Gold Emblem started appearing in stores several years ago. This Gold Emblem jerky brand seems to be a replacement for the Clover Valley jerky brand, although that is not verified. While CVS Pharmacy, Inc. distributes this jerky, I generally refer to this jerky as Dollar Store jerky. The quality of Dollar Store jerky has come a long way in the last 15 years.
Gold Emblem is a private-label brand exclusively available at CVS Pharmacy, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the United States. The Gold Emblem brand offers a wide range of food and beverage products that cater to various dietary preferences and needs. The Gold Emblem brand is designed to offer affordable alternatives to national brands, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious shoppers. The Gold Emblem jerky brand is distributed under the name of CVS Pharmacy, Inc., and it is located in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. This jerky is believed to be manufactured by the private label company Marfood USA, located in Taylor, Michigan, meaning it is a stock recipe.
The next review on Gold Emblem will focus on a 2.85 ounce/81 gram bag of their Spicy Garlic flavored pork jerky. This flavor is described as being marinated in a wonderfully delicious spicy jalapeno-garlic blend that will keep you reaching for more. The bag was purchased at a CVS Pharmacy in Lewiston, 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
GOLD EMBLEM – SPICY GARLIC PORK JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell what I believe to be soy, and possibly bbq. The pieces are medium to large, and they are sliced rather thick. The jerky is soft and easy to chew. There is no oily residue left on your fingers.
The first flavors I encounter are salt, sweet, both at medium levels, as well as garlic and onion. I am also picking up on the spice. It is coming through quite well, spicy, yet not over the top.
As I consume more, the spice is coming to the forefront, and I must say, it is a tasty spiciness. I can tell that I am not eating beef, but not so sure I would have guessed pork, had I not already known.
Overall, as I consume the jerky, I am impressed but by no means blown away. A solid 8/10, but I could be convinced to go as high as a 9/10. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
This Golden Emblem – Spicy Garlic Pork Jerky is good but rather uneventful and unremarkable. There is a hint of spice but very light at best. The texture is reminiscent of playdoh, and the aroma is somewhat dull. I’ve been trying to find something positive about this jerky, and the silence in my head was deafening. I can’t find anything that piqued or sparked any interest.
The Golden Emblem – Spicy Garlic Pork Jerky is nothing to boast about, and the taste, texture, and aroma do not really inspire trust, confidence, or to conceptualize the characteristics of a quality meat product.
I wouldn’t recommend this jerky to anyone in good faith and simply pass on this jerky look alike product. I rate this 6\10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Spicy Garlic beef jerky flavor from Gold Emblem: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the candid taste reviews. I lean more with Stéphane here. Starting with the texture, it sort of resembles play-doh, but plasticine is a more accurate comparison. If I had done this taste review blindfolded, not knowing what type of jerky this was, I am not so certain that I would have guessed pork first. This pork flavor is processed tasting, giving off an heir of being big brand jerky.”
“There is a reasonable level of heat present from the jalapeno peppers. As for the garlic, it is light tasting being a major disappointment for a garlic lover. The saltiness is at a reasonable level, and the medium level of sweetness can be an annoyance. As mentioned by Stéphane, there is nothing special about this flavor except for maybe the spiciness, which is on point. With Paul at an 8 rating, Stéphane at a 6 rating, and myself at a generous 7 rating, a Decent (7/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 2.85 ounce/81 gram bag of jerky sells for $7.49, which equates to $2.63 an ounce. That rates as a cheap price.
Bag Review
This resealable professional-looking plastic bag has everything imprinted on the bag, including the front and back. There is a high-resolution picture of jerky strips on the front, a jalapeno pepper, and garlic.
A slogan printed on this bag is “We’re Gold Emblem: Our Standard is Delicious”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Soft And Tender”, “Artisan Cuts”, “No Preservatives, Nitrates or Artificial Ingredients”, “Hand-Crafted”, “80 Calories”, “.5g Sat Fat”, “310mg Sodium”, and “6g Sugars”.
There are no bag categories missing. On the back is a good blurb about this flavor. To the credit of CVS Pharmacy, a toll-free number is provided for customer inquiries.
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