Kroger is an American retail company and one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, and it was founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883. Kroger operates a diverse range of grocery stores, from traditional supermarkets to hypermarkets, supercenters, and department stores. Kroger is primarily known for its grocery retail operations, offering various food and non-food products. The stores typically carry a comprehensive selection of fresh produce, meat, dairy, bakery items, packaged goods, and jerky.
Kroger operates under various banners, including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, King Soopers, and others. Each banner may have its unique features and cater to specific regional preferences. The company supports various charitable and community programs, including initiatives to combat hunger and promote sustainability. The Kroger jerky brand name is distributed under the name of The Kroger Co., and they are located in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The first review for Kroger will focus on a 2.85 ounce/80 gram bag of their Original flavored turkey jerky. This flavor is described as a must for anyone who craves the flavor of authentic Smokehouse Jerky. The jerky bag was purchased at a Kroger store in Port Huron, Michigan.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Brown Sugar, Contains 2% or less of: Potassium Chloride, Salt, Natural Flavors (Including Smoke), Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Dextrose, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Paprika Oleoresin, Sodium Nitrite. Allergen Warnings: Soy
On the whole, turkey is a leaner and healthier meat choice compared to beef. Turkeys raised in the US are not allowed to receive growth hormones. There is no guarantee that the turkey has free range access to roam about. As a result, the highest ingredient rating possible is Very Good (9/10).
The liquid marinade consists of only healthy turkey broth.
The only healthy ingredient added is paprika oleoresin. The vague term natural flavors is a listed ingredient, which may contain healthy and unhealthy ingredients.
The sugar level is acceptable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is a little high at 380mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite added as sodium nitrite is used outright as a preservative to lose a rating. Instead, salt is the main preservative added. This jerky does not qualify to have no MSG added as the highly processed, cheap flavor enhancers hydrolyzed corn protein and hydrolyzed soy protein are used to lose another rating.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
KROGER – ORIGINAL TURKEY JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell nothing. The pieces are small to medium in size and sliced medium to thick. The hue is lighter than usual, typical of turkey jerky. The jerky is dry and easy to chew.
When I bite into the jerky I am pleasantly surprised by the flavor. The salt is at a great level, and it is moderately sweet, certainly well within the proper parameters. I am tasting garlic and onion, though they both are at mild levels.
I am not typically a fan of turkey, and by that extension turkey jerky, but I am genuinely enjoying this flavor. It is not by any means blowing me away, but it is pleasantly quite good. I am quite prepared to anoint an 8/10 and could be swayed up to a 9/10. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this Kroger – Original Turkey Jerky. The texture is dry, tender, and full of flavor. The seasoning is light and nicely accentuates the meat’s natural flavor. I believe beef, fish, and seafood are meant to be enjoyed with minimal seasoning to appreciate their delicate flavors. Pork can go either way, much like chicken and turkey to a certain extent. Pork and chicken generally do well with accentuated or bolder flavoring.
Many people like seasoning their chicken or pork generously, and this may be a cultural thing or perhaps because they are inexpensive proteins and readily available. Most of us may add extra seasoning and/or sauces to break the monotony and make these dishes exciting and more flavorful. With this in mind, we can go full circle and conclude it is a cultural thing and generally a good thing. However, Kroger turned a plain and ordinary protein, and they certainly Make A Turkey Great Again!
The Kroger – Original Turkey Jerky is delicious. I’ve enjoyed the taste and appreciate this little treat’s sweet and salty flavor. The texture and aroma are also impeccable. I can’t find any fault, and I simply find this little gem quite addictive. I would rate this jerky an easy 10/10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Original turkey jerky flavor from Kroger: “Thanks Stéphane and Paul for the informative taste reviews. I mostly agree with everything stated. The only thing not mentioned is the level of smokiness, which to me was subtle tasting. The smokiness is not strong enough tasting for a flavor described as smokehouse jerky. My other minor complaint is that the thickness of the strips was inconsistent. The spices did not come across well in some of the thicker strips.”
“Whether you agree with Stéphane or not that turkey should be lightly seasoned, that is the case with jerky flavor. It is a delightful seasoning that works well. Thankfully, the sweetness is at a mild level so as not to mute the natural turkey flavor. Overall, there is some ‘wow factor present, but good tasting is the most accurate description that I can come up with. With Stéphane at a 10 rating, Paul at a 9 rating, and myself at an 8 rating, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 2.85 ounce/80 gram bag sold for $5.49, which works out to $1.92 an ounce. That rates as a cheap price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on the bag, both on the front and back.
A slogan printed on this bag is “Where Awesome Meets Affordable”. Some facts printed are “Smoke Flavor Added”, “Excellent Source of Protein”, “Gluten Free”, “95% Fat Free”, “14g Protein”, and “Smokehouse Jerky”.
All bag categories are covered. A good blurb is printed on the back describing this jerky. To the credit of Kroger, a toll-free phone number is provided for customer inquiries. Admirably, a money back guarantee is offered.
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