Monday, December 29, 2014

Dusty's Snack Sticks

dustys snack sticks
Dusty's Snack Sticks is a brand owned by R&K Snacks out of Oklahoma City, OK. R&K Snacks is a jerky distributor that's been around for 23 years now, and is one of the largest beef jerky distributors in the State of Oklahoma, representing 24 different brands.

Dusty's Snack Sticks is the house brand of R&K Snacks. Dusty's is made using R&K's own original recipes in a USDA inspected facility. It's offered in four flavors, Original, Habanero, Peppered, and Bacon.

These snack sticks are distributed across the USA, presumably with heavier concentration in the Oklahoma area, and are available in convenience stores and can be purchased online.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Jim's Jarhead Jerky - New Recipe

jims jarhead jerkyJim's Jarhead Jerky is the creation of Jim Ewen, a retired Marine, based out of Medford, NJ.

The brand started out in 2009 when Jim started shipping batches of homemade jerky to his son stationed in Iraq. His son shared it with others, and soon Jim found himself shipping out hundreds of pounds of jerky regularly to both Iraq and Afghanistan. After his son returned home, Jim continued the success by contracting with a manufacturer, and selling his famous jerky to stores.

We had reviewed Jim's Jarhead Jerky in August 2013 (see here), and then recently the company sent me another package, but without any explanation. I compared ingredients lists, and noted that it's different from before. So, I opted to publish another review as a new recipe.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Van Cleave Dry Goods - Steak Strips

van cleave dry goods
Van Cleave Dry Goods is a new brand of jerky having launched earlier in 2014. The brand was started by Adam Van Cleave, a former Michigan-based attorney.

Adam had been making his own home jerky and sharing it with friends. As demand grew, he found himself churning out 50 pounds of jerky each week, and spending too much time doing it. After a move to Texas, Adam launched his new jerky business.

Van Cleave Dry Goods offers two types of jerky, "Steak Strips", and "Nuggets". Each type comes in four flavors. Only one of their flavors, "G-Dub" is made with MSG, because according to Adam, it was his first flavor, and is the one that all his friends loved. Another flavor, "T-Bucket" is the only one that is real-wood smoked.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Dusty's Real Beef Jerky - Hand Trimmed

dustys beef jerky
Dusty's Real Beef Jerky is a brand owned by R&K Snacks out of Oklahoma City, OK. R&K Snacks is a jerky distributor that's been around for 23 years now, and is one of the largest beef jerky distributors in the State of Oklahoma, representing 24 different brands.

Dusty's Real Beef Jerky is the house brand of R&K Snacks. Dusty's is made using R&K's own original recipes in a USDA inspected facility. It's offered in five flavors and comes in four styles, Hand Trimmed, Ripple Cut, Steak Chunk, and Jerky Strips.

The Hand Trimmed jerky reviewed here is a slab-style, but is not specifically marked as "Hand Trimmed". I only have three of the five flavors, Original, Hickory, and Hot.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Double Deluxx Jerky

double deluxx jerky
Double Deluxx is a brand of beef jerky owned by Double Deluxx, LLC based out of Phoenix, AZ. The company was launched just this year, formed by Mark Mall.

Double Deluxx Jerky claims to use grass fed beef, using all natural ingredients, with no MSG, no sodium nitrite, and no refined sugars. The brand currently offers five flavors, Original, Garlic, Honey Mesquite BBQ, Hickory Cracked Black Pepper, and Green Chili Carne Asada.

The company sells its Double Deluxx jerky online and at Flagstaff Farmers Market.

Friday, November 28, 2014

Duke's Smoked Meats Holiday Bundles Starts Today

dukes smoked meats
Duke's Smoked Meats, famous for its beef jerky and their line of "Shorty Sausages", has Holiday Bundles that goes on sale today.

Think "meat" this Christmas, and consider a Holiday Bundle for the meat snacker in your life...

Small-Batch Season Sampler (4-pack): $26.99

  • (1) Bag Bourbon Glaze Steak Strips
  • (1) Bag Spicy Bar-B-Q Brisket Strips
  • (1) Bag Chile ‘n Lime Steak Strips
  • (1) Bag Sweet Bar-B-Q Braised Pork Strips
  • (1) Duke’s Small Batch Smoked Meats Hat

Small-Batch Season Sampler (8-pack): $48.99

  • (1) Bag Bourbon Glaze Steak Strips
  • (1) Bag Spicy Bar-B-Q Brisket Strips
  • (1) Bag Chile ‘n Lime Steak Strips
  • (1) Bag Sweet Bar-B-Q Braised Pork Strips
  • (1) Bag Original Angus Beef Jerky
  • (1) Bag Island Teriyaki Beef Jerky
  • (1) Bag Cracked Pepper Beef Jerky
  • (1) Bag Hot ‘n Spicy Smoked Shorties
  • (1) Duke’s Small Batch Smoked Meats Hat

Duke's Holiday Bundles are available thru December 19th.

