Jim's Biltong - Original

Jim's Biltong is a brand of Temba Meats based out of Charlton, Queensland, Australia.

The company is run by Jim and Cathie Tanner who bought the meat processor in 2004. Temba Meats is what produces Jim's Biltong and Jim's Jerky. Temba Meats was previously operated by a South African couple who made biltong and jerky in small quantities.

Biltong is a similar product to jerky, and based on how many different ways jerky can be made, it's basically the South African variety. It typically relies open air dehydration, and instead of using marinades, it's salted and dipped briefly in vinegar, and usually relies on coriander seed for spice.

Jim's Biltong is available only in Australia.

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Lando's Jerky - Inferno

Last August and September I posted a couple reviews for Lando's Jerky, their Hickory and Garlic Pepper varieties. Recently they sent me samples of this Inferno and Sweet & Spicy.

Lando's Jerky is run by Alex Landers of Chicago, IL. He says he's been making jerky for years and started selling it to his co-workers. Since then he's set up an eBay store to sell his jerky to the public, and now has launched his own website.

All of his jerky is made fresh to order using USDA choice grade angus from his local meat market, marinates for 24 hours, and then finally slow-cooks and smokes it for 6 hours.

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Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky - Black Pepper Teriyaki

Next in the series on Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky is this Black Pepper Teriyaki variety. See my previous reviews of their Original, Black Pepper, and Teriyaki varieties.

Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky is a small, USDA inspected meat processor based in Grants Pass, OR.

The company was started by Jim and Sally Lawson in August 2008 with the goal of making beef jerky that tastes great and is not hard to chew. Launching the new business allowed Jim to come off the road from long haul trucking after more than 30 years. The Lawsons sell their beef jerky at farmers markets and from their website.

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Papa Dan's Beef Jerky - Real Backyard BBQ

Next in the series on Papa Dan's Beef Jerky is this Real Backyard BBQ variety. See my previous reviews of their Sweet & Hot, Old Fashioned, Ring of Fire, and Carne Asada varieties.

Papa Dan's is a brand of Batistelli Foods, based in Fullerton, CA. The brand was started by David Batistelli along with his father in 1988. At one time Papa Dan's was manufactured in its own USDA facility, but is now produced by Monrovia, CA-based TM Jerky & Processing, which coincidentally now owns Papa Dan's old manufacturing facility.

The company describes this "Real Backyard BBQ" variety as "Thick, juicy steak strips marinated in a sweet barbecue sauce for over 18 hours and then slow smoked over real wood chips."

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Snow's Beef Jerky - Regular

Snow's Beef Jerky is based in Peru, IN, ran by a guy named Lane Shelton who's been making it under this brand for the past 15 years.

They offer four flavors at this time, but have plans to introduce several others soon, including many other varieties of hot. In addition to this Regular, they have Teriyaki, Hot, and Hickory. The only other flavor I have is the Hot, which I'll be reviewing later.

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Mike's Country Meats - Regular Beef Jerky

Mike's Country Meats, LLC is a state-inspected beef jerky manufacturer based in Campbellsport, WI. The company has been making jerky since 2002.

It's actually been in operation since 1984 as Mike's Wild Game Processing serving local deer hunters. Slowly over the years business expanded and by 1998 they had constructed a larger facility. In 2002 they opened up their own store selling fresh cuts of meat and sausage, as well as beef jerky. The jerky business took off quickly and soon became the company's primary focus.

Mike's Country Meats offers three flavors in all, this Regular beef jerky, as well as Pepper and Hot Jamaican, which I'll be reviewing all in the coming weeks.

Note: This "Regular Beef Jerky" is also labeled as "Teriyaki Flavor".

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Sturgis Beef Jerky - Original

Sturgis Beef Jerky is a brand of G&G Enterprises, Inc. based out of Sturgis, SD. The company original started in 1964 by the Gap family and over the years grew their brand by selling to local residents, ranchers, and many bikers who attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. They credit their loyal fans for helping them refine their recipe into what they currently sell today.

In 2002 they incorporated into G&G Enterprises, Inc. and now manufacture jerky in their own USDA inspected facility.

The company offers three beef jerky flavors in all, including this Original, a Teriyaki, and a Peppered, which I'll be reviewing all in the coming weeks.

