There really are no two beef … Usually when I’m cooking meat, I’m doing everything in my power (including thoughts and prayers) to prevent it from drying out. Matador Beef Jerky is here to help you charge forward every day, all the time. Shop jerky, sticks, sausages and more – shipped straight to your door. For this reason, many consumers are turning to jerky as a viable source of low-fat protein, and a lot of jerky companies are marketing themselves as a healthy alternative to your typical snack foods. Finally, consider if you want sticks, bites, strips, or bars. The New Primal isn’t the cheapest jerky on my list, but because of the quality of ingredients, it’s well worth the cost — and more affordable in comparison with similar products. That said, I love Brooklyn Biltong for a few reasons. SlantShack only use free-range grass-fed beef and collaborate with suppliers to ensure its cows are raised humanely without antibiotics or hormones. Like a fine wine, you need to decide what kind of “mouth feel” you’d like your jerky to have. Try Reef Beef Jerky, if you like to smoke. In a good way." It’s a tad on the chewy side, so if you like it dry, it will likely disappoint. So, if you’re really concerned about health, opt for jerky without sodium nitrate or celery concentrates among the list of ingredients. I think of Jack Link’s as that classic Costco … Dry, chewy, perfect." The second thing to consider from a health perspective is salt. In fact, a high-sodium bag of beef jerky can have more than four times the amount of salt per ounce than that found in Lay’s potato chips (Matador, for example, contains 710 mg/ounce, versus Lay’s 148mg/ounce). Finally, it’s dehydrated and packed. Beef jerky: People’s Choice Beef Jerky If jerky is more your style, consider snacking on this beef … I can still remember the struggle of trying to make my “red-flavored” slushies at the movies last until after the previews. And, at around $20 per 16-ounce bag, it’s one of the more affordable jerky brands on my list of the best beef jerky. It’s also high in protein and low in sodium and sugar. — there are a few preferential jerky nuances to mull over. Seen from a distance, Bridgeford chose to emphasize their name, tag line, and Beef Jerky … Plus, with so many jerky brands on the market these days, this savory treat has only grown in quality and flavor. ", "Feels slimy, but tastes alright." I would like to think I make better decisions — especially when it comes to junk food (though I still allow myself all of the aforementioned foods exclusively on a road-trip basis). morn. The short answer: it depends. The good news is that you’re not alone! Unlike some of the more artisanal brands, you can find this jerky basically anywhere that sells snacks. It also uses incredibly simple ingredients: only apple cider vinegar, water, salt, coriander, pepper, and allspice, so you know there are no sneaky ingredients hiding in your bag. Just like you go to Budweiser for a simple, decent beer, you head to Jack Link's for the best, original beef jerky on the planet. This Sweet Baby Ray’s Vs Bridgeford Beef Jerky Endcap can promote to its own heart’s content. However, if you like your jerky on the juicy side, this might be the meat you’ve been searching for. Whether a jerky is dry and crumbly or moist and sticky is yet another “mouth feel” experience to choose from. If the brand has a high-sodium content or ingredients that you can’t pronounce—that is a red flag health-wise. If you’re concerned with fat, you might notice this jerky is higher in fat than most of the jerky brands on this list. ", "This actually tastes like eating a campfire. Beef jerky is one of the quintessential road foods. Back country guide to jerky, sticks, and dried meat brands. "Sweet, like pepperoni." "Very beefy." The company has delicious flavors, like Hot & Bothered, Sweet & Spicy and the new Jamaican Style, that are perfect for a fancy-but-classic beef jerky eater. Many beef jerky brands are high in sugar, sodium, and contain MSG (the jury’s still out on whether or not the latter is “bad for you,” but no matter what you believe it’s important to be aware of what you’re consuming). "Classic jerky texture, flavor." Try some and steer life where you want it to go. The trick is to treat it like any other food: If your jerky didn’t come in a resealable bag, store it in a vacuum-sealed container, a plastic bag, or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap to limit its exposure to air. WE LIKE TO GET FRESH. NOT RECOMMENDED: Slant Shack Dried & True, "Whoa. I'm getting a bunch of Parmesan cheese notes." The company is made up of over 4,000 passionate team members, across 11 countries, who share an uncompromising commitment to delivering awesome products and feeding the journey of those who move things forward. Mainly, the meat is hung to dry and cured without heat (traditional jerky is cooked on a rack). "Tastes sort of like what I imagine the sawdust on