The first review for Two Brothers Jerky will be on a 2.2 ounce/62.4 gram bag of their Sweet Ginger Teriyaki flavored beef jerky. This flavor is described as fresh ginger being the star ingredient, along with brown sugar, and gluten-free soy sauce for a tangy, sweet jerky. The jerky was kindly submitted for review by one of the co-owners, Eddie Wales.
This Two Brothers Jerky brand name is distributed in both Columbia, South Carolina, and Durham, North Carolina. It is distributed under the name of Two Brothers Jerky. Eddie Wales and Paul Brock were born one year apart, and given up for adoption in the mid 1960s. Both brothers went on to have wonderful childhoods, without knowing the other existed. Coincidentally, they both graduated with the same majors in state universities. Eventually, fate had their paths cross again, where Eddie and Paul realized they shared many interests. This would include an entrepreneurial spirit, and a love for beef jerky. In 2010, the Two Brothers Jerky brand name was launched, using North Carolina 100% grass-fed beef.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce (Water, Salt, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Invert Syrup, Caramel Color), Water, Brown Sugar, Pineapple Juice, Ginger Powder, Dried Garlic, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum. Allergen Warnings: Soy
This 100% grass-fed beef is sourced from Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview, N.C., a family run farm by four generations for 100 years. 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 ingredient rating starts at Excellent (10/10).
The liquid marinade is comprised of a poor soy sauce, water, not so good invert syrup, and healthy pineapple juice. Pineapples contain an enzyme named bromelain, which acts as a natural meat
tenderizer in the food industry.
Ginger is very healthy, with great anti-inflammatory qualities. Healthy garlic is used also.
While a good thing, for a flavor with sweet in its name, there is only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is on the high side at 410mg of salt per ounce of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less 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. To a lesser degree, citric acid also acts as a preservative.
This jerky does not qualify to have no MSG added. The soy sauce uses the highly processed flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein, similar to MSG.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are small to medium in size, and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is on the dry side, but still reasonably easy to chew. There are no visible signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste noticed is a great level of ginger, which compliments the flavor very well. At light levels are garlic and black pepper. There is a soy flavor, but not exactly a classic Asian tasting teriyaki type of flavor.
For a flavor with sweet in its name, there is very little sweetness, a good thing in our opinion. With the lack of sweetness, there is a good deal of natural beef flavor present. Overall, ginger is the star ingredient, and leaves you wanting more.
A 2.2 ounce/62.4 gram bag sells online for $8.49. That works out to $4.25 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. This flavor is surely recommended if you appreciate ginger and 100% grass-fed beef.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This small, resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on the bag itself, both of the front and back. The Two Brothers Jerky logo is two cowboys each riding a bull.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts provided are “No MSG”, “No Preservatives”, “Nitrate Free”, and “Beef used is 100% Grass-Fed”.
The only bag category missing is a bar code. There are great blurbs printed about Two Brothers Jerky, and this sweet ginger teriyaki flavor. You are encouraged to follow their story on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating
Order their jerky online: www.twobrothersjerky.com
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