Sunday, December 13, 2015

Joe's Wicked Good Jerky - Joemama's Hot

joes wicked good jerky
Joe's Wicked Good Beef Jerky is a brand owned by Joe's Wicked Good Jerky Corporation, based out of Redding, CA. It was started by the husband and wife duo of Joe Nixt and Traci Nixt, who launched the brand in October 2014.

At the time, Joe had been making his own jerky for over 20 years. He's shared it with friends and co-workers from his contracting business. When Traci lost her secretarial position, the couple decided to make a go at running a jerky company.

This "Joemama's Hot" is described by the company as being made with "fresh jalapenos", and that it's "not too hot, but the sting sneaks up on you".

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Ria's RoadKill Jerky - Chipotle

rias roadkill jerky
Next in the series on Ria's RoadKill Jerky is this Chipotle beef jerky. See previous reviews of Ria's RoadKill Jerky.

Ria's RoadKill Jerky is run by Eden Van, based out of Long Beach, CA, having launched in January 2011. Eden got started in making jerky after receiving compliments on his barbecue recipes. He uses USDA Choice top round from his local meat market. All jerky is dehydrated in a smoker. He currently sells through Facebook and eBay while waiting for his new website to finish.

According to Eden, this Chipotle beef jerky is the same as his Original beef jerky, but with chipotle seasoning sprinkled before hitting the smoker.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Lawless Jerky Cyber Monday Sale!

lawless jerky
Sponsored message...

Lawless Jerky has you covered for the holiday season! 100% grass-fed beef jerky and 100% pasture-raised pork jerky in amazing, 5-star flavors are the perfect small gift or stocking stuffer.

Lawless Jerky is America's Craft Jerky. A true craft brand that combines traditional techniques and modern creativity. We handcraft our jerky without artificial additives or preservatives, generating more interesting and more intense flavors with no sugary coatings.

On Cyber Monday try Lawless Jerky at a ridiculously low price...

  • 30% off EVERYTHING
  • Free shipping on orders over $50

Sale starts at 12:01am on Monday morning through midnight.

Use coupon code "cybermonday15"

Go to: www.lawlessjerky.com


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Crazy Horse Jerky's Cyber Monday Sale

cyber monday jerky
Real wood smoked jerky can be yours at a lower price on Cyber Monday (November 30, 2015). This is real, homemade jerky, smoked in a real wood smoker! We've reviewed Crazy Horse's Jerky, and found it awesome enough to award them five-star ratings on many of their flavors...

  • ½ lb Samplers priced at $13.99 (2 ounces of each flavor of beef jerky)
  • 1 lb Samplers priced at $26.99 (¼ lb of each flavor of beef jerky)
  • Buy 5 pounds or more and receive a FREE Jerky Jar.

Free shipping on orders over $40.00. A flat rate of $2.00 for shipping on orders under $40.00.

Sale starts at 8:00 AM eastern time Monday morning and runs till 9:00 PM eastern time.

Try "real wood smoked" jerky, instead of the liquid smoked stuff you find in stores! You won't believe how great it tastes!

The samplers make great stocking stuffers that everyone is sure to go crazy about. Give the gift of Crazy Good Jerky!!!

Add it to your calendars: http://www.crazyhorsejerky.com

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

World Health Organization Incorrectly Demonizes Natural, Grassfed Beef Jerky

(Editor's note: the following is a letter to jerky lovers the worldwide from Lawless Jerky, a maker of 100% all grass fed, purely natural beef jerky, in response to the World Health Orgranization issuing a warning that processed meats cause cancer. Lawless Jerky is a top rated jerky brand here on Best Beef Jerky and has been outspoken on the healthful goodness of natural, grassfed beef...)

by Matthew Tolnick, Founder
Lawless Jerky (http://www.lawlessjerky.com)

grassfed beef
Earlier this week, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that processed meats cause cancer and that red meats may cause cancer. By captivating the public’s imagination with headlines worthy of a doomsday “meatpocalypse,” some media outlets have unfairly taken aim at the entire category of beef jerky as a “processed meat” potentially implicated by these findings. As detailed below, this is sloppy reporting which seeks to get a cheap rise out of the public by attacking a beloved morsel of Americana. In considering these findings, we must remember that not all beef jerkies and not all red meats are created equal; thus, not all beef jerkies and not all red meats should be implicated by the WHO findings.

As a disclaimer, I clearly have a horse – err cow? – in this race. Following a recall of Krave Jerky in 2014, in which cows with cancer were made into a purportedly gourmet jerky, I decided that my company, Lawless Jerky, would craft our jerky exclusively with 100% grass-fed beef. We take great effort and expense to produce truly premium jerky in gluten-free and all-natural flavors, and I resent our product being lumped together with old school “processed” jerkies that still add nitrites and preservatives. It is critical that we beef jerky lovers think a little bit more about what the WHO report said…and what it didn’t.

Even in the original IARC press release, which gave rise to the media’s feeding frenzy, Christopher Wild, Director of IARC, asked that people consider the positive nutritional value of red meat. In a same-day retort to the press release, “How bad is meat for me? Frankly, the experts don’t know,” health editor Sarah Boseley pointed to the misleading and hyperbolic notion that consuming processed meats and smoking cigarettes carry the same health risks, which leads us to stress that moderation is key and to caution against lumping all processed or red meats into a single category.

