This aromatic pork spice rub is a versatile pantry staple that brings a deep, smoky complexity to your favourite meat dishes. Falling into our low-sugar category, this blend relies on the natural warmth of cumin and cloves rather than sweeteners to enhance the flavour of the pork. The addition of chipotle chilli powder provides a gentle heat, while anise seeds offer a sophisticated, herbaceous undertone that cuts beautifully through richer cuts of meat.

Ideal for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, this homemade seasoning is far superior to shop-bought versions which often contain hidden fillers and sugar. Simply massage the rub into a pork shoulder for slow-roasting, or use it to season lean pork loin steaks before searing them in a hot frying pan. For the best results, prepare a larger batch and store it in a sealed jar to keep the spices punchy and fresh.