The next review on Chomps will be on a 1.15 ounce/32 gram bag of their Crankin’ Cranberry flavored 100% grass-fed beef stick. This flavor is described as hot habanero peppers giving an extra spicy, savory base flavor, which is enhanced by the addition of sweet and tangy dried cranberries. The bag was kindly submitted for review by Team Chomps.
Chomps is distributed by Logic Meat Locker LLC, and they are located in Naples, Florida. This Chomps brand name was officially launched in 2012. Chomps is the only beef stick brand that can claim to be certified paleo, certified gluten-free, Whole30 Approved, non-GMO project verified, and sugar free. In Chomps words the beef used is “Grass FED & Grass FINISHED Never GIVEN ANY ANTIBIOTICS OR HORMONES”. There are currently four different flavors for sale, which includes a sea salt & pepper venison stick. Future plans are to add more flavors including a turkey stick in 2018 Q1.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: 100% Grass-Fed Beef, Cranberries, Water, Sea Salt, Encapsulated Lactic Acid, Habanero Peppers, Celery Juice, Black Pepper, Red Pepper, Garlic Powder, Coriander, Stuffed in a Beef Collagen Casing.
This beef stick uses 100% grass-fed beef, the way nature intended. These cattle imported from Tasmania 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 casing used is beef collagen casing. A more natural casing such as sheep or lamb is not used because casings are not available in the 17mm size.
Cranberries contain many antioxidants and phytonutrients, where cranberries are renowned for its effectiveness in treating urinary tract infections.
There are multiple healthy ingredients used such as garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper, and coriander.
A non-GMO encapsulated lactic acid is used to artificially give a fermented taste, instead of using for example lactic acid culture. The reason being is that lactic acid culture requires dextrose, and therefore Chomps would no longer be Whole 30 Approved, and sugar free.
The sugar level is good 2 grams of sugar per 32 grams of meat stick. The salt level is respectable at 290mg of salt per 32 grams of meat stick.
This meat stick does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservatives used are minimally processed sea salt, and celery juice with its naturally occurring nitrates. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
The quality of this beef stick is remarkable. It is fairly lean with no oil seeping when squeezed. There are generous amounts and substantial pieces of cranberries sprinkled within each meat stick.
As my taste buds get marginally numbed by the spiciness, the initial taste of cranberry quickly subsides to the more robust taste of Habanero. The spiciness level of this meat stick is middle of the road and not overly spicy. I really enjoy these flavors together, as they transition well between the bitterness/sourness of the cranberries to the spiciness of the Habanero. I also appreciate the fact that the spiciness is at a moderate level and I can truly enjoy the flavor of the Habanero without being too overwhelming.
In conclusion, I find these meat sticks to be a great alternative to the common dollar/convenience store meat sticks where the quality of the ingredients is questionable at best.
I am comfortable between 9 and 10/10 although leaning more towards 10.
Five 1.15 ounce/32 gram meat sticks sells online for $11.25. That works out to $1.96 an ounce, which rates as a cheap price considering that 100% grass-fed beef is used.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This Chomps plastic bag has everything imprinted on the front, and nothing on the back. There is an interesting ‘peel here’ to open the bag. This Chomps bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep meat sticks fresh tasting.
There is no slogan printed on this bag. Some facts printed on this bag are “Grass Fed Beef Stick”, “Beef Raised Without Antibiotics or Hormones”, “100 Calories”, “2g Sugar”, and “9g Protein”.
Some logos are printed such as “Non-GMO Product”, “Paleo Certified”, “Certified Gluten-Free”, and “Whole 30 Approved”.
All bag categories are covered. Commendably, an email address is provided for Chomps customer inquiries.
Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating
Order their beef sticks online: www.chomps.com
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