Unfortunately, the WHO report linked cancer to processed meats without going into detail about which specific part of the processing was found to be the cause of increased cancer rates. There is a significant difference between large-scale, conventional curing processes (which add sodium nitrites) and the processes used by more ingredient-conscious companies like Lawless Jerky. While the largest beef jerky processors still use nitrites and added preservatives, the undeniable trend in beef jerky is to move AWAY from the unnatural chemical additives commonly found in mass-produced sausage, ham, and bacon products.

Moreover, the report less conclusively suggested that red meats may cause cancer. By grouping all red meats into one category, the study fails to even consider differences in the ways in which animals are raised, an established and important difference between red meats. The old axiom “you are what you eat” is as true today as ever, and it equally applies to the animals that we eat and the foods that they consume.

For example, there are widely accepted and significant differences between grass-fed beef and “conventionally raised” beef. From a nutritional standpoint, the omega fatty acid ratios (good for the heart and brain) are far more ideal in 100% grass-fed beef than in grain-fed, factory-farmed beef (MayoClinic). Moreover, the amount of heart-healthy CLAs (conjugated linoleic acid; a type of fat believed to decrease the risk of heart disease and cancer) is greater in 100% grass-fed beef (MayoClinic). From an ethical standpoint, bovine left free to graze in pastures, eating the food nature intended for them, should be distinguished from the unnatural “conventionally raised” cows, which are plumped with a man-made diet of corn, soy, and antibiotics, which seek to combat illnesses associated with the horrid conditions found on factory farms. In sum, failing to distinguish how various red meats are raised is a critical misstep in the purported link of red meat to cancer.

For an increasing number of consumers, 100% grass-fed beef stands for better health, nutrition, ethics, and, ultimately, quality. Just this month, the cover story of Consumer Reports (which strongly recommends 100% grass-fed beef as being worth its premium price) showed another, less frequently discussed way that 100% grass-fed beef is different and better: 100% grass-fed cows are 3 times less likely to harbor superbugs, strains of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

The further our food gets away from how it evolved over time in nature (i.e. cows evolving as plant, not grain, eaters), and the more foreign substances that we introduce into our bodies (i.e. ingesting chemicals not found in nature), the more we run the risk of our bodies rejecting these choices (i.e. cancer). It is my hope that the millennial generation continues to champion the slow food movement and getting away from the “quantity over quality”, “convenience/cheapness over all else” mindset that has left so many children and adults victims of diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases of Western Civilization.

(Editor's note: Give Lawless Jerky a try, it's one of our favorites: https://www.lawlessjerky.com)

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Chudabeef Jerky Strips - Garliyaki

chudabeef
Chudabeef Jerky Strips is a brand launched by Kevin Casey based out of Long Beach, CA. The brand has been in business since 2014, and at the beginning of 2015 had just completed a successful Kickstarter campaign.

Kevin is an active hiker and had been making his own jerky for his trips through the wilderness. His friends loved it so much, they offered to pay him for some. That got him interested in starting his own jerky business.

Chudabeef currently comes in four flavors. We only have this Garliyaki for review. The company describes it as having, "...a perfect balance of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with a hint of garlic kick to make your mouth water for another piece!"

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Boot Jack Jerky - Beef Sticks

boot jack beef sticks
Boot Jack Jerky is a brand created by Tim Geyer and Wendy Geyer, based out of Ridgway, PA. Boot Jack Jerky has been selling online since 2012.

According to the company, Boot Jack Jerky is based on an old family recipe that was then improved based on feedback from American men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Geyers have set up a program called "Operation Get Jacked" where consumers can buy bags of Boot Jack Jerky for military personnel in Afghanistan, and have it air-dropped to US bases.

Boot Jack's beef sticks come in two flavors, "Mild" and "Spicy". Both are described as simply, "1.3 ounce stix, which is one third bigger than the competition at a better price. All Beef, no pork, no chicken, no fillers added".

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Jamie's Jerky - Turkey

jamies jerky
Jamie's Jerky is the creation of Jamie Watt and his daughter Sasa Watt, based out of Crested Butte, CO. The Watts have been making jerky as a hobby for themselves and their friends for 35 years. They were getting so many requests that they finally decided to make it a business.

Jamie's Jerky claims to strive for "sustainable jerky", using only grass-fed beef and all natural turkey, with no hormones and antibiotics. It's also gluten-free. The company has won Gold Medals two years running at the Crested Butte "Annual Jerky-Off", fielding unamimous decisions both times.

This turkey jerky is claimed to be made from USDA Choice grade, all natural turkey, with no preservatives or MSG.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Trailhead Beef Jerky - Original

trailhead beef jerky
Trailhead Beef Jerky is a brand of Trailhead Fine Foods, based out of Welshpool, Wales. The brand was launched in August of 2011 by Kevin Bigland in Cradley Heath, England, but in January 2013, the company was sold to Jason Howard, who moved it to Welshpool.

We originally reviewed two flavors from Trailhead back in June 2012, the "Hot Smoked Chipotle" and the "XXX Naga Jolokia", the latter scored a 5-star rating from us. Since being purchased by Jason in 2013, the company underwent a rebranding, and has since won the coveted, "Great Taste Award of 2015" for its Black Pepper beef jerky.

This Original beef jerky is described by Trailhead as being, "Delicately seasoned and carefully marinated to bring out the true flavour of our premium beef".

Monday, October 12, 2015

Boot Jack Jerky - Spicy Smoked Beef

boot jack jerky
Boot Jack Jerky is a brand created by Tim Geyer and Wendy Geyer, based out of Ridgway, PA. Boot Jack Jerky has been selling online since 2012.

According to the company, Boot Jack Jerky is based on an old family recipe that was then improved based on feedback from American men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Geyers have set up a program called "Operation Get Jacked" where consumers can buy bags of Boot Jack Jerky for military personnel in Afghanistan, and have it air-dropped to US bases.

