Succulent and smoky, these are the juiciest ribs for grilling, tried and tested
Tested by Callum Black
Food and Drink Testing Manager
Tested by Joanna AnastasiouFood and Drinks Tester
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For those who like to take their BBQ inspiration from the US, you need some juicy ribs on the menu. They lend themselves to that smoky finish and provide the perfect base for delicious rubs, seasoning and sauces. They’re also easy to eat straight from the grill – sticky fingers aside!
So, the GHI tasting panel got tasting to find the best classic and flavoured ribs to enjoy this summer, tasting options from supermarkets and independents.
Want to make this year’s alfresco dining the best yet? As part of our big BBQ Taste Test, our panel of experts have been hard at work sampling hundreds of tasty products for your grill, from burgers and sausages to hot sauce, to bring you the most delicious mains, sides and toppings. We’ve also got veggie and vegan options.
Best ribs for 2024
These are our experts’ favourite ribs at a glance but keep scrolling for their full reviews.
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Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference Slow Cooked Cherry Wood Smoked Baby Back Ribs
Read more
4
Best for adding your own flavour
Campbells Specially Selected Pork Spare Ribs
Read more
5
Best for Asian flavours
Blue Dragon Slow Cooked Pork Loin Rib Rack with Hoisin Sauce 575g
Read more
6
Best slow-cooked ribs
M&S Slow Cooked BBQ Pork Rib Rack with a BBQ Sauce
Read more
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How we test ribs
Our testers were looking for ribs with a good amount of meat, which fell off the bone. They were after a smoky, charred flavour with a balanced sweet and savoury sauce for that unbeatable sticky rib experience.
This article was updated in June to reflect the latest prices and stock levels.
Score: 82/100
These are the perfect choice for rib fans. The pork loin is generously coated in a sweet and slightly smoky barbecue sauce, which our testers loved, while the texture is a real highlight – tender and falling off the bone.
Pair with coleslaw and corn on the cob for a classic American feast.
Score: 82/100
Testers found these ribs milder in flavour than our other joint winner, with a dry rub that delivers subtle notes of pepper, chilli and smoked paprika.
The texture is soft and flaky, with a nice fattiness. Enjoy with your favourite cooling sauces for a winning flavour combination.
Score: 78/100
These have a flavour of sweet, tangy barbecue sauce, paprika and meaty pork. The texture was a hit – they’re tender with a firm chew, which our testers found really satisfying.
Some would have liked a bit more seasoning, but that’s easy to add depending on your personal taste.
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4
Best for adding your own flavour
Campbells Specially Selected Pork Spare Ribs
Score: 76/100
Testers found these ribs had a particularly gamey aroma with notes of earthy, cooked mushrooms. They also enjoyed the soft, juicy texture with a sweet layer of fat. These ones come unmarinated, so they’re perfect for chefs who want to add their own marinade or rub.
5
Best for Asian flavours
Blue Dragon Slow Cooked Pork Loin Rib Rack with Hoisin Sauce 575g
Score: 74/100
Full-flavoured pork is paired with five spice, resulting is a great balance of salt and sweet that our testers enjoyed. Soft in texture and easy to slide off the bone, these would be delicious charred on the grill with a selection of veg.
Score: 75/100
Testers said they would have been happy with these if they’d got them in a restaurant. Expect tangy vinegar, mustard and sweet BBQ sauce, combined with full-flavoured and perfectly seasoned pork meat. The texture was also a highlight – soft and tender with a light bite.
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Score: 73/100
This is another unflavoured option so you can add your own marinade. The classic pork flavour would make this a great choice for a barbecue or an Asian-style sauce.
Because you cook them from raw, adding your own additional flavours, testers said this resulted in a succulent meat with a nice bite.
Score: 72/100
These are smaller ribs, so the flavours weren’t as strong as some of the others on our list, but testers loved the interesting marinade – a version of Chinese-style salt and pepper paired with chilli flakes and five spice that complemented the smokiness from the grill.
Tested byCallum Black
Food and Drink Testing Manager
Callum is our Food and Drink Testing Manager and has been part of the world of professional catering for 10 years, from cheffing to food manufacturing. While working in manufacturing he specialised in bespoke product and menu development for several start-ups and well-known brands such as Wrap It Up! and HOP Vietnamese. He holds the WSET Level 2 in wine, a Level 3 in spirits and has a particular interest in agave spirits.
Tested byJoanna Anastasiou
Food and Drinks Tester
Joanna Anastasiou is our Food and Drinks Tester, and has completed certifications in Sensory Foundation and WSET Wine Level 2 training. Prior to this she studied geography with conservation biology at the University of Exeter and trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. Through this she has developed a passion for sustainability within the food and agricultural sectors. Joanna also volunteers in kitchens with FoodCycle, as well as on multiple wildlife conservation projects, where she formed a particular love for bees!
