Aldi Inc. distributes this Simms Artisan 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 the Simms Artisan line of jerky will focus on a 2.75 ounce/77.96 gram bag of their spicy garlic flavored pork jerky. This flavor is described as being infused with the savory taste of garlic and finished off with a bold, spicy kick! The bag was purchased at an Aldi store in Niagara Falls, New York.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Pork, Sugar, Gluten-Free Soy Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Sugar), Water, Dehydrated Vegetables (Jalapeno, Garlic, Onion), Salt, Dehydrated Brown Sugar, Celery Powder (Cultured Celery Powder, Sea Salt), Spices, Cilantro, Natural Flavorings (Including Paprika). Allergen Warnings: Soy
The pork used is guaranteed to be raised ethically with no antibiotics and no added hormones. This pork is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to roam about outside. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Very Good (9/10) rating.
The liquid marinade is comprised of just water and a gluten-free soy sauce.
Some healthy ingredients added are garlic, onion, spices, and cilantro. The vague term natural flavorings are listed, which may contain unhealthy ingredients but include healthy paprika. The heat is achieved from the jalapeno peppers, which are healthy if eaten in moderation, flushing toxins out of your body.
The sugar level is high at 6 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 4 grams or less of sugar per 28 grams of jerky for a hot based flavor as we have here. The salt level is acceptable at 310mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite. Instead, salt is the main preservative. Admirably, this jerky does qualify to have no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Simms – Spicy Garlic Pork Jerky (REVIEW #3)
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I don’t smell much, maybe the pork. The jerky pieces vary in size, from small to medium, and are generally medium in thickness. The jerky is light in hue, and it is soft yet dry. There is no oily residue left on your fingers.
The first flavors I encounter are salt, pepper, slight garlic, as well as the natural flavor of pork. I’m not really picking up on any spice. However, it tastes somewhat nondescript. All flavors are not up to the degree that I’m used to.
This jerky is good, but not great. I would have to go no higher than a 7/10. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I really enjoyed Simms – Spicy Garlic Pork Jerky, it is spicy but not overly spicy. The spiciness may have possibly dissipated since the bag was open. This jerky has a pleasant and rich flavor. The spiciness is well complemented and offset by a little sweetness, and it pairs well with the pork. I love the depth and complexity of this flavor profile. The pork, garlic, and black pepper shine through it all. The tender texture of this jerky also kicks it up a few notches.
I love everything about this jerky, and the level of addictionation factorization is way up there in my own humble opinion. It’s an easy 9 or 10/10 taste rating for me.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Artisan spicy garlic pork jerky flavor from Simms: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the honest taste reviews. I lean towards Paul’s taste review here. No, this jerky is not all that spicy but likely at an acceptable level. It was more the lack of garlic that was my issue. Plus, while not overly sweet tasting, a little too high for my liking. Overall, this is a pleasant flavor, but I would not go as far as to say this spicy garlic flavor is good. With Paul and myself both at a 7 taste rating, and with Stéphane at a 9 or 10, we feel that a Good (8/10) taste rating is warranted.”
This 2.75 ounce/77.96 gram bag cost $3.39. That works out to a very cheap price of $1.19 an ounce.
Bag Review
This plastic resealable bag has everything imprinted directly on the bag, both on the front and back. Artisan Jerky is displayed on the front along with a tiny logo of Simms.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts displayed are “No Preservatives”, “Gluten Free”, “Good Source of Protein”, “Seasoned, tender cuts of premium pork jerky”, “This little pig is spicy”, 80 Calories”, “0.5g Saturated Fat”, “310mg Sodium”, and “6 grams of sugar”.
All major bag categories are covered. There are two short but good blurbs printed on the back about Simms artisan jerky and this spicy garlic flavor. 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.
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