Is BBQ Rub Gluten-Free?

If you are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, you want to be sure what's in your BBQ rub. Most dry rubs are naturally gluten-free - but there are exceptions. On this page, you can read what to look out for.

Are The Rub Kitchen's BBQ rubs gluten-free?

Yes - all The Rub Kitchen's rubs consist exclusively of dried herbs and spices. No wheat, barley, rye, or other gluten-containing ingredients. The basic ingredients of our rubs are:

  • Smoked paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder
  • Cayenne pepper, chili powder
  • Sea salt
  • Brown cane sugar (in certain rubs)

None of these ingredients naturally contain gluten.

What might contain gluten in commercial rubs?

With ready-made rubs from other brands, there are two risks:

  • Direct gluten sources - some rubs contain wheat starch as a filler, or soy sauce (which often contains wheat) as a flavouring
  • Cross-contamination - rubs produced in factories that also process gluten-containing products. This is stated as "may contain traces of wheat" on the label

Always check the label when buying a rub from a supermarket or another brand.

Also pay attention to sauces and marinades

The rub itself is gluten-free - but pay attention to what you use alongside it:

  • Soy sauce - traditional soy sauce contains wheat. Use tamari (gluten-free alternative) instead
  • Worcestershire sauce - some varieties contain malt (barley). Check the label
  • BBQ sauces - some contain modified wheat starch as a thickener

Gluten-free BBQ - tips

  • Use separate brushes and baking dishes for gluten-free dishes if you also prepare regular products
  • Always check the ingredient list for wheat, barley, rye, or malt when using marinades
  • Grill grates are not a risk - any residues are burned off at sufficient heat

The Rub Kitchen's rubs

All 7 rubs are blended from pure herbs and spices - no fillers, no additives.

→ Make your own gluten-free BBQ rub - recipe and tips
→ Sugar-free BBQ rub - how to make a rub without sugar?
→ New to BBQ rubs? Start here