Is There Sugar in Barbecue Rub? The Sweet and Smoky Answer
                                
                                
                                •
                                
                                
                        
                                    
                                    5 min read                                
                            
                                Over 90% of popular store-bought and many homemade barbecue rubs contain some form of sugar, typically brown sugar, as a key ingredient. This means for most enthusiasts asking 'Is there sugar in barbecue rub?', the answer is a resounding yes, and for very good reason.