The first review on Naked Cow Beef Jerky will be on a 2.25 ounce/64 gram bag of their honey flavored 100% grass-fed beef jerky. This bag was kindly submitted by one of the co-owners, Ron Myrick.
This Naked Cow Beef Jerky brand name is distributed by Appalachian Jerky Co., and made in Brighton, Massachusetts. It started in the late 1990’s, where 2jerkys Ron Myrick and Doug Labb started making jerky for their camping and canoe trips. In 2011, they launched their Appalachian Jerky Company brand. In 2013, after Ron decided to eat a more Paleo-friendly diet, they developed a variety of Appalachian Jerky called Primal Smoke, which eliminated the use of unhealthy ingredients, and became a hit with CrossFit gyms. Working with students from Northeastern University, the Naked Cow Beef Jerky brand name was introduced in September 2015 using only natural ingredients.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Grass Fed Beef, Honey, Sea Salt, Paprika, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Beet Powder, Celery Powder.
This jerky uses 100% grass-fed beef, the way nature intended. These cattle are raised ethically, meaning they are not fed growth hormones, or additional antibiotics. There is also some free range access for the cattle to roam about.
The liquid marinade is comprised of just honey, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Honey offers many health benefits if eaten in moderation.
Healthy spices are used such as black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Beet powder is an interesting choice, where the vegetable beets is very healthy.
The sugar level is very impressive at only 2 grams of sugar per 64 grams of jerky. The salt level is respectable at 580mg of salt per 64 grams of jerky, plus it is healthy sea salt.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is sea salt, which is high on minerals and trace minerals. To a lesser extent, celery powder is used as a preservative with its naturally occurring nitrates. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are small in size, and sliced to a medium thickness. There is a fairly dry texture, but it is still reasonable to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavor detected is a light taste of garlic, and soon the black pepper and paprika start to take notice. There is a great deal of tasty natural beef flavor with a mild saltiness, and the sweetness is barely noticeable.
We are unable to detect the honey flavor, even though it is advertised as honey. In the background, there is a persistent light level of smokiness. Overall, this flavor is pleasant and an enjoyable snack.
A 2.25 ounce/64 gram bag sells online for $6.99. That works out to $3.10 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price, but not so bad for 100% grass-fed beef. This jerky is very tasty, and it does not get any better than 100% grass-fed beef with wholesome ingredients. The taste is great albeit the absence of a honey flavor.
Bag Review
This clear, non-resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. Their logo is a cow with the brand name “Naked Cow”, and below is their slogan: “Just Beef Jerky – No Udder Stuff”.
Some facts printed on this bag are “No Added MSG”, “No Sugar Added”, “No Added Nitrites”, “Refrigerate After Opening”, and “Minimally Processed”.
The only missing bag categories are a blurb printed about the jerky or flavor, and the jerky weight not stated in grams.
Order their jerky online: www.nakedcowjerky.com www.amazon.com
Leave a Comment