the floor of a great old BBQ restaurant would taste like. "Kind of generic, but not bad. What’s more, it’s only sometimes available on the brand’s website and many of its products are sold out. … Nutrition Facts. Some of the flavors also have some unfortunate ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup, and the meat isn’t as high quality as some of the more expensive brands. And, as you can probably guess from its artisanal vibe (“Brooklyn” is in the name for goodness sake), you know it’s not going to be cheap. If you’re not keen on the natural taste of beef or chicken, look for options that include pepper, teriyaki, honey, or other ingredients, but make sure you find the source of those ingredients acceptable. But I continue to return to beef jerky because it’s one of the few foods from my childhood that I don’t feel guilty about eating: It’s a low-fat, high-protein snack that’s convenient and tastes delicious. Buy Online. "So hard." Shop jerky, sticks, sausages and more – shipped straight to your door. Since everyone’s palate is different, I recommend you decide on your nutritional needs first, then pick a few flavors and textures off our list of the best beef jerky to test out for yourself. Yep, it's official -- the hottest snack in America right now is beef jerky. Rather, preserved dried meat has had more time than your average snack to improve its formula, and my favorite jerky companies have come close to perfection. ", "A nice smoky flavor on the end, and I like its little steak-y shape." "Too chewy and sweet." I have a finite number of memories from childhood. Try Black Cherry Barbecue Pork Jerky, Lemon Garlic Turkey Jerky or Garlic Chili Pepper Beef Jerky for a flavorful take on the traditional meat snack. What’s more, it packs a punch without any added refined sugars, artificial preservatives, or artificial ingredients. "The looks of this one are deplorable, but it tastes spicy, smoky, BBQ-y." But there’s always one manly snack that reins king in our mind and stomach, its beef jerky. "This tastes like a car air freshener. Cannabis beef jerky exists and one of the most well-known brands is called Reef jerky, because of course. I can still appreciate the delicate, subtle flavor that’s created when you mix peanut butter M&Ms and popcorn. The Jack Link’s Protein Snacks portfolio of brands includes, Jack Link’s, Lorissa’s Kitchen, MATADOR Jerky… That said, it does boast pushing more than 2 million Scoville units, which I take to mean torturous enough to more than satisfy your average spice lover. But there's no reason jerky should only be a gas station snack. That’s well worth taking into consideration if fat content is a concern. Fat prevents the meat from preserving, so as much fat as is removed from the meat before it is then is thinly sliced. Choose Jack Link’s meat snacks made with 100% beef, A Sas approved snack. Beef jerky is PACKED with protein. Before you write them off, however, consider that the fat in grass-fed beef contains healthy omega-3s and CLAs (conjugated linoleic acid), a fatty acid that has actually been proven to maintain leaner body mass and reduced body fat. Others prefer a softer texture, which is usually achieved when the jerky is ground down and reformed before packaging. What really put this jerky lower on my list, however, was its lack of transparency regarding its beef. These childhood memories exemplify a couple of facts that I have come to accept about myself as an adult. I prefer a drier jerky, so I ranked this product below The New Primal. I can still taste the Snickers bars, the sour gummies shaped like watermelons, the Cool Ranch Doritos, and the barbecue-flavored Corn Nuts purchased at gas stations or school vending machines. Because the texture is slightly different from a traditional jerky, Duke’s isn’t for everyone. So, what kind of jerky should you eat? I review beef jerky, turkey jerky, bison jerky, pretty much any meat jerky, even vegan jerky. ", "Flavorful. Hint of sesame, maybe?" Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Tumblr. But, if you’re looking to upgrade to a healthy adult-friendly alternative, consider trying Brooklyn Biltong! I've been a life-long fan of beef jerky and decided to merge my profession with my snack food of choice, and gave birth to Best Beef Jerky. So, if you’re looking for a jerky you can turn to time and time again, The New Primal is the bag for you. "Simple, sugary, dried. Some people prefer to savor their jerky, chewing on it for what feels like an eternity. https://www.bestbeefjerky.org/2009/10/matador-beef-jerky-original.html ©2021 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. It’s not afraid of a little kick when it comes to its meat. "This is what I imagine as the typical beef jerky." Jack Link’s protein … One of those companies is Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Minong, Wis. "Tough texture." When the company recast its MATADOR beef jerky communications and