Boot Jack Jerky currently comes in one flavor, "Spicy Smoked Beef", described as, "tender, whole strip US beef, high in protein, spiced just right with true old fashioned smoke house flavor", and is made in a USDA inspected facility. They also offer beef sticks, which we'll review later.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Coppernose Jerky - Teriyaki

coppernose jerky
Coppernose Jerky is a new brand that launched in the Summer of 2015. Based out of the Oxfordshire town of Burford, in England, Coppernose was founded by Liam Derry.

Liam was working on a degree at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester when the idea for Coppernose came about. Coppernose today is a run by Liam and his family. They use ethically sourced, 100% grass fed, British beef, allowing them to trace their meats all the way back to the farm. They use sliverside cuts, in long strips, and then marinated for 12 hours before dehydration. Coppernose Jerky is sold in small shops and outdoor markets throughout England, as well as from its website.

This "Teriyaki" variety is simply described as, "A taste of the Orient..."

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Charqs Smok'n Tender Grilled Pork Jerky

charqs jerky
Charqs Smok'n Tender Pork Jerky is a new brand of jerky based out of Sleepy Hollow, IL. It was started Greg Schweiner, who helps run a corporate training and leadership business from the same town.

Charqs' biggest marketing angle is that it's grilled over an open flame and is made with real hickory wood smoke. The idea for Charqs was born from Greg's travels across the world, sampling a variety of street fare and recreating the flavors and styles that he loved the best. After spending years perfecting his recipe, Charqs was born.

Charqs is manufactured in a USDA inspected facility and thus far comes in only one flavor.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Uncle Andy's Jerky - Boise's Mushroom Blue Cheese

uncle andys jerky
Uncle Andy's Jerky, which we reviewed a year ago, has this new flavor coming out called, "Boise's Mushroom Blue Cheese Beef Jerky". It's currently in fundraising mode on Kickstarter.

Uncle Andy's Jerky was launched by Andrew Hanenberg, based out of Cedar Grove, NJ. Inspired by the eclectic ideas of craft brewers, Andrew initially launched with "manly" jerky varieties like "Bandito Spicy Coffee", "Lumberjack Maple Bourbon", and "Southern Gent Lemon Mint".

This new "Boise's Mushroom Blue Cheese" jerky is based on the steakhouse style of topping mushrooms and bleu cheese crumbles to a rib eye steak. According to Andrew's Kickstarter page, it utilizes Rogue Creamery's Blue Heaven Bleu Cheese.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Golden Island Jerky - Kung Pao

golden island jerky
Golden Island Jerky recently launched three new pork jerky varieties and an additional beef jerky variety, all in the company's Asian & Taiwanese tradition. We have two of these new flavors, including this Kung Pao Beef Jerky, and the Sriracha Barbecue Pork Jerky.

We originally reviewed Golden Island Jerky back in 2008, and then again in 2012 when they did a full rebranding. Since then, the company was purchased by Hillshire Farms in 2013, and then Hillshire Farms was purchased by Tyson Foods in 2014. Because of Tyson Foods' dominance in food distribution, Golden Island Jerky will be seeing increased market penetration, including Ralph Stores in Southern California.

This Kung Pao Beef Jerky is described by the company as being "spicy, soaked in a blend of Asian-inspired spices and topped with chili flakes".

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Coppernose Jerky - Spicy

coppernose jerky
Coppernose Jerky is a new brand that launched in the Summer of 2015. Based out of the Oxfordshire town of Burford, in England, Coppernose was founded by Liam Derry.

Liam was working on a degree at the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester when the idea for Coppernose came about. Coppernose today is a run by Liam and his family. They use ethically sourced, 100% grass fed, British beef, allowing them to trace their meats all the way back to the farm. They use sliverside cuts, in long strips, and then marinated for 12 hours before dehydration. Coppernose Jerky is sold in small shops and outdoor markets throughout England, as well as from its website.

This "Smokey" variety is simply described as, "A dynamic flavor which will bite back..."

Monday, September 28, 2015

Golden Island Jerky - Sriracha Barbecue Pork

golden island jerky
Golden Island Jerky recently launched three new pork jerky varieties and an additional beef jerky variety, all in the company's Asian & Taiwanese tradition. We have two of these new flavors, including this Sriracha Barbecue Pork Jerky, and the Kung Pao Beef Jerky.

We originally reviewed Golden Island Jerky back in 2008, and then again in 2012 when they did a full rebranding. Since then, the company was purchased by Hillshire Farms in 2013, and then Hillshire Farms was purchased by Tyson Foods in 2014. Because of Tyson Foods' dominance in food distribution, Golden Island Jerky will be seeing increased market penetration, including Ralph Stores in Southern California.

This Sriracha Barbecue Pork Jerky is described by the company as offering the "bold flavors of red chilies and garlic", and is "subtly hot and tender".

Friday, September 25, 2015

Bubba's Carolina Jerky - Sweet Jalapeno Bacon Jerky

bubbas carolina jerky
Bubba's Carolina Jerky is a brand that started in 2004 by Bubba Dunn, a retired veteran who spent 36 years in the US Coast Guard and US Army. The company is based out of Cocoa, FL.

Dunn grew up in an outdoor sporting family that frequently hunted, fished, and raised livestock. Lean meats were often turned into jerky using an old family recipe. Today, he spends his time perfecting marinades, running his jerky company, and making special batches of dehydrated meats for friends. Bubba's Carolina Jerky prides itself on using meat from US ranchers. Their jerky is sold through stores including Mast General Stores, Contemporary Nutrition, Edgewater True Value, and Crossroads Ace Hardware.

