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 3.2 ounce/92 gram bag of their Teriyaki flavored buffalo jerky. This flavor is described as being marinated in a savory blend of teriyaki sauce, spices, and seasonings to create a taste sensation that will leave you wanting more. The jerky was kindly submitted for review by co-owner Franco Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Buffalo, Brown Cane Sugar, Pineapple Juice (Pineapple Juice, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin A), Soy Sauce (Water, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Salt, Molasses, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate), Water, Smoke Flavoring, Spices, Natural Flavor, Spices. Allergen Warnings: Soy
Buffalo meat is leaner and healthier compared to beef. The buffalo is raised ethically, meaning they are not administered growth hormones or additional antibiotics. They also have some free range access to graze on grass, and roam about, just the way nature intended. As a result, the ingredient rating starts at Excellent (10/10).
The liquid is comprised of healthy pineapple juice, a fair brand of soy sauce, and water.
The only healthy ingredient added is spices. The vague term natural flavor is a listed ingredient, which may include healthy or unhealthy ingredients.
The sugar level is very high at 9 grams of sugar per 23 grams of buffalo jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 5 grams of sugar for a sweet based flavor as we have here. The salt level is relatively low at 210mg of salt per 23 grams of buffalo jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. This jerky does not qualify to have MSG added because the highly processed, cheap flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein is used to lose a rating.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SMOKEHOUSE JERKY CO. – TERIYAKI BUFFALO JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
As I open the bag I don’t really smell anything. The pieces are similar in size and girth. They are medium in size and sliced to a medium thickness. They are tough like rawhide, just like our forefathers intended. There is no oily residue.
When I bite into the jerky I am overcome by the sweet flavor. I do detect some salt, along with pepper, as well as garlic, and onion in the background, but the sweetness is by far the most intense.
While I love the texture of the jerky, and teriyaki flavors are usually “sweet centric”, I feel like Smokehouse Jerky Co. could have dialed back a bit on the sugar content.
I’ve tasted sweeter teriyaki flavors, but this flavor still deserves a point deducted for being too sweet. Other than that, this jerky is quite tasty. I can tell it is not your typical beef flavor, so I would not have been able to determine it as buffalo.
An overall favorable flavor, but I can go no higher than a 9/10, which I feel like this review is being written as. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
Smokehouse Jerky Co. – Teriyaki Buffalo Jerky – This jerky is amazingly tasty and delicious. The meat strips are lean and beautiful, as is normally the case with bison. This jerky is sweet, although still within reason, considering the nature of a delicious Teriyaki flavor. The garlic flavor is prominent, and the smokiness is more subtle. The jerky has a beautiful richness and decadence, and the aroma and texture are exquisite. This jerky has a delightful and more traditional texture without being too tough or leathery. The thickness varies between strips, bringing more depth and dimension to an already memorable experience.
I really enjoyed this Smokehouse Jerky Co. – Teriyaki Buffalo Jerky. I found it to be highly addictive. I possibly may have been “white knuckling” every last bit of this delicious jerky, and I may have been grunting and growling while devouring my meat. Anyhow, suffice it to say that during this feeding frenzy, my cats got scared, and I eventually found them both hiding behind the couch with a look of sheer terror in their pretty little eyes. I’m Sorry!
In conclusion, I would wholeheartedly rate this jerky a 10/10 Taste Rating. A+ and In God We Trust!
Here is what Mark had to say about this Teriyaki buffalo jerky flavor from Smokehouse Jerky Co.: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the accurate taste reviews. Yes, this flavor is sweet tasting but inline with a teriyaki flavor as we have here. The pineapple juice contained in this flavor was a great reminder of what pineapple can bring to the table in terms of taste. In regard to the taste of buffalo, I cannot detect it. At best, it tastes like a slightly richer taste of beef. Part of that may be due to how thin these strips are sliced.”
“The soy is at a mild level, and the smokiness/onion/garlic are at light levels. Overall, the taste profile is balanced rather well. One could argue that the sweetness upsets the balance, but that is debatable. With Stéphane at a 10 and Paul and I at a 9, a unanimous Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 3.2 ounce/91 gram bag of buffalo jerky sells online for $13.99. That costs $4.37 an ounce, which rates as an average 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. This bag is vacuum sealed, which is the best way to keep the jerky fresh tasting.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed on this bag are “Made in U.S.A.” and “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”.
The only missing bag category is a best before date. A batch number is provided, which could translate to a best before date. Admirably, a phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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