This will be the second review on Jack Link’s Cholula Hot Sauce flavored beef jerky. This review will focus on a 2.8 ounce/80 gram of Jack Link’s Cholula Hot Sauce beef jerky that was purchased at a convenience store in December 2014, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
While technically not a private labeler here, the Jack Link’s brand name is manufactured by Link Snacks, Inc., based out of Minong, Wisconsin, that started business in 1885. Specifically, this jerky was prepared for Jack Links Canada Co. to distribute this jerky in Canada, located in Mississauga, Ontario. Jack Link’s is easily the number one jerky brand in North America, perhaps worldwide, selling more than 100 different meat snack products in over 40 countries.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Cholula Hot Sauce [Water, Peppers (Arbol and Piquin), Salt, Vinegar, Spices, Xanthan Gum], Water, Sugar, Salt, Maltodextrin, Sodium Phosphates, Flavoring, Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Erythorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Nitrite
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The liquid marinade consists of just the Cholula Hot Sauce and water. As far as sauces go, this is a healthier hot sauce than most other commercially sold hot sauces. Hot peppers such as arbol and piquin can be healthy if eaten in moderation.
The sugar level is very respectable at only 2 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. On the other hand, the salt level is very high at 480mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. The preference is 350mg of salt or less.
As for preservatives, there are plenty used such as sodium hydroxide, sodium phosphates, sodium nitrite, and sodium erythorbate, none of which are healthy. Citric acid to a lesser degree acts as a preservative, and can be relatively healthy if manufactured properly. This flavor also uses the controversial flavor enhancer MSG.
Bad (3/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
The strips are mainly small in size, with a medium thickness. This texture is fairly dry, but still relatively easy to chew, a rather good texture. There are no visible signs of fat anywhere, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is what would be the Cholula Hot Sauce itself, which is tasty, and flavorful. At most, the level of heat is at a light level. The saltiness level is moderate, and the sweetness level is light. There is a faint smoked flavor in the background, and the natural beef flavor is mild. Overall, this flavor does have a pleasant taste.
This 2.8 ounce/80 gram bag cost $6.99, which works out to $2.50 an ounce. That equates to an expensive price. There are healthier choices out there.
Bag Review
We have a resealable bag with graphics printed on the front and back. There are no labels on this bag. On the front there is a very high resolution picture of a Cholula Hot Sauce bottle. With this bag being purchased in Canada, there are French translations for some things.
Jack Link’s famous slogan “Feed Your Wild Side.” is displayed, and translated to French is “Nourrissez votre côté sauvage.”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Premium Cuts”, “Product of U.S.A.”, “Low Fat”, and “High in Protein”.
All bag categories are covered, with the minor exception that the jerky weight is not stated in ounces. Admirably, there is a satisfaction guaranteed offered, where they will replace the bag if not satisfied. There is also some sort of stamp on the front, stating “Family Quality Guarantee * Since 1885 *”.
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