From Ribs to Chicken, Get Ready for BBQ Season with the Best Store Bought Rubs Online

From sweet to spicy, these award winning rub seasonings are a meat and sides game-changer.

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Best BBQ Rubs 2024 - Store Bought Dry Rub & Seasoning

I’m not exactly the type that cooks or grills and keeps things plain.  I’m into bold flavors – whether it’s sweet, savory, or spicy.  Check out some fan favorites when it comes to BBQ rubs and seasonings, and up your flavor game any time of year.

BEST of the BEST

KILLER HOGS

The BBQ Rub

RUNNER UP

BONE SUCKIN' SAUCE

Original Rub

WINGS FANS

KOSMOS Q

Wing Dust

Of course, you don’t have to wait until summer to get grilling (and beer-ing).  Cooking in the great outdoors can be enjoyed through all four seasons.  Sure, most of the time when we picture a good barbecue, we’re surrounded by warm sun, green grass and lazy days.  But we also like to keep the party going around the fire pit,  while the kids  skate on the backyard rink.  It’s more or less what keeps me sane during the long, winter months.

It’s easy to substitute fabulous wings and beer with a fantastic smoked brisket – paired with a nice red.   So any time of year, dry rubs add plenty of flavor to the food you’re grilling or smoking, and can be applied right before you  throw it on the grill.   But, since there are no rules here, feel free to season a couple of hours before you cook, if you so choose.  While there’s nothing wrong with a little olive oil and salt seasoning, I’m always ready and willing to experiment with other flavors.

Speaking of which,  recently reviewed and ranked the best BBQ sauces of the year, so if you’re looking for more of a sauce vs. a rub, check that out too.

Whether you’re obsessed with smoking ribs, are a fan of classic BBQ chicken, or want to experiment with a savory steak, “the rub” is where it’s at.  And there are so many to choose from.  In fact, one thing I loved about checking out all of the options over on Amazon, is that so many of the user reviews included recipes!  Some use the dry rub on its own, while others added honey and other ingredients to turn it into a marinade or sauce.

When trying a new seasoning, it’s always a good idea to start lightly.  It should enhance the flavor of whatever you’re grilling or smoking, not overpower it.  If you’ve found that the spiciness (spiciness is all relative of course) is just too much, some recommend cutting it by adding things like brown sugar, garlic powder, or onion powder.  If the rub has a high brown sugar content, it’s a good idea to limit direct or high heat as the brown sugar will darken quickly – prior to the meat cooking fully.  Another thing to keep in mind is that rubs tend to be salty, so if that’s a deal breaker, some brands have low salt options.  Lastly, buying seasoning on line may save you a trip to the store, but always check the expiration date once you receive it – you never know!

I’ve rounded up some of the top dry rubs to try, and listed some of the main flavors, spices and heat factors for each.  Always check the full ingredient list on line, so you can be on the lookout for allergens, MSG, sugar and salt content, and see which are gluten free.   Some of my favorites include:

An award winning BBQ blend that’s sweet and savory
An espresso rub with a kick of brown sugar
A rib rub that turns up the heat

Shop my picks for the best store bought BBQ rubs you can get online to kick off your grilling season (or really whenever) in 2024.  Smoke ’em if you got ’em!

1.

Spiceology Black Magic Cajun Blackening Blend

Spiceology Black Magic Cajun Blackening Blend

WHAT’S IN IT

Paprika, garlic, onion, spices, salt

USE IT ON:

Beef, chicken, seafood, game, pork, and fish

Spiceology Black Magic Cajun Blackening Blend is an amazing seasoning blend made from a combination of spices and herbs that you’ll typically find in classic Cajun recipes. It is specifically designed to be used as a dry rub for seafood, poultry, and other meats, adding a bold and flavorful kick to your dishes.

The blend includes ingredients like paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne pepper, and thyme, along with other spices that are commonly used in Cajun cooking. The result is a savory and slightly spicy seasoning that is perfect for adding depth and flavor to a variety of dishes.

One of the unique features is its versatility. In addition to being a great dry rub for meats and seafood, it can also be used as a seasoning for vegetables, grains, and other side dishes. This makes it a great all-purpose seasoning to have on hand in your kitchen.

SPICE LEVEL

MODERATE

2.