Buy online at: http://shop.dukesmeats.com/Holiday-Bundles_c_37.html

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Black Friday & Cyber Monday at Pap's Beef Jerky

maria montgomery
Looking for that special gift for the carnivore in your life?

For the holidays Pap’s is offering a Black Friday Special and a Cyber Monday Special to kick off this holiday season. You will find several gift ideas that include FREE beef jerky or beef sticks with each order.

During the season of giving, don’t forget your little four legged buddy, Pap’s has even put together a K9 beef jerky bundle just for them!

Check out the good stuff here: https://papsbeefsticks.com/

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Cyber Monday Sale: Crazy Horse Jerky

chicken jerky
The Best time of the year has arrived. Well, one of the best. Crazy Horse Jerky would like to invite all of its customers to join them in this year’s Cyber Monday Sale. It falls on Monday, December 1st.

All pounds of jerky will be on sale for $25.99. This is best price of the year and just in time for the holidays. Stock up on all your favorite flavors. Remember it is Free Shipping on orders over $40.00 and a flat fee of $2.00 for shipping on orders under $40.00. First time buyers join in and get Crazy Good Jerky at a Crazy Good Price.

The sale runs from 8:00 AM till 8:00 PM. The sale is on all full pounds of Beef and Chicken jerky flavors. Make sure to try our newest flavor Mesquite BBQ Chicken, rated 5 Stars by Best Beef Jerky.

Beef jerky makes for a wonderful gift everyone is sure to love. Thank you to all those that have supported our business we truly appreciate it.

Order now:  http://www.crazyhorsejerky.com

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Bad Bud's Jerky - Hotternhail REAPER

bad buds jerky
The newest flavor from Bad Buds Jerky is this "Hotternhail REAPER" beef jerky.

Bad Buds Jerky is a brand run by Buddy Stone out of Hogansville, GA. Bad Buds has been in business since 2005. In addition to jerky, the brand also markets its own line of hot sauces.

This new Hotternhail REAPER is described as being made from Carolina Reaper Peppers, which now holds the Guinness Book of World Records as the hottest pepper on the planet, reaching as high as 2.2 million Scoville Units.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Fusion Jerky - Pork

fusion jerky
Fusion Jerky is a new brand of jerky that has managed to get a lot notice from other big brands in the jerky business. Based out of South San Francisco, CA it's the creation of KaiYen Mai, a mother of two and avid outdoorswoman, who wanted to focus on Asian-style jerky.

"In my home country of Taiwan, jerky is a celebrated delicacy, akin to a fine wine", Mai says in her marketing materials. Fusion Jerky offers beef, turkey, chicken, and pork styles encompassing eight flavors. It's made using US raised animals at their ranch in Scottsbluff, NE. It's marketed as gluten-free, all natural, preservative free, and nitrate free.

These pork jerky varieties are made at the company's own USDA-inspected facility in Scottsbluff, NE.

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.

louisville vegan jerky co
Louisville Vegan Jerky Co. is the creation of Stanley Chase III, a pioneer of sorts in the field of vegan snacks throughout the Louisville, KY region.

According to the brand's website and Facebook page, it's been around since 2012, originally launching under the name, "What a Jerky!". But Stanley Chase previously made and marketed another brand of vegan jerky called, "Morels the Vegan Butcher", which we reviewed here on Best Beef Jerky.

Louisville Vegan Jerky Co. represents a rebirth of Stanley Chase III as a vegan jerky specialist. Now with new recipes, non-gluten ingredients, Non-GMO certified, and adding touches of Kentucky sorghum for a local flair, Chase is taking soy-based jerky snacks full steam ahead into the eclectic world of vegan snacking.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

Dave's Meat & Nuts

daves meat and nuts
Dave Gadlin hasn't had his meat and nuts in anyone else's mouth but his own. But soon that will all change. His company, "Dave's Meat & Nuts" is currently raising funds on Kickstarter, and by December 1, 2014, hopes to be fulfilling orders.

Having spent his life in New York City working with some of the country's best chefs and restauranteurs, Dave took his expertise out west to Napa, CA to focus on his two snacking passions, beef jerky and peanuts. His jerky is smoked in a real smokehouse, using natural ingredients, and is gluten-free.

Because his jerky is still not available for sale, I'm withholding formal ratings. The review below is based on pre-production samples sent to me by Dave.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Decide the Next Lawless Jerky Flavor!

lawless jerky
by Matt Tolnick,
Founder/CEO, Lawless Jerky

Best Beef Jerky Readers,

It’s been a privilege to be able to write some jerky articles for you guys over the last year. Since starting Lawless Jerky less than 2 years ago, I’ve learned a tremendous amount about the craft food (and particularly jerky!) business.

