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 Honey Pepper Style flavored bacon jerky. This flavor is described as using top-shelf ingredients with the sweetness of honey and the light taste of black pepper. The jerky was kindly submitted for review by one of the owners, Patti Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Bacon (Water, Salt, Sugar, Smoke Flavoring, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Flavoring, Sodium Nitrate), Brown Sugar, Honey, Water, Pineapple, Ground Pepper.
This is a standard ingredient list for bacon. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating. While not good, it contains sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrate as preservatives to lose a rating.
The liquid marinade used here is comprised of just water, and healthy honey.
There are some healthy ingredients added such as pineapple and black pepper. Some people refer to black pepper as being the King of Spices, which offers many health benefits.
The sugar level is very high at 10 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. For a sweet based flavor as we have here, our preference is 5 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 450mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose another rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
Admirably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I am quite enamored with the great Smokehouse Jerky Co. Honey Pepper Style Bacon Jerky and it would be a challenge to improve on such a tasty little beauty. I truly appreciate its pleasant and crispy texture, the quality of the bacon and all the flavors are distinct and delicious. These flavors harmoniously elevate this little marvel on its own pedestal where men and women alike praise the achievements of Smokehouse Jerky Co.
This bacon is really meaty with a reasonable amount of tasty fat. This jerky delivers a little crunch similar to candied bacon without excessive sweetness while also delivering a few lean and interesting notes of goodness. The pork or the bacon flavor remains unaltered while the honey and the subtle bite of black pepper along with the smokiness create a well balanced and amazing flavor profile.
As such, I find the sweetness adequate without being overpowering. The balance of sweetness in any honey jerky flavor is especially important. It is a fundamental goal in order to preserve the wonderful taste of honey. I believe further taming the sweetness would likely impair the great flavor of Honey and quite possibly assassinate it all together. The bacon and especially pork are types of meats enjoyed either in savory dishes or with a sweeter component.
These strips of jerky are similar to most regular strips of bacon. They are the same in size and have a similar texture. They do leave a small oily residue on the fingers after handling. There are lots of black pepper flakes or specks on each strip and this provide a great punch of flavor and taste.
I truly enjoyed this Smokehouse Jerky Co. Honey Pepper Style Beef Jerky and I could not find any real fault. I’d highly recommend this bacon jerky as is or else chopped and sprinkled on many favorite dishes. This would certainly be a creative way of making many dishes tastier and more interesting from an appetizer to a main dish and all the way to dessert and more. A little sprinkle on a salad, poutine or a slice of Hawaiian Pizza could create a delicious Masterpiece.
Paul stated: “The first flavor jumping out at me is the sweetness. It is not overpowering but it is “uber” present. I also taste the salt and the pepper to a lesser degree.
As I consume more, the definitive taste of honey oozes out, which, to me, is a far more favorable flavor of sweet than regular sugar. The honey and the pepper are coming through in spades, which are the aforementioned listed flavors of this jerky. The intense honey and intense pepper are exactly as advertised. This bacon jerky is bloody tasty to boot. Well done Smokehouse Jerky Co. you continue to impress…”
I’d easily and without a doubt recommend an Excellent 10/10 taste rating. Cheers!
This 2 ounce/56 gram bag of jerky sells online for 7.99 that equates to $4 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Commendably, free shipping is offered on all orders over $25.
Excellent (10/10) – 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 bag 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.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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