The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3.2 ounce/91 gram bag of their teriyaki elk jerky flavor. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Trent Levinson.
This jerky is manufactured and distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co. They are located in Beaumont, California, and started selling jerky products in 2003. Today, they offer 10 flavors of beef, 2 bacon flavors, and 4 flavors each of venison, elk, and buffalo jerky, all made in small batches. Impressively, currently Tender Heifer Snack Co. is offering free shipping on all online jerky orders. Having now reviewed 15 flavors of Smokehouse Jerky Co., Trent has certainly proved himself to be an expert jerky maker, where we highly recommend everybody to try his jerky at least once.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Elk, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt, Sodium Benzoate), Teriyaki Sauce [Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Wine, Sugar, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, Onion Powder, Succinic Acid, Garlic Powder. Sodium Benzoate), Smoke Flavoring, Spices, Garlic Powder. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
Elk meat is certainly leaner and healthier compared to beef. The elk are raised ethically, meaning they are not administered growth hormones, or additional antibiotics. They also have some free range access to graze on grass, and roam about, just the way nature intended.
The liquid marinade is comprised of an alright soy sauce, and a decent teriyaki sauce from an ingredient perspective. There are no untoward ingredients used, except for the preservative sodium benzoate, but the quantity used is minimal, and was never designed to withstand the drying process with making jerky.
Apart from the liquid marinade, there are not much other ingredients used. There are healthy spices used, which includes garlic powder.
The sugar level is fairly high at 7 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. For a sweet based flavor such as teriyaki, our preference is 5 grams of sugar or less. The salt level is reasonable at 330mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
Admirably, this jerky qualifies to be sodium nitrite free. Instead, salt is the primary preservative. With further kudos to Smokehouse Jerky Co., 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 surface of these strips is surprisingly smooth. There is almost a soft and tender texture, which makes for relatively easy chewing. These strips have no visible signs of fat, and handling this jerky does not leave any oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a soy flavor at a moderate level. There is a fair amount of sweetness to this flavor without going overboard for a teriyaki based flavor. The salt level is mild, and there are light peppered and garlic flavors. With the teriyaki sauce, it adds a little bit of a wine flavor.
The elk meat itself is stronger tasting than beef, but not to the point where it is gamey tasting. A mild smoked taste compliments the flavor well. Overall, an interesting tasting teriyaki flavor.
This 3.2 ounce/91 gram bag of jerky sells online for $14.00. That works out to $4.38 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. For elk jerky that would be considered an average price. Currently Tender Heifer Snack Co. is offering free shipping. This jerky is recommended from both health and taste perspectives for people who enjoy a teriyaki based flavor, and the rich taste of elk.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This is a rather large bag that surprisingly is not resealable. The bag is vacuum sealed, which is one of the best methods of keeping jerky fresh for longer. The label has a fairly detailed picture of a wooden shack with a “Jerky Co.” sign, and trees in a dark background.
Some Facts printed on this bags are “Exotics”, “No Added MSG”, “No Added Preservatives”, “Made in U.S.A.”, “Old Fashion”, “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”, “Gourmet Taste”, and “Premium Meat”.
All bag categories are covered. There is no blurb printed about Smokehouse Jerky Co. or Tender Heifer Snack Co., but in fairness there is no available space.
Order their jerky online: www.tenderheifersnackco.com
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