Note: For a more current taste review on a tweaked bag design and ingredient list, open up Smokehouse Jerky Co. – “Oh” That’s Hot! Beef Jerky (Recipe #2).
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3 ounce/84 gram bag of their Oh That’s Hot! flavor. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Trent Levinson, from Tender Heifer Snack Co.
This jerky is manufactured and distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co., and based out of Beaumont, California. The Smokehouse Jerky Co. brand name was launched 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. All of their jerky is made in small batches to ensure freshness. Tender Heifer Snack Co. are always looking for new distributors across the United States, and offer private label services
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, Chili Pepper, Black Pepper, Ginger Powder, Salt, spices. 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 teriyaki sauce, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. It is good to see that two juices are used.
This is one of the healthier teriyaki sauces on the market. The same cannot be said for the Worcestershire sauce, because it uses the unhealthy sweetener high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). We are not fans of using corn based products in jerky, and this Worcestershire sauce also uses the cheap sweetener corn syrup.
Credit is due, where healthy ginger powder is used. Healthy spices such as garlic powder and black pepper are added.
The sugar level is quite high at 9 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or under. The salt level is also quite high at 500mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less.
As advertised, there are no unhealthy preservatives used, where this jerky is confirmed as having no sodium nitrite. Also as advertised, admirably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Note: For a more current taste review on a tweaked bag design and ingredient list, open up Smokehouse Jerky Co. – “Oh” That’s Hot! Beef Jerky (Recipe #2).
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 first taste detected is the pineapple juice, probably mixed in with the lemon juice. There is a moderate soy taste. The sweetness level is relatively high, and it is moderately salty tasting. We are reminded again of how enjoyable the brisket cut of beef texture can taste.
With this being an Oh That’s Hot! flavor, you would expect to find this flavor hot tasting. While there is a light spiciness to this jerky, it does not live up to the flavor name. This flavor is mildly spicy.
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 easily much better than the standard fare jerky you see for sale over and over again.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
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 bag 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 3.5 ounce/99 gram bag listed at the bottom was part of an online purchase made in 2011 that cost $5.99. This Oh That’s Hot! flavor ingredient list has since been tweaked a fair amount, but not enough to justify a separate review.
Order their jerky online: www.tenderheifersnackco.com
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