Now I want to learn a little bit about you, some of the most passionate jerky fans in the world. I’ve created a short, (5 minutes) anonymous survey, the results of which I’ll publish into an article exclusive to BestBeefJerky.org later in the year.

At one point in the survey, you’ll have the exclusive opportunity to influence what could become the newest Lawless Jerky flavor (some pretty crazy ideas!)

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW!

If you’ve never had our jerky, now’s a great time, as all who fully complete the survey will receive a 25% off coupon for use (up to 2x!) on our website. This is the deepest discount we have ever offered, and it comes just in time for holiday shopping!

Thanks so much for your interest in craft beef jerky and for following Steve’s blog, bestbeefjerky.org!

Sincerely yours,

Matt Tolnick

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Jerky Gold Marinade

jerky gold marinade
Jerky Gold Marinade is a brand of Jerky Gold Marinade Company, LLC based out of Endwell, NY. It's the creation of Matthew Parkes, using a marinade recipe his father perfected decades ago.

The marinade recipe was originally shared with his father's co-workers, all of whom had been avid hunters. He began selling the marinade as "R.C. Parks Authentic Jerky Juice", and had distributed it through sporting retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Cabela’s.

His son Matthew eventually took over the business. Now as "Jerky Gold Marinade", Parkes offers his father's famous recipe to hunters and anyone else wants to make their own jerky at home.

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

JerkyX

jerkyx
JerkyX is a new brand of jerky that debuted in 2013. It was started by Rob Evans, based out of Helotes, TX, who had been experimenting with a dehydrator and dozens of recipes.

The company started after he came up with a way to mix jerky with energy drink ingredients. He opted using ground beef instead of whole muscle to make it easier to eat. It was when he received a lot of compliments, even from women, that he decided he was on to something.

JerkyX currently comes in one flavor, though he claims to have a habanero variety in the works. Currently, JerkyX is sold in stores in the San Antonio, TX area, and on Amazon.com, as well as its own website.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Lucky Brand Jerky - Jerky Sticks

lucky brand jerky sticks
Lucky Brand Jerky is a new brand of jerky, but has a long history. It's the product of Nebraska Star Beef, a family owned business that has been producing premium beef, along with beef jerky, for over 100 years.

Recently, the company changed the way it raises cattle, returning to its roots on herdsmanship, grass-fed, without antibiotics and growth hormones, and allowing their animals roam freely. Their jerky is made with no MSG, no sodium nitrite, and no artificial ingredients.

This "Stick Jerky" looks like traditional meat sticks, or snack sausage, except it's not in a casing. It's really more like chopped and formed jerky, formed into meat sticks. Flavors come in Original, Peppered, Teriyaki, and Red Pepper.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Fusion Jerky - Turkey

fusion jerky
Fusion Jerky is a new brand of jerky that has managed to get a lot notice from other big brands in the jerky business. Based out of South San Francisco, CA it's the creation of KaiYen Mai, a mother of two and avid outdoorswoman, who wanted to focus on Asian-style jerky.

"In my home country of Taiwan, jerky is a celebrated delicacy, akin to a fine wine", Mai says in her marketing materials. Fusion Jerky offers beef, turkey, chicken, and pork styles encompassing eight flavors. It's made using US raised animals at their ranch in Scottsbluff, NE. It's marketed as gluten-free, all natural, preservative free, and nitrate free.

These turkey jerky varieties are said to be made from breast meat at the company's own USDA-inspected facility in Scottsbluff, NE.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Lucky Brand Jerky - Red Pepper

lucky brand jerky
Lucky Brand Jerky is a new brand of jerky, but has a long history. It's the product of Nebraska Star Beef, a family owned business that has been producing premium beef, along with beef jerky, for over 100 years.

Recently, the company changed the way it raises cattle, returning to its roots on herdsmanship, grass-fed, without antibiotics and growth hormones, and allowing their animals roam freely. Their jerky is made with no MSG, no sodium nitrite, and no artificial ingredients.

This Red Pepper Beef Jerky is part of their "Slab Style" line. The company claims to make it the "old fashioned way", using thick slices of marbled Angus beef which is then seasoned and marinated. The line also includes Teriyaki, Peppered, and Original.

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Fusion Jerky - Beef Jerky

fusion jerky
Fusion Jerky is a new brand of jerky that has managed to get a lot notice from other big brands in the jerky business. Based out of South San Francisco, CA it's the creation of KaiYen Mai, a mother of two and avid outdoorswoman, who wanted to focus on Asian-style jerky.

