We are so thankful that 2025 was another great year for flavor!
This is our brand new, updated list for 2025, created after our taste tests of products coming into the BBQ Pro Shop catalog throughout the year. We do all that testing for the FACTORY TEAM FLAVOR GUIDE to help you find the ideal levels of salt, sweet, savory and heat to match your cooking style. Now available in the 2025 Essentials Bundle!
We saw a lot of flavor this year and these ones really blew us away!
ANONYMOUSQ BBQ - DISRUPTION SPICY ALL PURPOSE
Disruption Spicy All Purpose from AnonymousQ BBQ is an SCA steak favorite and all-around banger. The flavors start with a luxurious savory wave and it’s packed with buttery umami notes and a bit of spice that builds a little with each bite. Absolutely outstanding.
Flavor Profile: 3-2-4-4
Blazing Star's All In One is a fantastic sugar-free blend packed with great color, chunky black pepper and lots of herbs. Less salty than most and perfect for boosting flavors on the grill or stovetop. This is one you'll be reaching for time and time again.
Flavor Profile: 2-1-3-3
BOARS NIGHT OUT & SWEET SWINE O' MINE - TEXAS TORNADO
BOARS NIGHT OUT & SWEET SWINE O' MINE - TEXAS TORNADOTexas Tornado is a real twister of flavor with powerful savory notes and a buttery, beefy and creamy quality all at play. This blend is a collaboration between BBQ superstars Boars Night Out and Sweet Swine O' Mine, and they know flavors, so brace yourself; these flavors are over the top.
Flavor Profile: 3-1-4-3
BPOS BBQ - SWEET MESQUITE PECAN "SMP"
Sweet Mesquite Pecan rub from BPOS BBQ is one of those perfectly balanced masterpieces that makes you say WOW from the first taste, then keeps you coming back for more. This blend adds an extra dimension -- smoke -- to the flavor profile, and it's in perfect balance with the others.
Flavor Profile: 3-3-3-3
CHICKEN FRIED BBQ - TEXAS SWEET GRIND
Chicken Fried BBQ hits it out of the coop with Texas Sweet Grind. Killer flavors, beautiful colors and extreme balance. There’s a nice smoky vibe that isn’t too overpowering, and it adds even more flavor to the blend. Classic BBQ flavors at their best.
Flavor Profile: 3-3-3-3
HEATH RILES BBQ - LEMON PEPPER BUFFALO SEASONING
We just couldn't get enought of the new Lemon Pepper Buffalo Seasoning from Heath Riles BBQ. Buckle up for a wild ride of unique flavors that comes with a big citrus burst atop a nice cayenne pepper warmth -- totally addictive. The possibilities are endless with this one.
Flavor Profile: 2-2-2-3
Sweet Garlic is the latest seasoning from JDQ BBQ and once again, they nailed it. I just love the twist they put on classic BBQ flavors that makes this blend feel exciting and noteworthy. Balanced with a smoky vibe that stays in check.
Flavor Profile: 2-3-3-3
LOCAL YOKELS BBQ - SWEET SALVATION
Sweet Salvation, also from Local Yokels BBQ, is complex and mellow, with ample sweetness to give your low and slow BBQ that perfect color and bark. The caramelized sugars bring a bit of sweetness to complement the mellow vibe. I loved it on pork chops.
Flavor Profile: 2-3-3-2
LOOT N' BOOTY BBQ - PIRATE'S PLEASURE
Standing out massively from the pack of traditional BBQ rubs is Pirate's Pleasure -- intriguing, intoxicating and otherworldly. This one packs on the sweetness, along with warm savory notes from baking spices. Don't miss it on slow-smoked ham and pork chops, and also try it as a fun topper for oatmeal, yoguart or ice cream.
Flavor Profile: 2-5-3-2
All Day Sweet is much more than a sweet rub, thanks to the cinnamon, turmeric and lemon peel in the blend. The flavor delivery is a bit on the mellow or understated side and it’s a great way to boost sweetness in your favorite BBQ chicken, fish or pork recipe.
Flavor Profile: 2-3-2-2
The label says Chicken Rub, but that's just the start of the awesome things you can do with this flavor from Smoke 'N Magic. Fantastic balance, classic flavors, a bit of a smokey vibe and just enough citrus to add a little brightness. This winner is great on pork, shines on poultry, and belongs in your spice cabinet!
Flavor Profile: 2-3-3-3
There you have it, our 2025 list of Essential Seasonings. These are the stand-out seasonings that blew us away this year!
Be sure to check out the FLAVOR GUIDE for more of our flavor ratings, usage tips and flavor notes.
And don't miss our broadcast where we announced our 2025 Essential Seasonings List on YouTube!
Ms. Freak is head cook of Smoke Freaks, the BBQ Pro Shop Factory Team. She and her partner, Mr. Freak, are the tongues and testers behind the FACTORY TEAM FLAVOR GUIDE.