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JV Jerky - Hot Beef Jerky

Last in the series on JV Jerky is this Hot Beef Jerky. See my previous reviews of their Hawaiian, Hot Cajun, Teriyaki, Habanero, and Mild varieties.

JV Jerky is a brand of JV Jerky, Inc. based out of Lodi, OH. It's actually more well known by locals in the North East Ohio area as part of Mack's Food Center, a fixture in Medina County since 1947 as a combination grocery store, deer processor, and meat locker. Both Mack's Food Center and JV Jerky are owned by John Vanni, the son of the original owners. The company manufacturers its jerky in a smokehouse next to Mack's Food Center, using real hickory wood.

This Hot Style is described by JV Jerky as "Hickory flavor with a stronger pepper taste across the tongue. Leaves a delightful slight peppery bite on the sides and rear of the tongue. A taste sensation that will have you coming back for more."

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Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky - Teriyaki

Next in the series on Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky is this Teriayki variety. See my previous reviews of their Original and Black Peppered beef jerky.

Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky is a small, USDA inspected meat processor based in Grants Pass, OR.

The company was started by Jim and Sally Lawson in August 2008 with the goal of making beef jerky that tastes great and is not hard to chew. Launching the new business allowed Jim to come off the road from long haul trucking after more than 30 years. The Lawsons sell their beef jerky at farmers markets and from their website.

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Papa Dan's Beef Jerky - Sweet N' Hot

Next in the series on Papa Dan's Beef Jerky is this Sweet N' Hot variety. See my previous reviews of their Old Fashioned, Ring of Fire, and Carne Asada varieties.

Papa Dan's is a brand of Batistelli Foods, based in Fullerton, CA. The brand was started by David Batistelli along with his father in 1988. At one time Papa Dan's was manufactured in its own USDA facility, but is now produced by Monrovia, CA-based TM Jerky & Processing, which coincidentally now owns Papa Dan's old manufacturing facility.

From what I can tell, this Sweet N' Hot variety appears to be Papa Dan's "Super Sweet" beef jerky, but with chile pepper flakes added.

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Bridgford Beef Jerky - Original

I did a couple reviews of Bridgford Beef Jerky's Teriyaki and Sweet & Hot varieties about two and a half years ago. Recently the company sent me packages of their other varieties for review.

Anaheim, CA-based Bridgford Food Corp. was started in 1932 by Hugh H. Bridgford in San Diego, CA as a meat market. Bridgford expanded the business quickly by distributing his meats into other retail outlets and then distributed meats to hotels, restaurants, and other processors. In addition to their Anaheim factory, they have factories in Dallas, TX, Chicago, IL, and Statesville, NC.

Their beef jerky is made in their Chicago plant, along with many of their shelf-stable meat products. Bridgford's beef jerky is one the top selling brands in the United States, eclipsed only by Oberto and Jack Link's.

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JV Jerky - Hawaiian Style

Next in the series on JV Jerky is this Hawaiian Style. See my previous reviews of their Mild, Habanero, Teriyaki, and Hot Cajun styles.

JV Jerky is a brand of JV Jerky, Inc. based out of Lodi, OH. It's actually more well known by locals in the North East Ohio area as part of Mack's Food Center, a fixture in Medina County since 1947 as a combination grocery store, deer processor, and meat locker. Both Mack's Food Center and JV Jerky are owned by John Vanni, the son of the original owners. The company manufacturers its jerky in a smokehouse next to Mack's Food Center, using real hickory wood.

This Hawaiian Style is described by JV Jerky as "Our Hawaiian Beef Strips are marinated with a natural unsweetened pineapple juice and brown sugar then gently smoked. The result is a taste like old-fashioned baked ham."

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Remington Trail Steaks - Smoked Venison

Last in the series on Remington Trail Steaks is this Smoked Venison. See my previous reviews of their Blazin' Hot Smoked Beef and their Cherry Maple Flavored Smoked Turkey.

Remington Trail Steaks is a brand of Trailsteaks, LLC based out of Chattanooga, TN, and first debuted in May 2008 at the All Candy Expo in Chicago, IL. The company licenses the Remington brand from RA Brands, LLC, which is the licensing branch of Remington Arms Company, Inc., the gun manufacturer.

