This is our post for the best barbecue rubs you can buy online in 2023.
There is nothing better than spending a summer day outdoors cooking food on the grill.
Whether you are cooking ribs, chicken, or steak, adding a BBQ rub to the meat will add flavor and juiciness.
If you are like me, you can use your favorite rub recipe and make your own or you can buy it from a store or online marketplace.
To be honest, the best barbecue rubs that you can buy are excellent – they are better than some homemade rubs.
In this blog post, we will discuss 19 of the best barbecue rubs that you can buy online. The ingredient list and flavor profile for each rub is also provided to help you find the perfect rub.
Let’s get started.
Contents
Our Best Barbecue Rubs
The rubs listed below are the best of the best. They are presented in no particular order. All are highly rated and recommended.
1. Heath Riles BBQ Garlic Jalapeño Rub Seasoning
Flavor Profile: Salty, sweet, and garlicky with a kick.
Ideal for: Pork, beef, fish, chicken, seafood and vegetables.
Main Ingredients: Salt, sugar, spices, monosodium glutamate, dehydrated garlic
Sodium Content: 180 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
This award winning rub is the perfect way to add a little extra flavor to your food. It is hand-crafted and mastered by Pitmaster Heath Riles, a 70+ time grand championships winner, including multiple perfect score categories in MBN & KCBS under his belt.
Use Heath Riles BBQ Garlic Jalapeño Rub Seasoning as a base layer layer or just sprinkle it on anything you want to add a tasty spice to. Made with real garlic and jalapeños, this seasoning is sure to give your taste buds a delightful zing.
2. Traeger Grills Pork and Poultry Rub with Apple and Honey
Flavor Profile: Sweet and mild.
Ideal for: Pork and poultry.
Main Ingredients: Cane sugar, salt, paprika, dehydrated apple, onion, spices, maltodextrin, corn starch, chili pepper, honey, and paprika extract.
Sodium Content: 90 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
This flavorful rub features notes of apple and honey, perfect for complementing anything from a whole roasted chicken, to pork tenderloin. The aluminum tin packaging adds an old school feel.
It’s Kosher as well as gluten and GMO free. So whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to add some extra flavor to your meal, Traeger Grills Pork and Poultry Rub is the perfect addition.
And it pairs perfectly with Traeger Apricot BBQ Sauce for even more deliciousness.
3. Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub
Flavor Profile: Sweet and smoky with a little heat.
Ideal for: Beef, chicken, pork, and fish.
Main Ingredients: Brown sugar, sugar, paprika, salt, spices (red and black pepper), dehydrated garlic, oleoresin paprika, and dehydrated orange peel.
Sodium Content: 50 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Looking for a championship-worthy BBQ rub? Look no further than Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub! This rub was developed and used by the Killer Hogs Championship BBQ team
For over 10 years this rub has satisfied professional pitmasters, amateurs, backyard BBQ enthusiasts, chefs, and everyone in between.
What sets our rub apart is its consistency. So you don’t have to worry about seasoning your meat or veggies – the BBQ Rub provides a delicious flavor you can count on time and time again.
4. Kosmos Q Honey Killer Bee BBQ Rub
Flavor Profile: Sweet and savory.
Ideal for: Poultry and beef.
Main Ingredients: Sugar, salt, honey powder (Refined Syrup, Honey), spices Including paprika, dextrose, dehydrated garlic, and celery.
Sodium Content: 130 mg per ¼ teaspoon
Want to take your cooking to the next level? Then you need Kosmos Q Honey Killer Bee BBQ Rub. This award-winning rub will transform any poultry or beef into lip-smacking, delicious meat.
This is a sweet rub that is the perfect way to add a sultry honey flavor to any meat you want. If you ever need to sweeten things up to show off your grilling skills Kosmos Killer Bee Rub is what you need.
The unique blend of spices is the perfect balance of honey and savory spices, delivering a mouthwatering explosion of sweet BBQ goodness. Plus, it’s easy to use and versatile -enhancing the flavor of casseroles, potatoes, baked beans, and more!
5. Meat Church The Gospel All-Purpose BBQ Rub
Flavor Profile: Southwestern style.
Ideal for: Poultry, ribs, pork, and beef.
Main Ingredients: Sugar, salt, spices including paprika, dextrose, dehydrated garlic, and celery.
Sodium Content: 170 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
There’s no need to be preachy about how good Meat Church BBQ Rubs are – the gospel truth is right there in the name. All-purpose and nothing but the truth, this rub will have you jumping for joy.
This is the one rub you need for every cookout. With its Southwestern style and bright red color, Meat Church The Gospel All-Purpose 14 oz. BBQ Rub will give your food a killer BBQ flavor that everyone will love.
So whether you’re looking to absolve your rib rack of sin or anoint your chicken in flavorful droplets of deliciousness, Meat Church is here to save the day
Plus, it’s gluten free and has no MSG, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
6. Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q Dry Rub
Flavor Profile: Salty, sweet, and peppery.
Ideal for: Poultry, ribs, and brisket.
Main Ingredients: Salt, spices, garlic, chili pepper, sugar, paprika, and onion.
Sodium Content: 85 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q Dry Rub is tasty and versatile. It’s the perfect way to add some flavor to your next meal.
The folks at Rudy’s Redd Bar-B-Q have been working on their signature rub since the 80s. And now you can get your hands on it.
This unique blend of spices will give your food a wonderfully intense flavor that is sure to please even the most stubborn palate. And best of all, it is completely sugar-free, so you can enjoy it guilt-free.
So next time you’re looking for something special to spice up your meal, be sure to try Rudy’s Texas Bar-B-Q Dry Rub. You won’t be disappointed.
7. Slap Yo Daddy All Purpose Championship BBQ Rub
Flavor Profile: Sweet and spicy.
Ideal for: Pork, ribs, and brisket.
Main Ingredients: Sea salt, cane sugar, garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, chipotle powder, black pepper, rosemary, and cayenne pepper.
Sodium Content: 160 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Slap Yo Daddy Daddy All Purpose Championship BBQ Rub is made by Grand Champion Pitmaster Harry Soo. The Love Meat Tender rub has a sweet profile with a touch of heat, perfect for enhancing the natural flavor of your smoked and grilled meats.
This all purpose rub is great for more than just meat – it elevates vegetables, tofu, potatoes, and even eggs or popcorn to a new bold level.
Slap Yo Daddy is gluten and MSG free, so everyone can enjoy. So put down that boring old salt and pepper and step up your seasoning game.
8. Meat Church Holy Voodoo BBQ Rub
Flavor Profile: Cajun, smoky and savory.
Ideal for: Poultry, ribs, and veggies.
Main Ingredients: Salt, sugar, brown sugar, spices including paprika, dehydrated garlic, and dehydrated jalapeño.
Sodium Content: 100 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Looking for a little voodoo in your BBQ? Meat Church has just the thing –it’s Holy Voodoo BBQ Rub.
This seasoning is inspired by Cajun cooking, with a savory flavor and a kick of heat from jalapeño peppers.
And many users have already been winning competitions with this rub on both fried and smoked turkeys. So if you’re looking to add some spice to your BBQ, grab a bottle of Meat Church Holy Voodoo BBQ Rub today!
9. Bad Byron’s Butt Rub Barbeque Seasoning BBQ Rub
Flavor Profile: Smoky and savory.
Ideal for: Meats, seafood and vegetables.
Main Ingredients: Salt, black pepper, granulated onion, granulated garlic, paprika, and chipotle powder (smoked jalapeno).
Sodium Content: 170 mg per 1/4 tsp
Butt Rub is a classic all purpose seasoning used by championship barbequers, professional chefs, and backyard cooks everywhere
If you love a smoky flavor, it is the perfect seasoning for you.
It is gluten free and also great for those who are looking for an MSG-free seasoning. In case you’re cooking for a backyard BBQ or whipping up a delicious meal for the family, Bad Byron’s Butt Rub is the perfect choice.
10. Killer Hogs BBQ TX Brisket Rub
Flavor Profile: Salty, peppery, and savory.
Ideal for: Beef, turkey, pork, ribs, game, and lamb.
Main Ingredients: Salt, spices, dehydrated garlic, dehydrated onion, and dehydrated parsley.
Sodium Content: 380 mg per 2 g
Looking to take your brisket game to the next level? You can get there with Killer Hogs TX Brisket Rub. This championship-worthy rub has been developed and used by the award-winning Killer Hogs BBQ team.
They created a natural blend of salt and spices that adds authentic flavor to your BBQ creation. This rub is known for its consistency. You’ll never have to worry about seasoning your brisket too much or too little.
11. Spiceology Greek Freak Mediterranean Seasoning
Flavor Profile: Salty and savory.
Ideal for: Beef, chicken, fish, pork, game and seafood.
Main Ingredients: Spices, sea salt, garlic, onion, orange peel, dehydrated tomatoes, and crushed red pepper.
Sodium Content: 50 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Spiceology’s Greek Freak all-purpose Mediterranean spice blend is nothing to sneeze at. All ingredients are ground and packed fresh offering quality you can taste. And no preservatives, fillers or MSG is added.
Use Greek Freak Mediterranean Blend to season meat, sauces and stews. This grilling blend is versatile in the kitchen as well. Use for stir-fry, Instant Pot and Slow Cooker recipes.