This "Sweet Jalapeno Bacon Jerky" is one of two bacon jerky flavors offered by the company. They describe it as having initial sweet that overtakes the taste buds and then gradually adds in the heat.

Monday, September 21, 2015

Bubba's Carolina Jerky - Wild Buffalo Chicken Jerky

bubbas carolina jerky
Bubba's Carolina Jerky is a brand that started in 2004 by Bubba Dunn, a retired veteran who spent 36 years in the US Coast Guard and US Army. The company is based out of Cocoa, FL.

Dunn grew up in an outdoor sporting family that frequently hunted, fished, and raised livestock. Lean meats were often turned into jerky using an old family recipe. Today, he spends his time perfecting marinades, running his jerky company, and making special batches of dehydrated meats for friends. Bubba's Carolina Jerky prides itself on using meat from US ranchers. Their jerky is sold through stores including Mast General Stores, Contemporary Nutrition, Edgewater True Value, and Crossroads Ace Hardware.

This "Wild Buffalo" is one of two chicken jerky flavors offered by the company. They describe it as "hot wings", having a "zesty hot taste", and "tender and full of flavor".

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Bubba's Carolina Beef Jerky - Kickin' Teriyaki

bubbas carolina jerky
Bubba's Carolina Jerky is a brand that started in 2004 by Bubba Dunn, a retired veteran who spent 36 years in the US Coast Guard and US Army. The company is based out of Cocoa, FL.

Dunn grew up in an outdoor sporting family that frequently hunted, fished, and raised livestock. Lean meats were often turned into jerky using an old family recipe. Today, he spends his time perfecting marinades, running his jerky company, and making special batches of dehydrated meats for friends. Bubba's Carolina Jerky prides itself on using meat from US ranchers. Their jerky is sold through stores including Mast General Stores, Contemporary Nutrition, Edgewater True Value, and Crossroads Ace Hardware.

This "Kickin' Teriyaki" is the company's most popular flavor. It's described as being "tender with a savory taste", and has a "touch of heat" to give a light bite to an old standby flavor.

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Country Archer Jerky - Turkey Teriyaki

country archer jerky
Country Archer Jerky is a well known brand in the meat snack industry, going back to 1977 when it became the private labeler for hundreds of brands over the decades. Now based in San Bernardino, CA, the company is leveraging its own brand and pushing its own line of jerky into stores across the country.

As the jerky market has migrated towards preservative-free, natural ingredients, so has Country Archer. The company claims it's jerky is handcrafted, made in small batches, using all natural ingredients.

This Turkey Teriyaki is marketed as being free of preservatives and MSG, and as having a "big taste". It's also labeled, "Private Reserve", suggesting it's better than normal. It also appears to have the same ingredients as the company's Beef Teriyaki I reviewed a couple weeks ago.

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Country Archer Jerky - Sriracha

country archer jerky
Country Archer Jerky is a well known brand in the meat snack industry, going back to 1977 when it became the private labeler for hundreds of brands over the decades. Now based in San Bernardino, CA, the company is leveraging its own brand and pushing its own line of jerky into stores across the country.

As the jerky market has migrated towards preservative-free, natural ingredients, so has Country Archer. The company claims it's jerky is handcrafted, made in small batches, using all natural ingredients.

This Sriracha flavor is described as a being, "infused what that very same one-of-a-kind Sriracha magic", going on to say that the famous Thai pepper sauce has become a taste sensation in the condiment world.

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Country Archer Jerky - Sweet Jalapeno

country archer jerky
Country Archer Jerky is a well known brand in the meat snack industry, going back to 1977 when it became the private labeler for hundreds of brands over the decades. Now based in San Bernardino, CA, the company is leveraging its own brand and pushing its own line of jerky into stores across the country.

As the jerky market has migrated towards preservative-free, natural ingredients, so has Country Archer. The company claims it's jerky is handcrafted, made in small batches, using all natural ingredients.

This Sweet Jalapeno flavor is described as a "sweet and spicy" variety, being sweet, "but not enough to make you sing show tunes", while being spicy enough, "but not making you feel like you lost a bet".

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Country Archer Jerky - Teriyaki

country archer jerky
Country Archer Jerky is a well known brand in the meat snack industry, going back to 1977 when it became the private labeler for hundreds of brands over the decades. Now based in San Bernardino, CA, the company is leveraging its own brand and pushing its own line of jerky into stores across the country.

As the jerky market has migrated towards preservative-free, natural ingredients, so has Country Archer. The company claims it's jerky is handcrafted, made in small batches, using all natural ingredients.

This Teriyaki flavor is simply described as having a teriyaki marinade so authentic, "that you'll think it was made by kawaii robots in Japan".

Friday, July 31, 2015

This Mesquite Bar-BQ Chicken Jerky is Getting Publicity!

Crazy Horse Jerky - Mesquite Bar-BQ Chicken Jerky
Crazy Horse Jerky - Mesquite Bar-BQ Chicken Jerky
The following is a message from Crazy Horse Jerky...

Thanks to our friend, Tim Ray, at Carnivore Club we have been getting some great publicity for our company. We worked with Tim and supplied jerky to his Carnivore Club meat boxes. Ever since, he has been a great supporter of our products.

We will be on “Wild Michigan radio with Duran Martinez” on Friday, July 31st, which you can already listen to online here. It is a weekly two hour show about current topics and products for outdoor men and women. Please tune in and listen to the show.

