19 Must Have BBQ Rubs

BBQ rubs

Having the right mix of rubs can bring out the best taste of the meat. A good BBQ rubs upgrades your entire recipe by adding lots of flavors, either Smokey, spicy, herb, or any other, thus making it an essential product in the pitmaster box.

An expert and pro master of barbecuing can develop his secret recipe for a flawlessly delicious taste. Still, if you have just started and you have no idea about BBQ alchemy, then BBQ rub is the best option for you. BBQ rubs feature the perfect balance of sugar, salt, and other aromatics that give a tender and mouthwatering taste to your dishes. Hence, in this BBQ seasoning, make barbecue like a pro with the best BBQ rubs.

To ease the search of home barbecue enthusiasts, we have gathered the top rating BBQ best rib rub for you. Along with that, we have discussed the BBQ rubs buying guide that will help you to choose the best one.

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19 Must Have BBQ Rubs

1
Traeger Grills SPC178 Blackened Saskatchewan Dry Rub
9.9
3
Meat Church Holy Gospel BBQ Rub 14oz Shaker
9
1

Traeger Grills SPC178 Dry Rub

Traeger Grills SPC178 Blackened Saskatchewan Dry Rub

$10.95
$8.95
 in stock
3 new from $8.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am

Pros
  • It is composed of 100% natural ingredients.
  • Compatible with meats and proteins.
  • It is easy to store in an airtight aluminum container.
  • It is free of gluten and GMOs.
  • The taste is flavorsome
Cons
  • Pricey for the weight of the product

Final Verdict

The delicate blend of garlic and herbs give off a mouthwatering and perfect barbecue seasoning taste. These rub ratings are at the top, and it is the best dry rub that the customers have most loved. Also, the price is as per the quality.

2

Traeger Fin & Feather Dry Rub

Traeger Grills SPC176 Fin and Feather Rub with Garlic and Paprika

$10.99
$8.95
 in stock
5 new from $8.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am

Pros
  • Amazing garlic and paprika taste.
  • Kosher-free, gluten-free, and GMO-free.
  • Easy to store.
  • Airtight aluminum container.
Cons
  • Quality seal.

Final Verdict

Everyone must have this BBQ rub in the cabinet for experiencing the great flavour of smoked chicken at any time. This rub has the potential to turn anybody into a grill master quickly.

3

Meat Church Holy Gospel BBQ Rub

Meat Church Holy Gospel BBQ Rub 14oz Shaker

$19.38  in stock
6 new from $14.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am

Pros
  • Blend enhances the taste considerably of chicken, ribs, and beef
  • Free of Gluten.
  • No MSG
Cons
  • Expensive

Final Verdict

One of the best meat seasoning BBQ spice rub offers incredible results with unique and beautiful recipes.

4

Chupacabra Original Fine Meat Rub

2 Gringos Chupacabra Original Fine Meat Rub, 25 Ounce

$39.88  in stock
5 new from $38.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Award-winning BBQ rub on the perfect combination of salt, brown sugar, garlic, and chilli peppers.
  • Versatile.
  • Packaged adequately with a dual door spice cap.
  • Ample space for shaking, blending, and mixing of ingredients
Cons
  • MSG is present.

Final Verdict

This product is the award-winning pulled pork rub that offers the best, delicious and all-purpose meat seasoning. The majority of the customers have loved this product for its taste.

5

Traeger Rub With Garlic And Chili Pepper

Traeger Grills SPC174 Traeger Rub with Garlic and Chili Pepper

$9.99
$7.95
 in stock
4 new from $7.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  •  It is made of 100% natural ingredients, which offer a premium taste.
  • Gluten-free and GMO-free.
  •  It pairs perfectly with proteins, veggies, sauces, and pallets.
  •  It comes with an aluminium tin container which is stackable
  •  Easy storage.
  •  Offers flavorful material.
Cons
  • Pricey for the weight.
  • Salty.

Final Verdict

Traeger rub ratings are always at the top as they are great in taste for BBQ seasoning. It will result in great taste, but the salt and sugar proportions are a bit more. Else it is a perfect BBQ rub.

6

Bengal Masala Rub By Tom Douglas

Rub with Love Bengal Masala Rub by Tom Douglas, 3.5-Ounce

$8.99  in stock
4 new from $7.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • All ingredients are natural.
  • Free of gluten.
  • The taste is chef-inspired and restaurant tested.
  • Quick and easy to make.
  • Delicious taste,
Cons
  • Some products were delivered expired.

Final Verdict

This BBQ spice rub offers the best steak of incredibly delicious flavours. However, one must check the expiration date of the product before using it.

7

Lawry’s Perfect Blend Chicken Rub

Lawry's Perfect Blend Chicken Rub And Seasoning, 24.5 oz

$9.98  in stock
5 new from $9.98
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • It offers bold and natural flavours without spending much time.
  •  It saves time and money
  •  The bottle is of the perfect size, allowing ample space to shake
  • Versatile uses.
  •  Use it for grilling, broiling, baking, and roasting.
Cons
  •  A little bit expensive.

Final Verdict

You will never be disappointed to buy such a great product that offers excellent taste meat seasoning with perfect salt and various uses.

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8

Jack Daniel’s 01761 Beef Original Quality Rub

Jack Daniel's 01761 Beef Original Quality Rub, 9 oz

$16.99  in stock
22 new from $16.99
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  •  Best for rib rub smoking brisket.
  • A delicious and fine coat of taste.
  • Works on any cut of beef,
  • Gluten-free.
  • No MSG
  •  Add strong and rich flavour.
Cons
  • Misleading advertisement.

Final Verdict

This product offers the right amount of flavour required for a fantastic taste. It is one of the best rubs that offers great-tasting steak.

9

Killer Hogs BBQ Rub

Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub | Championship Grill Seasoning for Beef, Steak, Burgers, Pork, and Chicken | 16 oz

$13.53  in stock
6 new from $13.53
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Made of natural ingredients.
  • Offers excellent taste and consistency.
  • Sauces work for both grilling and smoking.
  • It does not expire; it only loses taste with time.
Cons
  • MSG is present.

Final Verdict

The killer hogs BBQ rub offers the right amount of sugar which helps caramelize and form the perfect bark. Its unique flavours will leave you mesmerized.

10

Traeger Grills Beef Rub with Molasses And Chili Pepper

Traeger Grills SPC169 Beef Rub with Molasses and Chili Pepper

$9.99
$7.95
 in stock
3 new from $7.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Cooking seasoning is excellent.
  • Features sweet molasses and flavours of brown sugar.
  • Slight kick of spiciness due to chilli pepper.
  • Perfect for any beef cut.
  • Free of gluten, Kosher, and GMO.
  • Easy to store.
  • Comes with an airtight aluminium container.
Cons
  • Too much salty.

Final Verdict

It is one of the best and great seasoning beef rub, but the amount of salt proportion is high.

11

Heath Riles BBQ Rib Rub Apple Rub Seasoning

Heath Riles BBQ Apple Rub Seasoning, Champion Pitmaster Recipe, Shaker Spice Mix, 16 oz.

$14.95  in stock
3 new from $14.95
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • The perfect blending of all spices.
  • Fantastic combination of sweetness and tanginess.
  • Nice smell.
Cons
  • Artificial cherry flavour.

Final Verdict

This is one of the BBQ best rib rub seasonings that people love and recommend trying.

12

Slap Yo Daddy BBQ Rub

Slap Yo Daddy BBQ Rub - All Purpose Championship BBQ Seasoning from Harry Soo - Pork Rub, Rib Rub, Brisket Rub - No MSG, Gluten Free - BBQ Rubs and Spices for Smoking - Love Meat Tender - 26 Oz

$29.99
$26.95
 in stock
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Perfectly balanced taste for barbecue.
  • Enhance natural, succulent, and delicious flavours.
  • Versatile and can be used as an all-purpose BBQ rub.
  • Free of Gluten.
  • No MSG.
  • Safe and delicious.
Cons
  • Sugar is present in a bit excessive amount.

Final Verdict

It is an excellent BBQ rub that is suitable for practically anything that you smoke.

13

Lillie’s Q – Carolina Dirt BBQ Rub

Lillie’s Q - Carolina Dirt BBQ Rub, Sugar-Based BBQ Rub, Traditional Carolina Barbeque Rub, Sweetened Blend of Southern Spices, Perfect Barbeque Seasoning for Ribs, Pork, & Fries (3.25 oz)

$9.59  in stock
6 new from $9.59
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Perfect sugar-based rub for slow-cooked food and distinctive flavours.
  • A sprinkle of this product will also work great.
  • Enriched with No.16 secret ingredient for mesmerizing taste.
Cons
  • The quality seal of some products is broken.

Final Verdict

An excellent and go-to-product that offers amazing taste with the perfect seasoning to your taste buds.

14

John Henry’s Texas Brisket Rub

John Henry's Texas Brisket Rub 11 0z.

$11.99  in stock
5 new from $11.99
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Holds meat juice properly while spreading flavour throughout the meat piece.
  • Natural smoke flavour taste.
  • Perfectly balanced and flavoured.
Cons
  • Sweeter for some people.

Final Verdict

Perfect for those who like sweet touch. However, its taste has a beautiful flavour that all must try.

15

Sauce Bone Suckin’ Original Seasoning And Rub

Bone Suckin' Sauce Bone Suckin' Original Seasoning and Rub, 5.8 Ounce

$9.42  in stock
17 new from $6.50
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Made of all-natural ingredients.
  • No high fructose levels.
  • Free of artificial colours, gluten, and GMOs.
  • Versatile uses.
  • Barbecue, grill, and marinate.
  • Enhance smokey flavour.
Cons
  • All might not like lemon pepper taste.

Final Verdict

This product brings great flavours with even non-traditional dishes. It is neither too spicy nor flavourless; it’s a perfectly balanced flavour loved by the majority.

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16

BBQ Bros Rubs

BBQ BROS RUBS {Southern Style} - Ultimate Barbecue Spices Seasoning Set - Use for Grilling, Cooking, Smoking - Meat Rub, Dry Marinade, Rib Rub - Backed with 100% Customer Guarantee

 out of stock
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Available in three incredible flavours.
  • It is made entirely of natural ingredients.
  • It is Gluten-free
  • No MSG and artificial preservatives.
  • Handcrafted.
  • It can easily combine with ingredients to give a delicious taste.
  • Moderately spicy.
Negatives
  • Salty

Final Verdict

Using this BBQ rub at your party will leave you with many compliments because of the complexity of its mild and good flavours. As it is not too much spicy, children love it. However, it is not suitable for pork.

17

Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic

$7.20  in stock
23 new from $3.43
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Positive
  • Unique and distinct taste with a pleasant smell.
  • Works well on baked potatoes, veggies, and pasta.
  • Easy to add other spices too.
Negatives
  • All might not like the coffee flavour.

Final Verdict

This product offers an irresistible smoky flavour that has the potential to awaken the senses. Also, its coffee aroma is very passionate that provides a unique and delicious taste. However, the coffee taste might not be liked by all.

18

Lambert’s Sweet Rub O’ Mine

Lambert's Sweet Rub O' Mine (12.5 Ozs)

$14.65
$13.85
 in stock
19 new from $13.85
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • A unique and complex sweet flavour.
  • Enhances umami and savoury flavours.
  • Neither too spicy nor too salty.
Cons
  • Includes MSG

Final Verdict

The perfectly balanced taste offers a great flavour and colour to the meat without any hassle.

19

A Cajun Life Chicken Rub Seasoning

A Cajun Life Chicken Rub Seasoning | Authentic Certified Cajun Chicken Rub, Non-GMO, No MSG, Gluten Free Chicken Seasoning Mix That's Great On Everything Poultry!

$11.08  in stock
3 new from $8.84
Free shipping
Amazon.com
as of December 18, 2024 7:31 am
Pros
  • Made of natural ingredients.
  • Low sodium.
  • Free from gluten, MSG. GMO.
  • Allergy-friendly facility.
Cons
  • A bit salty.

Final Verdict

If you want a seafood flavour, go for this product, and one can also add a different flavour to enhance its taste.

BBQ Rubs Classification

Rubs are classified based on different criteria. All of them are briefly mentioned here;

Based on Water Storage

Mainly, there are two different rubs types based on their storage criteria, which are;

  1. Dry rubs
  2. Wet rubs

While for the wet rubs, one must oil and other sauces to mix the barbecue seasoning rub.

Dry Rubs

BBQ dry rubs are most commonly found and widely used for BBQ seasoning. They are a mixture of various spices and dried herbs directly added to the meat before grilling or grilling. The juices of the meat mix with the rub to enhance the meat’s natural flavour.

Wet Rub

Like the paste, a wet rub is added with oil and other sauces. Moreover, one can make a wet rub easily by directly applying a BBQ dry rub mixture with equal amounts of oil, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, and mustard.

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Based on Style

Depending upon the traditional style, four main kinds of BBQ are present. The majority of the portion is represented in Midwest and South areas.

  1. Texas Style
  2. Memphis and Tennessee Style
  3. Kansas City Style
  4. Carolina BBQ Style

Texas Style

This traditional style is best for smoked barbecue chicken. It uses chilli powder, cayenne, brown sugar, and other various spices for a sweet taste.

Memphis and Tennessee Style

Go for the Memphis and Tennessee style for a sweeter flavor than Texas. They come coated with dry or wet rub, and they mainly consist of BBQ rib rub.

Kansas City Style

For smoked meat dipping, this style is excellent for you. The sauce is thick and sweet with molasses and tomatoes, giving off a delicious taste.

Carolina BBQ Style

This style is preferred chiefly with pork. One can rub it before and during smoking. Before smoking, one can rub it with a mixture of spices while mopped with herb and vinegar liquid. 

Many other styles have also been developed, but all of them are influenced by the aforementioned traditional style.

Based On Key Ingredients

There are different types of BBQ rubs based on their ingredients.

  1. Chicken BBQ rubs
  2. Beef BBQ rubs
  3. Lamb BBQ rubs
  4. Smoking BBQ rubs
  5. General purpose BBQ rubs
  6. BBQ special rubs
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Ingredients of BBQ Rub

The best BBQ rubs available in the market consist of the following ingredients but in different proportions to create unique and distinct products.

Salt

The essential BBQ rub ingredient is salt. Salt enhances food flavour to a large extent, but make sure to add them adequately. The common salts used in BBQ rubs are sea salt, kosher salt, and table salt.

Sugar

A little bit of sugar in the BBQ rub enriches the taste of meat. The most common sugars used are raw sugar, brown sugar, and refined sugar.

Pepper

Another vital ingredient that adds spice to the BBQ rub is pepper, and the chipotle pepper is mainly used for spiciness.

Paprika

To bring texture and intensify the flavour of smoked beef, paprika is used. In addition to that, it also brings color to your grilled products.

Garlic and Onion

Adding powdered flaked onion and garlic exactly after being rubbed will increase the flavour of the meat.

Things To Consider Before Buying BBQ Rubs

With so many options available on the table, it is hard to pick one. However, one must consider the following options before buying one.

Type of Meat

For different types of meat, other BBQ rubs are available in the market. Not all rubs are suitable for all meats, hence based on the meat, one should buy the rub.

Reading Description

Before buying, you must read the bottle’s description as different ingredients suit different kinds of meat. Thus, you must make sure before buying it.

Ingredients Proportions

Some BBQ rubs are rich in salt, while others have a high sugar in them. Before buying, make sure that both ingredients are in adequate amounts, as too much salt can destroy the taste, while a rub with an excess amount of sugar will burn rapidly.

Taste Preference

While some love to have a spicy barbecue, others prefer to have mild and sweet flavored one. It all depends on a person’s choice, and hence one must pick the one that suits best.

Grilling Style

Barbecuing and grilling are entirely different. Therefore, depending on what you plan to do, you must select your barbecue rub.

Flavour

Flavored grilled or barbecued products are everybody’s favorite. Thus, they prefer savory herb rub for elite taste.

Tips for Applying Rubs

For different pieces of meat, there are various tips and tricks to bring out the best flavour.

Steak

Marinating the steak first and then applying rub will enhance its taste.

Pork

Dual rubbing pork meat will intensify its taste. Firstly, add BBQ rub to the meat correctly, then add a little more rub when 80% cooked.

Turkey or Chicken

After rinsing the chicken or turkey, let it dry completely, then cover the BBQ rub to wither the whole chicken or its pieces.

Shrimp or Fish

One can either just sprinkle the rub on them or dip them into the big pot for proper coating and enhancing flavors.

Steps to Apply a Dry BBQ Rub

After finding the perfect barbecue rub, one must learn how to apply them. As dry rubs are the most popular, let’s discuss steps on using the dry BBQ rub,

Step 01

Coat both sides of the meat with a small amount of olive oil, and it will help in rubbing spices on it.

Step 02

Now using one hand sprinkle the BBQ rub onto the meat. On the other hand, massage the meat in kneading type motion.

One can also use latex gloves for this step.

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Why Should You Buy BBQ Rub?

With busy lives, one hardly gets time to spend in the kitchen and make a proper paste for BBQ. Hence, to ease your life and save your time, BBQ rub is the easiest solution. In addition to that, they give your BBQ taste as if an experienced chef cooked them.

How to Make BBQ Rub?

It’s effortless to create your BBQ rub in your kitchen. Mix all the ingredients in the bowl, then use a fork to break down any small clumps. There are no fancy mixers or blenders are required! Once you’ve got your seasonings mixed and ready to use, they can be used right away or stored the herb in an airtight dish in the pantry. I prefer to keep my seasonings and spices in glass spice containers; however, any lidded container can be used. The rub can be kept inside an airtight container for one month. However, it’s improbable that the rub will last as long.

How to Apply a Rub?

Barbecue enthusiasts like to get caught up in the tiniest details. What’s more straightforward than applying a rub to your barbecue? There’s a lot more to be aware of than you’d think.

Here are some suggestions to think about:

  • Use one hand to sprinkle rub on your meat while the other hand is used for handling your meat (but not the flesh!). Use gloves made of rubber gloves to prevent cross-contamination, as in the photo below.
  • Although most rubs purchased from stores may be shaken up, the shakers tend to become clogged, particularly in humid environments. We recommend using a high-quality, variable shaker for rubs (which is extremely helpful when making your rubs).
  • The most common mistake made by people is applying the too excessive rub. It is essential to cover the meat, sloshing layer upon rub.

What Do You Need to Know About Applying a Dry Rub Overnight?

Everyone has a different view on the best time to apply the rub. It is common to hear people say that you should use your rub the night before, and some people say that it’s only necessary to apply just a few hours before cooking. Many people apply their rub just before putting their meat on.

The Aaron Franklin guide to smoking brisket, the rub is placed one hour prior when the brisket is at room temperature. If the advice differs this much, it’s more of a matter of individual preference.

Some believe the application of a rub for a few hours can dry the meat; however, this doesn’t adhere to the basic principles of food science due to several reasons:

  • When rubs that are laden with lots of sugar and salt may create a little moisture out of your meat, you will be exposed to long hours of smoke and heat. Moisture will evaporate regardless of whether you put the rub on for hours or the day before.
  • It can take more than a day for moisture to escape inside the meat, even though you could lose some of the water on the surface.

On the final day, the texture and flavor of your barbecue have lots to do with the method you cook it and the sauces and rubs you use. Applying a rub for a long time will give you a more intense taste if there is anything.

Conclusion

To make delicious taste BBQ rub at home like an expert, then BBQ rubs have got you covered. The excellent blend of spices and smoke will give you the perfect and well worth result. Thus, without providing any second thought, buy the above-discussed BBQ rubs.

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