Dry rub spare ribs without sugar?

[T-Bone]

I'd like to try slow-cooking dry rub ribs. I've found recipes that sound great but all use brown sugar. Sugar is out for me (hence dry rub rather than BBQ) but I'm wondering if it's absolutely essential for proper cooking?

Thanks...

 

[Morning Glory]

I'd like to try slow-cooking dry rub ribs. I've found recipes that sound great but all use brown sugar. Sugar is out for me (hence dry rub rather than BBQ) but I'm wondering if it's absolutely essential for proper cooking?

Thanks...

There is no reason why you have to use sugar but obviously leaving it out changes the flavour - it won't taste sweet! But you can ramp up the flavour with lots of other ingredients. And you could add a sugar substitute like Stevia to the rub. Is there a particular reason sugar is out for you?