This package of Smoked Venison is also marked with the words, "Beef Added", yet it's not a chopped & formed jerky. I'm assuming tiny fragments of beef are added to the marinade so that this product can escape exotic meat inspection.

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Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky - Black Pepper

Next in the series on Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky is this Black Pepper variety. See last week's review of their Original variety.

Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky is a small, USDA inspected meat processor based in Grants Pass, OR.

The company was started by Jim and Sally Lawson in August 2008 with the goal of making beef jerky that tastes great and is not hard to chew. Launching the new business allowed Jim to come off the road from long haul trucking after more than 30 years. The Lawsons sell their beef jerky at farmers markets and from their website

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Papa Dan's Beef Jerky - Old Fashioned

I had first reviewed Papa Dan's Beef Jerky in March 2009 with their Carne Asada and Ring of Fire varieties. Recently the company contacted me about getting more of their jerky reviewed and submitted four more flavors.

Papa Dan's is a brand of Batistelli Foods, based in Fullerton, CA. The brand was started by David Batistelli along with his father in 1988, rather than 1997 as I had mentioned in the previous reviews. Originally they ran it under a company called DSD Enterprises based in Brea, CA, and operated their own manufacturing facility. Later, David closed the facility and for awhile Papa Dan's was manufactured by Old Settler in West Covina.

Eventually, David got out of the beef jerky business, but later on got back in after a friend of his, who runs Monrovia, CA-based TM Jerky & Processing, purchased his old Brea facility.

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Ken's Chophouse Jerky - Original

Ken's Chophouse Jerky is a brand of JerkCo, LLC based out of Owings Mills, MD. The brand launched last October.

Ken Blum got started making jerky in the early 1990s after buying a Ronco Food Dehydrator, and fifteen years later he decided to get into the business of selling jerky. Fans of his earlier creations might remember his first brand name "Bin Lami Salami", which sponsored his race car team. The new name, "Ken's Chophouse Jerky", seems better suited for retail sales.

This Original variety is currently the only flavor the company offers. It's manufactured in a USDA inspected facility, and currently selling through select stores in Maryland and New Jersey as well as its own website.

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Remington Trail Steaks - Cherry Maple Flavored Smoked Turkey

Next in the series on Remington Trail Steaks is this Cherry Maple Flavored Smoked Turkey. See last week's review of their Blazin' Hot Smoked Beef.

Remington Trail Steaks is a brand of Trailsteaks, LLC based out of Chattanooga, TN. The company licenses the Remington brand from RA Brands, LLC, which is the licensing branch of Remington Arms Company, Inc., the gun manufacturer.

Remington Trail Steaks was first launched in May 2008 at the All Candy Expo in Chicago, IL, and is marketed through sporting good stores, parks and resorts, and other outdoor enthusiast retailers, as well some online outlets.

According to the company, this Cherry Maple Flavored Smoked Turkey is their number one selling product. It was provided to me for review by Jedidiah's Jerky, who's one of their retailers.

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Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky - Original

Wilderville's Country Beef Jerky is a small, USDA inspected meat processor based in Grants Pass, OR.

The company was started by Jim and Sally Lawson in August 2008 with the goal of making beef jerky that tastes great and is not hard to chew. Launching the new business allowed Jim to come off the road from long haul trucking after more than 30 years.

The Lawsons sell their beef jerky at farmers markets and from their website. Currently they offer five flavors, including this Original, along with Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Teriyaki, and Black Pepper Teriyaki, which I'll be reviewing over the next several weeks.

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JV Jerky - Hot Cajun Style

Next in the series on JV Jerky is this Hot Cajun Style. See my previous reviews of their Mild, Habanero, and Teriyaki varieties.

JV Jerky is a brand of JV Jerky, Inc. based out of Lodi, OH. It's actually more well known by locals in the North East Ohio area as part of Mack's Food Center, a fixture in Medina County since 1947 as a combination grocery store, deer processor, and meat locker. Both Mack's Food Center and JV Jerky are owned by John Vanni, the son of the original owners. The company manufacturers its jerky in a smokehouse next to Mack's Food Center, using real hickory wood.

This Hot Cajun Style is described by JV Jerky as "Our Cajun style beef strips are seasoned with our secret "Louisiana Cajun" flavorings and red, white and black pepper. The strips are smoked in our stone smokehouse to give you that spicy deep south Louisiana taste. Great flavor and good heat, but it's not going to hurt you. A favorite of all spicy food lovers."

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Sweet Baby Ray's Beef Jerky - Original

About two years ago I wrote a review of Sweet Baby Ray's Beef Jerky - Honey Chipotle, but never managed to review their Original variety. The company who makes this jerky, Bridgford Food Corp, recently sent me a sample package.

Sweet Baby Ray's is actually a brand of barbecue sauces and marinades that has been on the market since the 1990s. In addition to extending their brand to beef jerky, they've also extended into potato chips.

This particular original variety is said to be based on Sweet Baby Ray's original barbecue sauce, the same sauce that made Sweet Baby Ray's famous.

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Halal Jerky - Original Soft Chew Nuggets

Last in the series on Halal Jerky are these Soft Chew Nuggets in Original flavor. See my previous reviews of their Original, Teriyaki, and Hot Hickory slab-style jerky.

These Soft Chew Nuggets are not yet available for sale from Halal Jerky's website, but according to the company are said to be "coming soon".

The name "halal" refers to any product or activity that's in compliance with Islamic Law. In the case of meats, animals must be "zabihah", which is a specific method and ritual in which animals are slaughtered. The folks at Halal Jerky, LLC claim that they have personally inspected the way in which cattle have been slaughtered, and their packaging carries a Zabihah stamp.

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Jesse James Beef Jerky - Original

Jesse James Beef Jerky is a brand of JJS Co, LLC based out of Austin, TX. It's been on the market for about a year. They also sell a line of steak sauces, BBQ sauces, and drink mixes under the same brand at www.jessejamessauces.com.

The company was founded by Steve Gunn, a Hollywood cameraman, art director, photographer and trained gourmet chef. The entire Jesse James product line sells in approximately 1,000 stores nationwide, and is expanding into a wholesale distributor and online retailer.

Their beef jerky comes in only one flavor, Original. It's smoked over real hickory wood, and manufactured in a USDA inspected facility. Steve Gunn claims it has a flavor comparable to "fine smoked hard salami", and is based on a "top secret Old West recipe".

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Remington Trail Steaks - Blazin' Hot Smoked Beef

Remington Trail Steaks is a brand of Trailsteaks, LLC based out of Chattanooga, TN. The company licenses the Remington brand from RA Brands, LLC, which is the licensing branch of Remington Arms Company, Inc., the gun manufacturer.

Remington Trail Steaks was first launched in May 2008 at the All Candy Expo in Chicago, IL, and is marketed through sporting good stores, parks and resorts, and other outdoor enthusiast retailers, as well some online outlets.

This "Blazin' Hot Smoked Beef" along with two other varieties which I'll review later, "Smoked Venison" and "Cherry Maple Flavored Smoked Turkey" were provided to me for review by Jedidiah's Jerky.

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Itsumo Ahi Tuna Jerky - Spicy

Last in the series on Itsumo Ahi Tuna Jerky is this Spicy variety. See last week's review of their Sweet variety.

Itsumo Ahi Tuna Jerky is a new product that launched last month at the National Association of Convenience Stores expo. The name Itsumo is a brand name, owned by DML Venture Enterprises. DML is a partner company of Pesca Rich Manufacturing. The two companies combined capture, process and distribute sashimi grade tuna to grocery stores and restaurants all over the world.

This new jerky snack expands upon the Itsumo brand.

The tuna used in this jerky is all hand caught by line, and is claimed to be dolphin safe. As they process the tuna into sashimi, the left over pieces are used to make jerky.

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JV Jerky - Teriyaki Style

Next in the series on JV Jerky is this Teriyaki Style. See my previous reviews of their Mild and Habanero varieties.

JV Jerky is a brand of JV Jerky, Inc. based out of Lodi, OH. It's actually more well known by locals in the North East Ohio area as part of Mack's Food Center, a fixture in Medina County since 1947 as a combination grocery store, deer processor, and meat locker. Both Mack's Food Center and JV Jerky are owned by John Vanni, the son of the original owners. The company manufacturers its jerky in a smokehouse next to Mack's Food Center, using real hickory wood.

JV Jerky's website describes this Teriyaki Style by saying, "For those of you who crave an oriental taste try our Teriyaki Strips. We blend together rich oriental seasonings for a mild and pleasing marinade. The marinated strips are then slowly smoked to perfection."

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SlantShack Jerky - Hot & Smoky with Brown Sugar Glaze

Last in the series on SlantShack Jerky is this Hot & Smoky variety with Brown Sugar Glaze. See my reviews of their Original, and Jerk McGurk's Wild Rubdown varieties.

SlantShack Jerky is a brand of SlantShack Jerky, LLC based out of Jersey City, NJ. The company, which has been selling it's jerky to the public for a year now, was the creation of Josh Kace, a Columbia University graduate who brought in some friends to get the business going.

The company offers a "Build A Jerky" feature on their website where you get to choose your jerky upgrades and options. Today's review is based on their Hot & Smoky beef jerky, which the company describes as "a smouldering blend of peppers and spices", but adding the Brown Sugar Glaze for an extra $1.00 per 4oz package.

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Halal Jerky - Hot Hickory

Next in the series on Halal Jerky is this Hot Hickory variety. See my previous reviews of their Original and Teriyaki varieties.

Halal Jerky is a brand of Halal Jerky, LLC based out of Corona, CA. It's a new brand having launched in February 2010.

The name "halal" refers to any product or activity that's in compliance with Islamic Law. In the case of meats, animals must be "zabihah", which is a specific method and ritual in which animals are slaughtered. The folks at Halal Jerky, LLC claim that they have personally inspected the way in which cattle have been slaughtered, and their packaging carries a Zabihah stamp.

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Itsumo Ahi Tuna Jerky - Sweet

Itsumo Ahi Tuna Jerky is a new product that launched last month at the National Association of Convenience Stores expo. The name Itsumo is a brand name, owned by DML Venture Enterprises. DML is a partner company of Pesca Rich Manufacturing. The two companies combined capture, process and distribute sashimi grade tuna to grocery stores and restaurants all over the world.

This new jerky snack expands upon the Itsumo brand.

The tuna used in this jerky is all hand caught by line, and is claimed to be dolphin safe. As they process the tuna into sashimi, the left over pieces are used to make jerky.

In addition to this Sweet tuna jerky, they also market a Spicy tuna jerky that I'll review next week.

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Steve's Original - Paleokit Original

Last in the series on Steve's Original is this Paleokit Original. See my previous reviews of their Paleokit Coconut Pineapple and Just Jerky.

Steve's Original is the creation of Steve Liberati, the founder of Steve's Club, a fitness center for disadvantaged youth. Steve's Club was started in Camden, NJ to teach kids about health and fitness, and keep them off the streets.

The "Paleokit" is his flagship product, a mixture of jerky, nuts, and fruit based on the Paleo Diet, a concept in eating foods consumed in the paleolithic era when humans just hunted and gathered. The beef comes from grass-fed and free-range cattle.

This Paleokit Original is a mixture of cranberries, strawberries, almonds, pecans and macadamia nuts.

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Black Knight Bison Bar

Black Knight Bison Bar appears to be a brand of Black Knight Bison Ranch, Inc. based in Norfolk, NY, and seems to have launched this year. I tried to call the company for additional information, but I got a recording for "Paradico Farms and Resort", and told me I needed to leave a message.

But it seems the company is aggressively trying to market their new Bison Bars, which are actually a blend of bison and beef, though I couldn't find the exact ratio between the two. The company's website says they are mailing out a free Bison Bar to anyone who wants one.

Black Knight Bison Ranch is using the soft and moist chewing of these bars as its primary selling point, noting that other brands of jerky are "hard leather like pieces". Their blog goes on to say their bars tease your taste buds with "an explosive hickory flavor."

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Ripken Power Shred - Teriyaki

Last in the series on Ripken Power Shred is this Teriyaki variety. See last week's review of their Sweet n' Spicy. Note that they also have an Original variety, but they were out of stock at the time.

Ripken Power Shred is a brand of Florio Sports, LLC based out of Long Valley, NJ. The company partnered with Cal Ripken Jr. to offer up a beef jerky snack that bears the name and number of the Iron Man of Baseball. It launched last month at the 2010 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) trade show in Atlanta, GA.

Ripken Power Shred uses a smaller 3oz package resembling a pouch of tobacco chew that reminds me of the Big League Chew bubblegum. They also offer the standard 0.32oz jerky chew canisters.

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JV Jerky - Habanero Beef Jerky

Next in the series on JV Jerky is this Habanero Beef Jerky. See last week's review of their Mild Beef Jerky.

JV Jerky is a brand of JV Jerky, Inc. based out of Lodi, OH. It's actually more well known by locals in the North East Ohio area as part of Mack's Food Center, a fixture in Medina County since 1947 as a combination grocery store, deer processor, and meat locker. Both Mack's Food Center and JV Jerky are owned by John Vanni, the son of the original owners. The company manufacturers its jerky in a smokehouse next to Mack's Food Center, using real hickory wood.

JV Jerky's website says this Habanero Beef Jerky is flavored with red savino habenero chiles, and warns that this jerky is for folks like a really hot fiery flavor.

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SlantShack Jerky - Jerk McGurk's Wild Rubdown

Next in the series on SlantShack Jerky is their Original variety with Jerk McGurk's Wild Rubdown. See last week's review of their Original beef jerky, plain.

SlantShack Jerky is a brand of SlantShack Jerky, LLC based out of Jersey City, NJ. The company, which has been selling it's jerky to the public for a year now, was the creation of Josh Kace, a Columbia University graduate who brought in some friends to get the business going.

The company offers a "Build A Jerky" feature on their website where you get to choose your jerky upgrades and options. Today's review is based on their Original beef jerky, but with Jerk McGurk's Wild Rubdown, which is described as a blend of cayenne pepper and brown sugar. It costs an extra $1.00 per 4oz package to get the Jerk McGurk's.

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Halal Jerky - Teriyaki

Next in the series on Halal Jerky is this Teriyaki variety. See last week's review of their Original flavor.

Halal Jerky is a brand of Halal Jerky, LLC based out of Corona, CA. It's a new brand having launched in February 2010.

The name "halal" refers to any product or activity that's in compliance with Islamic Law. In the case of meats, animals must be "zabihah", which is a specific method and ritual in which animals are slaughtered. The folks at Halal Jerky, LLC claim that they have personally inspected the way in which cattle have been slaughtered, and their packaging carries a Zabihah stamp.

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Jerky John's - Black Pepper

Last in the series on Jerky John's is this Black Pepper variety. See my previous reviews of their American Original, Cayenne Hot, and Pacific Teriyaki varieties.

Jerky John's is a brand of Jerky John's, Inc. based out of Huntington Beach, CA. Launched in 2009 by John Keller, a former Army paratrooper, the brand markets itself as being the healthiest beef jerky. It boasts one of the lowest, if not the lowest sodium content, and about 40% lower cholesterol. It's also about 50% lower in calories than other brands.

Keller started making beef jerky in 1994 to supplement his paratrooping activities.

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Steve's Original - Paleokit Coconut Pineapple

Next in the series on Steve's Original is this Coconut Pineapple Paleokit. See my previous review of their "Just Jerky".

Steve's Original is the creation of Steve Liberati, the founder of Steve's Club, a fitness center for disadvantaged youth. Steve's Club was started in Camden, NJ to teach kids about health and fitness, and keep them off the streets.

The "Paleokit" is his flagship product, a mixture of jerky, nuts, and fruit based on the Paleo Diet, a concept in eating foods consumed in the paleolithic era when humans just hunted and gathered. The beef comes from grass-fed and free-range cattle.

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Oberto - Southern Style BBQ Pork Jerky

The newest jerky variety from Oberto Sausage Co. is this Southern Style BBQ Pork Jerky. It first appeared on the market last year on a limited basis, and after successful response the company made it a permanent part of their line up.

Pork jerky seems to be a popular item with Oberto, as this is their second pork snack since I reviewed their Peppered Pork Jerky over a year ago.

Right now, this Southern Style BBQ Pork Jerky is available in select retail and convenience stores, including Costco stores in the Pacific Northwest. A company spokesman says this new variety will be hitting more Costco locations soon.

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Ripken Power Shred - Sweet n' Spicy

Ripken Power Shred is a brand of Florio Sports, LLC based out of Long Valley, NJ. The company partnered with Cal Ripken Jr. to offer up a beef jerky snack that bears the Iron Man of Baseball's name and number.

