6 Best Steak Spices of 2026

If you crave a clean, chef-driven flavor that lets the meat shine, the Portland Salt Co. Steak Salt & Spice Blend is a revelation. Crafted with Pacific sea salt, cracked black pepper, and real garlic, this minimalist SPG formula delivers a crisp, savory punch without fillers or anti-caking agents—perfect for purists who want bold taste without the clutter. It’s a gourmet-grade rub that respects the craft of seasoning, making it ideal for dry aging, reverse searing, or simple pan-seared ribeyes where every ingredient counts.

In real-world grilling tests, the fine yet textured blend adheres evenly to steaks, creating a crust that’s deeply seasoned but never overwhelming. The 4 oz size may seem small, but due to its concentrated flavor, a little goes a long way—especially compared to bulkier blends with added starches. It performs exceptionally on thick-cut strip steaks and even enhances delicate proteins like lamb chops without masking their natural taste. That said, those seeking heat or smokiness might find it too restrained, as it leans into classic savoriness over complexity.

Compared to the bolder, paprika-laced McCormick Grill Mates Montreal, this blend is more refined and less aggressive—a direct contrast to mass-market options that rely on volume over nuance. It’s the top choice for culinary-minded grillers who prioritize ingredient transparency and clean profiles. While Weber Chicago offers balance and McCormick dominates in boldness, this one wins on purity and gourmet precision, justifying its premium positioning among steak purists.

For health-conscious carnivores who refuse to sacrifice bold, iconic steakhouse flavor, the McCormick Grill Mates 25% Less Sodium Montreal Steak Seasoning is a game-changer. It delivers the classic trifecta of coarse pepper, garlic, and salt in a well-balanced profile that still packs a punch, just with less sodium—making it perfect for those monitoring intake without wanting a “diet” seasoning. The coarse grind provides texture and bite, creating a satisfying crust on seared steaks, while the no MSG, no artificial flavors formula keeps it clean by mainstream standards.

In testing, it performed superbly on ribeyes and skirt steaks, especially when used with a light oil binder to help the spices adhere before high-heat searing. The 3.18 oz bottle is compact but lasts, and the shaker design ensures even distribution. It handles high temps without burning, thanks to the absence of sugar—unlike sweeter rubs that can char too quickly. However, on leaner cuts like flank or chicken, the flavor can feel slightly thin compared to the full-sodium version, revealing the trade-off in depth.

Stacked against the original Montreal blend, this one holds its own but doesn’t quite match the umami richness of its saltier sibling. Still, it’s a smarter choice for daily use, especially for those managing blood pressure or meal-prepping grilled proteins. While KINDERS Organic offers cleaner sourcing, this blend wins on flavor impact per gram of sodium, making it the best lower-sodium pick that still feels indulgent.

When it comes to unapologetically bold, crowd-pleasing steak flavor, the McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning is the undisputed benchmark. Its signature mix of garlic, salt, paprika, and coarse pepper delivers a robust, slightly floral kick that transforms even budget cuts into something that tastes premium—ideal for backyard grillers who want instant steakhouse vibes. The 11.62 oz size offers serious value, and the shaker bottle makes it easy to apply generously before grilling, smoking, or roasting.

Real-world use proves it’s a workhorse on thick ribeyes, tri-tip, and even roasted potatoes, where the paprika adds a subtle warmth and color. The coarse texture helps form a flavorful crust without dissolving too quickly under heat, and it adheres well when paired with a light oil coating. It’s equally effective on chicken thighs and burgers, making it a true all-rounder. That said, the high salt content can be overwhelming for some, and those avoiding sodium should look elsewhere.

Compared to Portland Salt Co.’s minimalist SPG, this blend is bigger, louder, and more complex—but less refined. It’s the best overall because it balances performance, availability, and flavor intensity better than any other in the lineup. While Weber Chicago offers a more even profile, this one delivers maximum impact with minimum effort, making it the go-to for flavor-first grill masters.