"In my home country of Taiwan, jerky is a celebrated delicacy, akin to a fine wine", Mai says in her marketing materials. Fusion Jerky offers beef, turkey, chicken, and pork styles encompassing eight flavors. It's made using US raised animals at their ranch in Scottsbluff, NE. It's marketed as gluten-free, all natural, preservative free, and nitrate free.

Fusion Jerky is made at its own Scottsbluff, NE facility. Mai goes on to write that her family has spent 50 years in the in the meat industry.

Monday, October 20, 2014

Lucky Brand Jerky - Peppered

lucky brand jerky
Lucky Brand Jerky is a new brand of jerky, but has a long history. It's the product of Nebraska Star Beef, a family owned business that has been producing premium beef, along with beef jerky, for over 100 years.

Recently, the company changed the way it raises cattle, returning to its roots on herdsmanship, grass-fed, without antibiotics and growth hormones, and allowing their animals roam freely. Their jerky is made with no MSG, no sodium nitrite, and no artificial ingredients.

This Peppered Beef Jerky is part of their "Slab Style" line. The company claims to make it the "old fashioned way", using thick slices of marbled Angus beef which is then seasoned and marinated. The line also includes Teriyaki, Original, and Red Pepper.

Friday, October 17, 2014

Just How Natural is Your “All-Natural” Beef Jerky?

by Matt Tolnick

For decades, beef jerky was a niche snack that had a small but dedicated cult following. Regardless of the brand, the flavors of mass-marketed jerky were unimaginative and limited. With an artisanal food movement sweeping America (in conjunction with the entrenched craft beer movement), beef jerky has been reimagined.

No longer is beef jerky dry, tough, and reserved for road tripping or camping. Jerky is increasingly appealing to active, health-conscious types looking for an all-natural, low-calorie, low-carb snack. For the modest calorie count in a serving of beef jerky (100 calories or fewer), there’s a fair amount of chewing, which is satisfying. And the high protein content (typically 10-12 grams per ounce) helps build muscle and keeps us full. Contrary to popular belief, jerky is not a male dominated snack; 45% of our company’s online consumers are women.

Recently, even some of the most mass-market jerky companies have begun to remove some of the more objectionable “ingredients” long found in their products, such as nitrites, preservatives, MSG, and high fructose corn syrup.

Having removed the aforementioned ingredients, many jerky companies now claim to offer “all-natural” jerky. By its own admission, the FDA’s definition of “natural” fails to consider the unnatural processes by which whole foods are created. And since most beef in America is unnaturally fattened “on feedlots eating a concentrated mix of corn, soy, grains, and other supplements, plus hormones and antibiotics”, many jerky companies are deceiving consumers. Since the predominant ingredient in their jerky is, of course, beef, these “all-natural” claims are particularly concerning.

Many well-meaning consumers who want to avoid unnatural food products are willing to seek out and pay a premium for “all-natural” beef jerky. But in most of these “all-natural” jerky products, the primary ingredient is beef raised in the most unnatural of ways. Like humans, cows are what they eat. And when we eat cows artificially plumped on an unnatural diet of genetically modified grains, antibiotics, and steroids, they lose many of the benefits typical of naturally raised cows. If your “all-natural” jerky doesn’t also say “100% grass-fed,” your jerky is anything but “all-natural.”

For a variety of reasons elucidated by the NRDC, 100% grass-fed beef is better than conventional beef. It’s better for the environment, more humane for the animal during its life, and it’s far healthier than grain-fed beef. At big food corporations, there is a desire to create highly marketable foods that are tasty and cheap. Taking the time and expense to offer truly healthy food products is considered risky because many consumers are deterred by the higher prices of higher quality, cleaner foods. With America’s increasing wealth gap, this is a valid concern and may be sound, shrewd business strategy. But by profiteering on the “all-natural” language, despite offering beef jerky with beef that’s raised unnaturally, the American public is being misled.

As Americans, we love negative externalities, pushing off the costs of our choices onto the system, onto our future selves, and onto future generations...all so we can save a few bucks in the present. Public policy should discourage this behavior. Instead, we should create a system where the standards for “all-natural” actually consider the processes by which our food (and particularly our meat) is grown.

Matt Tolnick is the Founder and CEO of Lawless Jerky®, a 100% grass-fed beef jerky company specializing in all-natural and gluten-free flavors. Creating jerky in internationally inspired flavors like Mango Habanero, Honey Chipotle, Japanese Curry, and more, Lawless Jerky is the only brand endorsed by the Humane Society for its efforts in sustainability and humane treatment of animals.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Lucky Brand Jerky - Teriyaki

lucky brand jerky
Lucky Brand Jerky is a new brand of jerky, but has a long history. It's the product of Nebraska Star Beef, a family owned business that has been producing premium beef, along with beef jerky, for over 100 years.

