The next review on Naked Cow Beef Jerky will be on a 2.25 ounce/64 gram bag of their smoke flavored 100% grass-fed beef jerky. This flavor is described as something that may seem simple, but is complex and tasty. The bag was graciously 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 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, and made in a paleo style.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Grass Fed Beef, 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.
There is no liquid marinade used here. You could call this a dry rub, or old fashioned jerky.
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 perfect with no sugar used at all. 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 are small to medium in size, and the thickness varies. There is a dry texture that is still within reason to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling these strips of jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a mild level of black pepper, followed by the garlic. There is only a light level of saltiness. With no sweetness at all, a great level of natural beef flavor is what dominates this flavor.
There is a light level of smoked flavor, just enough to hold up to the Smoke flavor name. In paleo style jerky, the combination of beet powder and paprika adds a unique, but light interesting flavor. Overall, this flavor is paleo tasting as advertised, and has a pleasant flavor to complement the delicious 100% grass-fed beef.
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. For people who prefer a plain paleo style of jerky, you cannot go wrong here.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
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
Is the smoke flavor gluten free (onion powder is suspect as it often has anti caking (gluten containing) agents)?