Which rub is right for me? Buying Guide | The Rub Kitchen
Which rub suits you?
Six rubs, six characters. Can't decide between Memphis and Jamaican Jerk? In three steps, you'll know which rub belongs on your BBQ.
How much heat do you want?
The quickest sifting. Our rubs range from mild to seriously spicy, measured in SHU (Scoville Heat Units). For reference: a mild salsa is around 1,000 SHU, tabasco around 2,500.
Are children or heat-averse eaters joining? Then stick to Carolina Gold, Shawarma or Memphis BBQ.
Three questions, one rub
Heat is half the story. These three questions will lead you to the flavor profile that suits you.
Classic American BBQ with coleslaw and cornbread → Memphis BBQ or Carolina Gold.
Wraps and guacamole → Tex-Mex. Flatbread and tzatziki → Shawarma. Rice with beans → Jamaican Jerk.
Do you like a sweet, caramelized bark → Memphis BBQ (18% brown sugar) or Carolina Gold (mustard-sweet).
Prefer savory and spicy without sweetness → Shawarma or Tex-Mex, both without sugar.
Decided today, eating tonight → Tex-Mex or Korean (2 hours rest time is sufficient).
If you can plan a night ahead → Shawarma and Jamaican Jerk will richly reward your patience.
The six rubs in short
Carolina Gold
MildMustard-dominant (37%) with a slight sweetness and the typical apple cider vinegar tang. Golden yellow color from turmeric. The most accessible rub in the assortment.
You're new to rubs, or looking for a flavorful mild profile that everyone will enjoy.
Shawarma
MildWarm-aromatic profile of cumin (22%), coriander, cinnamon and allspice, with a subtle pinch of sumac. No sugar, but the deepest herbal flavor. Requires an overnight rest.
You love herbal depth without heat, and want the ultimate shawarma feeling from your own grill.
Memphis BBQ
Pleasantly spicyThe classic American BBQ flavor: double paprika (mild + smoked La Vera pimentón) and 18% brown sugar for a shiny, deep red bark. Also great on spareribs and pulled pork.
You THIN K of BBQ and taste sweet-smoky. The safest choice that still impresses.
Tex-Mex
SpicyCumin-dominant (24%) with Kashmiri mirch for a spectacular orange-red color and cayenne for real heat. No sugar, so the most room to play with temperature.
You like heat with character — fajitas, wraps, tacos and everything that goes with guacamole.
Korean
HotGochugaru (Korean chili flakes) provides a fruity, smoky heat that slowly builds — very different from Western chili. Deep umami profile, best as glossy wings.
You want to look beyond classic BBQ and love Asian flavor bombs with building heat.
Jamaican Jerk
Very hotOur most complex rub: 15 ingredients around allspice (26%), with Scotch bonnet for a fruity-floral aroma that cayenne never mimics. 7,020 SHU — not for children.
Heat is a feature for you, not a bug. The rub for lovers who seek both complexity and fire.
Everything side-by-side
| Rub | Flavor profile | Heat | Resting time | Binder |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolina Gold | Mustard, sweet, apple cider vinegar tang | ~825 SHU · mild | 4 hours, preferably overnight | Apple cider vinegar or neutral oil |
| Shawarma | Warm-spicy, cumin & cinnamon | ~845 SHU · mild | 8 hours, preferably overnight | Full-fat yogurt |
| Memphis BBQ | Sweet-smoky, double paprika | ~2,050 SHU · pleasant | 4 to 8 hours | Neutral oil or olive oil |
| Tex-Mex | Earthy, cumin & chili | ~3,920 SHU · spicy | 2 to 4 hours | Neutral oil |
| Korean | Umami, fruity gochugaru heat | ~5,450 SHU · hot | 2 hours, optimally 4-8 hours | Sesame oil |
| Jamaican Jerk | Complex, allspice & Scotch bonnet | ~7,020 SHU · very hot | 8 hours, preferably 24 hours | Lime juice and neutral oil |
Then the Starter Pack is made for you: choose three pouches yourself and discover by tasting which profile becomes your favorite. Tip for a complete first introduction: Carolina Gold (mild), Memphis BBQ (sweet-smoky) and Tex-Mex (spicy) — three totally different worlds.
Found what suits you?
Freshly mixed to order. Free delivery via DHL.
Starter Pack · 3 flavors View all rubs