Kosmos Q Honey Killer Bee BBQ Rub

Kosmos Q Honey Killer Bee BBQ Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

Sugar, salt, honey powder and spices

USE IT ON:

Any meat, casseroles, potatoes, baked beans

Kosmos Q Honey Killer Bee BBQ Rub is such a popular seasoning blend used for barbecue dishes, side dishes, or basically anything you want to kick up the flavor dial.

It’s made from a combination of natural ingredients including honey powder, sugar, salt, spices, paprika, garlic, and onion.

The honey powder and sugar in the rub gives it a sweet flavor, while the salt and spices provide a savory taste. The paprika gives it a smoky flavor, and the garlic and onion add a nice depth of flavor.

Feel free to use it on a wide variety of meats, including chicken, pork, beef, and even seafood. It is particularly well-suited for grilled or smoked meats.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

3.

Bone Suckin’ Sauce Original Seasoning & Rub

Bone Suckin’ Sauce Original Seasoning & Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

Brown sugar, paprika, garlic and spices

USE IT ON:

Ribs, pork, beef, and chicken, and seafood

Probably one of the best selling options online, Bone Suckin’ Sauce Rub is made from an amazing blend of natural ingredients, like brown sugar, paprika, garlic, salt, pepper, and other spices.

It’s mainly known for its savory and slightly sweet flavor flavors, and really goes great on chicken, ribs, pork, beef, and seafood. Heck, I even use it on a variety of veggies (a great to get my kids to eat them) and some reviewers online even sprinkles some on their popcorn. Overall, it’s pretty versatile and can be used in a variety of ways, including as a dry rub, a marinade, or a seasoning for sauces.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

4.

Traeger Prime Rib Rub

Traeger Prime Rib Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

Cane sugar, rosemary, garlic, spices, paprika, onion, chili pepper, sunflower oil

USE IT ON:

Ideal for beef, like prime rib and premium steaks.  Some use it on brisket.

Traeger Prime Rib Rub is perfect to enhance the flavor of prime rib (hence, the name) but it can also be used on other beef cuts, such as steak or brisket. This one is made from natural ingredients, including salt, sugar, paprika, garlic, onion, and other spices.

Definitely not a hot rub, this one is known for its balanced flavor profile, with a savory and slightly sweet taste that complements the richness of the beef. I find it contains just the right amount of salt, which helps to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.

While it was made to be paired with a Traeger grill, don’t sweat it, you can use it on any grill you have.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

5.

The Spice House Berbere Ethiopian Blend

The Spice House Berbere Ethiopian Blend

WHAT’S IN IT

Blend of paprika, spices, salt, onion, garlic, fenugreek leaves, and shallots

USE IT ON:

Traditional Ethiopian dishes, or a rub for grilled vegetables, fish and poultry

The Spice House Berbere Ethiopian Blend is a truly unique spice mix inspired by the traditional flavors of Ethiopia. It’s made from a blend of natural ingredients, including chili peppers, ginger, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, and other spices.

It’s known for its bold and complex flavor profile, with a spicy and slightly sweet taste that is typically used in some of the most popular Ethiopian dishes. You can also use it in a variety variety of options, like stews, soups, roasted meats, and vegetables, to add depth of flavor and a touch of heat.

SPICE LEVEL

MODERATE to STRONG

6.

Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub

Killer Hogs The BBQ Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

Brown sugar, sugar, paprika, salt, spices, dehydrated garlic, oleoresin paprika, dehydrated orange peel, natural flavor.

USE IT ON:

This is ideal for pork, but can be used on all sorts of meats based on what you’re into. Some use it on veggies too.

Created by the world championship barbecue team, Killer Hogs – this rub is made from a blend of natural ingredients, including brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic, onion, and other spices.

This specific blend is known for its versatility and can be used on a variety of meats, including pork, beef, chicken, and seafood. It has a savory and slightly sweet flavor profile that enhances the natural flavors of the meat, while also providing a touch of smokiness and a subtle kick of heat.

It actually can work well when you’re  grilling, smoking, and even roasting. Feel free to use it as a dry rub or mix it with oil to create a yummy marinade.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

7.

Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub With Coffee and Garlic

Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning With Coffee and Garlic

WHAT’S IN IT

Coffee, garlic, paprika, brown sugar, sugar, salt.

USE IT ON:

This is great on ribs, burgers, steaks, or poultry.

This one may not be for everyone, but I’m obsessed with just about everything Trader Joe’s comes out with and this one is a winner in my book.