We will also be in two articles being written for the “LA Times” and “Rolling Stone” magazine. The articles will be about: “7 awesome jerkies you never knew you couldn't die before trying". Our Mesquite Bar-BQ will be featured in the articles. Steve also gave us 5 Stars on this flavor. Thanks again to all the great supporters. It never gets old hearing great reviews from our customers. Be sure to try the Mesquite BBQ Chicken jerky!!!

Try out the Mesquite Bar-BQ Chicken Jerky here...
http://www.crazyhorsejerky.com

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Alien Fresh Jerky - Honey Chipotle

alien fresh jerky
This Honey Chipotle Beef Jerky is one of the newest flavors from Alien Fresh Jerky, having rolled out last March. It's described as having, "an extraordinary fiery kick to it, which creeps up", going on to explain the subtle sweetness masks the heat, making you think it's not that hot.

Over the years, we've reviewed other flavors from Alien Fresh Jerky. The company has built a successful brand on the concept that superior beings from outer space can make superior jerky. Alien Fresh is a local favorite among Southern Californians who make the drive to and from Las Vegas. You can't help but to stop at their store in Baker, and peruse the humorous alien statues and decorations, along with one of the largest selections of hot sauces.

The success of Alien Fresh Jerky is now extending itself to the "UFO Hotel" currently planned for the tiny town of Baker.

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Blank and Sons - Texas Spirit Beef Jerky

blank and sons jerky
Blank and Sons is a new brand of beef jerky that started up just over a year ago, based out of Nacogdoches, TX. It's run by Damon Blank and his wife Tammy, along with their sons Danton, Dalton, and Dagon. The family had been in the restaurant business from 1988 to 2002. They had wanted to remain in the food industry and opted to launch a jerky business.

Blank and Sons is themed after the State of Texas, and the flavors they offer are paired with various flags used throughout the Lone Star State's history. They claim their jerky is hand made in small batches, but is bold and big as their Texas-sized pride.

This "Texas Spirit Beef Jerky" is marketed as combining "one of the country's hottest peppers and black pepper", making it a "must for all heat seekers".

Friday, July 24, 2015

Why we are Grass-Fed Groupies – And Why it’s Time You Join the Movement

Jerky's Gourmet, Habamero Sculpin IPA beef jerky
The following is a message from Jerky's Gourmet of San Diego...

Let us start out by stating clearly: Grass-Fed Beef is the Better Beef

Sure, there are a variety of factors that go into making great tasting beef jerky. For us at Jerky’s Gourmet of San Diego, using grass-fed beef is first and foremost. Numero Uno. Grass-fed beef allows for the natural taste of the BEEF in beef jerky to take center stage. The health benefits of grass-fed beef are a welcomed bonus. When creating unique flavors like our Ballast Point Habanero Sculpin and Ghost Pepper beef jerky, we always start with quality ingredients, and of course that begins with grass-fed beef.

Grass-fed cows are on a natural diet of - you guessed it, grass - which is free from the antibiotic, hormone and additive rich diet that makes commercial beef so questionable for human consumption. And we’re not the only ones who think it tastes better too! A recent double-blind taste test confirmed that grass fed beef reigns as the best tasting of all the beef.

When cows eat grass, they are processing nutrients from natural grasses like wild onion or their very favorite - clover! Humans cannot digest these grasses. However, cows are able to break them down because of their complex digestive systems. By eating beef that has eaten its natural diet of clover and other grasses, humans can consume nutrients that they otherwise could not. For example, Beta-carotene, a precursor to the very important vitamin A, is found in plant pigments from natural grasses but not in the grain based corn feed. Cows gather more nutrients when they eat natural.

Grass-fed cattle roam freely on grass pastures; they are basically eating and exercising all day long. This in turn makes them much leaner. That is why there is typically less marbling of fat in cuts of grass-fed beef.

While on the topic of fat...

It is vital to mention the addition of good fats grass-fed beef provides. All fats are not created equal! Omega-3’s are probably the most popular and widely discussed health benefit of grass fed beef. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for normal metabolism and beneficial in prevention of coronary disease, cancer and diabetes. Increasing your Omega-3 intake is a common need for most Americans. Grass-fed beef contains up to three times as many Omega-3’s compared to other commercially processed grain-fed beef.

There are a lot of reasons why grass-fed cattle are healthier than their feedlot, corn-fed counterparts. Feedlots, or factory farming practices, cram cows into a dark confined space and load them up with a chemical bath of hormones and antibiotics. Cows gain much more weight on the heavy corn-based diet, which leads to more beef produced for human consumption. It is a drastically different feeding environment than what nature intended. Without a pasture the cows are essentially skipping the gym. This limited mobility is intended to fatten them up faster. This, of course, has been the appeal to business interests looking to make more with less. Feedlot conditions are horrific and simply focus on raising profits rather than quality cattle. Opposing what nature intended usually comes with dire consequences.

As the old saying goes, your body truly is the sum total of what you put in your mouth.

Bottom-line - grass-fed beef is about quality of life for both animal and human. A corn-based diet comes with antibiotics and growth hormones. Grass-fed beef comes with higher Omega-3 fatty acids, Beta Carotene (which our bodies convert to Vitamin A), Vitamin E, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium. We are proud to offer a delicious and healthy beef jerky to our customers and hope you join the grass-fed movement.

Choose the better jerky!

