Wright's Hickory BBQ Liquid Smoke 3.78L/1 Gallon

Wright's Hickory Liquid Smoke delivers authentic wood-smoked barbecue flavor to your cooking without the need for outdoor grilling, smoking equipment, or hours of slow-cooking over charcoal. This concentrated liquid smoke is made from actual hickory wood smoke, captured and condensed into an easy-to-use liquid form that adds genuine smoky taste to meats, vegetables, sauces, and countless dishes.

Each 3.78-liter (1 gallon) bottle provides substantial yield for home cooks, caterers, restaurants, and food service operations. The concentrated formula means a little goes a long way—just a few drops or teaspoons transform ordinary recipes into BBQ-flavored favorites with that characteristic char-grilled taste associated with traditional smoking methods.

Available in flexible purchase options to suit different needs: single bottle for home cooks and small operations, 2-pack for regular users wanting backup supply, or 4-pack for high-volume users, commercial kitchens, and serious BBQ enthusiasts. All packages feature the same authentic Wright's quality that's made this brand a trusted name in liquid smoke since its introduction to American kitchens.

Why Cooks Choose Wright's Liquid Smoke

Authentic Hickory Wood Smoke Made from real hickory wood smoke—not artificial flavoring or chemical approximations. The production process captures actual smoke particles, condenses them with water, and filters the result to create genuine wood smoke in liquid form.

Versatile Flavor Enhancement Works across virtually all protein types (beef, pork, chicken, fish), vegetables, beans, soups, marinades, sauces, and even cocktails. Provides the smoky note that elevates dishes from ordinary to memorable without specialized equipment.

Controllable Intensity Concentrated formula allows precise control over smoke flavor strength. Add just drops for subtle background notes or tablespoons for bold, prominent smokiness. Start light and adjust to taste—you can always add more but can't remove excess.

Time and Equipment Savings Achieve smoky flavor in minutes rather than hours. No need for smokers, charcoal, wood chips, or outdoor cooking space. Perfect for apartment dwellers, time-pressed cooks, or when weather prevents outdoor grilling.

Made in USA, Kosher Certified Manufactured in America meeting U.S. food safety standards. Certified kosher by Orthodox Union, expanding its use across various dietary practices and religious observances.

Key Features

3.78L (1 Gallon) Size Substantial volume provides excellent value for regular users. Far more economical per ounce than small retail bottles, with one gallon lasting months or years depending on usage frequency.

Pure Hickory Smoke Concentrate Contains only water and hickory smoke concentrate—no artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, salt, or fat. Simple ingredient list appeals to clean-label preferences.

Multiple Purchase Options

• Single Bottle: Ideal for home cooks, first-time buyers, or occasional use
• 2-Pack: Perfect for regular users wanting backup or sharing with others
• 4-Pack: Best value for high-volume use, commercial kitchens, catering, or gifting

No Salt, Fat, or Calories Add smoky flavor without impacting dish nutrition. Suitable for low-sodium, low-fat, or calorie-conscious cooking while still delivering bold taste.

Kosher Certified Orthodox Union certification ensures product meets kosher dietary laws, making it appropriate for kosher kitchens and observant consumers.

Made in USA Domestic manufacturing supports American production while ensuring adherence to U.S. food quality and safety regulations.

Long Shelf Life Properly stored liquid smoke maintains quality for years. Unopened bottles are shelf-stable; opened bottles keep for extended periods when capped and stored properly.

Culinary Applications

Meat Preparations

Pulled Pork: Add 1-2 tablespoons per pound of pork shoulder for slow-cooker pulled pork with authentic smokehouse flavor. Mix into cooking liquid or rub directly on meat before cooking.

Ribs: Brush onto ribs during final cooking stages or mix into BBQ sauce for traditional smoky rib taste. Works with oven-baking, slow-cooking, or grilling methods.

Brisket: Include in braising liquid or injection marinade for brisket cooked indoors. Replicates hours-long smoking in fraction of the time.

Chicken: Add to marinades, brines, or brush onto chicken during roasting for smoky grilled flavor without outdoor grill. Excellent in BBQ chicken recipes.

Bacon: Use in homemade bacon curing for authentic smoky bacon flavor. Professional butchers and home curers rely on liquid smoke for consistent results.

