The best ribs for finger-licking summer BBQs

Score: 85/100

Our testers adored Co-op's BBQ pork ribs, and raved about the soft, tender “melt-in-the-mouth” texture. The meat is well coated in sticky, sweet and smoky sauce, which our panel found particularly moreish.

Score: 83/100

Our runner-up had an impressive depth of flavour and excellent spicing, with aromatic notes of star anise, coriander and cumin. The tender, full-flavoured meat was described as “really satisfying”, leaving our panel wanting more.

Score: 82/100   

A top choice for rib fans, this pork loin is generously coated in a sweet and slightly smoky barbecue sauce, which our testers loved. 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: 81/100

Switch up the traditional pork ribs for this beefy alternative. The supersized ribs are coated in tangy BBQ sauce, smoked with hickory wood chips and slow-cooked for six hours to create tender, pull-apart meat. A real standout smokehouse sharer, this is sure to impress.

Score: 81/100

Slow-cooked, so you don’t have to, this dry-rubbed rack has a whiff of bonfire smoke, a hint of garlic and spot-on seasoning. The meat was soft and flaky; however, some would have liked a saucier finish.

Score: 78/100

With all the flavour of barbecued ribs, but with the convenience of being oven cooked, these are the perfect wet weather solution. They only take 30 minutes in the oven (they've already been slow-cooked for six hours) and are finished with a sweet bourbon whiskey BBQ sauce. Serve with creamy mac and cheese on the side.

Score: 77/100

If a frankfurter and some smoked bacon had a love child, this would be the result. An ultra porky rib rack that smelt divine, with a sweet caramelised glaze. Comforting and warming, pile the tender meat into a bun for an effortless midweek meal.

Score: 76/100

Testers thought 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 aren't marinated, so they’re perfect for chefs who want to add their own culinary flourish.

Score: 76/100

These higher-welfare pork ribs have been slow-cooked for an impressive 10 hours to ensure the meat is ultra tender. The tomato and vodka-based BBQ glaze adds a tangy, lightly smoky flavour, and allows the quality of the meat to shine.

Score: 73/100

Lidl’s budget-friendly ribs are on the sweet side. However, the classic BBQ coating complemented the soft, tender meat perfectly. We can see this becoming a family favourite. Just add slaw.

Score: 73/100

Testers loved these fatty ribs, which are packed with flavour, and come in a well-seasoned, lightly smoked sauce. However, some found the sweet meat a touch dry and would have preferred a little extra marinade to aid the texture.

Score: 73/100

These organic ribs come “naked”, leaving you to add whichever marinade takes your fancy. And because you cook them from raw and add your own additional ingredients, testers said this resulted in succulent meat with a nice bite.