Tim & Dria - Owners - Jerky’s Gourmet of San Diego

Visit Jerky's Gourmet of San Diego online at: https://www.jerkysgourmet.com/

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Blank and Sons - Texas Heat Jerky

blank and sons
Blank and Sons is a new brand of beef jerky that started up just over a year ago, based out of Nacogdoches, TX. It's run by Damon Blank and his wife Tammy, along with their sons Danton, Dalton, and Dagon. The family had been in the restaurant business from 1988 to 2002. They had wanted to remain in the food industry and opted to launch a jerky business.

Blank and Sons is themed after the State of Texas, and the flavors they offer are paired with various flags used throughout the Lone Star State's history. They claim their jerky is hand made in small batches, but is bold and big as their Texas-sized pride.

This "Texas Heat Jerky" is marketed by the company as putting the hot Texas sun into each bag of jerky, offering the, "perfect amount of pepper and spices".

Friday, July 17, 2015

Hole In One Jerky - Ghost Chili

hole in one jerky
Hole In One Jerky is a new brand of meat snacks launched by Bud Ott and Crystal Ott based out of Corona, CA. The brand started in October 2014.

Bud had been working as a professional golf caddie for several years and relied on snacks of various sorts to keep his energy up. His wife Crystal finally developed the recipe that would become the company's Original variety, and Bud liked it so much, that they decided to start offering it on the golf course. By Christmas 2013, Crystal had come up with several flavors, including the logo that is used today on the packaging.

Hole In One Jerky is handmade from USDA Choice London Broil, and comes in numerous flavors. They currently sell online, as well as a small brick-n-mortar, and six beer breweries.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Think Jerky Launches New Flavors on Kickstarter

Think Jerky, a new jerky brand, brings you the following message...

Introducing Think Jerky - famous chefs making jerky!

Think Jerky’s Chefs include:

  1. Laurent Gras – Three-Star Michelin Chef (there are only 12 in the country)
  2. Gale Gand – Food Network Host
  3. Matt Troost – Farm-to-Table Expert

Think Jerky is the first jerky company to use sustainably-raised proteins, with restaurant quality ingredients, in recipes crafted by famous chefs!

With unique flavors, sourcing only grass-fed beef and free-range turkey, Think Jerky is changing the game!

Our jerky flavors are:

Sriracha Honey – Made with real honey, free-range turkey, and a custom sriracha spice mix

Ginger Orange – Made with real orange peel, grass-fed beef, and fresh ginger

Sweet Chipotle – Made with real raspberries, grass-fed beef, and a custom spicy pepper blend

Thanksgiving – Made with real cranberries, free-range turkey, and a custom herb & spice mix

Think Jerky just launched on Kickstarter at www.ThinkJerky.com and we're looking for support within the jerky community to help back our project and spread the word.

Please check out and support our Kickstarter page at www.ThinkJerky.com and share our project with your social media so that we can hit our goal and make this innovative product. We can’t wait to try it!

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Don Beto' - Pork Jerky, Soy Free

don beto jerky
Don Beto' Beef Jerky is a brand owned and operated by Bob Otwell, based out of Corona, CA. The brand launched in March 2013.

We ran a review of their other beef jerky varieties last year, and since then Otwell has continued to tweak his recipes. The Don Beto' Jerky currently retails from eBay, and I believe Otwell still does some sales mano a mano.

This soy free "pork jerky" is claimed to be made from pork loin and smoked using Applewood chips, and just recently started selling Otwell's eBay store. He goes on to claim it's free of preservatives, MSG, gluten, sugar, soy, and other stuff the health food world seems to be distancing itself from.

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Clean-N-Jerky - Pepper

clean-n-jerky
Clean-N-Jerky is a new brand of beef jerky that launched just a year ago. It was started by Mischelle Marro, a Crossfit enthusiast, based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

When one day she was diagnosed with cancer, she changed to a paleo diet of natural ingredients. A friend of hers who marketed grass-fed beef gave her the inspiration to create her own beef jerky. Today, Clean-N-Jerky uses beef from free-range cattle that feeds on Maytag grass on the foothills of the Sangre De Cristo range in Colorado. It remains gluten-free and contains no preservatives.

Clean-N-Jerky is available in two flavors as of this writing, Original and Pepper. It can purchased from a variety of fitness and healthfood stores around Colorado, and through its website.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Blank and Sons - Our First Beef Jerky

blank and sons jerky
Blank and Sons is a new brand of beef jerky that started up just over a year ago, based out of Nacogdoches, TX. It's run by Damon Blank and his wife Tammy, along with their sons Danton, Dalton, and Dagon. The family had been in the restaurant business from 1988 to 2002. They had wanted to remain in the food industry and opted to launch a jerky business.

Blank and Sons is themed after the State of Texas, and the flavors they offer are paired with various flags used throughout the Lone Star State's history. They claim their jerky is hand made in small batches, but is bold and big as their Texas-sized pride.

To date, Blank and Sons offers four flavors, "Our First", "Texas Spirit", "Texas Heat", and "Black Peppered". Their jerky is available in a handful of stores throughout the greater Nacogdoches area, and from their website as well.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Clean-N-Jerky - Original

clean-n-jerky
Clean-N-Jerky is a new brand of beef jerky that launched just a year ago. It was started by Mischelle Marro, a Crossfit enthusiast, based out of Colorado Springs, CO.

When one day she was diagnosed with cancer, she changed to a paleo diet of natural ingredients. A friend of hers who marketed grass-fed beef gave her the inspiration to create her own beef jerky. Today, Clean-N-Jerky uses beef from free-range cattle that feeds on Maytag grass on the foothills of the Sangre De Cristo range in Colorado. It remains gluten-free and contains no preservatives.

