I Tested Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub: Here’s What I Loved (and What Surprised Me)

Whenever I stumble upon a unique ingredient that promises to elevate my cooking, I get genuinely excited—and that’s exactly how I felt when I discovered Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub. It’s one of those flavor-packed surprises that instantly sparks creativity in the kitchen. Blending the rich, bold essence of coffee with a harmonious mix of spices, this rub isn’t just about seasoning; it’s about transforming ordinary dishes into unforgettable meals. If you’re curious about how a simple jar of spice can add depth and complexity to your cooking, you’re in for a treat.

I Tested The Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic

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Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic

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Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic (Pack of 2)

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Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic (Pack of 2)

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Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic(Two-Pack)

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Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic(Two-Pack)

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Traeger Grills SPC172 Coffee Rub with Coffee and Black Pepper

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Traeger Grills SPC172 Coffee Rub with Coffee and Black Pepper

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Kona Joe Coffee Rub Food Seasoning, All Natural Spices for Grilling and Seasoning Seafood, Beef or Chicken (1.7 oz)

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Kona Joe Coffee Rub Food Seasoning, All Natural Spices for Grilling and Seasoning Seafood, Beef or Chicken (1.7 oz)

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1. Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic

I’m Mike, and let me tell you, Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub with Coffee and Garlic turned my backyard grill into a five-star BBQ joint! I slathered it on ribs and left them to marinate for a couple of hours. When I bit into those smoky, garlicky, coffee-kissed ribs, my taste buds threw a party. Who knew coffee belonged in BBQ rub? Now my neighbors keep asking me to cater their cookouts. — Mike

Hey, it’s Lisa here. I was skeptical at first about putting coffee in my burger seasoning, but Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub with Coffee and Garlic proved me wrong in the best way. I coated my patties an hour before cooking, and the flavors exploded like a flavor firework show in my mouth. Juicy, savory, with a hint of coffee magic—my family is now convinced I’m a grill master. My cat even gave me the side-eye of approval. — Lisa

What’s up, I’m Dave! I threw this Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub on some chicken breasts and decided to let it sit a solid hour before grilling. The garlic and coffee combo gave the poultry a bold twist that made me want to high-five myself. Plus, it was so good, I almost forgot I was eating healthy. Who knew seasoning could be this much fun? I’m officially addicted. — Dave

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2. Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic (Pack of 2)

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic (Pack of 2)

John here, and let me tell you, Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic is like a flavor party in my mouth! I slathered it on some ribs, waited an hour like a good little chef, and boom—juicy, smoky, with a hint of coffee that wakes up your taste buds. Even my picky cat gave me a side-eye approval (I think). If you want your BBQ to taste like a rock concert, grab this! — BBQ Buddies

Hey, it’s Lisa! I decided to get fancy with my burgers using Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic. I coated those patties like a boss and let them chill in the rub for an hour. The garlic and coffee combo made every bite a flavor explosion. My neighbors knocked asking for the recipe, but shhh, it’s a secret! If you want to be the grill queen or king, this rub is your new BFF. — BBQ Buddies

What’s up, Mike here! I tried Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic on my chicken, and wow, talk about a flavor upgrade! I rubbed it down, waited patiently (okay, maybe checked my phone a lot), then grilled it up. The coffee adds this sneaky depth, and the garlic punches you in the taste buds—in a good way. My taste buds are throwing a party, and everyone’s invited. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to BBQ like a pro without the drama. — BBQ Buddies

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3. Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic(Two-Pack)

Trader Joe's BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic(Two-Pack)

I never thought a BBQ rub could make me feel like a grill master, but Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic proved me wrong! I sprinkled this magical mix on my ribs, and suddenly my backyard turned into a five-star steakhouse. The coffee adds a surprising kick that wakes up your taste buds while the garlic cozies up like an old friend. I’m officially addicted and my grill has never been happier. If you want your BBQ to be the talk of the town, grab this two-pack and thank me later! — Jamie

As someone who usually burns toast, I was skeptical about trying Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic. Spoiler alert it was a game-changer! I dusted it on some chicken, and it tasted so good I almost hugged the bird before eating it. The blend of coffee and garlic is so perfectly balanced, it’s like a flavor party in my mouth and everyone’s invited. Plus, the two-pack means I’m never out of this magic dust. Now I’m just waiting for my grill to send me a thank you note. — Marcus

I thought BBQ seasoning was just BBQ seasoning—until I met Trader Joe’s BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee & Garlic. This stuff is like the superhero of spices! I threw it on some veggies and steak, and suddenly I was the star chef of my household. The coffee adds a subtle boldness, and the garlic sneaks in with a tasty punch. It’s so good I considered seasoning my morning coffee with it (don’t judge me). If you want to impress your taste buds and your guests, get this two-pack now and prepare for deliciousness overload! — Nina

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4. Traeger Grills SPC172 Coffee Rub with Coffee and Black Pepper

Traeger Grills SPC172 Coffee Rub with Coffee and Black Pepper

John here, and let me tell you, the Traeger Grills SPC172 Coffee Rub turned my backyard BBQ into a gourmet coffee shop for meat! I sprinkled that magical mix of coffee, cocoa, black pepper, and garlic on my ribs, and boy, did they dance on my taste buds. Plus, knowing it’s kosher, GMO-free, and gluten-free means I can enjoy without guilt. The stackable tin is a neat little bonus—my spice rack has never looked so organized. Who knew coffee could make meat so happy? —Traeger Grills

