I recently grabbed a jar of Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub with Coffee & Garlic on a whim—and I’m so glad I did. From the moment I opened the lid, it felt like the promise of something fun and flavorful. The aroma: smoky, slightly earthy from the coffee, savory from the garlic, with a subtle sweetness in the background. I used it on a couple of chicken breast one evening (just liberally coated, no complicated marinade). The result? A beautifully caramelized exterior thanks to the brown sugar component, with that deep “roast” character from the coffee grounds that somehow elevated the whole experience. The garlic was present but not overpowering, and the overall flavor profile felt mature—perfect for a relaxed evening with friends when you’re serving up something special without going full chef mode.

I loooove this seasoning! Great on meats, great on potatoes. Super delicious! Container isn’t the best but can’t complain for the price! Highly recommend

This is my favorite steak rub. We stock up on this anytime it is available and use it on our steaks for grilling in the summer.