Simms – Peppered Beef Jerky (Review #3)

Aldi Inc. distributes this Simms 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 next review on the Simms jerky will focus on a 2.85 ounce/81 gram bag of their peppered flavored beef jerky. This bag was purchased at an Aldi store in Niagara Falls, New York.

Ingredient Review

Ingredients: Beef, Sugar, Water, Contains 2% or Less of Salt, Flavorings, Soy Sauce [(Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Maltodextrin], Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Citric Acid, Vinegar, Cultured Cane Sugar.    Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat

The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have 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 is comprised of water, healthy vinegar, and an alright brand of soy sauce.

There are no healthy ingredients listed. Instead, the vague term flavorings is used, which may or may not include healthy ingredients. Black pepper is undoubtedly used.

The sugar level is high at 6 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 3 grams or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is sort of high at 440mg 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 qualify to have no sodium nitrite. Instead, salt is the main preservative, and to a lesser degree, healthy vinegar and citric acid. This jerky does not qualify to have no MSG added as the cheap, highly processed flavor enhancer Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, is used to lose a rating.

Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating

Taste Review

SIMMS – PEPPERED BEEF JERKY (REVIEW #3)

Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker

When I open the bag, I smell soy. The pieces are large and sliced medium to thick. The jerky is rigid and dry, just the way our forefathers intended it to be. There is no oily residue left on your fingers handling these jerky strips.

The first flavors I encounter are salt, minimum sweet, garlic, I believe slight onion, natural beef, and soy.

I happen to be a big fan of peppered anything, jerky especially, and this flavor is not disappointing me. It is ripe with peppered flavor. It even has a bit of a zing in the background, possibly from the pepper, perhaps from something else. I see pepper flakes, but no chili flakes on the pieces of jerky.

This jerky is coming across as advertised. It is a flavourful peppered jerky taste, count me as duly impressed. The peppered flavor is definitely in the forefront, making this jerky a delectable treat for all peppered fans, of which I’m a card-carrying aficionado.

Simms, you’ve done it again, last time it was your spectacular biltong, this time it’s your equally scrumptious peppered flavor jerky. Kudos to the fine folks at Simms, they keep pumping out some fantastic beef products. Two enthusiastic thumbs up, a definite 10/10.

Here is what Mark had to say about this peppered beef jerky flavor from Simms: “Thanks Paul for the great taste review. I agree that the peppered flavor comes across well. My main issue with this jerky is that the beef has a slight but distinct processed beef flavor that I can detect a mile away. While many people may not notice, I sense this familiar processed beef flavor immediately, which automatically deducts two rating points.”

“Due to COVID19, we are down to just Paul and I for this review. With myself at an 8 taste rating, Paul at a 10, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating seems warranted.”

This 2.85 ounce/81 gram bag cost $3.39. That works out to a very cheap price of $1.19 an ounce.

Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating

Bag Review

This plastic resealable bag has everything imprinted directly on the bag, both on the front and back. There is little printed in the way of graphics.

There are no apparent slogans on this bag, other than maybe “Premium Cuts of Beef”. Some facts displayed are “1g Fat”, “11g Protein”, “7g Total Carbs”, “0g Trans Fat”, “80 Calories”, “0g Sat Fat”, “440mg Salt”, “6g Sugars”, and “Lactose Free”.

All major bag categories are covered. There is a short but good blurb on the back about Simms beef jerky. There is no web site listed. Admirably, Aldi Inc. offers a “Double Guarantee”, where they will both replace your product, and refund your money if you are not satisfied.

Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating