Aldi Inc. distributes this Simply Nature brand of jerky, and it is based out of Batavia, Illinois. Aldi is a large company with grocery stores located in at least 18 countries around the world. This jerky is manufactured by the private label company Marfood USA, located in Taylor, Michigan, far as we know.
The first review on this Simply Nature jerky brand name will focus on a 2.85 ounce/81 gram bag of their peppered flavored organic beef jerky. This bag was purchased at an Aldi store in Niagara Falls, New York.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Organic Beef, Organic Sugar, Water, Contains 2% or Less of Sea Salt, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Soy Sauce (Water, Organic Soybeans, Organic Wheat, Salt), Organic Natural Flavors, Yeast Extract, Citric Acid. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The highest standard of beef would be organic beef. That implies that the cattle are ethically raised, meaning no growth hormones or additional antibiotics are administered. There would also be at least some partial free range access to graze on grass. This beef is also advertised to be 100% grass-fed. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is an Excellent (10/10) rating.
The liquid marinade is comprised of just water and organic soy sauce.
There is only one healthy ingredient listed with organic black pepper. Organic natural flavors are listed, which could include both healthy and unhealthy ingredients.
The sugar level is high at 6 grams of sugar per 28 gram of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is sort of high at 470mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. However, the salt level is ignored because healthy, minimally processed sea salt is added instead of highly refined table salt.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite. Commendably, this jerky does qualify to have no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SIMPLY NATURE – PEPPERED ORGANIC BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I smell light pepper. I can see the pepper flakes on the jerky. It appears to be a rather small sample size. The pieces are small to medium in size, and they are sliced to a medium thickness. The jerky is soft and dry, and there is no oily residue left on your fingers.
The first flavors I encounter are salt, at a decent level, pepper, at an exquisite level, light garlic, light sweet, and an unexpected kick, possibly from the pepper flakes, but a little too intense for that I believe.
The jerky is tasting a bit processed, but that is in no way deterring me from inhaling this jerky. Maybe enough to deduct a point from this product, but not enough to stop me from blowing through this small jerky portion. It’s tasty enough to want “MORE”, and it’s delivering in spades on the peppered flavor. Taste-wise a 10/10, but texture-wise a 9/10. My final assessment is 9/10. Gentlemen?
Here is what Stéphane had to say: “Simply Nature Peppered Organic Beef Jerky is simple, and it packs tons of flavor.”
“There is no unnecessary detractor in its flavor profile. It is a no muss, no fuss, just great beefy taste, lots of cracked black pepper paired with a little sweetness to bring out these delicious flavors.”
“I enjoyed this simple jerky, as I devoured my bag in a flash. I highly recommend this treat with a 10/10 taste rating.”
Here is what Mark had to say about this peppered organic beef jerky flavor from Simply Nature: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the honest taste reviews. We are agreed that they nailed the peppered flavor aspect in this jerky. My main issue is that the beef taste slightly processed. Granted, the natural taste of beef is better than most private labelers. One other issue is that the black pepper is not evenly distributed between the strips, which is very hard to achieve with a peppered flavor.”
“Due to COVID-19, we are down to only three members from the Group of Seven. Paul is at a 9, Stéphane at a 10, and myself at an 8 rating. A Very Good (9/10) taste rating seems appropriate.”
This 2.85 ounce/81 gram bag cost $4.49. That works out to a very cheap price of $1.57 an ounce.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on to the bag itself, both on the front and back. There are no labels affixed to this bag. There are high-resolution displays of peppercorns on both the front and back.
There is no slogan printed on this bag. Some facts printed are “Non-GMO”, “Made From 100% Grass Fed Beef”, “Beef Used Contains: No Added Hormones & No Added Antibiotics”, “Calories 80”, “SatFat 0.5g”, “Sodium 470mg”, “Sugars 6g”, “USDA Organic”, “96% Fat Free”, “9g Protein”, “6g Carbohydrates”, and “Packaged in the USA”.
No bag categories are missing. There is a good blurb printed on the back and front about Simply Nature. Admirably, Aldi Inc. offers a “Double Guarantee”, where they will both replace your product, and refund your money if you are not satisfied.
Leave a Comment