Clean-N-Jerky is available in two flavors as of this writing, Original and Pepper. It can purchased from a variety of fitness and healthfood stores around Colorado, and through its website.

Monday, June 29, 2015

Hole In One Jerky - Habanero Teriyaki

hole in one jerky
Hole In One Jerky is a new brand of meat snacks launched by Bud Ott and Crystal Ott based out of Corona, CA. The brand started in October 2014.

Bud had been working as a professional golf caddie for several years and relied on snacks of various sorts to keep his energy up. His wife Crystal finally developed the recipe that would become the company's Original variety, and Bud liked it so much, that they decided to start offering it on the golf course. By Christmas 2013, Crystal had come up with several flavors, including the logo that is used today on the packaging.

Hole In One Jerky is handmade from USDA Choice London Broil, and comes in numerous flavors. They currently sell online, as well as a small brick-n-mortar, and six beer breweries.

Thursday, June 25, 2015

Simply Snackin - Gourmet Meat Snacks

simply snackin gourmet meat snacks
Simply Snackin is a line of gourmet meat snacks produced by Silver Creek Specialty Meats based out of Oshkosh, WI. The brand has been around for several years and is produced at the company's own USDA inspected facility.

Silver Creek Specialty Meats was established in 1989 when Dr. William Kramlich and his wife Dorothy purchased the meat division of R-Line Foods, Inc. a division of JM Smucker Co. located in Ripon, Wisconsin. Since then, the company has gone on to make a wide variety of sausages, jerky, and meat snacks.

Simply Snackin is evolved from the old Native American "pemmican", which is a mixture of dried meat and fruit. The line includes beef, chicken, and venison variety, and combines together cranberries, blueberries, mangoes, apples, and even black bean salsa. They're all gluten-free, preservative-free, with no fillers, artificial ingredients, or MSG. We have 4 of their 9 varieties for review below.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Hole In One Jerky - Flamecatcher

hole in one jerkyHole In One Jerky is a new brand of meat snacks launched by Bud Ott and Crystal Ott based out of Corona, CA. The brand started in October 2014.

Bud had been working as a professional golf caddie for several years and relied on snacks of various sorts to keep his energy up. His wife Crystal finally developed the recipe that would become the company's Original variety, and Bud liked it so much, that they decided to start offering it on the golf course. By Christmas 2013, Crystal had come up with several flavors, including the logo that is used today on the packaging.

Hole In One Jerky is handmade from USDA Choice London Broil, and comes in numerous flavors. They currently sell online, as well as a small brick-n-mortar, and six beer breweries.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Hole In One Jerky - Teriyaki

hole in one jerky
Hole In One Jerky is a new brand of meat snacks launched by Bud Ott and Crystal Ott based out of Corona, CA. The brand started in October 2014.

Bud had been working as a professional golf caddie for several years and relied on snacks of various sorts to keep his energy up. His wife Crystal finally developed the recipe that would become the company's Original variety, and Bud liked it so much, that they decided to start offering it on the golf course. By Christmas 2013, Crystal had come up with several flavors, including the logo that is used today on the packaging.

Hole In One Jerky is handmade from USDA Choice London Broil, and comes in five flavors. They currently sell online, as well as a small brick-n-mortar, and six beer breweries.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Hole In One Jerky - Original Pepper Steak

hole in one jerky
Hole In One Jerky is a new brand of meat snacks launched by Bud Ott and Crystal Ott based out of Corona, CA. The brand started in October 2014.

Bud had been working as a professional golf caddie for several years and relied on snacks of various sorts to keep his energy up. His wife Crystal finally developed the recipe that would become the company's Original variety, and Bud liked it so much, that they decided to start offering it on the golf course. By Christmas 2013, Crystal had come up with several flavors, including the logo that is used today on the packaging.

Hole In One Jerky is handmade from USDA Choice London Broil, and comes in five flavors. They currently sell online, as well as a small brick-n-mortar, and six beer breweries.

Friday, June 12, 2015

Father's Day Beef Jerky Sale!

jerkys gourmet summer special
Sponsored message

Jerky's Gourmet is excited to announce our SUMMERTIME MADNESS SPECIAL, just in time for Fathers Day and 4th of July!

Grab dad a few bags of our 100% Grass Fed Gourmet Beef Jerky just in time for his special day. All of our Jerky's are 15% Off! This is a special that we've never even done before!

Even more exciting, for those who purchase $50 or more on our website, will get an EXTRA SPECIAL SAMPLE PACK to share with dad and friends! The sale goes on from 6/8/2015 to 7/4/2015 so that you can get ready for Fathers Day AND your big 4th of July celebrations!

Buy now: http://ets.im/m

Sunday, June 7, 2015

National Jerky Day, June 12, 2015 - Come to a Free Party!

national jerky day
Friday, June 12, 2015 is "National Jerky Day"!

The brainchild of Lawless Jerky, a brand of all-natural, grass-fed beef jerky, National Jerky Day is to celebrate the goodness of dehydrated, marinated, seasoned MEAT!

Lawless Jerky is marking the moment by opening its new company headquarters in Brooklyn, NY. They're throwing a party there for jerky lovers and you're invited! All you have to do is RSVP, and it's free.  Party starts at 5:00PM.

There's going to be...

  • Free craft beer
  • Endless samples of Lawless Jerky including their newest "top secret" recipe
  • McClures Pickle Chips
  • Free T-shirts for the first 150 to arrive.

RSVP to: http://tr.im/LawlessIsBest

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Give Dad a combination he can tear into....beef + jerky = happy man

paps beef jerky
Sponsored post...

