Homemade or store-bought BBQ rub? An honest comparison
Deel
You've probably thought about it: "Can I just make a BBQ rub myself?"
The answer is yes—but whether it's smart depends on what you're looking for. In this article, we'll compare both options honestly, without beating around the bush.
Want to get started right away with a step-by-step recipe? Check out the BBQ rub making guide with a basic recipe and ratios per type of meat.
Making your own: what do you need?
A basic BBQ rub consists of 6 to 10 ingredients. For a simple paprika rub, for example, you need:
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Brown sugar
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
Sounds simple. But here's where the first problem starts.
Quick calculation: A jar of good quality smoked paprika can easily cost €3–5. Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin — if you add up 6 ingredients, you'll quickly be at €20–30 for just one recipe. And you still won't have fresh grinding, a professional balance, or large quantities that you might never use up.
The honest comparison
| Make your own | The Rub Kitchen | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per serving | €4–8 (after purchasing basic stock) | €4.95 per pouch (100g) |
| Time investment | 30–60 min (shopping + mixing) | 0 min |
| Freshness | Depends on your stock | Freshly mixed to order |
| Flavor balance | Requires experience and testing | Developed by a Michelin-star chef |
| Number of flavors | 1 recipe at a time | 6 flavors immediately available |
| Shelf life | Variable | Guaranteed up to 12 months |
| Fillers | Depends on ingredients | Never — only pure spices |
When does making your own make sense?
To be fair: there are situations where making your own does make sense.
Choose to make your own if:
- You enjoy experimenting with flavors
- You have specific dietary requirements (e.g., salt-free or sugar-free)
- You need large quantities for catering or hospitality
- You already have a well-stocked spice cabinet
Choose to buy if:
- You want reliable results immediately
- You want to try multiple flavors without a large investment
- You value fresh grinding and pure ingredients
- You prefer to spend your time grilling itself
Want to know more about spices for BBQ?
Read our knowledge articles about the ingredients that make all the difference:
- BBQ rub making — basic recipe and ratios per type of meat
- Which spices do you use for BBQ chicken?
- Brown sugar for BBQ — what does it do?
- Cumin for BBQ — why it's indispensable
- What's in supermarket spice mixes?
Recipes to get started right away
Ready to grill? Check out our step-by-step recipes:
- Spareribs recipe BBQ — low & slow at home
- Pulled pork recipe BBQ — step-by-step guide
- Jamaican Jerk chicken on the BBQ
- Korean BBQ chicken — recipe with gochugaru
- Brisket on the BBQ — Texas-style
Read more
- How much BBQ rub per kilo of meat? Exact dosage
- BBQ Rub Guide for Beginners — part 1
- Authentic American BBQ styles
Freshly mixed to order. Free delivery. No fillers. Starter Pack · 3 flavors of your choice — View all rubs