Recently, the company changed the way it raises cattle, returning to its roots on herdsmanship, grass-fed, without antibiotics and growth hormones, and allowing their animals roam freely. Their jerky is made with no MSG and no sodium nitrite.

This Teriyaki Beef Jerky is part of their "Slab Style" line. The company claims to make it the "old fashioned way", using thick slices of marbled Angus beef which is then seasoned and marinated. The line also includes Teriyaki, Peppered, and Red Pepper.

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Lucky Brand Jerky - Original

lucky brand jerky
Lucky Brand Jerky is a new brand of jerky, but has a long history. It's the product of Nebraska Star Beef, a family owned business that has been producing premium beef, along with beef jerky, for over 100 years.

Recently, the company changed the way it raises cattle, returning to its roots on herdsmanship, grass-fed, without antibiotics and growth hormones, and allowing their animals roam freely. Their jerky is made with no MSG, no sodium nitrite, and no artificial ingredients.

This Original Beef Jerky is part of their "Slab Style" line. The company claims to make it the "old fashioned way", using thick slices of marbled Angus beef which is then seasoned and marinated. The line also includes Teriyaki, Peppered, and Red Pepper.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Bayou Blend - File Gumbo

Bayou Blend Meat Snacks is a brand of beef jerky based out of Napoleonville, LA. The company was started by Milton Hock in January 2013.

Hock had been making jerky for some 20 years before launching Bayou Blend. He started the business after seeing an opportunity to offer meat snacks with more unique cajun-style flavor than competing brands.

This File Gumbo is described on the package as, "Creole Blend Beef Jerky".

Sunday, September 28, 2014

People's Choice Beef Jerky - Sriracha

peoples choice beef jerky
People's Choice Beef Jerky is a brand of Peoples 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.

Recently the company went through a relaunch by introducing a new line of jerky called, "Tasting Kitchen", representing a testing ground for new flavor ideas. The first of this line is this Sriracha Beef Jerky.

The company also relaunched their Old Fashioned Line, which we'll be covering in the next weeks.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Original Bill's Steak Strips - Original

original bills steak strips
Original Bill's Steak Strips is a new product that launched last May 2014 by Original Bill's Beef Snacks of New Holland, PA.

Named for Bill Sprecher, a jerky industry veteran with other popular brands, Original Bill's is Sprecher's culmination of expertise on what he feels makes irresistible and bold tasting meat snacks. Original Bill's is hang-hung eye of round strips, naturally smoked with hickory and apple wood.

Original Bill's Steak Strips is currently available in this Original variety, as well as Teriyaki and Hot, and is currently making its way across the country into travel centers, truck stops, and convenience stores. The brand is actually a subsidiary of DAS Companies, Inc., a consumer products distributor.

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Snatch Jerky - Peppered Ale

snatch beef jerky
Snatch Jerky is a new brand of jerky based out of Show Low, AZ. It was started in February 2013 by a guy named Ron Pro.

Snatch markets itself with the tagline "The Healthy Beef Jerky" because it uses only natural ingredients, no MSG, no nitrates, and no preservatives. They also claim their jerky to be low sodium with varieties ranging from 50mg per serving up to 270mg per serving.

This "Peppered Ale" is described by the company's as one of their "more sophisticated of flavors". It's marinated in a pale ale, along with a blend of spices to create something they describe as "bold and rich". They also claim it to contain only 85mg of sodium per serving, making it a low sodium contender.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Win a Pit Barrel Smoker from Pap's Beef Jerky

pit barrel smoker
That’s right you could win a Pit Barrel Smoker, a supply of Pap’s Beef Jerky, Pap’s Beef Sticks, Draper’s BBQ Sauce and Rubs and More!

All you have to do is visit Pap's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paps-Beef-Sticks/209261555779448

And LIKE Pap’s, you will be automatically registered. And you can enter a SECOND time by visiting Draper’s BBQ Facebook page and LIKE them as well: https://www.facebook.com/DrapersBBQ

Giveaway includes ALL this cool stuff!

  • 30 Gallon Pit Barrel Cooker
  • Thermo Works Digital Chef Alarm
  • 8 Assorted Bags of Pap’s Beef Jerky
  • 24 Count Box of Pap’s Beef Sticks
  • 1 Gallon of Draper’s BBQ Sauce
  • 2 Packages of Draper’s A.P. Rub
  • 2 Packages of Draper’s Mood Enhancer
  • Pap’s cap
  • Draper’s cap

Monday, September 1, 2014

Hungry Truckers Beef Jerky

hungry truckers beef jerky
Hungry Trucker Beef Jerky is the creation of Tim Kirchhofer, based out of Wapakoneta, OH. Tim started the line of jerky just this year.

