I disagree with the comments about commercial rubs just containing salt, that statement is a gross generalization. Firstly, properly distributed commercial rubs should contain a "Nutrition Facts" section on their label that lists the ingredients and more importantly the volume of sodium in the product. A smart consumer can therefore make an appropriate decision about which product they want to buy. Secondly, there are a number of salt free, msg free, gluten free & kosher products on the market so if you still want the fun and convenience of a commercial rub you can choose one of those products instead. Personally, I like the fun of the different names of the products and I find that when people who have made their own rubs to their own personal taste they taste pretty foul. Someone who smokes, drinks alot and consumes a large amount of red meat (usually BBQd) prefers a full on blast of salt multiplied with cayenne multiplied with garlic multiplied with onion powder with a dump of chipotle to boot. Over powering and a taste that lingers well into the next day. I agree with the comment that a commercial rub is something that has been refined and accepted by many and to that, I put more trust in the democracy of commerce than the back yard bbq dude and his six pack, marlboro creation.