Crafting an unbeatable BBQ starts with choosing the best store bought rib rub. The ideal rub not only tenderizes the meat but also enriches it with a depth of flavor that lingers in your palate. Today, we’re breaking down the secrets to selecting the best rib rub and mastering its application.
Selecting the best rib rub depends on your flavor preferences. Do you prefer a sweet, smoky, spicy, or savory profile? Some of the top rib rubs in the market include Meat Church Honey Hog Hot BBQ Rub, Kosmos Q Honey Chipotle Killer Bee BBQ Rub, and Spiceology & Derek Wolf’s Tennessee Smoke BBQ Seasoning, to name a few. These award-winning rubs promise a festival of flavors that will take your BBQ ribs to new heights.
Best Store Bought Rib Rub
1. Meat Church Honey Hog BBQ Rub
Taste: Decadently sweet with a hint of smoky richness.
Ingredients: Sugar, salt, honey powder (refined syrup, honey), spices including paprika, dextrose, dehydrated garlic, and no more than 2% silicon dioxide added to prevent caking.
Description: If you haven’t tried this rub yet you are really shorting yourself. This is an absolute must for the BBQ enthusiast. Your family and friends will no doubt crown you king of the fire pit. It is sooo good!
Embrace the sweeter side of BBQ with the Meat Church Honey Hog BBQ Rub. This rub has been masterfully crafted to bring a delectably sweet profile, underpinned by a hint of smoky richness, that will elevate your ribs from the mundane to the magnificent.
With its delightfully sweet yet well-rounded flavor profile, this rub is your secret ticket to creating ribs that are a hit with both kids and adults alike. It’s so versatile, it does wonders on not just ribs but also on chicken, pork, and even vegetables, introducing an element of surprise to your culinary repertoire.
Born from the seasoned hands of Meat Church, a name synonymous with exquisite BBQ rubs, you can trust that the Honey Hog BBQ Rub is a product of high standards and great love for BBQ. Sprinkle on the sweet magic of Meat Church Honey Hog BBQ Rub, and transform every bite of your BBQ into a celebration of flavors!
2. Porkosaurus World Championship BBQ Rub
Taste: Savory blend with a hint of smokiness and mild sweetness.
Ingredients: Sugar, salt, spices, paprika, dextrose, dehydrated onion and garlic, celery, mustard flour, disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate, caramel color, natural flavor.
Description: Crafted by a team of BBQ enthusiasts who took their passion to the competitive circuit, Porkosaurus World Championship BBQ Rub is a real game-changer. It offers a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors that mingle together to create a rub that’s downright addictive. It’s a blend that has helped the Porkosaurus team win several awards, including the coveted title at the Memphis in May World Championship.
Although this rub was initially crafted for pork, it has proven to be equally fantastic on all types of meat, providing a versatile addition to your BBQ seasoning arsenal. Porkosaurus World Championship BBQ Rub isn’t just a seasoning; it’s a testament to what happens when BBQ is more than a meal; it’s a lifestyle.
3. Heath Riles BBQ Apple Rub Seasoning, Champion Pitmaster Recipe
Taste: Sweet apple flavor with a hint of savory spices.
Ingredients: Sugar, brown sugar, salt, dehydrated apple, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, paprika, spices including chili pepper, citric acid, natural apple flavor
Description: Ignite a burst of flavors on your ribs with Heath Riles BBQ Apple Rub Seasoning. This Champion Pitmaster Recipe gives you the perfect blend of sweet apple flavor combined with savory spices, which guarantees to take your BBQ game up several notches. The distinct apple undertone sets this rub apart, adding a unique and inviting sweetness that pairs incredibly well with pork ribs.
Created by a BBQ champion, Heath Riles, this Apple Rub Seasoning is not limited to ribs only; its versatile flavor profile makes it ideal for chicken, pork, and even fish. Infuse a winning flavor into your barbecuing with the sweet and savory blend of Heath Riles BBQ Apple Rub Seasoning.
4. Spiceology & Derek Wolf – Tennessee Smoke BBQ Seasoning
Taste: Deep, smoky flavor profile with a subtly sweet undertone.
Ingredients: Sea salt, demerara sugar, smoked paprika, spices, hickory smoke flavor, dehydrated garlic, and silicon dioxide added to prevent caking.
