Best Myron Mixon Pork Rub and Top BBQ Rubs for Backyard Grilling
If you’re looking to elevate pork dishes and overall barbecue results, choosing the right rub can make the difference. This guide highlights five top rubs and related sauces that pair well with pork, chicken, and beef, including the Myron Mixon Hickory Salt. Each option is suited for different cooks—from competition-style pitmasters to weekend grillers—so you can pick the best match for your style and pantry. The following product table provides a quick snapshot of the selections and what they’re best for.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Myron Mixon BBQ Rub | Hickory Salt | Competition-ready backyard cooks | True hickory smoke flavor; gluten-free; MSG-free |
| Traeger Grills SPC250 Pork & Poultry Rub | Pork and poultry lovers | Sweet-n-savory with honey, apple, paprika |
| Bad Byron’s Butt Rub Barbeque Seasoning | All-purpose everyday grilling | Balanced savory, smoky, mildly spicy |
| Tuffy Stone Sweet BBQ Rub | Pork, chicken, ribs | Honey-infused; enhances crust and bark |
| Heath Riles BBQ Rub – Honey BBQ | Sweet finish for various meats | Golden color; honey sweetness |
Myron Mixon BBQ Rub | Hickory Salt

Hickory Salt delivers a true smoke-forward profile suited for steak, burgers, chicken, southern ribs, turkey, vegetables, and jerky. This rub is crafted with premium ingredients in the USA, is gluten-free and MSG-free, and is designed to enhance both backyard meals and competition-style cookouts. Best for cooks who want a straightforward hickory aroma without overpowering meat.
Best for: Backyard grillers seeking a gluten-free, MSG-free rub with a classic hickory scent. Limitations: May be too bold for ultra-delicate poultry if used in excess.
Traeger Grills SPC250 Pork & Poultry Rub with Apple & Honey

This sweet-n-savory rub pairs honey, paprika, and apple to compliment pork and poultry. It is gluten-free and aligns with Traeger’s flavor profile, making it a solid choice for cooks who want a brush of sweetness that still reads barbecue-level delicious. Best for: pork and poultry cooks who prefer a balanced, family-friendly flavor.
Best for: Pork lovers and poultry fans seeking a honeyed, fruity finish. Limitations: Not ideal if you want a strong smoke bite.
Bad Byron’s Butt Rub Barbeque Seasoning

This all-purpose rub is award-winning and trusted by championship pitmasters and backyard grillers alike. It blends savory, smoky, and mildly spicy notes with a premium mix of salt, pepper, onion, garlic, paprika, and chipotle. Best for: pork, chicken, beef, and vegetables where you want a versatile, robust seasoning. Limitations: Flavors lean savory rather than sweet, which may not suit every dish.
Tuffy Stone Sweet BBQ Rub

Created by six-time World Champion Pitmaster Tuffy Stone, this honey-infused rub aims to balance sweet, savory, and smoky notes. It also aids crust formation, helping create a flavorful bark. Best for: pork, chicken, and ribs where a pronounced crust and a touch of sweetness are desired. Limitations: The sweetness may overwhelm lighter meats in small portions.
Heath Riles BBQ Rub – Honey BBQ

This authentic honey rub adds a beautiful golden color and a touch of sweetness to any meat. Suitable for chicken, pork, ribs, turkey, salmon, and more. Best for: cooks who want a visibly appealing honey glaze with a versatile finish. Limitations: Very sweet profiles may not pair well with strongly spiced bases.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when selecting a pork rub?
- Flavor profile: Do you want smoke-forward, sweet, tangy vinegar, or a balanced blend? Pick a rub that matches your typical meat choices.
- Allergen considerations: Look for gluten-free and MSG-free labels if needed for dietary restrictions.
- Application: Some rubs work best as a dry rub before cooking, others as a finishing dust. Consider your cooking method (grill, smoker, oven).
- Meat compatibility: Certain blends suit pork and poultry best; others are versatile for beef or seafood. Use accordingly.
- Origin and authenticity: U.S.-made blends often emphasize traditional regional flavors; this can influence taste expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which rub is best for pork shoulder?
Rubs with balanced savory and sweet notes, such as Bad Byron’s Butt Rub or Traeger’s Pork & Poultry Rub, tend to perform well on pork shoulder due to their ability to penetrate and form a crust.
- Are gluten-free rubs important for barbecue?
If you have dietary restrictions, gluten-free rubs—like Myron Mixon Hickory Salt and others listed—help avoid gluten exposure while delivering robust flavors.
- Is honey-based rub suitable for all meats?
Honey-based rubs add color and sweetness, which works great on pork and chicken but may be too sweet for certain beef cuts. Use sparingly on lean meats.
- Can rubs replace sauces?
Rubs create the flavor base and crust; sauces can add moisture and glazing. Use rubs for the first cook, then finish with a sauce if desired.
- How important is crust formation?
Crust or bark formation is a key texture cue in barbecue. Some rubs like Tuffy Stone’s Sweet BBQ Rub specifically aim to enhance crust formation.
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