Rub vs. Seasoning vs. Spice Blend — What's the Difference?
BBQ rub, seasoning and spice blend are not strictly separate categories. The words overlap: “rub” mainly describes how you apply a mixture, “seasoning” refers to adding flavour, and “spice blend” to a combination of spices. Look beyond the name on the jar to the ingredients, salt, sugar and instructions.
What is a BBQ rub?
A dry rub is a dry mixture spread over the surface of meat, fish, vegetables or other ingredients, often before cooking. Together with the cooking process, it can contribute to a seasoned exterior and, during longer barbecue cooks, to bark.
A rub may contain:
- Salt: for flavour and, depending on time and quantity, effects on moisture and texture.
- Sugar: for sweetness and possible browning. Not every rub contains added sugar.
- Herbs and spices: such as paprika, cumin, garlic or pepper.
- Hot ingredients: optional, not essential to a good rub.
The term “BBQ rub” does not guarantee unlimited heat resistance or an automatically crisp bark. Ingredients, surface, moisture, heat and time determine the result.
What does seasoning mean?
Seasoning is a broad term for adding flavour to food, or an ingredient used for that purpose. It need not be a mixture: salt alone can be seasoning. On packaging, the word often refers to a seasoning mix.
- Cajun seasoning for a variety of savoury dishes.
- All-purpose seasoning as a versatile mixture.
- A mixture added before, during or after cooking.
A seasoning can work well on the BBQ and may also be used as a dry rub. The name alone does not mean the product is less suitable for heat or long cooking.
What is a spice blend?
A spice blend is a combination of spices. In practice, terms such as herb mix, spice mix and blend are used loosely; products may also contain herbs, salt or other ingredients. Read the label.
You can use a blend in marinades, sauces, soups and stews, or apply it dry to a surface. The same blend can therefore function as both a seasoning and a rub.
Comparing the terms
| Feature | Dry rub | Seasoning | Spice blend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emphasis | Applying a dry mixture to a surface | Adding flavour | A combination of spices |
| Use | Often before cooking | Before, during or after cooking | Versatile |
| Salt and sugar | The name guarantees no fixed ratio. Check the ingredients. | ||
| Suitability for heat | Depends on ingredients, quantity, temperature and contact time, not just the product name. | ||
| Overlap | A single mixture can fit all three descriptions. | ||
When should you use each?
For a seasoned BBQ exterior
Choose a mixture whose flavour, salt content and application suit your dish. A product sold as a rub can be convenient, but other blends may work too. With direct heat, watch for burning sugar and spices.
For the pan, oven or finishing
Use seasoning or a blend to taste. A BBQ rub can serve this purpose too; the name does not restrict it to outdoor cooking.
For marinades, sauces or stews
A spice blend can provide a flavour base. If it already contains salt, do not automatically add the same extra salt as you would with individual spices.
How do you assess a seasoning mix?
Compare the ingredients, salt and sugar content, allergens, flavour and recommended uses. Supermarket products are not inherently lower quality, and specialist products are not automatically more heat-resistant. Specific ingredients and applications tell you more than a general ranking.
Read the comparison of supermarket BBQ rub and The Rub Kitchen with these points in mind.
Want a practical starting point? Try the beginner's guide to BBQ rub or find out which rub suits which meat.