Description: Immerse your ribs in the authentic taste of Southern BBQ with Spiceology & Derek Wolf’s Tennessee Smoke BBQ Seasoning. This rub captures the essence of Tennessee BBQ, providing a deep, smoky flavor punctuated by a subtly sweet undertone that takes your BBQ to the next level.
Brought to you through a partnership between Spiceology and BBQ and grilling enthusiast Derek Wolf, this BBQ seasoning blends tradition with innovation. It’s the kind of rub that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of Tennessee, even if you’re just grilling in your backyard. It doesn’t just stop at ribs; this rub brings a distinct and mouth-watering flavor to chicken, pork, and even fish.
With Spiceology’s passion for spices and Derek Wolf’s love for grilling, the Tennessee Smoke BBQ Seasoning is more than just a rub; it’s an experience. So get your hands on this seasoning, light up the grill, and let the smoky magic of Tennessee BBQ come alive in your food!
5. Meat Church Honey Hog Hot BBQ Rub
Taste: Sweet honey essence with a kick of fiery heat.
Ingredients: Sugar, salt, honey powder (refined syrup, honey), spices including paprika, chili pepper, dextrose, dehydrated garlic.
Description: Fan the flames of flavor with the Meat Church Honey Hog Hot BBQ Rub. This rub offers a tantalizing combination of the sweet honey essence found in the classic Honey Hog Rub, coupled with a daring kick of heat that takes your ribs to a whole new level of deliciousness.
This BBQ rub is your passport to a culinary adventure, perfect for those who like a bit of a sting in their BBQ. Its well-balanced flavor profile allows it to work its charm on not only ribs but also chicken, pork, and even vegetables, giving you a wide canvas to unleash your BBQ creativity.
Created by Meat Church, a name revered in the world of BBQ rubs, you can be certain that you’re using a blend crafted with expertise and genuine love for BBQ. So, crank up the heat at your next BBQ with the sweet and spicy allure of Meat Church Honey Hog Hot BBQ Rub!
6. Sasquatch BBQ – Erubtion – Barbeque Rib Rub by Spiceology
Taste: Balanced sweetness with a kick of fiery heat.
Ingredients: Sugar, brown sugar, salt, paprika, spices including chili pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard
Description: Breathe fiery life into your ribs with Sasquatch BBQ’s Erubtion Barbeque Rib Rub. From the innovative minds at Spiceology, this rib rub will infuse your BBQ with an unexpected blend of sweetness perfectly balanced by a kick of heat. This is the spice that dares you to up your BBQ game, perfect for those who enjoy a touch of adventure in their culinary experiences.
Created by a team passionate about BBQ, this rib rub is sure to make a splash at your next BBQ gathering. Its vibrant flavor profile, inspired by the legendary creature it’s named after, is not just limited to ribs. Try it on your chicken, pork, or even vegetables, and let the eruption of flavors surprise your tastebuds.
7. Kosmos Q Honey Chipotle Killer Bee BBQ Rub
Taste: Sweet honey burst complemented by smoky chipotle heat.
Ingredients: Sugar, salt, honey powder (refined syrup, honey), spices including chipotle and paprika, dextrose, dehydrated garlic, celery, and less than 2% silicon dioxide to prevent caking.
Description: Kosmos Q Honey Chipotle Killer Bee BBQ Rub marries the tantalizing sweetness of honey with the smoky heat of chipotle to deliver a taste sensation that will thrill your palate and take your BBQ to new culinary heights. This rub is perfect for those who crave a sweet heat balance that will make your ribs sing.
Founded by a BBQ enthusiast with a knack for creating award-winning rubs and sauces, Kosmos Q has once again hit a home run with this rub. The Honey Chipotle Killer Bee BBQ Rub is so versatile it goes beyond ribs, enhancing the flavor of chicken, pork, and even vegetables with its unique sweet and smoky profile. It’s a surefire way to create a buzz at your next BBQ gathering.
8. Bad Byron’s Butt Rub Barbecue Seasoning
Taste: The perfect union of savory, sweet, and spicy.
Ingredients: Salt, black pepper, granulated onion, granulated garlic, paprika, chipotle powder, and microcrystalline cellulose.