packaging design last fall, it used the opportunity to take packaging just a little bit further to reach MATADOR… Great for long car trips, camping, and anywhere you need a snack where you will also surely be tired of potato chips and red vines. When you get a craving for a late night snack, or simply need some fuel for the workday at the office, you might reach for potato chips or pretzels. The word "jerky" derives from the Quechua word ch'arki which means "dried, salted meat". Matador Beef Jerky is here to help you charge forward every day, all the time. USDA inspectors expect to see water activity as a critical … If you’re looking for that classic childhood jerky, this brand is probably not what you’re after. SlantShack makes its jerky to order, so it’s always fresh. Yes. Recipes and more delivered to your inbox. Though manufacturers will use slightly different processes — such as smoking and using signature spice blends — the basic process of making beef jerky starts with a piece of lean meat. They’re also focused on smoking meats, so if you prefer your jerky without a smoky flavor, you should probably pass. Unfortunately, this jerky is harder to find; you’ll most likely have to order it online depending on where you live. To preserve food and still boast the “nitrate-free” label, many processed meat companies (including manufacturers of ham, bacon, hot dogs, and salami) use celery powder or celery juice, which naturally contains a high concentration of nitrates and acts identically to chemical nitrates in your body. If you’re looking for spicy, Savage Jerky was made just for you. In other words, it’s not the cheapest jerky on the market, but I prefer the smaller size because it keeps me from overeating. Jack Link's Beef Jerky. Even though it says “beef” jerky, I would hesitate to endorse many of these brands if you only eat kosher or halal meat. Made for hikers and boasting a whopping 14 grams of protein, this jerky is not messing around when it comes to substance. Accessories. This tastes like ginger and crayons?" if you’re looking for something that’s high quality and a slightly new experience, I encourage you to try Duke’s. Try Perky Jerky, if you want a caffeinated kick with your jerky. ", "This is less like dried jerky and more like old meat." "All I can taste are chemicals at first. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, Original, (2) 9 oz. And, offering fun flavors like Everything Bagel and Maple Barbeque—and at an affordable price tag—you’ll probably want to try a few. Just keep an eye out for the special certification on the packaging. Beef Brisket Strips. So why isn’t it higher on my list? And for good reason: Unlike my millenial counterparts, my parents weren’t willing to forgo a retirement plan to spend more than $40 for a 16-ounce bag of jerky. And while you do need to watch your sodium intake, if you partake in this tasty treat at least make sure you're eating the right kind of jerky. The process also results in a meat that’s slightly higher in fat than traditional jerky. It satisfies that “hard to eat” texture that lovers of classic jerky might seek out. "Really sweet, too much like licorice." First things first: the reviews on beef jerky's nutritional value are mixed. Facebook; Matador Beef Jerky is here … Lead Sales & Marketing efforts on MATADOR BEEF JERKY (Joint Venture between Jack Links and Frito-Lay North America.) If you’re in need of extra protein, look no further than Field Trip. Like I said, it’s thousands of years in the making, and the options are vast! The brand uses grass-fed beef, but what it claims really sets the product apart is what goes on the meat—namely that it only uses fresh ingredients (rather than just dried spices), and the brand keeps the sugar content low. One ounce of beef jerky … The easiest ones to recall are mostly snack related. Second, I was not particularly concerned with my health and would eat anything with high levels of sugar or salt that came in a bag. Krave is the jerky for everyone (except vegetarians I suppose, but I doubt they’re reading this article). Buy Online. Next it’s marinated for flavor and slowly cooked at a low temperature. I also love that Country Archer uses grass-fed beef raised without antibiotics. "Kind of off-tasting." Perky Jerky calls itself "ultra premium beef jerky," but all meat feelings aside, it's caffeinated. (4 days in fridge) - See what difference Part of HuffPost Food & Drink. We've done a little taste test for you (and added a few far-reaching options) to ensure you're eating the best beef possible. 