Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
If you’re passionate about smoking baby back ribs, you know that the choice of rib brand can make a huge difference. In this rib showdown, I put three popular grocery store brands—Kroger, Smithfield, and Prairie Fresh—to the test on my Traeger Ironwood 885 using the tried-and-true 2-2-1 rib method. Each brand was smoked under the same conditions to see which one stands out as the backyard champion. With varying prices and weights, this comparison will help you choose the best option for your next rib cookout.
Read on to find out which brand delivers the best flavor and value for your smoking sessions.
Smoking Method and Evaluation Criteria
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
- Smoking Method
Ribs were prepped by removing the membrane and seasoning both sides with Smoked Q Rock’s Summer BBQ and Honey Chipotle rubs. They were smoked on a Traeger Ironwood 885 at 225°F for two hours with super smoke, then wrapped with brown sugar, butter, and honey and cooked for another two hours. In the final hour, they were unwrapped and coated with Smoked Q Rock’s Irish Whiskey BBQ sauce, maintaining the 225°F temperature. - Evaluation Criteria
Ribs were judged on appearance, texture, tug (bite resistance), juiciness, and overall quality.
Kroger Brand Ribs
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Price: $9.71 for 3.25 lbs ($2.99 per lb)
Appearance: These ribs displayed decent marbling and color, though they were slightly smaller in size compared to others.
Texture: The meat was tender but leaned a bit towards the dry side, yet still maintained a good flavor.
Tug: The tug was moderate, with the meat sliding off the bone easily.
Juiciness: These ribs were less juicy, likely due to their thinner cuts.
Overall: A solid option for the price, though they fell a bit short in terms of texture and juiciness.
Smithfield Brand
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Price: $8.28 for 3.325 lbs ($2.49 per lb)
Appearance: These ribs showcased excellent marbling and a generous amount of meat, making them visually appealing.
Texture: The texture was exceptional, with the meat being both tender and juicy.
Tug: The tug was spot on, providing just the right amount of resistance without crossing into toughness.
Juiciness: Each bite was incredibly juicy, delivering a burst of flavor with every chew.
Overall: The Smithfield brand stood out as the top choice, offering superior texture, tug, and juiciness at the best price.
Prairie Fresh Brand
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Price: $11.63 for 3.38 lbs ($3.44 per lb)
Appearance: The ribs were thick with good marbling, giving them a premium look.
Texture: The texture was very good, closely rivaling the Smithfield brand.
Tug: The tug was acceptable, though slightly more resistant compared to Smithfield.
Juiciness: These ribs were juicy, but didn’t quite reach the same level of juiciness as Smithfield.
Overall: Prairie Fresh is a premium option with solid qualities, but it didn’t offer enough differentiation from Smithfield, especially given the higher price.
The Verdict
Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
After a taste test with four adults and three kids who frequently enjoy ribs, Smithfield from Meijer emerged as the top choice. Its perfect texture, ideal tug, and exceptional juiciness made it stand out in this backyard competition.
Smithfield’s Winning Qualities:
- Texture: Incredibly tender, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality while still maintaining a satisfying bite.
- Tug: Perfectly balanced between tender and firm, enhancing the BBQ experience.
- Juiciness: Each bite was bursting with juices, keeping the meat moist throughout.
Kroger Brand offered a decent experience but was slightly thinner and drier compared to Smithfield. It’s a good option at a moderate price but fell short in juiciness and texture.
Prairie Fresh Brand was the priciest but didn’t offer a significant improvement over Smithfield. While still tender and juicy, it didn’t justify the higher cost for me. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, it’s a fine choice.
For the best backyard baby back ribs, Smithfield is the clear winner. Give them a try at your next BBQ—you won’t be disappointed!