Once a year we get to show that meat loving, beef jerky chomping manly man we affectionately call Dad how much we appreciate him.

We have put together a Father’s Day Special just for dad that includes all of four flavors of our 100% USDA certified American beef jerkies and we will even throw in some FREE Pap’s beef sticks as well.

We are offering discounts on our other Man Packs too so you can find the perfect gift for that beef jerky loving carnivore known as dad. On sale thru Father’s Day with FREE shipping to keep your wallet happy too!

Buy online here: https://papsbeefsticks.com/

Monday, June 1, 2015

Crazy Horse Jerky: Father's Day Special!

FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL

All pounds of jerky $25.99 from June 8th-15th.

*If you purchase 4 lbs or more of jerky receive a FREE ½ LB of Original Beef Jerky.

Give your Father a Crazy Good treat.

Please order by June 15 th to receive your jerky by Father’s Day.

Remember all our jerky is made to order and without preservatives. We offer free shipping on order of at least $40.00. The shipping for orders under $40.00 is a flat $2.00 charge.

Visit Crazy Horse Jerky:
http://www.crazyhorsejerky.com/

Monday, May 11, 2015

Pap's Beef Jerky - Pitmasters Barbecue #21 - Thin Style

paps beef jerky
Note: Pap's Foods is a sponsor of this website, but has no effect on our ratings and reviews.

Pap's Beef Jerky, introduced a revised line of jerky, with a new line of recipes. See our previous reviews of their jerky.

Four new varieties now anchor their beef jerky lineup, Mild, Hot, Blazin Cajun, and Pitmasters BBQ. Pitmasters BBQ is the only variety carrying over from the previous lineup. The words "Thin Cut" now grace Pap's beef jerky packaging, which is considerably more thin than their previous cut.

Pap's Beef Jerky originally grew from Pap's Genuine Beef Sticks. Pap's is a creation of Rick Waldon, based out of Junction City, KY. Pap's Beef Jerky is made using USDA inspected beef in a USDA inspected facility.

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Braaitime Droƫwors

braaitime droewors
Braaitime is a brand of gourmet cured meats based out of Keansburg, NJ. The company was started in 2005 by Warren Pala. Warren immigrated from South Africa in 2001 and sought to introduce Biltong and Droƫwors to Americans.

Warren claims to be the only brand of biltong & Droƫwors holding true to the old world methods. "All other makers of Biltong have followed the 'jerky' method in order to achive USDA approval. They cook the meat to a certain temperature for a certain amount of time". Warren was able to get USDA approval with the help of local Italians who had already convinced USDA inspectors that their prosciutto & capacolo are shelf stable.

Droƫwors is a type of dry sausage popular in Africa. It's a beef sausage in natural lamb casing, spiced in clove, nutmeg, coriander, and black pepper. Braaitime uses whole muscle Angus Beef, and also offers Droƫwors in other flavors like Peri Peri, Chorizo, and Hatch Green Chile.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Give Her What She Really Wants: A 10 Inch Beef Stick!

Paps beef sticks for mothers day
Sponsored Message...

With Mother’s Day just around the corner why not give her an assortment of Pap's Beef Sticks?

Our beef sticks are made with 100% USDA certified American beef. We make them the old world way and DON'T use fillers like pork and mechanically separated chicken...ewe..

The 24 count box comes with all six savory flavors that will keep mom happy. On sale thru Mother’s Day online for $29.99 with FREE shipping to keep your wallet happy too!

Buy online here: https://papsbeefsticks.com/

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

People's Choice Beef Jerky - Carne Seca Limon Con Chile

peoples choice beef jerky
People's Choice Beef Jerky is a brand of People's Sausage Company, Inc. based out of Los Angeles, CA. It's a family-run business that's been around since 1929. See our previous reviews of their jerky.

Their "Carne Seca" line of beef jerky is based on the Mexican-style dried beef popular in Latin societies. Being that People's Choice Beef Jerky is located in downtown Los Angeles, they've found a lot of success marketing their line of Carne Seca to local hispanic grocery stores and carnicerias.

The flavors of "Limon" and "Limon con Chile" are made with all natural ingredients, are gluten free, and contain no preservatives.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

People's Choice Beef Jerky - Carne Seca Limon

people choice beef jerky
People's Choice Beef Jerky is a brand of People's Sausage Company, Inc. based out of Los Angeles, CA. It's a family-run business that's been around since 1929. See our previous reviews of their jerky.

Their "Carne Seca" line of beef jerky is based on the Mexican-style dried beef popular in Latin societies. Being that People's Choice Beef Jerky is located in downtown Los Angeles, they've found a lot of success marketing their line of Carne Seca to local hispanic grocery stores and carnicerias.

The flavors of "Limon" and "Limon con Chile" are made with all natural ingredients, are gluten free, and contain no preservatives.

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Dave's Meat & Nuts - Smoked Beef Jerky with Ghost Pepper

daves meat and nuts
Dave's Meat & Nuts is a brand that launched in January 2015 after raising funds on Kickstarter last November. We published a review back then, but withheld ratings until the company went live.

The company is the brainchild of Dave Gadlin, who had spent a great deal of time working in New York City with some of the country's best chefs and restauranteurs. He took his expertise out to Napa, CA to focus on his two biggest snack food passions, jerky and peanuts. Dave claims his jerky to be smoked in a real smokehouse.

This "Smoked Beef Jerky with Ghost Pepper" is described by Dave as, "fire in jerky form", going on to say that it has, "Amazing deep flavors of smoked chilies & beef. Delicate to the bite & robust on the palate. This is very, very hot..."