Best Tri Tip on Smoker

By Ethan Brooks

If you plan to cook tri tip on smoker this season, the rub you choose shapes the first impression of the meat. The seasoning is a simple decision, but it affects flavor, package size and how you plan to use the rest of your spice rack.

This roundup covers three seasonings with different flavor profiles and package sizes, so you can match a rub to your own cooking habits. Every detail below comes from the Amazon listings and manufacturer specifications.

Our picks at a glance

1

Susie Q's Tri Tip Seasoning 10 oz

susieqbrand

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Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Listed as an authentic Santa Maria Style BBQ seasoning
• Listing says it is the same family recipe since 1981
• Listed as a dry rub for steak, beef or fish
• 10 oz shaker listed as enough for over 20 tri-tip steaks

Cons

• The listing does not mention ingredients or gluten-free status
• Smaller 10 oz size than the 15.3 oz Jocko's bottle
• The listing does not mention a spoon-lid or other dispensing option

2

Jocko's Mix Santa Maria Seasoning 15.3 oz

Jocko

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Pros & Cons

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Pros

• 15.3 oz bottle the listing describes as built for frequent use
• Dual-action lid with both shaker and spoon options
• Listed as gluten free and crafted without MSG
• Listed for meats, seafood, eggs, pasta, vegetables and soups

Cons

• Largest package in this roundup, at 8 x 7 x 3.5 inches as listed
• The listing does not mention a heat level
• The listing does not say how much to use per steak

3

McCormick Grill Mates Chili Garlic Tri-Tip 2.37 oz

McCormickGrillMates

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Pros & Cons

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Pros

• Listed as gluten free
• Usage amount listed: 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp per 1 lb of meat
• Listed for grill, stovetop, oven or air fryer
• Blend of chili, black pepper, oregano, garlic and brown sugar

Cons

• Smallest total quantity in this roundup, 4.74 oz as listed
• Not described as a Santa Maria style blend
• The listing does not mention a shaker top or spoon lid

How we chose

We compared manufacturer listings and specifications on Amazon as of November 2026. We did not test these products hands-on, so nothing here describes how the seasonings taste or perform on a smoker.

Our criteria were the style and intended use stated in each listing, the package size as listed, any dietary claims made in the listing, and how the listing describes use on meat. Where a listing did not state a detail, we say so instead of filling the gap.

Best Tri Tip on Smoker: our picks in detail

1. Best overall: Susie Q’s Tri Tip Seasoning 10 oz

Susie Q’s Tri Tip Seasoning is listed as an authentic seasoning for Santa Maria Style BBQ. The listing says it is the same family recipe since 1981 and describes it as a well-balanced blend that does not come across as overly salty. The brand also lists it as a dry rub for grilling steak, beef or even fish.

The 10 oz shaker is listed as enough to prepare over 20 tri-tip steaks. The listing gives package dimensions of 4.6 x 3 x 2.9 inches and a weight of 15 ounces, with the unit size listed as 10 ounces. Because the listing centers on Santa Maria style tri tip, it is the most direct match for that flavor among the three picks.

Best for: Cooks who want a classic Santa Maria style tri tip rub in a 10 oz shaker.

2. Best for frequent use and large batches: Jocko’s Mix Santa Maria Seasoning 15.3 oz

Jocko’s Mix Santa Maria Style Seasoning comes in a 15.3 oz bottle, and the listing says it was born in the kitchen of the Jocko’s restaurant. The brand says it has been the name behind West Coast BBQ for over 100 years, and the listing states that it is crafted without MSG. The title also describes the product as gluten free.

The bottle has a dual-action lid with both shaker and spoon options. Listed uses include tri tip, steak, pork, chicken, seafood stew and vegetables. The listing gives product dimensions of 8 x 7 x 3.5 inches, which is larger than the other two packages in this roundup.

Best for: Cooks who want a 15.3 oz bottle for frequent use and a wide range of dishes.

3. Best for a chili-garlic flavor: McCormick Grill Mates Chili Garlic Tri-Tip 2.37 oz (2-pack)

McCormick Grill Mates Chili Garlic Tri-Tip Seasoning is a blend of chili and black peppers, oregano, garlic and brown sugar, sold as two 2.37 oz packs. The listing says to shake 1 to 1 1/2 tbsp per 1 lb of steak, chicken or pork, and that it can be used on the grill, stovetop, oven or air fryer.

The listing states that the seasoning is gluten free. Its unit field lists 4.74 ounces total across the two packs, and the product dimensions are listed as 1.77 x 1.77 x 4.38 inches. Because the blend is chili-forward, it differs from the Santa Maria style rubs in the other two listings.

Best for: Cooks who prefer a chili-garlic profile over a Santa Maria style rub.

Our picks at a glance

How to choose a seasoning for tri tip on smoker

Choosing a seasoning for tri tip on smoker cooks starts with flavor style. Susie Q’s and Jocko’s both describe Santa Maria style seasoning, which is the rub most people associate with tri tip. McCormick Grill Mates Chili Garlic uses chili and black peppers, oregano, garlic and brown sugar, so it leans in a different direction. If you are new to the process, our simple smoking techniques for your first BBQ guide covers the basics before you shop for rubs.

Next, check the package size against how often you cook. The Jocko’s listing describes its 15.3 oz bottle as built for frequent use, while the 10 oz Susie Q’s shaker is listed as enough for over 20 tri-tip steaks. The McCormick twin pack totals 4.74 oz per the listing’s unit field, and it lists an amount to shake per pound of meat.

Then look at dietary and use claims. Only the Jocko’s and McCormick listings say gluten free, and the Jocko’s listing also says it is made without MSG. The McCormick listing covers the grill, stovetop, oven and air fryer. Read the ingredient panel on the package you receive, because a listing summary may not capture every detail.

Finally, remember that seasoning is only one part of the cook. Smoker temperature control matters as much, and our guide to maintaining a steady temperature in your smoker explains why. For doneness, use the USDA safe internal temperature chart. Always follow your smoker manufacturer’s manual for setup, fuel and safe operation. You can find more smoker guides in our Smoker Guides category.

FAQ

Which of these seasonings are listed as gluten free?

The Jocko’s listing includes gluten free in its title, and the McCormick Grill Mates Chili Garlic listing says it is gluten free. The Susie Q’s listing does not mention gluten-free status, so check its package label before you buy.

Can I use these seasonings on other foods?

The listings say so. Susie Q’s lists steak, beef or fish, Jocko’s lists meats, seafood, eggs, pasta, vegetables and soups, and McCormick lists steak, chicken or pork.

Does seasoning tell me when the meat is done?

No. Use a thermometer and the USDA safe temperature chart to check internal temperature. The NFPA grilling safety guidance covers general fire safety for outdoor cooking.

Where should a beginner start with smoking?

Start with the basics and the manufacturer’s manual for your smoker. Our BBQ Smokers section and the beginner guide linked above are good places to begin.

About Ethan Brooks

Ethan Brooks is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our BBQ & grilling guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.