Kirchhofer is a truck driver who relies on beef jerky to help him get through the day. He became tired of the same old stuff sold at truck stops, and wanted to come up something entirely his own. He offered it to friends and received so many words of encouragement, that he's trying his hand at the beef jerky business.

Hungry Trucker Beef Jerky currently offers 6 flavors, but have sent us 4 flavors for review. Right now all of their orders are done via Facebook.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Cut & Dried Gourmet - Biltong

cut and dried gourmet
Cut & Dried Gourmet was founded by Stephen Kerford in 2014, based out of San Francisco, CA. Kerford had been managing the e-commerce businesses of Hearst Ranch and Niman Ranch.

He had been making "private reserve" batches of biltong while at both ranches. Stephen extended the practice of making biltong into his new company, Cut & Dried Gourmet.

The company currently offers three varieties of biltong, a "Natural Beef Biltong", a "Peri Peri Biltong" described as spicy, and a "Cajun Biltong".

Monday, August 18, 2014

Pap's Beef Jerky - Blazin Cajun Thin Cut

paps beef cajun
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.

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Astig Jerky - Tocino

astig jerky
Astig Beef Jerky is a brand founded in August 2012 by Michael J Robin based out of Thousand Oaks, CA. We had review two of their flavors over a year ago, and recently they sent in this third flavor.

Making the claim that it's the first beef jerky company made with traditional Filipino recipes sold in the United States, Astig Beef Jerky is made with USDA approved grain fed beef. The name "Astig" is a Tagalog word meaning "cool", "badass" or "kickass".

This Tocino variety is actually the mild version of its Spicy Tocino that I reviewed earlier. It's described the company as "Traditional Philippine Tocino, with a light touch of spice", taking the traditional tocino style cooking, and moving it into beef jerky form.

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Two Brothers Jerky - Cackalacky

two brothers jerky
Two Brothers Jerky is a brand of jerky originally launched by two brothers who had been separated at birth, and raised by two different families. When they finally reunited in 2010, they did what most reunited brothers do, celebrate with jerky.

Based out of Columbia, SC, brothers Paul Brock and Eddie Wales, started Two Brothers Jerky in 2013 using Paul's secret recipes. Both brothers, coincidentally, attended the same state colleges, and each ran successful restaurants. The jerky is made by the brothers at Eddie's restaurant, Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia.

This Cackalacky is made using the famous sauce of the same name. It's a special edition jerky, not part of the company's main varities. Cackalacky is a brand of sweet & spicy sauce made from sweet potatoes, and has become popular in the Carolinas.

Monday, August 11, 2014

K.O. Jerky

ko jerky
KO Jerky is a new brand of jerky based out of Madera, CA. Describing itself as the "Best BJ Ever!", it's the product of Randall and Michelle Kelch.

The startup business prides itself on making 100% homemade beef jerky right from the Kelch's home. They use no preservatives, no additives. Vacuumed sealed within minutes of being dehydrated, KO Jerky claims to offer the freshest jerky anyone will ever eat.

Currently, they offer two flavors, this Original and Peppered.

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Red Truck Beef Jerky - Teriyaki

red truck beef jerky
Red Truck Beef Jerky is a brand of Red Truck Beef Jerky, LLC, based out of St. Petersburg, FL. According to the company, they've been doing business for over 15 years.

Red Truck says their jerky is made from 100% Grade A sliced shoulder beef from USA cattle, naturally seasoned with, "a touch of nature's honey and dried slowly". The company currently ships their jerky to Cracker Barrel, MAPCO Express, Lowes Foods, Schnucks Markets, Western Convenience Stores, and Green Top Sporting Goods. They also claim their jerky to be gluten-free.

The company offers three flavors, Original, Teriyaki, and Peppered. We only have the first two for review.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Bayou Blend - Luziana Bonfire

bayou blend
Bayou Blend Meat Snacks is a brand of beef jerky based out of Napoleonville, LA. The company was started by Milton Hock in January 2013.

Hock had been making jerky for some 20 years before launching Bayou Blend. He started the business after seeing an opportunity to offer meat snacks with more unique cajun-style flavor than competing brands.

This Luziana Bonfire is claimed to be similar to the Melange Original we reviewed last month, but adding a touch of "bite" to the back end.

Two Brothers Jerky - Sweet Ninja Teriyaki

two brothers jerky
Two Brothers Jerky is a brand of jerky originally launched by two brothers who had been separated at birth, and raised by two different families. When they finally reunited in 2010, they did what most reunited brothers do, celebrate with jerky.