Ground Meats: Mix into burger patties, meatloaf, meatballs, or sausage for smoky depth. Approximately 1/4-1/2 teaspoon per pound adds noticeable smoke character.

Sides & Vegetables

Baked Beans: Traditional addition to homemade or enhanced canned baked beans. Start with 1 teaspoon per large batch, adjust to taste.

Grilled Vegetables: Toss vegetables in oil with few drops liquid smoke before roasting. Imparts outdoor-grilled flavor to oven-roasted vegetables.

Mac and Cheese: Add 1/4-1/2 teaspoon to cheese sauce for smoky, Southern-style mac and cheese. Pairs especially well with smoked cheddar or gouda.

Potato Salad: Few drops in dressing creates BBQ-style potato salad with smoky notes. Particularly good with bacon bits or smoked paprika.

Sauces, Marinades & Rubs

BBQ Sauce: Essential ingredient in homemade BBQ sauce. Typically 1-2 teaspoons per cup of sauce base provides authentic pit-smoked taste.

Marinades: Add to any marinade for grilled or roasted meats. Combines well with vinegar, oil, soy sauce, and spices for deeply flavored proteins.

Dry Rubs: Mix liquid smoke with spices, brown sugar, and salt for paste-style rubs that adhere to meat while imparting smoke flavor.

Salad Dressings: Drops in vinaigrettes or creamy dressings add unexpected smoky complexity. Particularly good in bacon vinaigrettes.

Soups, Stews & Chilis

Chili: Classic addition to beef, turkey, or vegetarian chili. Typically 1-2 teaspoons per pot adds campfire-style depth.

Bean Soups: Ham and bean, split pea, or lentil soups benefit from liquid smoke replicating ham hock smokiness. Start with 1/2 teaspoon per pot.

Beef Stew: Few drops enhance beef stew with outdoor-cooked flavor profile. Pairs particularly well with root vegetables and tomato-based broths.

Beyond Traditional Uses

Cocktails: Craft cocktails use liquid smoke for smoky Old Fashioneds, Bloody Marys, or bourbon drinks. Use tiny amounts (drops) as flavor is powerful.

Vegan/Vegetarian Dishes: Provides meaty, smoky flavor to plant-based proteins, tempeh, tofu, or mushrooms. Essential for vegan "bacon" or "smoked" preparations.

Cheese: Brush diluted liquid smoke on cheese before aging for smoked cheese effect. Home cheesemakers use for smoked gouda, cheddar, or mozzarella.

Product Specifications

Physical Properties

• Product Name: Wright's Hickory Liquid Smoke
• Brand: Wright's (B&G Foods)
• Volume: 3.78 liters (1 gallon / 128 fluid ounces)
• Flavor Profile: Hickory wood smoke
• Color: Dark amber to brown
• Consistency: Liquid, water-thin

Ingredients & Nutrition

• Ingredients: Water, Natural Hickory Smoke Concentrate
• Contains: No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
• Sodium: 0mg per serving
• Fat: 0g per serving
• Calories: 0 per serving (negligible)
• Allergens: None (verify current label)

Certifications & Standards

• Kosher: Orthodox Union (OU) Certified
• Made In: United States of America
• Gluten Status: Naturally gluten-free (verify label)
• Vegan/Vegetarian: Suitable for both

Package Options

• Single Bottle: One 3.78L gallon bottle
• 2-Pack: Two 3.78L gallon bottles
• 4-Pack: Four 3.78L gallon bottles (best bulk value)

Storage & Shelf Life

• Storage Before Opening: Room temperature, no refrigeration needed
• Storage After Opening: Refrigerate or keep tightly capped at room temperature
• Shelf Life: 2+ years unopened; 1+ year opened when stored properly
• Container: HDPE plastic gallon jug with handle and cap

Usage Guidelines & Dosage

Starting Recommendations

For Beginners:

• Start with 1/4 teaspoon per pound of meat
• Add few drops to sauces or marinades
• Taste and adjust—easier to add more than fix over-smoked flavor
• Remember: concentrated product, little goes far

General Dosage Guide:

• Per Pound of Meat: 1/4 to 1 teaspoon
• Per Cup of Sauce/Marinade: 1/4 to 1 teaspoon
• Per Pot of Soup/Chili: 1/2 to 2 teaspoons
• Per Recipe of Baked Beans: 1 to 2 teaspoons
• Cocktails: 1-3 drops per drink

Adjusting for Taste:

• Mild smoke flavor: Use minimum recommendations
• Medium smoke: Use mid-range amounts
• Bold smoke: Use maximum amounts or slightly more
• Always possible to add more after tasting

Application Methods

Direct Addition: Add liquid smoke directly to cooking liquid, marinade, or sauce. Stir well to distribute evenly.

