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 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 Smokehouse Jerky Co. is distributed by Tender Heifer Snack Co., which is headquartered in Beaumont, California.
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 3.5 ounce/99 gram bag of their Jalapeno flavored meat sticks. This flavor is described as being made from high quality beef and pork, seasoned with a spicy jalapeno flavoring. The meat sticks were graciously submitted for review by co-owner Franco Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Pork, Beef, Water, Salt, Dried Jalapenos, Corn Syrup Solids, Encapsulated Citric Acid (Citric Acid, Hydrogenated Palm Oil), Spices, Garlic Powder, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Acetate, Sodium Diacetate, 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 listed are Jalapeno powder, garlic powder, and spices.
The sugar level is 0 grams of sugar per 25 grams of meat stick. The salt level is acceptable at 360mg of salt per 25 grams of meat stick.
Unhealthy sodium nitrite is used as a preservative in this meat stick along with sodium erythorbate to lose a rating.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SMOKEHOUSE JERKY CO. – JALAPENO MEAT STICKS
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open up the bag I smell very slight vinegar and nothing else. The meat stick is consistent with most other meat sticks in its length, girth, and hue. An ever-so-slight oily residue is left on your fingertips when handling the meat stick.
When I bite into the meat stick I am immediately hit with the salt flavor, which is very distinctive. To a lesser degree, I am detecting pepper to a decent degree, almost no sweet, a good thing, along with milder garlic and slight vinegar. Also very prominent is the jalapeño flavor. It is kicking up the whole “meat stick” experience.
There is still no “snap” to the collagen casing, which is suitable for a deduction. I must say that this meat stick is immensely favorable.
In conclusion, I am inclined to rate the jalapeño meat stick a 9/10, quite the tasty treat. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I’ve enjoyed this Smokehouse Jerky Co. Jalapeño meat stick, as the texture is flavorful and pleasant. The meat stick is somewhat on the leaner and dryer side with some acidity and favors a cleaner bite. It also provides, or at least gives the impression of a better quality product.
The spiciness is not intense in any way but rather on the milder side. I am not 100% on board with the jalapeño flavor, and I can’t fault Smokehouse Jerky Co. We know the taste and intensity of jalapeños can fluctuate significantly between batches and even individual peppers. I find all the expected flavors are present, along with a great smokiness. This Smokehouse Jerky Co. Jalapeño meat stick is a delicious snack, and I’d rate it a 9/10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Jalapeno meat stick flavor from Smokehouse Jerky Co.: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the positive taste reviews. For whatever reason, I seemed to detect more heat with this Jalapeno meat stick. On a heat scale, I would say at 2 out of 5. The heat is noticeable, but the natural flavor of Jalapeno peppers is absent. Apart from the heat, acidity, and saltiness, not much else is going on with this flavor profile.”
“I 100% agree that the texture has barely any ‘snap’ to lose a rating. While this Jalapeno meat stick is pleasurable, no ‘wow factor’ exists. I cannot say that I picked up a great smokiness flavor. With Paul and Stéphane at a 9 rating and myself at a 7 rating, a Good (8/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 3.5 ounce/99 gram bag of meat sticks sells online for $9.99. That works out to $2.85 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
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.”.
The only missing bag category is a best before date. A batch number is printed, which can translate to the best before date.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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