And because it comes in a handy glass jar, it makes a great gift for the food lover in your life. So don’t wait any longer – order Greek Freak today!
12. Hardcore Carnivore Red
Flavor Profile: Smoky and savory with mild heat.
Ideal for: Pork and chicken.
Main Ingredients: Sea salt, white sugar, black pepper, dehydrated garlic, paprika, dehydrated onion, and chili powder.
Sodium Content: 170 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Hardcore Carnivore Red is designed specifically to give your meat a bright red finish that will wow your guests. The best part is that it doesn’t sacrifice flavor for color.
Unlike many rubs designed for pork, Hardcore Carnivore Red is not particularly sweet. So you can add more sweetness until you reach the level you want using honey/brown sugar in wraps, and finishing sauces.
Made in Texas using only premium quality spices, Hardcore Carnivore Red is sure to become a staple in your BBQ and grilling arsenal. It’s also MSG and artificial color free, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your food.
13. Kosmos Q Salt & Vinegar Wing Dust
Flavor Profile: Savory salt and tangy vinegar.
Ideal for: Chicken wings.
Main Ingredients: Salt, sodium diacetate, sugar, maltodextrin, spices, citric acid, malic acid, and white distilled vinegar.
Sodium Content: 240 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Ready to add some zing to your wings? Kosmos Q’s Salt & Vinegar Wing Dust is the perfect way to add some tangy flavor to your chicken. It has a blend of real salt and all-natural vinegar to create a uniquely bold flavor that you’ll crave on everything.
This dust is also great on popcorn, fries, and more. And it’s easy to use and mess-free. Just apply it directly to your food and adjust the flavor with as much or as little dust as you want. So next time you’re firing up the grill, make sure you have Kosmos Q’s Salt & Vinegar Wing Dust on hand. It will transform the way you BBQ.
14. Pappy’s Choice Original Seasoning
Flavor Profile: Savory and smoky.
Ideal for: Beef, chicken, pork, ribs, and seafood.
Main Ingredients: Salt, spice, paprika, sugar, granulated garlic, and granulated onion.
Sodium Content: 290 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Pappy’s Choice Original Seasoning is the perfect way to add some extra zing to your meals.
Pappy’s Fine Foods has been California’s leading provider of flavor-packed seasonings for over 35 years. Pappy’s Choice Original Seasoning is their most popular blend
It is used by professional chefs, restaurants, and barbecue joints all over the state.
It’s traditionally used on grilled or smoked tri-tips. But don’t let that limit you – this seasoning is great on any dish you’re looking to add some extra flavor to.
Try something new and discover a new favorite. Experience the taste of pappy’s at home for yourself.
15. Pork Barrel BBQ All American Seasoning & Rub
Flavor Profile: Smoky, peppery and savory.
Ideal for: Poultry, beef, pork, seafood, and vegetables.
Main Ingredients: Salt, dehydrated garlic and onion, spices, ancho chili pepper, smoked paprika, mustard flour, chipotle chili pepper, celery seed, and cilantro.
Sodium Content: 115 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Pork Barrel BBQ All American Seasoning & Rub is a great tasting seasoning blend inspired by the classic flavors of American barbecue. It gives slow-cooked flavors to your meats and seafood.
The first time you cook with this barbecue seasoning, it’ll be like having your own professional pit. With just a flick of the wrist you can transform your food into a delicious treat.
This rub is gluten-free and preservative-free, so you know it is good for your health.
You can’t go wrong with this rub. Get yours today!
16. McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Rub
Flavor Profile: Smoky, savory and slightly sweet.
Ideal for: Pork and poultry.
Main Ingredients: Spices (Including chili pepper, red pepper, cinnamon), demerara sugar, garlic, salt, molasses, and onion.
Sodium Content: 40 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
If you’re looking for a surefire way to win at the grill, then you need McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Rub. This blend of garlic, peppers, and applewood smoke is the perfect way to intensify the taste of your favorite cuts of meat.
Just rub it on before grilling, or leave it on overnight, and you’ll be amazed at the flavor-packed crust that seals in all the savory goodness. So don’t go another grilling season without McCormick Grill Mates Applewood Rub.
17. Kinder’s Organic Seafood Blend Rub
Flavor Profile: Smoky and savory.
Ideal for: Fish and shellfish.
Main Ingredients: Salt, paprika, dehydrated onion, spices, dehydrated garlic, cane sugar, and chili powder.
Sodium Content: 180 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
There’s nothing fishy about Kinder’s Organic Seafood Blend Rub. This blend of garlic, sea salt, paprika and lemon will bring out the best in your favorite seafood dishes.
