When it comes to BBQ, pork is a true all-rounder — juicy, forgiving, and perfect for soaking up bold flavours. Whether you're smoking ribs, roasting belly, or pulling shoulder low and slow, the right rub can take your cook from average to unforgettable.

At Smokey Rebel, we craft rubs that bring out the best in pork. Here are our top picks for ribs, belly, pulled pork, and everything in between.

UPDATED: 11/05/25

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🐖 What Makes a Good Pork Rub?

A great pork rub strikes a balance — not too sweet, not too spicy. It should:

• 🔥 Have a sweet and smoky backbone
• 🔥 Be coarse enough to create a bark, but fine enough to coat evenly
• 🔥 Include classic BBQ flavours like paprika, brown sugar, garlic and chilli
• 🔥 Be free from fillers, anti-caking agents, or mystery ingredients

Good pork rubs build flavour and colour, helping you get that sticky, caramelised finish every BBQ cook chases.

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🧂 Top Smokey Rebel Rubs for Pork

🥇 Hickory Hog – Sweet & Smoky Pork Classic

This is our go-to for anything pork. Hickory Hog brings deep BBQ flavour with sweet brown sugar, smoky paprika and warm spices. Perfect for ribs, pulled pork, and belly.

It forms a gorgeous bark when smoked low and slow, and pairs beautifully with tangy sauces or glazes.

🔥 Cherry Force – Sweet Cherry Hit with a Kick

This limited-edition rub delivers bold cherry sweetness with a subtle backend heat. Cherry Force is made for baby backs, rib tips, and anything that needs a touch of fruitiness.

Crafted with real cherry powder and developed with pitmaster Willy T, this one’s for rebels who like their BBQ with a twist.

🧄 SPG – Simple Salt, Pepper, Garlic Foundation

SPG is a classic no-nonsense rub that works beautifully on pork belly, sausages, or chops. Use it on its own or as a base layer under bolder rubs like Hickory Hog or Cherry Force.

Salt, pepper, garlic — that’s it. Clean, punchy and built for bark.

🌮 Al Pastor – Sweet Taco-Style Pork Rub

Al Pastor brings Latin-inspired sweetness with mild spices and citrus. Ideal for carnitas, sliced pork shoulder, or fajita-style cooks.

It’s not spicy, just packed with mellow flavour — and it caramelises beautifully in the pan or oven.

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🍳 Pork Cuts These Rubs Work With

Here’s where these rubs really shine:

• 🔥 Ribs – Baby back, St. Louis, or rib tips
• 🔥 Pulled pork – Shoulder or Boston butt
• 🔥 Belly – Roasted slabs or crispy burnt ends
• 🔥 Chops – Thick-cut or bone-in
• 🔥 Sausages – Dust with SPG before grilling

Whether you're going low and slow or hot and fast, these blends bring serious flavour to every cut.

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👨🍳 How to Use the Rubs

Maximise flavour with these simple tips:

• ✅ Pat the pork dry before seasoning
• ✅ Use a binder (like oil or mustard) to help the rub stick
• ✅ Apply generously and press it in
• ✅ Let it rest 15–30 minutes before cooking

These rubs perform beautifully on the BBQ, in the oven, on a smoker, or in the air fryer.

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🛒 Ready to Cook?

All Smokey Rebel pork rubs are:

• 🇬🇧 Made in the UK
• 🧂 Packaged in resealable aluminium cans for freshness
• ✅ Free from fillers, MSG, and artificial flavours

Trusted by BBQ cooks and flavour fanatics alike, these are rubs built to perform — not just look pretty.

→ Explore Pork Rubs

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❓ FAQs – Best BBQ Rubs for Pork

What is the best BBQ rub for ribs?
We recommend Hickory Hog for its classic sweet-smoky profile. If you're feeling bold, try Cherry Force for a fruity twist.

Can I use these rubs on pork in the oven?
Yes! All Smokey Rebel rubs work great in the oven, air fryer, or BBQ. Apply the rub and roast at 160–180°C depending on the cut.

Are your rubs gluten-free?
Yes. All our rubs, including Hickory Hog and SPG, are gluten-free and made without fillers or artificial ingredients.

Do I need to marinate pork with these rubs?
No long marinades required. Just apply the rub, let it rest for 15–30 minutes, and cook as normal.

Which rub is best for pulled pork?
Hickory Hog is our top pick for pulled pork. Add a layer of SPG underneath if you want an extra savoury punch.