Say Goodbye To Kinder's — Grab This Trader Joe's Rub For Restaurant-Worthy Pork Chops

Trader Joe's is famously known for its creative twists in both the food and spice aisles. From fan favorites like Everything But the Bagel seasoning to niche limited-edition products, this grocer never fails to surprise its customers with bold flavor combinations. It's not surprising that the BBQ Rub and Seasoning with Coffee and Garlic has gained a loyal following among shoppers looking to recreate restaurant-worthy pork chops at home.

What sets this blend apart is its unique ingredients that you won't find in any existing Kinder's BBQ rub. This seasonal TJ's product combines coffee, garlic, smoked paprika, brown sugar, and the ultimate twist: a pinch of dried mandarin orange peel. These components work surprisingly well together. The citrus and sugar combination provides a subtle sweetness that blends seamlessly with the deep, earthy flavors of the coffee and garlic.

Unlike many other BBQ rubs, this particular one brings the intense flavors without the overwhelming heat. It is an ideal choice for those who appreciate a rich, smoky taste, but tend to stay on the milder side of the scale. Finding ground coffee integrated in a BBQ seasoning is a rare attribute that won't be as easy to find in other supermarkets, giving Trader Joe's a special edge over other major brands. Even better, it's very versatile, working on a range of cuts; there are just a few cooking tips to follow for best results.

While a recipe for pan-seared pork chops using this blend can be found on the Trader Joe's website, its rich profile works just as well across other pork cuts, including tenderloin, loin, or ribs. (It's good on chicken and beef, too.) For the best results, knowing how to cook pork chops is key. Trader Joe's suggests letting the seasoned meat chill for an hour, but some customers say leaving it overnight creates a deeper flavor.

Skipping the resting period is where many home cooks go wrong. Negative reviews of the spice come from people who seared the meat immediately after applying the rub. Letting the seasoned pork sit allows the salt in the seasoning to act as a dry brine, while the sugar dissolves into the meat's surface moisture so it caramelizes cleanly rather than burns.

Trader Joe's is known for its low prices, with this particular item going for $2.49 for a 3.5-ounce canister. However, if your local store is out of stock, you can easily find substitutes to season your pork chops using simple kitchen staples. To replicate this specific one, grab a jar of Kinder's Woodfired Garlic or Sweet & Smoky Brown Sugar Seasoning and mix it with a pinch of instant espresso. Adding espresso is the fastest way to approximate the unique flavor of the Trader Joe's blend all while still achieving a delicious twist to your pork chops.