Handcrafted by the Kinder family – three generations of passionate foodies – this award-winning rub is USDA Organic Certified and MSG-free.
This rub is sure to add some delicious flavor when smoking or grilling your seafood. Or try it in a seafood boil for a taste you won’t forget.
18. Jack Stack KC Meat and Poultry Rub
Flavor Profile: Savory and garlicky.
Ideal for: Poultry, beef and pork.
Main Ingredients: Salt, spices (including chili pepper), sugar, natural flavors, and dehydrated garlic.
Sodium Content: 220 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
Jack Stack KC Meat and Poultry Rub is perfect for enhancing any cut of meat or poultry. It has a mild garlic flavor that will make your taste buds sing.
Made with the finest ingredients and plenty of Kansas City tradition, this seasoning is carefully mixed in small batches for plenty of flavor in every 7-ounce bottle. And best of all, it’s gluten free, soy free, nut free, dairy free, vegetarian friendly, and low in sugar.
So whether you’re grilling up some ribs for a backyard barbecue or cooking chicken wings for your next game day party, reach for Jack Stack’s KC Meat and Poultry Rub to give your dish that extra bit of flavor we all crave.
19. Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning Rub
Flavor Profile: Savory and buttery.
Ideal for: Beef, poultry, and seafood.
Main Ingredients: Salt, dehydrated onion, dehydrated garlic, butter flavors, spices, red bell pepper, and parsley.
Sodium Content: 195 mg per 1/4 teaspoon
You know what they say: great steaks start with great seasoning. With Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning Rub, you can enjoy premium steakhouse flavor right at home.
One of Kinder’s newest rubs, this blend of onion, garlic, and spices is infused with real butter for a smooth, delicious finish. This seasoning rub is USDA Organic Certified, Non-GMO, and MSG-free. So you don’t have to worry about any additives or fillers that may not be good for you.
Just rub Kinder’s Buttery Steakhouse on meat before cooking and sprinkle liberally again when you’re ready to serve. You can also use it as a base for your favorite sauce or marinade.
The name says it all. Whoever said “butter makes it better” was totally right!
Guide to Buying BBQ Rubs Online
When selecting a barbecue rub for your food, you’ll need to pay attention to several factors.
What to Consider When Looking for Barbecue Rubs
When it comes to BBQ, everyone has their own preference for rubs. Some like it sweet, while others prefer a spicier blend. There are also rubs that are designed for specific types of meat, such as pork or chicken.
Here are a few factors to consider when purchasing a BBQ rub:
Rub style
Do you want a sweet, spicy, or savory rub? Will it be used on chicken, pork, or beef?
Ingredients
Some rubs contain sugar or salt, while others rely on herbs and spices for flavor.
Make sure to check the ingredient list to ensure that the rub does not contain any allergens.
Price
BBQ rubs range in price from a few dollars to upwards of $20. Decide how much you are willing to spend on a rub before beginning your search.
By keeping these factors in mind, you will be able to narrow down the field and find the perfect BBQ rub for your next cookout.
What Makes A Good Barbecue Rub?
A good rub should have a balance of sweet and savory flavors, as well as a touch of heat. Sugar will help to caramelize the meat, while the salt will add flavor and help to keep it moist.
For added depth of flavor, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder are included. Cayenne pepper is often used for supplying heat, but chili powder or ground chipotle pepper are also used.
The longer you let the rub sit on the meat, the more intense the flavor will be. So if you’re looking for a subtle flavor, apply the rub just before cooking. If you want a stronger flavor, apply it several hours (or even days) in advance.
Final Thoughts
Do you like your BBQ on the sweeter side or with a kick of heat? Either way, we’ve got the perfect rub for you.
And if that doesn’t get your mouth watering, just think about how good your grilled or smoked meats will taste with one of the best BBQ rubs you can buy.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on your next backyard BBQ masterpiece today and find the perfect rub to take it over the top.
FAQ
Are BBQ rubs good for grilling?
Yes. If you enjoy the flavor of spices, then a dry rub is a great way to enhance the taste of your grilled food. However, if you prefer a more subtle flavor, then you may want to skip the dry rub and stick with a simple seasoning of salt and pepper similiar to dry-brining a steak.
Can you use dry rub and barbecue sauce?
Yes you can. Dry rub is typically applied first to form a flavorful crust on the surface of the meat. Barbecue sauce is then added during the last few minutes of cooking, giving the meat a delicious glaze.
Can I apply a BBQ rub overnight?
Yes. The key is to use the right amount of rub so that it coats the meat without masking its flavor. Start with a small amount and work your way up. Be sure to massage it into the meat so that it has a chance to absorb the flavors.
