The first review on The Fresh Market will focus on a 3 ounce/85.7 gram bag of their sweet and spicy flavored beef jerky. This bag was purchased at a The Fresh Market store in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
This Fresh Food Market jerky brand name is distributed under the same name of The Fresh Market. They are based out of Greensboro, North Carolina. The Fresh Market does not consider themselves as a store, but as neighbors serving neighbors. As their brand name states, there is an emphasis on eating fresh foods. While not confirmed, this jerky is likely made by a private labeler, making this a stock recipe.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Sugar, Water, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Flavorings, Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, Paprika, Smoke Flavoring Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The beef used is ethically raised, meaning not administered growth hormones or additional antibiotics. It has not been confirmed if the cattle used had some partial free range access to graze on grass and roam about.
The liquid marinade is comprised of water, an alright soy sauce, and very healthy apple cider vinegar. Healthy paprika is also used. The vague term flavorings is used here. That could contain both good and bad ingredients, but more likely good ingredients in this case.
For a sweet based flavor, as we have here, the sugar level is reasonable at 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is also reasonable at 270mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. Also, there is no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips are mainly medium in size, and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is more soft and tender than dry, but not quite tender enough to qualify as having a classic soft and tender texture. The odd strip has some tough stringiness making it a challenge to chew. There are some minor visible signs of fat, but not too much, which adds to the overall flavor. Handling this jerky leaves a tiny bit of oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a mild tanginess from the apple cider vinegar, which mixes well with the paprika. Being a sweet and spicy based flavor, thankfully the sweetness never exceeds a moderate level at best. The spiciness is noticeable, and stays at a mild level.
There is a light soy flavor, and this jerky is not that salty tasting. While advertised, not much of any smoked flavor is detected. There is some pleasing natural beef flavor but not a great deal. Overall, this jerky does have a tasty combination of flavors.
This 3 ounce/85.7 gram bag cost $6.49, which works out to $2.16 an ounce. That rates as an average price. Given that this jerky has a healthy ingredient list, tastes good, and also sells for a decent price, this jerky is certainly recommended as worth your money.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to both the front and back. There are some graphics, but not much.
Slogans printed on this bag appear to be “Quality Without Compromise!” and Yum!”. Some facts printed on this bag are “All Natural”, “No artificial ingredients and minimally processed”, “Smoke Flavoring Added”, “No preservatives”, “Premium Grade”, “No Added Nitrates”, High Protein”, and “Low-Fat Snack”.
All bag categories are covered with this bag. On the back, there is a great blurb printed about this jerky and the meat used. Admirably, a phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Hello I live in Greensboro nc, I would like to visit the store in Greensboro nc,please email address
Hi Demetrius, they have three locations in Greensboro, NC. https://www.thefreshmarket.com/all-stores/