Jacques Engelbrecht was born in South Africa, but only spent a couple of years there and then immigrated to the USA with his family in 2000. They missed biltong when they migrated, so Jacques and his father would make it at home. Jacques introduced it to his friends, and they loved it so Jacques would sell to his friends at high school. Once Jacques got to college, Jacques accumulated some business acumen and entered into a business competition where he placed second, earning some seed capital. Jacques Engelbrecht then joined an accelerator run by Rowan University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
Jacques Biltong is advertised to use a secret South African family recipe. 100% grass-fed is used, along with only all-natural ingredients with no nitrates, no artificial color, and no MSG. Jacques Biltong claims to have more protein than jerky, with 32 grams of biltong compared to an average bag of jerky with 19 grams of protein. This biltong is certified to be keto-friendly and paleo-friendly. This biltong brand name was launched in 2019. Jacques Biltong is distributed under the name of Jacques Snacks LLC, and it is located in Trenton, New Jersey.
The first review on Jacques Biltong will focus on a 2 ounce/85 gram bag of their original flavored beef biltong. This flavor is described as tender and flavorful because it’s slow cured in a marinade of vinegar and spices. The biltong was kindly submitted for review by the Founder and CEO, Jacques Engelbrecht.
Ingredients: Grass Fed Beef, Red Wine Vinegar, Distilled White Vinegar, Sugar, Onion, Garlic, Molasses, Anchovies, Coriander, Clove, Salt, Natural Flavors, Chilli Pepper Extract, Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate Allergen Warnings: Anchovies
Jacques Biltong is guaranteed to use 100% grass-fed beef. As a result, the cattle are guaranteed to have free-range access and be ethically raised. Therefore, the ingredient rating starts at an Excellent (10/10) rating.
This liquid marinade used here is comprised of super good red wine vinegar and distilled white vinegar.
There are healthy ingredients added, such as onion, garlic, anchovies, coriander, clove, and chili pepper extract.
The sugar level is acceptable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of biltong. The salt level is quite high at only 530mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, salt is the main preservative and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to a lesser extent. Admirably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
JACQUES BILTONG – ORIGINAL BEEF BILTONG
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the sealed bag, I smell wine and vinegar. The pieces look the same as all other biltong, except for the fact that I see actual fat on some of the strips, which enhances the flavor of the biltong. The pieces are small in size, and rather thin, as well as shiny, as per pretty much all biltong. There is no oily residue left on your fingers.
Boy, oh boy, I couldn’t type fast enough to get through the formalities. This jerky is ‘dope’ man. Geez, Louise, this taste experience is making me gyrate, making me hallucinate, making me copulate (in my shorts), making me postulate as to where this biltong’s been hiding for so long.
Jacques, you ROCK!!! Hook me up to a Jacques original biltong IV. I’m gonna get me a solid helping of Jacques Biltong to cure whatever’s ailing me. Guys, a 10/10 does not correctly serve this biltong enough justice, a 300/10 sounds more appropriate. Gotta stop writing folks, it’s rudely cutting into my biltong inhalation time. Taste explosions with every bite!!! Two thumbs way up!!!👍👍
Here is what Mark had to say about this original beef biltong flavor from Jacques Biltong: “Thanks Paul for the inspiring taste review. I also loved this flavor. The classic taste of biltong is present with the salt, vinegar, cloves, and coriander. But there is so much more to this flavor with a little sweetness (unusual for biltong), garlic, onion, chili pepper extract, and surprisingly underrated tasting anchovies. The ‘extra’ flavors make eating this biltong a little similar experience to eating jerky. What results is a delicious, well-balanced base of flavors leaving you wanting more.”
“Due to COVID-19, we are down to three people from the Group of Seven. Mark M. said he would give this biltong an 11 taste rating if possible. Jacques, your biltong is otherworldly tasty.”
This 2 ounce/56 gram bag of biltong sells online for $6.99. That works out to $3.50 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on to the bag itself on both the front and back. There is a barren landscape in the background, which could be South Africa.
A slogan printed on this bag is “South African-style cured steak strip.” Some facts printed on this bag are “100% Grass-Fed Beef”, “32g Protein”, “220 Calories”, “Paleo Friendly”, and “Keto Approved”.
All bag categories are covered. There is an excellent blurb printed on the back about this biltong.
Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating
Order their jerky online: www.jacquessnacks.com
Leave a Comment