Brushing: Dilute with water (1:1 ratio) and brush onto meats during final cooking stages. Creates surface smoke flavor.

Injection: Mix into injection marinades for even smoke flavor distribution throughout large cuts like brisket or pork shoulder.

Spray: Dilute heavily and use in spray bottle for light application to vegetables, meats, or finished dishes.

Why Choose Gallon Size?

Value Comparison

Cost Per Ounce: Gallon size provides dramatically lower cost per ounce compared to small retail bottles. Single gallon equals approximately 10-15 standard small bottles at fraction of total cost.

Usage Longevity:

• Light home use (1-2 times monthly): Single gallon lasts 2+ years
• Regular home use (weekly): Single gallon lasts 6-12 months
• High-volume cooking: Single gallon lasts 3-6 months
• Commercial/catering: Multiple gallons needed for consistent inventory

Multi-Pack Benefits

2-Pack Advantages:

• Backup bottle when first empties
• Share one bottle with friend/family
• Keep one at home, one at cabin/vacation property
• Gift one while keeping one

4-Pack Advantages:

• Best per-bottle pricing
• Commercial kitchen supply
• Catering operation inventory
• Group purchases with friends
• Long-term personal stockpile
• Gifts for multiple recipients

Storage & Handling

Optimal Storage

Before Opening: Store at room temperature in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration necessary for unopened bottles.

After Opening:

• Option 1 (Refrigeration): Refrigerate after opening for maximum shelf life extension
• Option 2 (Room Temperature): Keep tightly capped at room temperature; use within 12-18 months
• Either method maintains quality; refrigeration preferred for longest keeping

Preventing Spills: Large gallon bottles can be unwieldy. Consider:

• Decanting into smaller squeeze bottles for easier use
• Using funnel when pouring to avoid waste
• Storing bottle with handle oriented for easy gripping
• Keeping original cap tight when not actively using

Best Practices:

• Always recap immediately after use
• Wipe bottle neck/threads if drips occur
• Store upright to prevent leakage
• Keep away from heat sources (stoves, ovens)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is liquid smoke made from? Wright's liquid smoke is made by burning actual hickory wood and capturing the smoke. The smoke is cooled and condensed with water, creating a water-based smoke extract. It's filtered to remove impurities, resulting in pure hickory smoke flavor in liquid form.

Is liquid smoke natural or artificial? Wright's is completely natural—it's real wood smoke captured in liquid form. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or chemical approximations. The only ingredients are water and natural hickory smoke concentrate.

Can I use this instead of smoking meat for hours? Yes, liquid smoke provides authentic smoke flavor without time-consuming traditional smoking. While texture differences exist (traditional smoking creates bark/crust), the smoky taste is genuine and saves hours of cooking time.

How much liquid smoke equals hours of smoking? There's no exact equivalent, but generally 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per pound of meat provides noticeable smoke flavor comparable to several hours of traditional smoking. Adjust based on desired intensity.

Can you use too much liquid smoke? Yes, over-application creates acrid, bitter, unpleasant taste. Start with small amounts and add incrementally. It's concentrated—a little truly goes a long way. If over-smoked, dilution with more base ingredients can help.

Is liquid smoke healthy/safe? Wright's liquid smoke is food-safe when used as directed. It contains no carcinogens or harmful substances—the filtration process removes tar and other undesirable compounds present in actual smoke. Contains no calories, fat, or sodium.

Does liquid smoke taste exactly like smoked meat? It provides authentic smoke flavor but doesn't replicate the complete traditional smoking experience (bark, texture changes from low-and-slow cooking). For flavor alone, it's remarkably close to traditional wood smoking.

