Carolina Gold BBQ Rub — History, Origin, and Traditions

The key to Carolina Gold lies in South Carolina’s own history. In the 18th century, large groups of German immigrants settled in the state’s interior, the region now known as the Midlands or Mustard Belt. They brought their food culture with them, including a strong preference for mustard as a seasoning for meat.

The mustard tradition is often associated with these immigrants and the local BBQ culture of slow-cooked pork. Mustard, vinegar and sugar can form a yellow, sweet-and-tangy BBQ sauce. A modern dry rub is its own interpretation of that flavour direction, not an identical sauce recipe.

The cities of Columbia, Orangeburg and Lexington in South Carolina are the epicentre of the Carolina Gold tradition. BBQ restaurants here have served pulled pork with mustard-based sauce for generations. Proportions and additions vary by maker; mustard, vinegar, sugar and spices can all play a part.

Family restaurants such as Bessinger’s and Sweatman’s are legendary in the region and attract BBQ lovers from across the country. Mustard BBQ is not just food: it is a matter of identity for South Carolinians.

Mustard and vinegar take centre stage in Carolina Gold sauce. Mustard contributes colour and flavour, while vinegar gives the sauce a tangy note. Sugar and spices can round out the flavour. This describes the sauce as a culinary style.

Our dry rub combines mustard powder, turmeric, brown sugar and other spices. Mustard brings character, turmeric contributes to the yellow colour and brown sugar adds sweetness. The final crust also depends on the dish, seasoning amount and cooking method.

South Carolina borders North Carolina, where two other BBQ styles dominate: Lexington style, with tomato sauce in the west, and Eastern style, with a pure vinegar sauce in the east. Carolina Gold is the South Carolinian counterpart, just as deeply rooted in its region but completely different in character.

The four South Carolina styles, mustard, tomato, light tomato and vinegar, show how rich and varied the BBQ culture of a single state can be. Carolina Gold is the most iconic of the four.

Carolina Gold has gained a following beyond South Carolina in recent decades. BBQ competitions, food media and growing interest in regional American cuisines have put mustard BBQ on the international map. What was once a highly regional tradition is now a recognised classic.

Our Carolina Gold BBQ Rub contains mustard powder, fine sea salt, brown sugar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, ginger, cayenne pepper and turmeric.

We blend our rubs to order. The spices come from Kerala, India; Carolina Gold refers to the culinary inspiration.

Contains mustard. Check the current packaging for the full ingredients, allergens and seasoning guidance. Also check the labels of any sauces or binders you add yourself.