The next review for BJO Smoky Mountain will focus on a 4 ounce/113 gram bag of their Jalapeno flavored beef jerky. It is described as bursting with Jalapeno flavor, but still allows the true beef flavor to come through. The bag was purchased in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, at the Crossings Premium Outlets, where there is a Pocono Mountain Beef Jerky Outlet store.
This BJO Smoky Mountain brand is distributed under the name of The Beef Jerky Outlet Franchise, Inc., who are located in Seymour, Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains. The owner, Todd Logan, established this Pocono Mountain BJO store in October 2015. In 2017, there will be over 100 Beef Jerky Outlet stores located across the USA. The Beef Jerky Outlet opened up their first store in 2010. A wide variety of jerky is available for sale, and a 100% grass-fed beef jerky line is expected to be launched in about three months, including a few new flavors.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce (Water, Salt, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Potassium Sorbate), Water, Brown Sugar, Worcestershire Sauce (Distilled White Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor, Sulfiting Agent), Vinegar, Jalapeno, Garlic, Hot Sauce (Hot Peppers, Tomato Paste, Hot Pepper Extract, Salt, Cane Vinegar, Onions, Garlic, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid) Spices. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The liquid marinade consists of a poor soy sauce, a decent Worcestershire sauce, healthy vinegar, water, and a good hot sauce. It is disappointing to see that the soy sauce uses the highly processed cheap flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein. Also not good is that cheap, processed sweetener corn syrup is used in the soy sauce.
The heat in this flavor is achieved from the hot sauce, and Jalapeno peppers. Hot peppers are healthy if eaten in moderation, which flush toxins out of the body.
The sugar level is great at less than 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is very high at 600mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky. Keep in mind that this nutrition facts table is not trustworthy, as the nutrition facts table does not appear to change for each flavor.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. Vinegar to a lesser degree also acts as a preservative.
This jerky does not qualify to be MSG free because the unhealthy flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein is used.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are mostly large in shape, and sliced to a medium thickness. There is a relatively dry texture, and chewing these jerky strips are within reason. There are very little signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a nice mild to moderate level of Jalapeno flavor. All of the other flavors blend well together such as garlic, black pepper, onion, and the soy/Worcestershire sauce combination. A light tanginess from the vinegar and hot sauce complements the flavor nicely.
As you consume more strips, the heat level levels off at about a 2 out of 5 on the heat scale. With minimal sweetness present, there is a good deal of natural beef flavor present. Overall, this is a tasty treat that delivers in the Jalapeno flavor.
A 4 ounce/113 gram bag sells online for $9.99. That works out to $2.50 an ounce, which rates as a slightly expensive price. If you purchase three bags in their store, the price is reduced to $25. From a taste perspective, you cannot go wrong with this flavor if you enjoy the taste of Jalapeno.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable, clear plastic bag has a label affixed to the front, and nothing on the back. The Beef Jerky Outlet logo has bull horns above their name.
Their slogan is “Made in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee”. Facts printed on this bag are “Made in USA”, and “Smoke Flavor Added”.
The only bag categories missing are a soy allergen alert, and no blurb is printed about the jerky or flavor.
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