It’s a really unique seasoning blend made from a combination of natural ingredients, including coffee, garlic, brown sugar, sea salt, and various spices. It actually adds a really robust and complex flavor profile to meats, vegetables, burgers, chicken – you name it.

Since I’m a coffee lover, the addition of coffee gives it a totally unique smoky and slightly bitter flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients, while the garlic adds a touch of pungency and depth. The brown sugar provides sweetness, which helps to balance out the other flavors, while the sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the food.

My only gripe is that Trader Joe’s doesn’t always have this one in stock, so I’ve had the most luck snagging it online at Amazon.  You may have to pay slightly more, but it’s worth it.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

8.

Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Rub

Heath Riles BBQ Sweet BBQ Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

Paprika, brown sugar, sugar, salt, garlic powder, onion, powder, spices.

USE IT ON:

Add this one to pork, chicken, beef, fish and game.  It’s even suggested for Bloody Mary’s!

Created by Heath Riles, the renowned pitmaster and competition barbecue champion – this one is made from a combination of natural ingredients, including brown sugar, paprika, garlic, onion, and other spices.

Most fans of this rub know it for its sweet and savory flavor profile, which works well on a variety of meats, including pork, beef, chicken, and seafood. It has a balanced blend of flavors that enhances the natural flavors of the meat, while also providing a touch of smokiness and a hint of heat.

One of my favorite things about this rub is its ability to caramelize on the surface of the meat, resulting in an amazing crust that adds depth of flavor and texture. It can also help to lock in moisture, making the meat more tender and juicy.  Totally drool-worthy.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

9.

Pork Barrel BBQ All American Seasoning Mix

Pork Barrel BBQ All American Seasoning Mix

WHAT’S IN IT

Salt, garlic, onion, and spices, ancho chili pepper, chipotle chili pepper, smoked paprika, mustard flour, celery seed, cilantro.

USE IT ON:

Add smokey flavor to this one to chicken, pork, beef, fish fillets, scallops, shrimp, veggies, chili and more.

This popular pick is produced by the Pork Barrel BBQ company, which was founded by two friends in 2008 and has since grown into a well known go-to brand in the barbecue industry.

The Pork Barrel BBQ All American Seasoning Mix is made from a blend of salt, paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper, and other herbs and spices. It is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, and is gluten-free and kosher certified!

You can use this one in a bunch of different ways like rubbing on meats before grilling or smoking, add to marinades or sauces, or used as a finishing seasoning on cooked meats. It can also add flavor to other dishes like soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

10.

NOMU Italian Seasoning Rub

NOMU Italian Seasoning Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

13 ingredients, including sun dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, dried olives and rosemary.

USE IT ON:

Add to your choice of meat, poultry, seafood or vegetables.

This seasoning rub is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a dry rub for meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork, before grilling or roasting. It can also be used to flavor vegetables, such as potatoes or zucchini, or added to sauces and marinades.

NOMU Italian Seasoning Rub is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. It comes in a resealable container, making it easy to store and use as needed.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

11.

Famous Dave’s Rib Rub

Famous Dave’s Rib Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

Sugar, salt, dehydrated garlic, onion, carrots, red bell pepper, tomato, and orange peel and spices.

USE IT ON:

Ideal for pork, and pork chops, but also great on chicken and fish.  Some users loved it on shrimp!

One of the most affordable picks online this one is made by – you guessed it – Famous Dave’s, a popular American BBQ restaurant chain that specializes in smoked meats and classic barbecue flavors.

The Famous Dave’s Rib Rub is made from a blend of spices, including brown sugar, salt, paprika, garlic, onion, and chili pepper. These ingredients are carefully selected and blended to create a sweet and savory flavor profile with a hint of heat.

You can use it as a dry rub for ribs or other meats, or it can be mixed with barbecue sauce or marinade for added flavor.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

12.

Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub

Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

Salt, sugar, chili pepper, paprika, garlic, onion, mustard flour.

USE IT ON:

Created for chicken, but made for pork.  No really, it is.

Plowboys BBQ Yardbird Rub is a seasoning blend that’s specifically designed to enhance the flavor of chicken, although it can be used on other types of meat as well.

It’s made by Plowboys BBQ, a competition barbecue team that has won tons of awards and accolades in the prized BBQ world.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW to MODERATE

13.

Pappy’s Choice Seasoning Professional Pack

Pappy’s Choice Seasoning Professional Pack

WHAT’S IN IT

Salt, spice, paprika, sugar, granulated garlic and onion.

