Store-bought vs homemade BBQ seasoning rub: Which is better?

You don’t have to be a BBQ enthusiast to understand how important BBQ seasoning rubs are. Seasonings and rubs, although used simultaneously most of the time, have their distinct differences.

In short, a BBQ rub is a blend of herbs, spices, and other flavourings which is applied on the surface of the meat before it’s cooked. Seasonings, on the contrary, include spices and salts, among other flavour enhancers.

But both seasonings and rubs are used to enhance the flavour of whatever you’re grilling. With the right seasoning rubs, you won’t be able to resist the mouthwatering aroma that comes with grilling the perfect cut of meat slathered in a delicious BBQ seasoning rub to create the crunchiest crust.

But here’s the burning question: Should you opt for the convenience of a store-bought BBQ seasoning rub or take the DIY route with a homemade BBQ seasoning rub?

Let’s delve deeper into why store-bought BBQ seasoning rubs may just be the star of your upcoming grilled feast! Get your tongs and let’s start grilling!

Saves time and is hassle-free

Most grill enthusiasts host a BBQ gathering to relax and escape from extremely busy lives where they both manage a 9-5 and a household. So most of the time, when it comes down to the seasoning rub needed for a weekend feast, it’s difficult to find the time to create the ideal homemade BBQ seasoning rub.

This is where the store-bought alternative comes in handy. All you have to do is run to the nearest supermarket and grab your favourite premade rub from the shelf and you’re good to go! It’s quick and simple and gives you extra time to improve your grilling techniques or relax with a refreshing drink as your steak sizzles.

Allows consistency

Homemade seasoning rubs may seem like the fresher choice when you first entertain the idea of preparing it yourself rather than buying it at the store as it even ticks the boxes of being sustainable and organic, but when you consider the longer term, that’s where the minor inconveniences come in. Perhaps it won’t meet your expectations in terms of how long it can last.

But with store-bought BBQ seasoning rubs, every time you fire up the grill, you can expect the same mouth-watering flavour. Reliable deliciousness is what any grill enthusiast aims for. No one wants the guessing games that set you up for disappointment, but this is what may happen with homemade seasoning rubs as their storability is questionable.

Ensures convenience

If you’re organising a BBQ gathering, you may already have a dozen items to check off your to-do list, from getting the drinks to purchasing any grill accessories you may need and some required utensils if you’re a first-timer. So naturally, making sure that you get the garlic powder to chilli powder ratio in your seasoning rub is the least of your concerns.

Using premade BBQ seasoning rubs from a store allows you to cross something off your list of things to do. You don’t have to spend time and effort gathering, measuring, and combining individual spices and herbs because they’re already prepared. And what’s even better? The directions to achieve the perfect flavour are always on the packaging.

Guarantees high-quality products

Store-bought seasoning rubs for a grilled feast are typically made by chefs and other experts who have spent many hours developing their craft. Their expertise in balancing the spices, herbs, and other ingredients with the correct ratios in mind contributes to creating a symphony of flavours that will make your guests’ taste buds dance.

These rubs come in a range of flavours, from sweet and spicy to smokey and sour, and are typically carefully curated to please a variety of palates. With a few store-bought seasoning rubs, you can experiment with a wide variety of combinations that you may not be able to achieve with a homemade blend.

Offers variety and speciality blends

Over time, the market for premade BBQ seasoning rubs has grown dramatically. There are many tastes and custom blends available now to suit various cooking techniques. These specialised blends will allow you to experiment with different flavours to create a mouthwatering grilled feast that will leave your guests wanting more.

From a rub that suits your particular taste, whether you prefer a sour and spicy rub for ribs or a milder mixture for chicken, to a rub that you can use for any dish, like an all-purpose seasoning rub, stores offer rubs made using various flavour combinations, catering to different types of meat; from pork to beef to chicken, you name it, they have it.

A store-bought vs homemade BBQ seasoning rub: Now you have your answer!

Although BBQ seasoning rubs made at home are undoubtedly somewhat appealing, many grilling enthusiasts prefer the benefits of store-bought rubs. Store-bought rubs can improve your grilling experience and help you produce scrumptious dishes because of their consistent flavours, high-quality ingredients, and a wide variety of spices.

The next time you fire up your grill, therefore, consider using a premade, store-bought BBQ seasoning rub rather than a homemade BBQ seasoning rub and enjoy the flavours that professionals and experienced chefs have meticulously developed to improve your grilling experience and your guests’ gastronomic experience.