Description: Bold and daring, Bad Byron’s Butt Rub Barbecue Seasoning captures the heart and soul of barbecue. It combines the classic favorites of black pepper and granulated onion with an unexpected twist of chipotle powder, creating a spicy kick. This rub transforms even the most average barbecue into a culinary masterpiece. The savory, sweet, and spicy blend is perfect for pork, but don’t limit yourself—it also adds depth and flavor to chicken, beef, and vegetables.
9. Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub
Taste: A luscious mix of sweetness and heat.
Ingredients: Brown sugar, sugar, salt, paprika, chili pepper, evaporated cane juice, dehydrated garlic, orange peel, onion powder, MSG, mustard flour, extractives of paprika, dill weed, turmeric, and natural flavor.
Description: Embrace the killer flavors of Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub, a delightful symphony of sweet and spicy. This is a rub that hits all the right notes, from the sweet charm of brown sugar to the subtle burn of chili pepper. The result is a full-bodied flavor that amplifies the natural goodness of your meat. Great on pork, yet versatile enough for poultry, beef, and veggies, this rub is bound to become a staple in your barbecue toolkit.
10. Traeger Grills Pork & Poultry Rub with Apple & Honey
Taste: Sweet apple and honey notes with a smoky undertone.
Ingredients: Cane sugar, sea salt, honey powder (refined syrup, honey), apple powder, spices including paprika, dehydrated garlic
Description: Elevate your BBQ experience with Traeger Grills Pork & Poultry Rub with Apple & Honey. This expertly blended rub fuses the sweetness of apple and honey with a smoky hint, resulting in a unique flavor profile that makes your ribs truly stand out.
The harmony of apple and honey in this BBQ rub promises to infuse your ribs with a remarkable sweetness that complements the smoky essence of BBQ. Its versatile nature allows it to shine not only with ribs but also with chicken, pork, and even vegetables, making it a valuable addition to your BBQ arsenal.
Developed by Traeger Grills, a brand trusted by BBQ enthusiasts worldwide, you can trust that this rub is a product of careful craftsmanship and a deep-rooted passion for BBQ. Make every bite of your BBQ memorable with the sweet, smoky, and subtly fruity charm of the Traeger Grills Pork & Poultry Rub with Apple & Honey!
11. Pork Barrel BBQ All American Seasoning Mix
Taste: Gentle smoky flavor with balanced sweetness.
Ingredients: Sea Salt, spices, paprika, sugar, dehydrated onion and garlic, cane juice, brown sugar, ancho, guajillo, hickory smoke.
Description: The Pork Barrel BBQ All-American Seasoning Mix is an ode to America’s love for barbecue. This award-winning blend marries sweet and smoky flavors, resulting in a distinct, All-American taste that’s hard to resist. The combination of ancho and guajillo peppers adds depth to the flavor profile, making it the perfect blend for any meat or vegetable. Whether it’s ribs, chicken, or veggies on the menu, this blend is sure to take center stage.
12. Weber Dry Smoking Rub
Taste: A deep dive into smoky flavor with a spicy finish.
Ingredients: Sugar, sea salt, chili pepper, garlic, onion, bell pepper, parsley, natural smoke, and grill flavors.
Description: Weber’s Dry Smoking Rub is your ticket to smoky, full-flavored barbecue. The deep, robust flavors of chili pepper and garlic marry perfectly with the smoky undertones, culminating in a spice rub that’s full of character. This rub is perfect for those who want to infuse their meats with a smoky flavor without the hassle of a smoker. So whether it’s ribs, brisket, or a simple roast, this rub will take your barbecue to the next level.
13. McCormick Grill Mates Sweet & Smoky Rub
Taste: A mouthwatering blend of sweet and smoky.
Ingredients: Sugar, salt, brown sugar, spices, paprika, onion, garlic, and natural smoke flavor.
Description: Make your BBQ memorable with McCormick Grill Mates Sweet & Smoky Rub. The balance of sweet and smoky flavors creates an irresistible blend that accentuates the taste of any meat or vegetable. The secret lies in the perfect blend of sugar and spices, bringing out the best in your ribs, chicken, or veggies. It’s the sweet, smoky BBQ flavor you crave, in a simple, versatile rub.
14. Bone Suckin’ Sauce Bone Suckin’ Original Seasoning & Rub
Taste: Honey sweet with a gentle kick of heat.
Ingredients: Brown sugar, spices, salt, sugar, paprika, dehydrated garlic, onion, bell pepper, mustard flour, celery powder, citric acid, and natural flavor.