1. How seriously you take “probably” is up to you. Water activity for inspectors. The … Price aside, I think this jerky is pretty good. The meat arrives at Jack Link’s Minong plant … EVEN THE HARD-TO-FIND KIND. "Tomato-y flavor, reminds me of Memphis BBQ sauce." That said, if flavor is your highest priority, Savage is worth a try. But, it is carried at some specialty supermarkets, and if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on this jerky, you can rest assured that the quality is well worth the price. Flash freeze the beef and slice it thin. Wherever you go, you can take MATADOR … But, if you’re looking for a reliable jerky that doesn’t cost a fortune, Jack Link’s is a solid choice — particularly opt for the lower-sugar original flavor. It’s tough and chewy, so the bag takes a while to get through — perfect for a road trip or a long night studying. "Really gingery." And, speaking of “white stuff,” a lot of jerky is high in another sneaky and delicious ingredient: sugar. "Spicy, complex flavor." Jack Link’s also makes turkey jerky and chicken and bacon jerky these days, but the foundation is still the original all-beef variety. Note that FixturesCloseUp took poetic merchandising license to play up this Sweet Baby Ray’s Vs Bridgeford Beef Jerky En Masse presentation. Though our reviews on this jerky are mixed (the texture is weirdly smooth, but the jerky itself is tasty) we'd still recommend Krave. It's almost like the South African equivalent of American beef jerky, but not quite --as any South African will tell you. And, if spicy isn’t your M.O., Savage offers a wide variety of more traditional flavors from a sweet Teriyaki to a simple Cracked Pepper & Sea Salt. While Jeff Volek, Ph.D. says that beef jerky can be "an ideal between-meals snack, especially when you're trying to lose weight," others say not so fast. Now that marijuana is legal in more states, we're sure we'll see a few more strains of weed beef jerky popping up soon. Copyright ©2020 Rave Reviews, All Rights Reserved. The amount of “stuff” in a beef jerky recipe varies by company: the products used, the quality of the meat, how much sodium it contains, etc. "The smokiest in all the land. Weird texture." If you’re looking for the best dried meat you can buy in a bag, The New Primal brand fits the bill and is our number one pick for the best beef jerky. Try some and steer life where you want it to go. "Weird, blue cheese after-taste." Ketchup?" Though not crazy expensive, it’s also not cheap. Here Bridgeford focuses on Beef Jerky via Metal Plate Slatwall Scan Hook, but … If the oxygen absorber is broken open, dark … "Ginger craziness. This means the meat is usually a thicker cut, and vinegar is used as a preservative in addition to salt. To help sort through the wide variety of options, I’ve narrowed down my favorite 10 jerky brands that you can actually feel good about eating. What’s more, the brand is committed to using local ingredients whenever possible. No." Plus, I checked the price three times to make sure I wasn’t imagining it. It’s also very high in sugar, so if you’re concerned about your sugar intake this isn’t your bag. "Good chewiness." Furthermore, many companies use beef that’s been raised using hormones — not to mention they’re far from being grass-fed and organic. "Tastes like bread." "Strangely delicate texture." But, if you like it hard and cheap (so to speak), Mingua might be the jerky for you. Savage does no such bragging, and if I’m going to pay a high price for jerky, I want to be sure the meat is worth the expense. "Seaweed flavored? But, if you opt for the “original” flavor rather than BBQ, you’re looking at a relatively low-sodium, low-sugar, low-fat snack that’s high in protein. Once you’ve considered the health benefits and drawbacks of your jerky — or decided to ignore them altogether because you only live once, right? What I love about this jerky brand is its commitment to sustainable practices and offering the highest-quality meat. Sodium nitrate has been used to give both taste and color to meat as well as prevent it from going rancid since the early 1900s. I assume if a company is using high-quality, grass-fed beef, it’s bragging about it. The origins of Brooklyn Biltong started in South Africa, and the product is similar to jerky but with a few key differences. Once the meat has been cooked without spoiling, the preservation can really begin. The age-old question of, “How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?,” matures to “How many chews does it take to swallow your jerky?” — or something like that. That’s right, it’s very affordable, so get it while you can! First, I have excellent taste in snacks. If you're not stuffing your face with it yet, there are a couple reasons you might be holding back: 1) You're a little unsure of the nutritional value and 2) You have no idea what kind to eat. "The texture is too gelatinous. Nutrition Facts. If … What put this jerky on my top ten list was not only its availability and interesting all-natural flavors but for the taste. I think of Jack Link’s as that classic Costco Jerky: the kind your mom or dad would bring home from the store in a year’s supply box. It doesn’t contain any hormones, antibiotics, or nitrates. And, as with any snack food, it’s always best in moderation. ", The best recipes, kitchen tips and