Based out of Columbia, SC, brothers Paul Brock and Eddie Wales, started Two Brothers Jerky in 2013 using Paul's secret recipes. Both brothers, coincidentally, attended the same state colleges, and each ran successful restaurants. The jerky is made by the brothers at Eddie's restaurant, Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia.

This Sweet Ninja Teriyaki is said to be a "sweet flavor that hails from faraway shores". The company claims, "fresh ginger is the star ingredient along with brown sugar and soy in this sweet and tangy jerky which will have the whole family clamoring for more."

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Mantell's Cowboy Caviar - Beef Jerky

mantells cowboy caviar
Mantell's Cowboy Caviar is a line of beef jerky produced by Mantell's Cowboy Creations of Bowie, TX. Mantell is better known as "Cowboy Johnny Mantell", or, "The Pride of Montague County", of professional wrestling fame, and currently runs wrestling training and seminars at his "Mantell's Corral".

The Mantell's Cowboy Creations brand produces all natural and farm fresh foods from Mantell's own ranch, including farm fresh eggs, fresh produce, and special order dog treats. He currently sells his products at Bowie's Farmers Market, wrestling shows, as well as through his website.

Mantell's Cowboy Caviar is a thin sliced, dry jerky made from 100% beef rump roast. According to Mantell, he originally made this jerky thin so that his dad could eat it with false teeth.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Pure Provisions - Orange Ginger Turkey Jerky

pure provisions turkey jerky
Pure Provisions is a brand of jerky that launched in 2013. It was founded by three college buddies, Matthew Gosselin, John Padlo, and Greg Stahl, who call Portola Valley, CA their company headquarters.

The company was conceived when the three guys did a road trip from San Francisco to Boston, hopping from one national park after another and spending their nights in tents. They became accustomed to jerky for its long shelf life, easy packing, and high protein. So, they agreed to start a company focused on jerky for active outdoorsmen.

This Orange Ginger Turkey Jerky is their debut flavor. They describe as "Subtly flavored with the tang of orange and ginger", and as "a new twist on an old classic".

Friday, August 1, 2014

Red Truck Beef Jerky

red truck beef jerky
Red Truck Beef Jerky is a brand of Red Truck Beef Jerky, LLC, based out of St. Petersburg, FL. According to the company, they've been doing business for over 15 years.

Red Truck says their jerky is made from 100% Grade A sliced shoulder beef from USA cattle, naturally seasoned with, "a touch of nature's honey and dried slowly". The company currently ships their jerky to Cracker Barrel, MAPCO Express, Lowes Foods, Schnucks Markets, Western Convenience Stores, and Green Top Sporting Goods. They also claim their jerky to be gluten-free.

The company offers three flavors, Original, Teriyaki, and Peppered. We only have the first two for review.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Two Brothers Jerky - Famously Hot

two brothers jerky
Two Brothers Jerky is a brand of jerky originally launched by two brothers who had been separated at birth, and raised by two different families. When they finally reunited in 2010, they did what most reunited brothers do, celebrate with jerky.

Based out of Columbia, SC, brothers Paul Brock and Eddie Wales, started Two Brothers Jerky in 2013 using Paul's secret recipes. Both brothers, coincidentally, attended the same state colleges, and each ran successful restaurants. The jerky is made by the brothers at Eddie's restaurant, Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia.

This Famously Hot is said to give out the kick of a spicy summer in Columbia, SC. The company claims the first bite delivers a deep intensity of crushed red peppers, citrus and garlic with a slow building heat.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Klemke's Sausage Haus - Turkey Jerky

klemke's turkey jerky
Klemke's Sausage Haus is a local favorite among residents of Slaton, TX. Founded by Rod and Judy Klemke in 1993, much of their business lies in meat processing for hunters and farmers, but their jerky and sausage have grown in demand throughout West Texas.

Rod's grandfather came from Germany. As a child, he grew up in the meat business, learning how to skin and prepare meat. In 1987, he started Slaton Packing Company, and then in 1993 launched Klemke's Sausage Haus. In 2006, he bought a second packing plant in Wolfforth. The couple also run a Barbecue restaurant in Slaton.

Klemke's offers two varieties of turkey jerky, their Original, and a Honey. They also have four varieties of beef jerky, as well as a pork jerky.

Friday, July 25, 2014

Lawless Jerky Endorsed By The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

Announcement welcomed as positive step for animal welfare


lawless jerky
Lawless Jerky announced it has partnered with Harris-Robinette Beef, a multi-generational Pinetops, N.C. family farm that raises all of its cattle exclusively on pasture. The Humane Society of the United States welcomed the announcement as a positive step for animal welfare.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Two Brothers Jerky - Bull City Original

two brothers jerky
Two Brothers Jerky is a brand of jerky originally launched by two brothers who had been separated at birth, and raised by two different families. When they finally reunited in 2010, they did what most reunited brothers do, celebrate with jerky.