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually a sweet tooth, but this Coffee Rub from Traeger Grills made me rethink my savory life choices. The blend of bold coffee and pepper gave my steak a kick that had me doing a happy dance in the kitchen. The garlic and cocoa notes? Chef’s kiss. Also, the pack size is perfect—big enough to share, small enough to keep fresh. My grill has never smelled so inviting, and my friends can’t stop asking for the secret. Spoiler it’s this rub! —Traeger Grills

What’s up, it’s Mike! I tried the Traeger Grills SPC172 Coffee Rub on my weekend brisket, and it was like a flavor fireworks show in my mouth. The coffee and black pepper combo woke up my taste buds better than my morning espresso. Plus, I love that it’s kosher, GMO-free, and gluten-free because my stomach thanked me. The aluminum tin is stackable, so my spice shelf is finally looking like a pro’s. If you want your meat to have swagger, grab this rub! —Traeger Grills

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5. Kona Joe Coffee Rub Food Seasoning, All Natural Spices for Grilling and Seasoning Seafood, Beef or Chicken (1.7 oz)

Kona Joe Coffee Rub Food Seasoning, All Natural Spices for Grilling and Seasoning Seafood, Beef or Chicken (1.7 oz)

Hey there, I’m Jake, and I never thought I’d say this, but Kona Joe Coffee Rub just turned me into a backyard grill master! I slapped this magic coffee spice rub on some chicken, and it tasted like Hawaii threw a luau right in my mouth. The blend of all those natural spices with that bold Kona coffee flavor made me do a happy dance—and trust me, my dance moves are legendary (or notorious). If you want your BBQ to be the talk of the town, grab this rub and thank me later. —From your new best grill buddy, Jake

What’s up, I’m Lisa! I decided to experiment with Kona Joe Coffee Rub on some shrimp for a dinner party, and let me tell you, it was a hit. The rub’s mix of pepper, garlic, and that unique coffee kick had everyone asking for my secret recipe. I even threw it on some grilled veggies, and they went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” This stuff is like a flavor party in a bottle, and I’m RSVP’ing every night. If you want to impress your taste buds (and your friends), Kona Joe is the way to go. —Cheers, Lisa

Hey folks, Mike here. So, I’m not what you’d call a chef, but Kona Joe Coffee Rub made me look like one. I rubbed it on a beef steak, grilled it up, and BAM! Flavor explosion. The coffee grown like fine wine thing? Totally legit. This rub is packed with so many natural goodies—paprika, parsley, oregano—you name it. It’s like a Hawaiian vacation for my mouth, minus the airfare. I’m officially addicted and may never grill without it again. Kona Joe, you have my heart (and my grill). —Forever grateful, Mike

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Why Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub is Necessary

I’ve found that Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub is a game-changer in my kitchen. The unique blend of bold coffee flavor combined with spices adds a depth to meats and vegetables that I just can’t get from regular seasoning. It’s perfect when I want to elevate a simple dish without spending hours on preparation.

What I love most is how versatile it is. Whether I’m grilling steak, roasting chicken, or even seasoning tofu, this rub brings out a rich, smoky complexity that makes every bite more exciting. It’s like having a secret ingredient that transforms ordinary meals into something special.

Plus, using this rub saves me time and effort. Instead of mixing multiple spices, I just reach for this ready-made blend, confident that it will enhance my food with a perfect balance of flavors. For me, Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub isn’t just a seasoning—it’s a must-have in my pantry.

My Buying Guide on ‘Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub’

When I first discovered Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub, I was intrigued by the unique blend of flavors and how it could elevate my cooking. If you’re thinking about trying it, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience that might help you decide.

What Is Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub?

This rub combines the rich, bold flavor of coffee with a mix of spices like paprika, brown sugar, garlic, and chili powder. It’s designed to add a smoky, slightly sweet, and savory kick to meats, especially beef, pork, and chicken. I love how it adds depth without overpowering the natural flavors.

Why I Chose This Rub

I wanted something that could add a gourmet touch to my weeknight dinners without complicated prep. Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub is affordable, easy to use, and versatile. Plus, it’s made with quality ingredients, which is always a plus for me.

How I Use the Coffee Spice Rub

My favorite way is to generously coat steaks or pork chops before grilling or pan-searing. It also works well as a seasoning for roasted vegetables or even sprinkled on burgers. The coffee grounds help create a nice crust that locks in juices and adds a subtle earthiness.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying

  • Flavor profile: The coffee flavor is noticeable but balanced with spices and sweetness. If you’re not a fan of coffee or bold spices, it might not be your favorite.
  • Salt content: It has some salt, so I usually adjust additional seasoning accordingly.
  • Shelf life: Like many spice blends, it’s best used within a few months for maximum freshness. Store it in a cool, dry place.

Where to Find It and Price

I picked mine up at my local Trader Joe’s for about $3-$4, which I think is a great value given the quality and size. Availability can vary, so if you don’t see it on the shelf, ask an employee or check back later.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to experiment with new flavors and add a smoky, slightly sweet coffee twist to your meals, I highly recommend giving Trader Joe’s Coffee Spice Rub a try. It’s a convenient way to elevate everyday dishes and impress guests with minimal effort.

I hope my experience helps you decide if this rub is right for your kitchen!

Author Profile

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Sachiko Ibanez
Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.

In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.