The Best BBQ Seasonings

Buying Guide for BBQ Seasonings

Why should you buy BBQ seasoning?

Most people have salt and pepper and hopefully a few more staples in their spice rack. But it’s fun (and delicious) to taste the flavor genius of BBQ seasoning blends that are created to enhance the flavors of particular proteins or foods. How many times have you tried to mix and match your spice rack staples only to taste something that wasn’t quite what you had in mind? That’s exactly the scenario that a premade seasoning mix can help you avoid.

What should you consider when buying BBQ seasoning?

• Type of Protein: Your biggest consideration when shopping for BBQ seasoning is which type of protein you will be grilling. Certain flavors pair better with red or white meat for seafood, and some might be the perfect addition for grilling veggies and sides.
• Dietary Concerns: Most seasoning will be fairly friendly to those with dietary concerns or allergies. However, finding dry milk or MSG in seasoning blends is not unheard of. Always look at the ingredients carefully if you have dietary problems or food allergies.

Do BBQ seasoning blends expire?

When your seasoning blends don’t include preservatives, they will expire faster than those that include shelf-life stabilizers. However, even blends without preservatives will last quite some time. On average, you should consume your BBQ seasoning within two to three years after opening. But honestly, with these picks, good luck making them last longer.

Our Picks for the Best BBQ Seasonings

Pros: Made in Texas, this BBQ seasoning is perfect for any red meat. For those with dietary concerns, don’t worry. This delicious seasoning blend is free of MSG, gluten-free, and Keto-friendly. In addition to (secret and delicious) spices, this blend is made with salt, pepper, garlic, and activated charcoal. The activated charcoal is one of the main reasons why this BBQ blend is a favorite among meat lovers.

Cons: It may be on the saltier side.

Bottom Line: When seasoning red meat, it’s not about being fancy or having many ingredients, but quality show-stopping flavor is what it’s all about. This will be worth every penny if you crave the authentic taste of Texas BBQ spices.

 

Pros: Whether you’re grilling fish, shrimp, or octopus, finding a seafood seasoning blend to turn up the flavor isn’t always easy. This blend, however, can make that a lot easier. This versatile seasoning will take the guesswork out of being a backyard BBQ chef. The all-natural blend features herbs, citrus, warm spices, and sugar to create a bright combination of flavors you won’t be able to get enough of.

Cons: It’s relatively expensive, even for a unique seasoning blend.

Bottom Line: Seafood night might become your favorite night of grilling with this seasoning blend. The balance of sweet, spice, citrus, and fresh herbs create an exciting and irresistible flavor for any fish or seafood you’re grilling.

 

Pros: Break out of your poultry-seasoning rut (not everything needs to taste like Thanksgiving) and spice things up with this all-natural poultry seasoning. Made from classic spices with the addition of herbs, mustard, and sweet red pepper, this seasoning blend will transform your chicken wings, breasts, or thighs into a meal you’ll be licking your fingers from instead of using your napkin. The combination is so flavorful, but it’s still versatile and can go with any poultry with various flavor profiles.

Cons: Nothing holds the lid in place during shipping, so check the packaging before use.

Bottom Line: This all-natural BBQ seasoning blend will do just that without adding sugar or unnatural enhancers. The robust flavor of this blend is versatile, so it’s perfect on wings for game day or in a complex curry.

 

Pros: Shopping for a grill master can be easy thanks to this BBQ seasoning gift set. Let them try all the flavors and find their favorite. The set includes five rubs: Cajun, Caribbean, Mexican, Southwest, and Memphis BBQ. Not only does this gift set help your recipient find their favorite BBQ flavor, but it’s like getting a passport to different cooking regions, adding extra adventure to the backyard BBQ.

Cons: Each seasoning blend is small, so you or your friend may not get too many uses out of each flavor.

Bottom Line: This multipack of five spice rubs is the perfect gift for someone who likes to discover new flavors. The variety pack is like taking a trip to exciting culinary destinations, which is a lot of fun for the home chef or grill master.

 

Pros: Looking for a BBQ seasoning that can go on anything? You can reach for this seasoning blend, whether it’s steak, chicken wings, pork chops, jumbo shrimp, or summer veggies. This favorite spice mix is appropriately portioned into a large 22-ounce shaker, so you won’t have to buy it too frequently, even if you use it for nearly every meal. Even though it’s an affordable and versatile blend, it’s also gluten-free, Keto-friendly, and doesn’t contain any preservatives, sugars, or MSG, making it a nice blend for those with dietary concerns.

Cons: This seasoning mix must be used as a rub and not just sprinkled on top of food.

Bottom Line: To experience what many are raving about, use this blend as a rub and not just seasoning that you sprinkle on top of your food. Once you experience the taste that keeps people reaching for this shaker, you’ll realize why it can go on all types of proteins, cooked veggies, or even potatoes.

Final Thoughts

Add extra flavor to your backyard BBQ, slow cooker, or any other way you love to cook. Whether you have steak, burgers, shrimp, or wings on the menu, you can find a BBQ seasoning mix that will excite your palate and inspire you for more at-home meals any night of the week.