Based out of Columbia, SC, brothers Paul Brock and Eddie Wales, started Two Brothers Jerky in 2013 using Paul's secret recipes. Both brothers, coincidentally, attended the same state colleges, and each ran successful restaurants. The jerky is made by the brothers at Eddie's restaurant, Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia.

This Bull City Original is said to capture the vibrancy and smoky flavors associated with Paul's hometown of Durham, NC. They go on to claim it to be a perfect balance of beef, soy, garlic, lime and a touch of red pepper.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Grassroots Jerky - Original

grassroots jerky
Grassroots Jerky is a new brand in the world of gourmet jerky, launched by brothers Ryan Turri and Eric Turri, based out of San Francisco, CA.

Both were working in the financial services industry, working for such big wigs as Credit Suisse, Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, and Bank of America. Somewhere along the way, brother Ryan wanted a more "meaningful life" and decided that dehydrating slices of meat would show him the way. At first he tried buying out an existing jerky brand, but ended up launching his own brand instead.

Grassroots Jerky describes its journey as an "uncompromising evolution", from using ranchers practicing ethical, sustainable farming, to creating a jerky free of hormones, antibiotics, unnatural ingredients, soy and gluten. They also claim their beef is "vegetarian fed", as opposed to meat-fed beef.

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Klemke's Sausage Haus - Beef Jerky

klemke's beef jerky
Klemke's Sausage Haus is a local favorite among residents of Slaton, TX. Founded by Rod and Judy Klemke in 1993, much of their business lies in meat processing for hunters and farmers, but their jerky and sausage have grown in demand throughout West Texas.

Rod's grandfather came from Germany. As a child, he grew up in the meat business, learning how to skin and prepare meat. In 1987, he started Slaton Packing Company, and then in 1993 launched Klemke's Sausage Haus. In 2006, he bought a second packing plant in Wolfforth. The couple also run a Barbecue restaurant in Slaton.

Klemke's offers four varieties of beef jerky, their Original, a Teriyaki, a Jalapeno, and a Blazin' Hot (which we don't have for review). They also offer two varieties of turkey jerky which we'll review later, as well as a Pork Jerky.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Krave Jerky - Turkey Jerky

krave turkey jerky
Krave Jerky offers two varieties of Turkey Jerky, a Lemon Garlic, and a Basil Citrus. See our previous reviews of Krave Jerky.

Krave Beef Jerky is a brand owned by Krave Pure Foods, Inc. based out of Sonoma, CA. It started in 2011 by Jon Sebastiani, who got started in the food business working on his family's winery in Sonoma.

The company describes its Basil Citrus Turkey Jerky as being infused with tangy citrus to create a soft, subtly seasoned jerky bursting with flavor. It's Lemon Garlic is said to be made with thinly sliced, juicy turkey breasts, marinated with a balanced combination of garlic, lemon and lemon pepper.

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Don Beto' Beef Jerky

don beto beef 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.

The brand is not currently shipping, according to a note from Bob, though he notes he's been selling it locally for $4.00 per 2oz pack, as well as on eBay, based on our research. He hopes to hear what we think first, and then go from there. The reviews expressed here are based on pre-production samples sent to us from him.

All of Don Beto' Beef Jerky is labeled as "Gluten Free", "No MSG", "No Cure", "No Preservative", and "No Sodium Nitrite".

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Uncle Andy's Jerky

uncle andy's jerky
Uncle Andy's Jerky was conceived about a year and a half ago, the vision of Andrew Hanenberg, based out of Cedar Grove, NJ.

It started when Andrew was crossfit training and got hooked on the paleo diet. He bought a meat slicer at a hardware store and started experimenting with jerky recipes. Inspired by the bold, eclectic flavors introduced by craft breweries like Dogfish Head and New Belgium, etc., he perfected four original recipes and is now crowdfunding to get his business rolling.

At this point, you can't buy Uncle Andy's Jerky. Below are reviews based on pre-production samples sent to us from Andrew.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Krave Pork Jerky

krave pork jerky
Krave offers two varieties of Pork Jerky, Black Cherry Barbecue and Grilled Sweet Teriyaki. See our previous reviews of Krave Jerky.

Krave Beef Jerky is a brand owned by Krave Pure Foods, Inc. based out of Sonoma, CA. It started in 2011 by Jon Sebastiani, who got started in the food business working on his family's winery in Sonoma.

The company claims the Black Cherry Barbecue infuses tender slices of pork with their sweet and peppery, Sonoma-style, black cherry barbecue sauce. Meanwhile, their Grilled Sweet Teriyaki is soaked in a smoky teriyaki soy marinade, with a touch of sweetness, creating a savory profile without excess salt.