USE IT ON:

Brisket, steak, chicken, seafood, fajitas, popcorn, jerk, and pizza.

The seasonings are produced by Pappy’s Fine Foods, a family-owned and operated business that has been making barbecue essentials since 1985.

The Pappy’s Choice Seasoning Professional Pack includes four different seasonings: Original, Garlic, Hot, and Hickory. Each seasoning is made from a unique blend of spices and herbs, including salt, paprika, garlic, onion, cumin, and chili pepper. The Original flavor is a classic all-purpose seasoning, while the Garlic and Hot flavors add extra depth and heat to dishes. The Hickory flavor is designed to add a smoky flavor to meats.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW to MODERATE

14.

Everglades Seasoning All-Purpose Seasoning

Everglades Seasoning
All-Purpose Seasoning

WHAT’S IN IT

Salt, spices, dehydrated garlic and onion, sugar, and papain.

USE IT ON:

Steaks, ribs, chicken, pork, seasoning potatoes, veggies, pasta, rice, grits, and fish.

A bit of a lesser known option, but it’s been around for more than 30 years. It’s really can be used on a variety of foods, like meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, and even popcorn. Use it as a rub for grilling or baking, or simply sprinkle on top of your favorite foods as a must-eat finishing touch.

One of the unique features of Everglades Seasoning All-Purpose Seasoning is its ability to enhance the flavor of food without overpowering it. It is also a relatively low-sodium seasoning, making it a healthier option compared to some other brands I’ve mentioned in my list.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

15.

Bad Byron’s Butt Rub Barbeque Seasoning

Bad Byron’s
Butt Rub Barbeque Seasoning

WHAT’S IN IT

Onion, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika and chipotle (smoked jalapeno).

USE IT ON:

This one works on all meats, veggies, eggs, and fish.

Bad Byron’s Butt Rub Barbeque Seasoning is a staple in so many kitchens due to its perfect blend of spices that gives it a smoky, savory flavor with a little bit of heat.

It can be used on a variety of meats, including pork, chicken, beef, and even fish. And can be used as a dry rub before cooking or as a finishing seasoning after grilling.  Your call.

Personally, I love its ability to create a flavorful bark on the outside of the meat when used as a dry rub. This bark not only adds texture, but an impeccable flavor to the meat too.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW

16.

Spiceology Cowboy Crust Espresso Chile Rub

Spiceology
Cowboy Crust Espresso Chile Rub

WHAT’S IN IT

A combination of warm spices, espresso and a touch of brown sugar.

USE IT ON:

Grilled steaks or pork, but you can also use it for roasting a turkey.

The Cowboy Crust Espresso Chile Rub is made with a blend of spices, including espresso powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and brown sugar. The combination of flavors creates a bold, smoky, and slightly sweet taste profile that is perfect for grilling or smoking meat.

This seasoning is versatile and can be used on a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. It can be used as a dry rub before cooking or as a finishing seasoning after grilling or smoking.

One of the unique features of the Cowboy Crust Espresso Chile Rub is its use of espresso powder, which gives it a rich and complex flavor. The chili powder and smoked paprika add a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, while the brown sugar balances out the heat with a touch of sweetness.

Overall, Spiceology’s Cowboy Crust Espresso Chile Rub is a flavorful and high-quality seasoning blend that has gained popularity among home cooks and professional chefs alike. Its unique blend of spices and flavors adds depth of flavor to any grilled or smoked meat, making it a staple in many kitchens and restaurants around the world.

SPICE LEVEL

LOW to MILD

17.

Kosmos Q Garlic Parmesan Wing Dust

Kosmos Q
Garlic Parmesan Wing Dust

WHAT’S IN IT

A secret blend of spices along with garlic, onion, and turmeric.

USE IT ON:

Chicken wings, kabobs, veggies, seafood, popcorn, pizza, nuts, etc.

I do a lot of wings in my house, so wanted to add in my favorite that’s specifically designed for chicken wings. It’s made with a combo of garlic, parmesan cheese, and other spices to create a savory and flavorful blend.

With this Wing Dust, they actually use real parmesan cheese, which gives it a distinctive flavor and a bit of richness. The garlic adds a pungent and savory taste, while the other spices balance out the overall flavor.  All I have to say is that even my kids like this one!

SPICE LEVEL

LOW
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