Note: For a more current taste review on a tweaked bag design, open up Smokehouse Jerky Co. – Teriyaki Beef Jerky (Review #2).
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3 ounce/84 gram bag of their teriyaki flavor. This jerky was graciously submitted for review by the owner, Trent Levinson, from Tender Heifer Snack Co.
The Smokehouse Jerky Co. brand name is manufactured and distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co. They are located in Beaumont, California, and started selling jerky in 2008. All of their beef jerky is made using the brisket cut of beef. Tender Heifer Snack Co. strongly believes that brisket is the best cut of beef to use because it absorbs the marinade best. The cattle used is raised in California, and their jerky is made in small batches.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Wine, Sugar, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice Extractives, Succinic Acid, Garlic Powder), Brown Sugar, Pineapple Juice, Worcestershire Sauce (Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar,
Worcestershire Sauce Base (Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor, Sulfiting Agent), Salt, Citric Acid), Garlic Powder, Lemon Juice, Black Pepper, Ginger Powder. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
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.
We have an interesting liquid marinade here consisting of a good teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, a poor Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. It is unfortunate to see that the Worcestershire sauce uses the unhealthy sweetener high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), where corn products have no business being in jerky.
Credit is due, where healthy ginger powder is used. Healthy spices such as garlic powder and black pepper are added.
The sugar level is very high at 9 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. For a sweet based flavor such as teriyaki, our preference is 5 grams of sugar or under. The salt level is also very high at 490mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 250mg of salt or less.
As advertised, there are no unhealthy preservatives used, where this jerky is confirmed as having no sodium nitrite. Instead, salt is the main preservative used. Admirably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
The strips of jerky are medium to small in size, and sliced to a medium thickness. This dry texture is very appealing, where the brisket cut of meat is relatively easy to chew. There are some signs of fat that adds to the overall taste, and handling this jerky barely leaves any residue on your fingers.
The soy taste is fairly strong, and the Worcestershire sauce is mild tasting. There is a noticeable pineapple taste, perhaps too strong. Between the brown sugar and the pineapple juice, the sweetness level is a bit too high for our liking. There is natural beef flavor, but the sugar manages to mask some of that taste. Occasionally, faint hints of pepper are detected, and the salt level is moderate. This jerky does manage to capture the essence of a teriyaki flavor.
This 3 ounce/84 gram bag of jerky sells online for $6.00. That works out to $2.00 an ounce, which rates as an average price. This jerky is worth your money for people who enjoy a sweet, slightly fruity tasting teriyaki flavor.
Bag Review
This is a standard resealable plastic bag, with a label affixed on the front, and nothing on the back. The label has a fairly detailed picture that looks like a wooden shack with a “Jerky Co.” sign, and trees in the background.
Some facts printed on this bags are “Old Fashion Recipe”, “No Added MSG”, “No Added Preservatives”, “Made in U.S.A.”, “Old Fashion”, “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”, and “Brisket”.
All bag categories are covered. There is no blurb printed about Smokehouse Jerky Co. or Tender Heifer Snack Co., but there is no available space.
The two 3.5 ounce/99 gram bags listed at the bottom were part on an online purchase made in 2011 that cost $5.99 each. This teriyaki flavor ingredient list has since been tweaked, but not enough to justify a separate review. The gold colored bag is their Old Fashion style, which has less ingredients.
Order their jerky online: www.tenderheifersnackco.com
Do you do private labeling with our recipes? We make jerky also without nitrates or MSG. Have been making it for 7 years but need a manufacturer that can make it moist and tender with almost all of the veins and fat cut out. Last year we bought over $34,000 of jerky but almost all of it was tough. Very few meat pieces in the boxes were tender and chewy. We also use brisket.
David,
I emailed you and my contact info and I look forward to talking with you.
Franco Fonseca
Tender Heifer Snack Company
Smokehouse Jerky Company
tenderheifersnackco@yahoo.com
909-496-2016
We focus on partnering with businesses across the country to help them build a jerky brand. Our most noteworthy partner is Knotts Berry Farm and they chose to work with us because of our quality beef and bacon, our quality ingredients, manufacturing process, huge inventory of flavors and ability to quickly create new flavors.
Lots has changed over the last 16 months when my wife and I purchased the business from the original owners. Where they were not willing to private label or create new flavors for partners we have embraced it. Recipes and ingredients have changed also for a healthier, better tasting jerky.
Franco
Hi David, I got in touch with the owner of Smokehouse Jerky Co., asking him to get in contact with you. I hope that this works out for both of you. Thanks.