The company launched this new snack just this month at the 2010 National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) trade show in Atlanta, GA. The company agreed to donate a portion of all sales to the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, a nonprofit that serves at-risk youth and underserved communities in the United States.

Ripken Power Shred uses a smaller 3oz package resembling a pouch of tobacco chew that reminds me of the Big League Chew bubblegum. They also offer the standard 0.32oz jerky chew canisters.

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JV Jerky - Mild Beef Jerky

JV Jerky is a brand of JV Jerky, Inc. based out of Lodi, OH. It's actually more well known by locals in the North East Ohio area as part of Mack's Food Center, a fixture in Medina County since 1947 as a combination grocery store, deer processor, and meat locker.

Both Mack's Food Center and JV Jerky are owned by John Vanni, the son of the original owners, and seems the likely candidate where JV Jerky gets it namesake. The company manufacturers its jerky in a smokehouse next to Mack's Food Center, using real hickory wood.

JV Jerky offers six flavors altogether, including this Mild, as well as Habanero, Hawaiian, Hot, Hot Cajun, and Teriyaki, which I'll be reviewing over the coming weeks.

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SlantShack Jerky - The Original

SlantShack Jerky is a brand of SlantShack Jerky, LLC based out of Jersey City, NJ. The company, which has been selling it's jerky to the public for a year now, was the creation of Josh Kace, a Columbia University graduate who brought in some friends to get the business going.

A Google search of SlantShack Jerky brings up dozens of news reports with the kind of fanfare and freshness that only Silicon Valley entrepreneurs seem to get these days. SlantShack's website shows a staff of eight people and five consultants while most small jerky brands have only a husband/wife team running the whole show.

The packaging states that their jerky is manufactured by Vermont Highland Cattle Co., which I assume means their jerky is made from highland cattle, which I understand is some of the most sought after beef in the world. They also offer a "Build A Jerky" feature where you get to choose your jerky upgrades and options.

"The Original" appears to be their most basic variety. I also have another package of The Original with Jerk McGurk's Wild Rubdown, and their Hot & Smoky with Brown Sugar Glaze to review in the coming weeks.

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Halal Jerky - Original

Halal Jerky is a brand of Halal Jerky, LLC based out of Corona, CA. It's a new brand having launched in February 2010.

The name "halal" refers to any product or activity that's in compliance with Islamic Law. In the case of meats, animals must be "zabihah", which is a specific method and ritual in which animals are slaughtered. The folks at Halal Jerky, LLC claim that they have personally inspected the way in which cattle have been slaughtered, and their packaging carries a Zabihah stamp.

The company offers four flavors, this Original, plus a Hot Hickory, a Teriyaki, and a Sweet & Spicy. There's also a Soft Chew Nuggets variety coming out soon. I'll be reviewing their Hot Hickory, Teriaki, and Soft Chew Nuggets later on.

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Jerky John's - Cayenne Hot

Next up in the series on Jerky John's is this Cayenne Hot variety. See my previous reviews of their American Original, and Pacific Teriyaki varieties.

Jerky John's is a brand of Jerky John's, Inc. based out of Huntington Beach, CA. Launched in 2009 by John Keller, a former Army paratrooper, the brand markets itself as being the healthiest beef jerky. It boasts one of the lowest, if not the lowest sodium content, and about 40% lower cholesterol. It's also about 50% lower in calories than other brands.

Keller started making beef jerky in 1994 to supplement his paratrooping activities.

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Black Tiger Beef Jerky - Vicious

Last in the series on Black Tiger Beef Jerky is this Vicious variety. See my reviews of their Legend Original, and Jungle Spice.

Black Tiger Beef Jerky is a brand of Black Tiger, LLC based out of La Mirada, CA. It's a relatively new brand, having just launched a website this summer, and just starting to get its products in stores.

This Vicious is their hot variety, flavored with habanero chiles and lime juice.

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Steve's Original - Just Jerky

Steve's Original is the creation of Steve Liberati, the founder of Steve's Club, a fitness center for disadvantaged youth. Steve's Club was started in Camden, NJ to teach kids about health and fitness, and keep them off the streets.

