Established in 2013, Smokehouse Jerky Co. has grown significantly over the past decade, becoming a leading private label provider for over 150 jerky and snack companies. Franco and Patti Fonseca assumed company ownership in 2017 and have since been dedicated to refining their jerky and snack lines. Operating under the name Tender Heifer Snack Co., Smokehouse Jerky Co. actively seeks new distributors nationwide and also offers private label services.
With a diverse product range, Smokehouse Jerky Co. presents an array of options, including beef, bacon, game, and exotic jerky, as well as meat sticks. The brand is distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co., which is headquartered in Beaumont, California.
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their Original Recipe flavored meat stick. This flavor is described as being ground and mixed with various seasonings, spices, and other spices to create a unique and tasty blend. The meat stick was kindly submitted for review by co-owner Franco Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Pork, Beef, Water, Salt, Spices (including Ground and Whole Mustard Seed), Corn Syrup Solids, Dextrose, Garlic Powder, Spice Extractives (including Celery Seed), Encapsulated Citric Acid (Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Palm Oil), Sodium Acetate, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite. Stuffed in Colored Collagen Casing ).
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 outside. The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least 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.
Some healthy ingredients added are spices, mustard powder, mustard seeds, garlic powder, spice extractives, and celery seed extractives.
Hydrogenated palm oil is used, which contains unhealthy trans fat to lose a rating.
The artificial color red #40 or an equivalent is likely used in the collagen casing to lose a rating.
The sugar level is perfect at 2 grams of sugar per 25 grams of meat stick. The salt level is acceptable at 350mg of salt per 25 grams of meat stick.
Unhealthy sodium nitrite is used as a preservative in this meat stick to lose a rating along with sodium erythorbate. Admirably, this meat stick has no MSG added.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SMOKEHOUSE JERKY CO. – ORIGINAL MEAT STICK
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell little, basically nothing. The meat stick looks like any other meat stick. The hue, length, width, and height are in accord with any other common meat stick.
When I bite into the meat stick I notice no “snap” to the meat stick. The collagen casing is too soft.
As for the flavor, I detect salt, mild sugar, garlic, vinegar, and natural beef.
As I consume more I am picking up on much juice, this meat stick is harboring some serious flavors, and it takes continuous consumption to fully appreciate all the delectable flavors coming through in this meat stick.
D*mn, this is one ridiculously tasty meat stick. Outside of the lack of a “snap” to the collagen casing, I can find no issues with this particular flavor. A well deserved 9/10. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
Smokehouse Jerky Company – Original Meat Stick is very tasty. This meat stick tastes like most other meat sticks, and I find an extra “Oomph” to it. The flavor profile is rich and has great depth, it is well balanced, and the saltiness and smokiness are on par. There is a little hint of spiciness in the background, and all these flavors are well accentuated with a nice sourness also in the background.
The aroma and texture are excellent, and the mouth feel is great too. This feels like a quality meat stick, and the flavor is addictive as heck! There is no greasy or oily residue lingering in the mouth. I can only find good things with this meat stick, and I’d rate it 10/10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Original meat stick flavor from Smokehouse Jerky Co.: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane Leclerc for the candid taste reviews. I agree with both of your reviews. The mild variety of spices blends in well together, with no single flavor being overpowering. True in that there is little ‘snap’ to the texture. This meat stick is exactly what you would expect from an original meat stick. With Stéphane Leclerc at a 10 rating and Paul and me at a 9 rating, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag of meat sticks sells online for $6.99. That works out to $2.50 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This non-resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to both the front and back. The label has a fairly detailed picture of a wooden shack with a “Smokehouse” sign.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. The only fact printed on this bag is “Made in U.S.A.”.
There only missing bag category is a best before date. Something is printed, which may have been the best before date or batch number, but has since rubbed off.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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