The Smokehouse Jerky Co. brand name was launched in 2008. On January 2/2017, Franco and his wife Patti Fonseca acquired Smokehouse Jerky Co. from Trent Levinson and his wife Barbie. Franco has since added some new flavors, and they have a new web site design. All Smokehouse Jerky Co. jerky is made in small batches. Tender Heifer Snack Co. have steadily been adding private label services for more jerky makers and entities, most notably for Knott’s Berry Farm. This jerky is manufactured and distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co., and they are based out of Beaumont, California.
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 2 ounce/56 gram bag of their Western Barbecue flavored bacon jerky. This flavor is described as meat blended with a mixture of spices that bring out the jerky’s true light – the synergy between the ingredients creating an authentic barbecue flavor that everybody loves. The jerky was kindly submitted for review by one of the owners, Patti Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Natural Bacon (Pork, Water, Salt, Turbinado Sugar, Celery Powder, Lactic Acid Starter Culture [Not From Milk], Brown Sugar, Tomato Sauce, Honey, Apple Cider Vinegar, Water, Mesquite Liquid Smoke, Sea Salt, Lemon Juice, Beef Stock, Granulated Garlic, Granulated Onion, Ground Pepper, Ginger, Cayenne Pepper, Hickory Smoke, Cumin, White Pepper, Paprika.
This is a surprisingly good ‘natural bacon’ ingredient list. It is certainly visually noticeable that this bacon does not contain as much fat as to regular bacon that you commonly see for sale. It is uncommon to see no sodium based preservatives used. As a result, the ingredient rating starts at Very Good (9/10).
This interesting liquid marinade used here is comprised of tomato sauce, healthy honey, very healthy apple cider vinegar, water, liquid mesquite smoke, decent lemon juice, and healthy beef stock.
There are many healthy ingredients added such as granulated garlic, granulated onion, black pepper, ginger, cayenne pepper, cumin, white pepper, and paprika.
For a sweet based flavor as we have here, the sugar level is extremely high at 11 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose two ratings, where we prefer 5 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is also high at 580mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. However, the salt level is ignored because minimally processed sea salt is used instead of highly processed table salt.
As advertised, there are no unhealthy preservatives used, where this jerky is confirmed as having no sodium nitrite. Instead, salt is the main preservative used. Admirably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
The Smokehouse Jerky Co. Western Barbecue Bacon Jerky has a “candied” like and slightly crunchy texture. These strips are very meaty and they are packed with a fantastic smoky bacon flavor. The saltiness is kept at a mild level and followed with more subtle flavors such as garlic, onion, black pepper and a noticeable smokiness.
The barbecue flavor is not overly done and it is certainly delicious, as it gives complexity and depth of flavor to this stunning flavor profile. The sweet tomato goodness works amazingly well with the smoky bacon. The sweetness of this jerky is to be expected as it is often the case with most good barbecue flavors.
Mark mentioned: “This Western Barbecue flavor truly is a special treat to eat, the sweetness notwithstanding. The taste of bacon alone is great enough, and then you add all of these fantastic ingredients such as tomato sauce, garlic, onion, juice, vinegar and others to create a masterpiece.”
“These strips of bacon jerky look like any bacon that you would see sold at a supermarket, albeit with less fat. The texture is soft and tender, being sliced thin, and very easy to chew. Handling this jerky leaves an oily residue on your fingers. The fragrance of bacon, barbecue and smoke is tantalizing and mesmerizing, guaranteeing you to indulge in huge delight.”
Paul also mentioned: “The strips of jerky are soft and chewy, and they look and somewhat feel like strips of authentic bacon. The only difference is the jerky is a little bit sweeter than actual bacon.”
At last, I’d highly recommend this great Smokehouse Jerky Co. Western Barbecue Bacon Jerky to anyone. This jerky would be terrific on a special poutine, a generous sprinkle on grilled pork chops, in a burger, a tomato sandwich or a grilled cheese.
For the most adventurous of us, I’d suggest a sprinkle on crepes or waffles with a little dab of whipped cream. I am certain a sundae covered with minced jerky bits and a splash of maple syrup, caramel or chocolate syrup would be sublime as well and perhaps out of this world. The possibilities are endless and only limited by your own imagination.
As mentioned, this tasty treat is amazing on its own and it can also become a wonderful accompaniment. It certainly will transform many ordinary dishes or deserts into something very special.
It’s true! …bacon really does make everything taste great!
We’ve awarded this Smokehouse Jerky Co. Western Barbecue Bacon Jerky a very solid and emphatic 9/10 taste rating. Another great job by Smokehouse Jerky Co., as if we would expect anything else from them.
This 2 ounce/56 gram bag of jerky sells online for 7.99. That works out to $4.00 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Commendably, free shipping is offered on all orders over $25.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has a label affixed on the front, and nothing on the back. The label has a fairly detailed picture of a wooden shack with a “Jerky Co.” sign, plus a pig sitting on a smoker.
Some facts printed on this bags are “Old Fashion Recipe”, “No Added MSG”, “No Added Preservatives”, “Made in U.S.A.”, “Old Fashion”, “Gluten Free”, and “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”.
All bag categories are covered but one. There is no blurb printed about Smokehouse Jerky Co. or Tender Heifer Snack Co.
The bag listed below is a 1 oz bag of this Western Barbecue bacon jerky, also kindly submitted by Smokehouse Jerky Co.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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