Description: With a name like Bone Suckin’ Sauce, you know you’re in for a treat. The rub is a well-rounded blend of honey sweetness and just enough heat to keep things interesting. The rub’s versatility makes it perfect for ribs, but it also works wonders on poultry, seafood, and vegetables. Infuse your meats with a taste that keeps people coming back for more with this original seasoning and rub.
15. Stubb’s Beef Spice Rub
Taste: Full-bodied, rich, and savory.
Ingredients: Sea salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, spices, and smoked salt.
Description: Stubb’s Beef Spice Rub is like a little black dress for your meat – it simply never disappoints. This full-bodied blend of sea salt, black pepper, garlic, and onion adds a rich, savory flavor to your beef, keeping your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds). Use it to season your favorite cut of beef, or try it on chicken for a surprising twist.
16. The Salt Lick Original Dry Rub
Taste: A mix of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet.
Ingredients: Salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and spices.
Description: The Salt Lick Original Dry Rub is a champion in the world of BBQ rubs. Its classic blend of smoky, savory, and slightly sweet flavors make it a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts. The simplicity of the ingredients, just salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, allows the flavors of the meat to shine, making it a great choice for beef, pork, and chicken alike.
17. Spade L Ranch Beef Seasoning
Taste: Robust and savory, with a punch of garlic and onion
Ingredients: Salt, onion, garlic, pepper, spices, and sugar
Description: Spice up your ribs with Spade L Ranch Beef Seasoning. Its robust, savory blend of garlic, onion, and spices gives a flavor kick that’s simply hard to resist. While it’s perfect for beef, don’t be afraid to sprinkle it over your chicken or veggies for an equally tasty experience. This seasoning makes creating finger-licking ribs easy and straightforward.
18. Plowboys Yardbird Rub
Taste: Sweet and smoky with a hint of spice
Ingredients: Salt, sugar, chili pepper, spices, paprika, brown sugar, dehydrated garlic, celery powder
Description: Plowboys Yardbird Rub is a champion BBQ rub for a reason. This sweet and smoky rub, with just a hint of spice, will make your ribs stand out from the crowd. The delicious combination of chili pepper, spices, and brown sugar gives your ribs that sought-after smoky flavor. Whether you’re grilling, smoking, or baking, Plowboys Yardbird Rub is the secret to perfect ribs every time.
19. Rendezvous Famous Seasoning Rub
Taste: Savory and spicy with a hint of sweetness
Ingredients: Salt, spices, paprika, garlic, onion, and less than 2% silicon dioxide for anti-caking
Description: Rendezvous Famous Seasoning Rub is a delicious blend of savory, spicy, and a hint of sweet that adds mouthwatering flavor to your ribs. This Memphis-style rub is a proven winner, combining paprika, garlic, and onion for an irresistible taste. Perfect for BBQ ribs, but also great on poultry, fish, and veggies, this seasoning rub is a must-have for any barbecue aficionado.
20. Slap Yo Daddy BBQ Rub – All Purpose
Taste: Savory with a sweet heat kick
Ingredients: Brown sugar, salt, spices, chili pepper, paprika, dehydrated garlic, onion, bell pepper, mustard flour, and maltodextrin
Description: Spice up your BBQ with Slap Yo Daddy BBQ Rub – All Purpose. This savory blend has a sweet heat kick that will make your ribs sing with flavor. Created by BBQ pitmaster Harry Soo, this rub is perfect for imparting a mouthwatering, smoky flavor to your ribs, making them a hit at any BBQ gathering. This all-purpose rub is also great for chicken, beef, and vegetables, making it a versatile addition to your spice rack.
21. Dizzy Pig BBQ Dizzy Dus
Taste: Balanced flavor with a mild heat and slight sweetness
Ingredients: Spices, demerara sugar, salt, paprika, onion, garlic, and turmeric
Description: Achieve BBQ perfection with Dizzy Pig BBQ Dizzy Dust. This rub offers a balanced flavor profile with a mild heat, slight sweetness, and plenty of savory spices. The result is a versatile blend that works wonders on ribs and enhances the flavors of pork, chicken, and fish. Take your BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary with this top-notch rub. With Dizzy Dust, you’re not just seasoning your ribs; you’re crafting a BBQ masterpiece.