Craving that rich, buttery garlic taste of steakhouse garlic bread—on your steak? The McCormick Grill Mates Garlic Butter Seasoning brings that indulgent profile straight to the grill. It’s not a traditional steak rub, but rather a savory, aromatic blend with real butter notes, garlic, and herbs that shine when used on ribeyes, filets, or even grilled mushrooms. The seasoning dissolves slightly during cooking, creating a flavor-infused glaze that mimics compound butter—perfect for those who love finishing steaks with a pat of garlic butter but want the taste baked in.

In practice, it works best when applied generously and allowed to meld with a light oil or butter coating before grilling or pan-searing. It adds a creamy, umami-rich depth that’s especially satisfying on leaner cuts like sirloin or pork tenderloin. However, because it lacks coarse texture, it doesn’t form a crust like Montreal or SPG blends—making it better for flavor than sear. And while it’s inexpensive and widely available, the 3.1 oz size disappears fast if used liberally.

Compared to Weber Chicago or Portland Salt Co., this isn’t a standalone steak spice—it’s a flavor accent. But for budget-conscious cooks who want restaurant-style richness without the extra step, it’s unbeatable. It’s the best budget-friendly option that delivers a unique taste profile you won’t get from standard salt-and-pepper blends.

For those who demand organic integrity without sacrificing flavor, KINDERS Organic The Steak Blend Seasoning stands out in a sea of processed alternatives. It’s built on a foundation of certified organic spices and salt, with zero hydrogenated fats, no high fructose corn syrup, and no bleached flours—making it a clean-label champion for health-focused cooks. The blend delivers a mild, earthy savoriness with hints of garlic and pepper, ideal for those who prefer a natural, understated enhancement rather than a punchy, in-your-face rub.

In testing, it performed reliably on grass-fed steaks and organic chicken, where its subtle profile didn’t compete with high-quality meat. It’s best used with a fat carrier—like olive oil or melted butter—to help the fine granules adhere and bloom during cooking. However, due to its low sodium and absence of bold spices, it can feel underwhelming on tougher cuts that need more seasoning to stand out. It also lacks the coarse texture that creates a satisfying sear crust.

Compared to Portland Salt Co.’s SPG, it’s less intense and less salty, trading punch for purity. While it doesn’t deliver the same depth as McCormick or Weber, it’s the best organic option for those prioritizing ingredient sourcing over boldness. It’s ideal for meal preppers, paleo dieters, or families seeking non-GMO, clean-ingredient seasoning they can trust—just don’t expect fireworks.

When balanced, restaurant-quality flavor is the goal, the Weber Chicago Steak Seasoning hits the sweet spot between bold and refined. Its peppery backbone is expertly rounded by garlic and onion, creating a savory, aromatic crust that enhances—never overwhelms—a high-quality cut. The 5.5 oz shaker offers ample use for regular grillers, and the gluten-free, no MSG formula makes it accessible for sensitive diets without sacrificing taste. It’s the kind of blend that makes a $20 steak feel like a $50 experience.

In real-world grilling, it excelled on strip steaks and burgers, forming a deeply flavored, evenly browned crust thanks to its medium-coarse grind. It also doubled beautifully on grilled vegetables and baked potatoes, proving its versatility beyond just beef. The flavor develops well over high heat, with no bitterness or burning—unlike sugar-heavy rubs. That said, paprika lovers may miss the subtle sweetness and color it brings, which the Montreal blend delivers in spades.

Pitted against McCormick’s full-sodium Montreal, this blend is less aggressive, more balanced—a direct appeal to those who want complexity without salt overload. It’s the best balanced flavor in the lineup, offering a middle ground between gourmet minimalism and bold seasoning. While it’s not as cheap as the budget Garlic Butter option, it delivers superior depth and consistency, making it a smart upgrade for everyday excellence.