If you're looking to elevate your barbecue game, selecting the best rib rub can make all the difference in flavor and tenderness. With a multitude of brands to choose from, each offering its own unique blend of spices and herbs, the quest for the perfect rib rub may seem daunting. Whether you prefer a sweet and smoky profile or a spicy kick, there’s a brand catered just to your taste preferences. For those eager to discover the top contenders in rib rub selections that will have your taste buds singing, check out our in-depth list below.
Illustration of rib rub
Best brands of rib rub in 2025
Traeger
Traeger is a leading brand in the BBQ seasoning market, particularly renowned for its high-quality rib rubs. In the North America BBQ seasoning market, barbecue rubs, a segment where Traeger excels, held a revenue share of 54.37% in 2024. Traeger's products, such as the Pork & Poultry Rub, are integral to popular BBQ methods like the 3-2-1 rib method. The company's commitment to flavor and ease of use has contributed to the growth of the BBQ seasoning market, expected to reach USD 8,470.8 million by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.2% from 2022 to 2030. Traeger's influence is significant, with the global BBQ seasoning market valued at USD 13.4 billion in 2021 and projected to grow to USD 20 billion by 2030.
Killer Hogs
Killer Hogs is a renowned brand in the barbecue industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality rib rubs. Their BBQ rubs, such as the popular Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub, are formulated with ingredients like brown sugar, paprika, and dehydrated garlic, making them a favorite among grill enthusiasts. In 2021, barbecue rubs, a category where Killer Hogs excels, held about 55% of the market share in the global BBQ seasoning market. The brand's products are versatile and can be used on various meats and even vegetables, enhancing their appeal to a wide range of consumers. With a strong presence in the market, Killer Hogs continues to be a top choice for those seeking flavorful and balanced seasonings.
Meat Church
Meat Church is renowned as one of the best producers of rib rubs, offering small-batch, craft BBQ seasonings made with the freshest ingredients. Their rubs, such as the Holy Voodoo and Gospel, are highly versatile and popular for pork, poultry, and even fish, with the Holy Voodoo being a Southwestern all-purpose rub with a natural sweetness from honey powder. These seasonings are blended and shipped directly from their facility, ensuring they are in bottles for only days, not weeks or months, maintaining their freshness. Founded by pitmaster Matt Pittman, Meat Church has a global reach and is known for its high-quality products and extensive social media presence. Their seasonings are often praised for their unique flavor profiles, developed over years of careful crafting. Discover more about their exclusive BBQ rub collection.
Rib Rack
Rib Rack is a renowned brand in the BBQ seasoning market, particularly noted for its high-quality BBQ rubs. In 2024, barbecue rubs, a category in which Rib Rack excels, accounted for 54.6% of the global BBQ seasoning market revenues, driven by increased consumption for marinating and a preference for organic food. Rib Rack's products are made with simple, real ingredients, enhancing the grilling experience for consumers. The brand's commitment to using pronounceable ingredients has contributed to its popularity among those seeking authentic BBQ flavors. As the global BBQ seasoning market continues to grow, brands like Rib Rack are expected to benefit from the rising demand for BBQ rubs.
Blues Hog
Blues Hog is renowned as one of the best producers of rib rubs and BBQ sauces, with their products being the choice of 90% of competition BBQ teams nationwide. Founded by legendary pitmaster Bill Arnold, Blues Hog offers a range of award-winning rubs and sauces, including the Original Dry Rub Seasoning and the Original BBQ Sauce, which have garnered over 100 awards for taste and quality. Their products are made with all-natural, high-quality ingredients and contain no preservatives. Blues Hog's sauces and rubs are versatile, suitable for poultry, pork, beef, seafood, and vegetables. The company has been recognized for its steady revenue growth since its founding in 2015. For more information on their array of exceptional BBQ products, visit their official product collection page.
Bad Byron's Butt Rub
Bad Byron's Butt Rub is highly regarded as one of the best producers of rib rub, praised by championship barbequers, professional chefs, and backyard cooks alike. This all-purpose seasoning, introduced by Bad Byron's, features a balanced blend of onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and chipotle (smoked jalapeno), and is gluten-free. It has been a favorite since its inception, with many users noting its versatility and excellent flavor on various meats, vegetables, and even eggs. The product has garnered widespread acclaim, with testimonials highlighting its superior taste and widespread use from Ohio to Texas. Bad Byron's Butt Rub is available in various sizes, including 4.5 oz and 26 oz options.
McCormick Grill Mates
McCormick Grill Mates is a top choice for rib rub, known for its authentic and bold flavors, particularly with the Slow & Low Memphis Pit BBQ Rub, which features a blend of salt, brown sugar, chili pepper, and other natural herbs and spices. This product is ideal for pork and chicken, and it is free from MSG, artificial flavors, and colors. As America's #1 herb and spice brand, McCormick Grill Mates dominates the market, with barbecue rubs accounting for 54.6% of the global BBQ seasoning market in 2024. The brand's wide range of grilling flavors has made it a staple in home grilling, elevating the grilling experience with its delicious and robust taste profiles. The Slow & Low Memphis Pit BBQ Rub is a favorite among grill enthusiasts, offering a convenient and flavorful way to prepare ribs.
Lillie's Q
Lillie's Q is a renowned brand in the barbecue industry, particularly celebrated for its high-quality rib rubs. Founded in 2010 by two-time World Barbecue Champion Chef Charlie McKenna, the brand is known for its authentic Southern flavors and premium products. The 'No16 Carolina Dirt' BBQ Rub, for instance, is a sugar-based rub that won the Memphis in May BBQ championship in 2016, adding a rich sweet flavor to various meats. With its recent acquisition by OWS Foods, Lillie's Q is poised to expand its national presence and accelerate growth. The brand's commitment to regional traditions and unique flavors has made it a favorite among barbecue enthusiasts. For a deeper dive into top barbecue rubs, you can explore more with this comprehensive guide on the best BBQ rubs.
Big Poppa Smokers
Big Poppa Smokers is highly regarded for its exceptional rib rubs, with products like the Sweet Money Seasoning receiving rave reviews for its sweet forward flavor that pairs perfectly with smoked meats. Customers praise the rub for its ability to create a phenomenal bark on meats, making it a favorite among both backyard and competition pitmasters. The Sweet Money Seasoning is particularly recommended for chicken, with some users preferring it even over the popular Money Rub. Big Poppa Smokers' products are known for their high quality and versatility, making them a top choice for BBQ enthusiasts. The brand's commitment to delivering incredible flavor has earned it a loyal customer base.
Plowboys BBQ
Plowboys BBQ is renowned for its high-quality rib rubs, particularly the Yardbird Rub, which is a savory blend with a touch of sweetness and a little heat, making it ideal for both chicken and pork. Developed by Todd Johns and his brother-in-law Randy Hinck, who competed as the Pork Pullin Plowboys, this rub helped them win the 2009 American Royal Invitational, besting 123 past grand champions. The Yardbird Rub is MSG-free and contains ingredients like salt, sugar, spices, chili pepper, and paprika. It has received rave reviews for its performance on smoked ribs and grilled chicken, with users praising its balanced flavor. Plowboys BBQ has a strong competition background, having achieved Grand Champion status at the American Royal and multiple first-place awards.
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