He created the "Steve's Original" line of snack foods to offer his kids protein-rich, all-natural foods. His signature product is the "Paleokit" a mixture of jerky, nuts, and fruit based on the Paleo Diet, a concept in eating foods consumed in the paleolithic era when humans just hunted and gathered. The beef comes from grass-fed and free-range cattle.

This particular product I'm reviewing here, "Just Jerky", is simply minus the fruit and nuts. But I'll be reviewing a couple of the Paleokits in the following weeks.

Profits from the sales of Steve Original products goes towards keeping Steve's Club operational.

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Jeff's Gourmet Jerky - Jalapeno Carne Asada

The newest flavor from Jeff's Famous Jerky is this Jalapeno Carne Asada Flavor variety.

Jeff's Famous Jerky is a brand owned and operated by Jeff Richards, out of Big Bear City, CA. Jeff has been making beef jerky since the 1970s. His love for cooking took him into the restaurant business for over 20 years. He currently runs a consulting company called Creative Business Adventures where he helps entrepreneurs achieve success.

In 2006 he started working on creating his own beef jerky brand, and just this year saw the launch of his new business.

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Mountain Trail Beef Jerky - Black Pepper Traditional Cut

Next in the series on Mountain Trail Beef Jerky, is this Black Pepper Traditional Cut variety. See last week's review of their Honey Smoked Traditional Cut.

Mountain Trail Beef Jerky is a homemade brand owned by John Murphy of Prospect Heights, IL. Murphy sells his jerky through his own eBay store, as well as through local bars and farmers' markets. John smokes his jerky in a smoker he built, and that making jerky has been a hobby of his for 12 years now. He has five flavors (teriyaki, red pepper, black peppered, habanero, and honey smoked), along with three meat cuts to choose from (Tradional cut with the grain, Cross-cut against the grain, and Jerky Stix). All flavors have a teriyaki base marinated for 24 hours.

The following review is based on jerky that I purchased from his eBay store. Along with last week's Honey Smoked Traditional Cut, I also have his Black Peppered Jerky Stix to review next week.

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Jerky John's - Pacific Teriyaki

Next in the series on Jerky John's is this Pacific Teriyaki beef jerky. See last week's review of their American Original.

Jerky John's is a brand of Jerky John's, Inc. based out of Huntington Beach, CA. Launched in 2009 by John Keller, a former Army paratrooper, the brand markets itself as being the healthiest beef jerky. It boasts one of the lowest, if not the lowest sodium content, and about 40% lower cholesterol. It's also about 50% lower in calories than other brands.

Keller started making beef jerky in 1994 to supplement his paratrooping activities.

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Black Tiger Beef Jerky - Jungle Spice

Next in the series on Black Tiger Beef Jerky is this Jungle Spice variety. See last week's review of their "Legend Original".

Black Tiger Beef Jerky is a brand of Black Tiger, LLC based out of La Mirada, CA. It's a relatively new brand, having just launched a website this summer, and just starting to get its products in stores.

This Jungle Spice variety is described as a spicy Thai, with sweet chili and lime flavor.

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Uncle Mike's Beef Jerky - Barbecue

Last in the series on Uncle Mike's Beef Jerky is this Barbecue variety. See my previous reviews of their Original and Spicy Hot varieties.

Uncle Mike's Beef Jerky is a brand of Walnut Creek Cheese of Walnut Creek, OH, having been in business since 1977. Walnut Creek Cheese is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Amish Country of Ohio.

In 1998, they acquired Uncle Mike's Beef Jerky, and today it's manufactured in Walnut Creek Cheese's own USDA inspected facility.

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Luther's Smokehouse - Turkey Jerky

Last in the series on Luther's Smokehouse is this Turkey Jerky. Read my previous reviews of their Old Fashioned Beef Jerky, Hot Beef Jerky, Teriyaki Beef Jerky, Jalapeno Beef Jerky, Pemmican Style Beef Jerky, Pemmican Jalapeno Beef Jerky, Midnight Special, and Cowboy Pocket Food.

Luther's Smokehouse is a smokehouse located in LeRoy, KS, owned and operated by Martin Luther. Luther started out running a slaughterhouse, but in 1974 he added beef jerky to his list of products and today it's his primary business.

Luther makes all of his jerky at his own USDA inspected facility. He also runs a restaurant and country store.

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