared mustard with vinegar, sugar, and spices. It is traditionally served with pork, including pulled pork and whole-hog barbecue.

German immigrants who settled in South Carolina during the 18th century are often credited with influencing the region’s mustard preference. Barbecue restaurants and families in the Orangeburg area helped establish and popularize the style during the 20th century. The sauce is also known as Carolina Gold.

South Carolina barbecue is not limited to mustard sauce. The state has several regional traditions, including vinegar-pepper sauces in the Pee Dee, lighter tomato sauces in the Upstate, and heavier tomato sauces in the west. That variety explains why mustard is strongly associated with the state without being its only barbecue sauce.