22. Obie-Cue’s Sweet Rub
Taste: Deeply sweet with a hint of tanginess
Ingredients: Sugar, salt, brown sugar, spices, dehydrated onion, apple cider vinegar powder, dehydrated garlic, calcium stearate, and natural apple flavo
Description: Obie-Cue’s Sweet Rub is like a summer apple festival in a bottle. The taste is deeply sweet, with a hint of tanginess that dances on your palate. While it’s a perfect choice for ribs, don’t be shy about trying it on other meats or even grilled fruits. The unique apple cider vinegar powder adds a zesty edge that balances out the sweetness beautifully, making your BBQ a standout event
23. SuckleBusters Hog Waller Pork & Rib Rub
Taste: Sweet and savory with a hint of heat
Ingredients: Sea salt, sugar, brown sugar, chili pepper, spices, paprika, and natural smoke flavor
Description: SuckleBusters Hog Waller Pork & Rib Rub takes your pork ribs to a whole new level. The flavor is a classic mix of sweet and savory with just the right amount of heat. It’s designed specifically for pork ribs, but it’s also delicious on other pork cuts and even chicken. The natural smoke flavor gives your BBQ that delicious smoky taste, even if you’re cooking indoors. With SuckleBusters, you’re getting an authentic Texas BBQ experience right at home
24. Cimarron Docs Sweet Rib Rub and BBQ Seasoning
Taste: Sweet and spicy with a mild smoky flavor
Ingredients: Sugar, salt, spices, paprika, onion, garlic, chili pepper, and less than 2% silicon dioxide for anti-caking
Description: Looking for that award-winning taste for your ribs? Look no further than Cimarron Docs Sweet Rib Rub and BBQ Seasoning. It offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness, with a mild smoky undertone that’s mouthwatering. Whether you’re preparing ribs, chicken, or pork, this rub will make your BBQ the talk of the town. Transform your meats into culinary masterpieces with Cimarron Doc
25. Traeger Grills Beef Rub
Taste: Rich, savory flavors with a hint of sweet molasses
Ingredients: Salt, sugar, molasses powder, spices, chili pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, sunflower oil, and dehydrated garlic
Description: Take your ribs to the next level with Traeger Grills SPC169 Beef Rub. With its blend of rich, savory flavors and a hint of sweet molasses, your ribs will taste like they came straight from a professional BBQ pit. And while it’s formulated specifically for beef, don’t hesitate to try it on your pork ribs for a unique and delightful flavor. Turn up the taste of your BBQ with the savory magic of Traeger’s Beef Rub.
How to Properly Apply a Dry Rub to Ribs
- Clean and Prep: Start by rinsing your ribs under cold water. Pat dry with a paper towel and remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for optimal flavor penetration.
- Season Generously: Apply your chosen dry rub generously on all sides of the ribs. Gently massage the rub into the meat.
- Rest: Once the ribs are coated, let them rest for a minimum of 30 minutes. For the best results, wrap the ribs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
Ideal Cooking Times for Smoking and Grilling
- Smoking: Low and slow is the mantra for smoking ribs. Cook the ribs at 225°F (107°C) for about 5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 190°F – 203°F (88°C – 95°C).
- Grilling: Grill ribs over indirect heat at 275°F – 300°F (135°C – 149°C) for 1.5 – 2 hours until the internal temperature is around 190°F – 203°F (88°C – 95°C).
Please note that ingredient lists and cooking times can vary based on various factors, including the specific type of ribs, the exact rub, and the cooking method used. Always ensure that you follow safe food handling and preparation guidelines and cook meat to the appropriate internal temperatures.
FAQs on Dry Rubs
Q1: Should I apply a dry rub before or after marinating? A1: Dry rubs should be applied before marinating. They help tenderize the meat and infuse flavors deep into it.
Q2: How long should I leave a dry rub on ribs? A2: For the best flavor penetration, leave the dry rub on ribs for a few hours, or ideally, overnight in the refrigerator.
Q3: Can I use a dry rub on other meats? A3: Absolutely! Dry rubs work great on various meats such as chicken, pork, and even fish.
Q4: How much dry rub should I use on ribs? A4: While it depends on personal preference, a general guideline is to use about 1 tablespoon of rub per pound of meat.
Q5: Can I store leftover dry rub? A5: Yes, you can. Store any unused dry rub in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
Remember, the key to exceptional BBQ lies in patience, practice, and the best rib rub. Happy grilling!
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