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 graciously 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 ). Pasteurized Processed Cheese Sticks: Cultured Pasteurized Milk, Water, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Added Color, Enzymes. Allergen Warnings: Milk
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 WITH CHEESE
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell vinegar and natural beef. The meat sticks are both around 3 or 4 inches long and are shaped just like any other meat stick (pepperette). The cheese is a nice added touch, something never before encountered to the best of my recollection.
When I bite into the meat stick I notice a discernible “snap” to the collagen casing.
Up to this point I have been taking a small bite of the cheese, immediately followed by a small bite of the meat stick. This has proven to be an enjoyable (new) process of eating a meat stick.
I taste salt, pepper, slight garlic, natural beef, and ever so slightly sweet, along with ever so slight vinegar. This has proven to be a most succulent jerky tasting experience. I love Smokehouse Jerky Co. thinking outside the box and providing the cheese morsels with the meat stick pieces.
This meat stick was delicious, further enhanced by the cheese, and therefore, I am quite convinced and content to grade this delectable taste experience a definitive 10/10. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I wasn’t expecting much from the Smokehouse Jerky Co. Original Meat Stick with Cheese. I thought the cheese texture would resemble an eraser or the caulking around a bathtub. I was pleasantly surprised, as it was on par with regular smoked cheese. The aroma and texture of the meat stick were also fine.
The meat stick and cheese tasted good. It had a pleasant smokiness, and the flavors were well balanced. The amount was small and barely enough to sample or have a decent taste. I’d rate these meat and cheese sticks a 9/10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Original meat stick with cheese flavor from Smokehouse Jerky Co.: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the candid taste reviews. I agree with everything stated. Indeed, this is our first review with cheese sticks included. As a disclaimer, I am not a big fan of cheese. I tried these original meat sticks with the cheese, but I prefer to eat just the meat stick.”
“The original flavor is on point, but there is not much ‘wow’ factor, and I am not in a position to judge the cheese. With Stéphane Leclerc and me a 9 rating and Paul at a 10 rating, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag of meat sticks sells online for $7.50. 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 facts printed on this bag are “Made in U.S.A.” and “Fully Cooked”.
The only missing bag category is a best before date. A batch number is printed, which could translate to a best before date.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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