Sweet BBQ rubs, glazes and sauces lean on brown sugar, honey, maple or fruit, so they caramelise into a sticky, glossy finish on ribs, wings and pork. This range covers Texas and Kansas City sweet rubs, Aussie and Kiwi rib glazes and sweet-heat sauces from makers like Hardcore Carnivore, Chuds BBQ, Four Saucemen and Blues Hog. Shipping is a flat $10 anywhere in Australia.
Which sweet rub or glaze should I buy?
| Product | Maker | Style / heat | Best on |
| Sweet BBQ Rub | Hardcore Carnivore | Brown sugar rub / mild (1/11) | Pork ribs, pork, chicken |
| Honey Soy Slammer Rub | Low N Slow Basics | Honey soy rub / mild (1/11) | Pork belly, ribs, wings |
| SweetCheeks | Chuds BBQ | Maple rub / cool as (0/11) | Pork ribs, pork belly, chicken |
| Manuka Hot Honey Rub | Four Saucemen | Hot honey rub / mild (2/11) | Chicken, pork, ribs |
| Championship Candy BBQ Glaze | Heavenly Hell | Cherry rib glaze / mild (2/11) | Ribs, pork, chicken |
| The Spiced Rum Rib Glaze | Four Saucemen | Rum rib glaze / mild (1/11) | Pork ribs, pork belly, wings |
| Mango Madness Sunday Glaze | Taipan BBQ | Mango glaze / mild (1/11) | Chicken, pork, prawns |
| Jungle Juice Pomegranate Habanero Rib Glaze | Four Monkeys BBQ | Sweet-heat glaze / medium (6/11) | Pork ribs, wings, burnt ends |
| Original BBQ Sauce | Blues Hog | Thick molasses sauce / mild (1/11) | Ribs, pulled pork, burnt ends |
| Honey Gold BBQ Sauce | Loot N' Booty | Honey mustard sauce / cool as (0/11) | Pulled pork, chicken |
| WHOMP! Competition BBQ Sauce | Meat Mitch | KC sweet-heat sauce / mild (3/11) | Ribs, pulled pork, brisket |
| Mango Carolina Reaper | Uncle Mungos | Fruity hot sauce / extreme (10/11) | Wings, chicken, tacos |
How to use sweet rubs and glazes
- Sugar scorches over high direct heat, so sweet rubs suit low and slow or indirect cooking. Sear briefly at the end if you want more colour.
- Glaze late. Brush it on in the last 15 to 20 minutes and let each coat set before adding the next.
- Layer it. A savoury rub underneath and a sweet glaze on top stops the flavour going one-note.
- Honey and maple rubs love pork belly, ribs and wings, where the fat renders into the sugar.
- Every product page shows its Hub Heat rating out of 11.
Sweet rub vs glaze vs BBQ sauce
A rub goes on before the cook and builds the bark. A glaze is thicker and sweeter, brushed on near the end so it sets shiny on ribs, ham or wings. A BBQ sauce is looser and does the lot: baste, dip or table sauce. Browse glazes, BBQ sauces and honey if you want to build your own.
Sweet with some heat
Sweet and chilli work well together because the sugar softens the burn. Four Monkeys BBQ's Pomegranate Habanero glaze sits at medium (6/11), and Kosmos Q Peach Habanero BBQ Sauce is medium (5/11). For a real challenge, Uncle Mungos Mango Carolina Reaper is extreme (10/11). More on the spicy shelf.
Want sweet with smoke? Try sweet & smoky. Shopping by cut? See pork, ribs and wings, or the full ranges from Heavenly Hell, Four Saucemen and Blues Hog.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy sweet BBQ rubs in Australia?
The Rub Hub stocks sweet BBQ rubs, rib glazes and sweet BBQ sauces from Australian, New Zealand and US makers, including Hardcore Carnivore, Chuds BBQ, Four Saucemen and Blues Hog. Shipping is a flat $10 anywhere in Australia.
Why does my sweet BBQ rub burn?
Sweet rubs contain sugar, honey or maple, which scorch over high direct heat. Cook low and slow or over indirect heat, and only sear briefly at the end.
When should I glaze ribs?
Brush the glaze on in the last 15 to 20 minutes of the cook so it sets into a glossy coat without burning. Add a second thin coat if you want more shine.
What is the difference between a glaze and a BBQ sauce?
A glaze is thicker and sweeter and is brushed on late so it sets shiny on ribs, ham or wings. A BBQ sauce is looser and works as a baste, dip or table sauce.
Are there sweet BBQ rubs with no chilli heat?
Yes. Chuds BBQ SweetCheeks rates cool as (0/11) on The Rub Hub's Hub Heat scale, and Hardcore Carnivore Sweet BBQ Rub and Low N Slow Basics Honey Soy Slammer both rate mild (1/11).