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 with Cheese flavored bison beef stick. This flavor is described as being made from premium bison meat seasoned and slow-dried to perfection, packing a punch of flavor and nutrition. The meat stick was graciously submitted for review by co-owner Franco Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Bison, 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, red and Green Jalapeno Peppers, Salt, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Added Color, Enzymes. Allergen Warnings: Milk
The bison used are raised ethically, meaning no growth hormones or additional antibiotics were administered. These bison have free range access to graze on grass as mother nature intended. 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 good at 0 grams of sugar per 28 grams of meat stick. The salt level is a little high at 500mg of salt per 28 grams of meat stick to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams.
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.
Fair (4/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SMOKEHOUSE JERKY CO. – BISON BEEF STICK WITH JALAPENO CHEESE
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell vinegar. The meat stick looks like pretty much every other meat stick.
I took my first bite of the meat stick a couple of days ago, and I was quite unimpressed with the lack of snap to the collagen casing. But the meat stick tastes pretty good, especially enhanced by the cheese. I take a bit of the meat stick, then immediately follow it up with a bite of the cheese. They pair very well together. The cheese greatly augments the meat stick. I taste salt, mild sweet, pepper, garlic, and possibly a slight onion. A very tasty original flavor, along with the cheese, makes for a delectable taste experience.
All this translates into a very well deserved 9/10, only deducting a point for the lack of “snap”.
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag of meat sticks sells online for $8.95. That works out to $2.98 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
Hey Mark and Stephane,
How have you been? I am enjoying #22 Spicy Nacho Chicken sub made on Ghost pepper bread as I am writing this. It is spicy but I would rate it at 6 spicy as the reaper is still at 10. I was happy to note that you started the reviews again after COVID. Have fun, cheers!
Hey Sid, it’s been a long time. You are still legendary, making the Reaper Challenge look like child’s play. We have been doing jerky reviews for over ten years now. Take care.