genius food facts. Jack Link's Beef Jerky is an American snack company best known as the producer and marketer of the eponymous brand of beef jerky.It was founded by John 'Jack' Link in 1986. In fact, it even offers a Carolina Reaper flavor, which I can’t personally comment on due to my crushing fear of the repercussions. There's no denying it -- Jack Link's is still the standard when it comes to beef jerky. NO OFFENSE. "Has a weird healthy Fruit Roll Up texture. Explore Now Browse Sausages Browse Brisket THE FRESHEST INGREDIENTS WE COULD FIND. We're here to solve both of those problems. We may receive compensation if you click on a link. Oct 2, 2020 - Explore Fixtures Close Up Store Fixtur's board "Beef Jerky", followed by 12220 people on Pinterest. Duke’s offers something a little different: a chunky, chewy alternative to traditional dry jerky. Try Jack Link's, if you want the classic standard. And I can still remember the celebratory, lavish feeling of a life of luxury when I was allowed to purchase a bag of beef jerky — the champagne of packaged meat products. I don’t think this is the absolute most delicious jerky on this list of best beef jerky. Studies show that ancient humans were eating Mammoth jerky over 40,000 years ago, but that doesn’t make us jerky lovers Neanderthals. With flavors like Honey Habanero and Sweet Jalapeno, they’ve figured out how to get you hooked on that sweet and spicy mouth explosion, where all of your taste buds are being activated at once. It has also been classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. )," but there are a few good options, like "lean brands made with quality grass-fed beef.". Jerky … Although they use only all-natural ingredients, they don’t tell you much about their meat. One main reason: availability. Tastes like sushi." Because of the high demand, many beef jerky brands advertise their kosher or halal status. Take your pick. Depending on your decision, jerky can be the Cadillac of snack foods or a regrettable roadside snack. I don’t believe in wasting money on bad jerky, so I kept the following in mind while narrowing down my list. That sounds like a positive until you have to wait 3 weeks to get your bag. ", "Yep. There are two overarching categories to consider when narrowing down jerky: how the meat is preserved and how the meat is flavored. The company also makes Matador Beef Jerky, which is advertised like the Axe Body Spray of food. Thanks Doc! "Tastes like brisket." Jack Link’s has joined forces with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster relief organization, to bring help and resources to communities impacted by natural disasters. If you notice moisture start to build up, pat it dry with a paper towel, as mold can sometimes form on it. Biltong comes with more grass-fed options than the other options above (this makes it leaner), but that also makes it a lot more expensive than regular jerky. All this is to say that you have some choices when you pick your protein. My recommendation: Eat it right away while it’s fresh! When it comes to making jerky, drying it out is the name of the game. Alexis Joseph, registered dietitian and author of the food blog Hummusapien, told HuffPost Taste that "most brands of jerky are loaded with sodium (nearly a third of the daily limit! The meat is tender and packed with flavor. In my opinion, it’s also the best-tasting jerky on this list, which I prioritize above all else. Facebook; Matador Beef Jerky is here … Again, if you’re looking for a go-to snack, you may want to consider a low-sugar (aka low- guilt) jerky. It’s gluten free, uses all natural ingredients, and comes in a wide variety of flavors from Chili Lime to Black Cherry BBQ — along with standards like Sea Salt Original and Sweet Chipotle. For me, I enjoy Duke’s smoky flavor and texture as an alternative to more traditional dry jerky. I love The New Primal’s jerky for so many reasons. It uses grass-fed beef and simple, high-quality ingredients. "There's a lot going on here. "Almost tastes like lemongrass -- can't figure it out. You are my jerky. At Cattleman’s Cut, we care about country, family and making the best damn meat snacks in the world — From our legendary flank steak jerky to our one-of-a-kind Double Smoked Sausages. Country Archer is really good at flavor — especially if you like your food hot and sweet. "Nice, pepperoni-like texture." "Hate the sugar. It’s also lower in protein than most of the jerky brands on this list, so if protein is of the utmost importance to you, you might want to skip this one. Make sure to keep it dry and out of humidity. Now that you’ve picked your favorite jerky (or your favorite few to try out), consider the following products to upgrade your pantry — or try your hand at making your own! First, they use grass-fed beef, meaning the cows are being fed their natural diet resulting in meat that is of a higher quality.

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