The next review on Golden Valley Natural will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their original flavored buffalo jerky. This jerky was graciously submitted for review by the Golden Valley Natural team.
This jerky is manufactured and distributed under the same name, Golden Valley Natural. They are located in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Since 1968, they have been the leading producer of natural and organic meat snacks in the United States. Their beef, buffalo, and turkey are sourced from 15,000 of the finest livestock, all ethically raised on the lush green pastures of the majestic western ranchland.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Buffalo, Water, Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, Natural Flavorings, Paprika, Natural Smoke Flavoring. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
As a general rule, buffalo meat is a healthier choice compared to beef. It has a better Omega 6 to Omega 3 fatty acid ratio. The buffalo are ethically raised with no growth hormones, or additional antibiotics given. These buffalo are ranch raised, with some free range access to graze on grass.
The liquid marinade consists of a decent soy sauce, water, and very healthy apple cider vinegar.
The sugar level is a bit on the high side with 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less. The salt level is respectable at 280mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
As advertised, this jerky has no sodium nitrite added. Instead, primarily just salt is the main preservative used. Admirably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips are mostly medium in size, and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is somewhat dry, which results in fairly easy to chew jerky strips. There are barely any visible signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is the natural buffalo flavor. It does not taste gamey at all, where the buffalo meat tastes very similar to beef. However, this meat does have a slightly processed taste.
There is a mild tang in this taste from the apple cider vinegar and vinegar. While the paprika is very mild tasting, it also seems as though garlic powder is used, and to a lesser extent onion powder. The sweetness level is moderate, and the saltiness level is light. Another taste detected quickly is a mild soy taste.
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag of jerky sells online for $8.99. That works out to $3.00 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Given that a healthy ingredient is used, and that buffalo meat is far healthier than beef, we recommend this jerky as worth your money. This original flavored jerky is ideal for people who enjoy a pleasant, mild tasting jerky, and especially for children.
Bag Review
This is a standard resealable plastic bag. Everything is imprinted directly on the bag, and there are no labels affixed. The background of the bag is interesting, with what looks like some woven fabric.
The Golden Valley Natural logo is a cowboy with a lasso riding a horse. Their slogan is “Flavor of the West”. Facts displayed on this bag are “No Artificial Ingredients”, “High Protein”, “Minimally Processed”, “Low Fat”, “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”, “No Preservatives”, “No Erythorbate”, “No Added MSG”, “No Nitrite”, and “Buffalo Raised Without Added Hormones and Without Antibiotics”.
All bag categories are covered except one. There is no blurb printed about Golden Valley Natural, or this flavor. To the credit of Golden Valley Natural, they provide a toll free phone number for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.goldenvalleynatural.com
Buffalo Jerky By Golden Valley Natural
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