The Smokehouse Jerky Co. brand name was launched in 2008. Since taking over Tender Heifer Snack Co. in 2017, Franco and his wife Patti Fonseca have increased sales. Smokehouse Jerky Co. currently sells 15 different flavors of beef jerky, and 5 flavors of bacon jerky. All Smokehouse Jerky Co. jerky is made in small batches.
Tender Heifer Snack Co. are always looking for new distributors across the United States, and they offer private label services. Most notably Smokehouse Jerky Co. does private labeling for Knott’s Berry Farm, where they are currently working on developing new interesting flavors. 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 3 ounce/84 gram bag of their ole cracked pepper flavored beef jerky. This will be our second review on this old cracked pepper flavor, where the ingredient list and bag design has since been slightly tweaked. The flavor is described as featuring a rich, peppery flavor made by adding cracked peppercorns – people who are looking for a sharper kick in their snacks will take a delight in this jerky’s subtle spice. This jerky was commendably submitted for review by co-owner, Patti Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Gluten Free Tamari Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Sugar), Water, Brown Sugar, Lemon Juice, Liquid Smoke (Water, Natural Hickory Smoke), Garlic Powder, Black Pepper. Allergen Warnings: Soy
This brisket cut of beef used is from cattle raised in California. 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 good gluten-free tamari sauce, water, healthy lemon juice, and liquid hickory smoke.
There are some healthy ingredients added such as garlic powder and black pepper. Some people consider black pepper to be the King of Spices, which offers many health benefits.
The sugar level is acceptable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 600mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
There are no unhealthy preservatives used, where this jerky is confirmed as having no sodium nitrite. Admirably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I smell two things, natural beef and black pepper. Two of my favorite smells, not to mention tastes. The jerky is medium in size, and it is sliced thin. The jerky is dry, yet very easy to chew with this brisket cut of beef. Handing this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
Holy frickin’ crap, what the “bleep” do we have here?! Get me a drool bucket, this jerky is making me salivate like Pavlov’s dogs. I detect copious amounts of salt, Pepper (with a capital “P”), and hordes and hordes of natural beef.
Holy Carumba, this jerky is criminal, in the sense that I feel I am indulging in something so tasty, it should be illegal. Smokehouse Jerky Company, once again, without fail, you have proven yet once again how adept you are at perfecting spectacular jerky recipes and flavors, so much so that I fail to understand why your jerky isn’t sanctioned and controlled. There must be some Smokehouse Jerky Co. addiction recovery locations we’re not privy to yet, because after “devouring” your version of crack, I have decided to tweak your description of this tasty addictive treat to Smokehouse Jerky Co. Ole “Crack” Black Pepper, because I’m gonna have to check myself into one of those clinics after I finish my portion of the jerky.
650 million thumbs up, once again you guys (and gals) at Smokehouse Jerky Co. have outdone yourselves, please feel free to visit me at one of your addiction clinics, and repeat after me: “Hello, my name is Paul, and I’m a Smokehouse Jerky Co. Ole Cracked Pepper beef jerky addict…” A “1 million out of 1 million”, or 10/10, either way, a spectacular flavor of beef jerky once again… Two thumbs way up!!!👍👍”
This 3 ounce/84 gram bag of jerky sells online for $7.99. That works out to $2.66 an ounce, which rates as an average price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This is a standard resealable plastic bag, with a label affixed on the front, and nothing on the back. The label has a fairly detailed picture that looks like a wooden shack with a “Jerky Co.” sign, and trees in a dark background.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed on this bags are “Old Fashion Recipe”, “No Added MSG”, “No Added Preservatives”, “Made in U.S.A.”, “Old Fashion”, and “Brisket”.
The only missing bag category missing is a blurb printed about Smokehouse Jerky Co. or this ole cracked pepper flavor.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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