Can I use this in a smoker or on a grill? Liquid smoke is designed for adding smoke flavor without smoking equipment. Using it ON a smoker/grill is redundant and unnecessary—traditional smoking already provides smoke flavor.

How long does opened liquid smoke last? Properly stored (capped tightly, refrigerated or room temperature), opened liquid smoke lasts 12-24 months while maintaining quality. The high concentration and low pH inhibit bacterial growth.

Why buy gallon size instead of small bottles? Cost savings: gallon size costs much less per ounce. Convenience: less frequent repurchasing. Environmental: less packaging waste. For regular users or commercial kitchens, gallons make economic sense.

Can I share/split a multi-pack with others? Absolutely! The 2-pack and 4-pack options are perfect for splitting among friends, family, or cooking groups. Each person gets full gallon at better per-bottle pricing than buying individually.

Is Wright's better than other liquid smoke brands? Wright's is one of the most established, widely-used brands with consistent quality. Made in USA with simple, clean ingredients. While other brands exist, Wright's reputation and availability make it reliable choice.

Comparison: Single vs. 2-Pack vs. 4-Pack

Which Package to Choose?

Single Bottle Best For:

• First-time liquid smoke users
• Occasional cooks (few times per year)
• Small household cooking
• Testing before committing to larger quantity
• Limited storage space

2-Pack Best For:

• Regular home cooks (weekly use)
• Households wanting backup supply
• Splitting with one friend/family member
• Those wanting cost savings without excessive quantity
• Seasonal BBQ enthusiasts

4-Pack Best For:

• High-frequency users (multiple times weekly)
• Commercial kitchens and restaurants
• Catering operations
• Group purchases (splitting among 3-4 people)
• Long-term stockpiling
• Best per-bottle value seekers

Cost Analysis

Per-Bottle Savings:

• Single bottle: Standard retail pricing
• 2-pack: ~10-15% savings per bottle vs. single
• 4-pack: ~20-30% savings per bottle vs. single (best value)

Break-Even Consideration: If you'll use 2+ gallons over 2-3 years, multi-packs offer clear savings. Given liquid smoke's long shelf life, buying ahead makes financial sense.

Professional & Commercial Use

Restaurant Applications

BBQ Restaurants: Add smoke flavor to sauces, beans, meats for consistent taste across batches. Supplement traditional smoking or provide smoke notes to non-smoked items.

General Restaurants: Enhance marinades, glazes, and sauces with smoky depth. Add to signature dishes for unique flavor profiles that differentiate menu items.

Fast-Casual Concepts: Quick-service operations without smoking capability can still offer BBQ-style items using liquid smoke in preparations.

Catering & Food Service

Volume Efficiency: Catering operations cooking for hundreds need efficient smoke flavoring. Liquid smoke provides consistency impossible with traditional methods at scale.

Transport & Setup: No need to transport smoking equipment or worry about venue smoking restrictions. Prepare smoke-flavored dishes in any commercial kitchen.

Menu Flexibility: Offer smoked flavor items regardless of outdoor access, weather, or venue limitations. Expand menu capabilities without equipment investment.

Food Manufacturing

Product Formulation: Food manufacturers use liquid smoke in bacon, sausages, BBQ sauces, chips, and countless products requiring smoke flavor.

Consistency: Provides batch-to-batch consistency impossible with traditional smoking. Essential for commercial food production quality control.

Creative & Unexpected Uses

Jerky Making: Essential for homemade beef, turkey, or vegan jerky. Add to marinade for authentic jerky flavor without dehydrator smoking function.

Popcorn Seasoning: Mix with melted butter or oil for smoky popcorn. Creates BBQ or bacon-flavored popcorn for snacking.

Nuts: Toss mixed nuts with liquid smoke, oil, and spices before roasting for smoky, savory snack nuts.

Pizza: Add drops to pizza sauce or brush crust edges for smoky, wood-fired pizza flavor from conventional ovens.

Eggs: Few drops in scrambled eggs or omelets adds breakfast meat flavor without bacon or sausage. Great for vegetarians wanting meaty taste.

Hummus: Stir into hummus for smoky depth. Pairs especially well with roasted red pepper or chipotle variations.