Hobe’s Country Ham is a family owned, Veteran owned Country Ham facility out of Wilkesboro, North Carolina where they supply country ham products to Food Lion and some other big companies. Hobe’s Country Ham is proud to be a family-owned and operated business, serving their customers since 1973. Hobe’s was founded by their late grandfather, Hobert Gambill. He took immense pride in serving families at the table, and providing exceptional quality country ham for over 40 years.
Shiners Stash partnered with Hobe’s Country Ham in 2019 to produce some ham jerky based flavors. Hobe’s Country Ham is distributed under the same name of Hobe’s Country Ham, and they are based out of the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. This jerky is not secretly manufactured by private labeler (Co-packer) Shiners Stash, LLC. based out of Conover, North Carolina.
The next review for Hobe’s Country Ham will focus on a 2 ounce/56 gram bag of their Black Pepper flavored ham jerky. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by Shiners Stash Co-Owner, Beth Altis.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Pork, Ham, Hobe’s Country Style, Separable Lean Only, Sodium Nitrite, Sodium Nitrate, Brown Sugar (Molasses), Teriyaki Marinade (Wine, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Spices, Onion Powder, Succinic Acid, Garlic Powder, < 0.1% Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt, Salt, < 0.1% of Sodium Benzoate (Preservative)), Garlic Fresh, Garlic Salt, Spice, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The ham used is guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Very Good (9/10) rating.
The liquid marinade is comprised of a poor brand of teriyaki marinade, and an average brand of soy sauce. Unfortunately, the teriyaki marinade uses the highly processed cheap sweetener high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to lose a rating.
There are some healthy ingredients added such as fresh garlic , spice, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
The sugar level is high at 8 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is off the charts high at 2010mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose another rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to be sodium nitrite free, as sodium nitrite was used outright as a preservative in curing the country ham to lose a rating. Admirably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I don’t smell much, very little actually. The pieces are not so much pieces as they are morsels. The jerky’s thickness is inconsistent, it wavers between medium to thick, and all pieces are not very large in size.
While my introduction to this jerky might have come across as ominous, all that is nullified when I actually take a bite out of the jerky. The first flavors I encounter are strong salt, which I love, strong pepper, which I also love, and strong ham, of which I am a dedicated disciple of. I taste next to no sweet, thankfully, and I do pick up on light garlic and onion flavors, which are also delicious.
I cannot believe how much I am enjoying this ridiculously tasty flavor of jerky. I inhaled this bag of jerky in seconds flat, this jerky should only be sold in stores behind bullet-proof glass.
Obi Wan Kenobi, only Darth Vader would take issue to this delectable flavor of jerky, but no worries, Sheldon & Leonard have lent me their light scepters, and I’ll hold Darth off while you keep distributing your “space crack” to the unsuspecting earthlings. Together we shall prevail. A 10/10 gentlemen, more if I could…Two Thumbs Up 👍👍
A 2 ounce/56 gram bag sells online for $4.99. That works out to $2.50 an ounce, which rates as an average price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable clear plastic bag has labels affixed, both on the front and back. The Hobe’s logo states that they were established in 1973.
A slogan printed on this bag is “Great Snack Anytime”. Some facts printed on this bag are “17g Protein Per Serving”, “Veteran Owned”, “Made in the USA”, and “Shelf Stable”.
All bag categories are covered with this bag. You are encouraged to follow Hobe’s Country Ham on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. A good blurb is printed on the back about Hobe’s Country Ham and Shiners Stash.
Order their jerky online: http://hobescountryham.com
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