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. 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 Smokehouse Jerky Co., which is headquartered in Hemet, California.
The next review on Smokehouse Jerky Co. will focus on a 4 ounce/113 gram bag of their Teriyaki flavored cowboy beef jerky. The term cowboy means the beef is a tougher cut designed to be savored and chewed on for a while. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by co-owner Franco Fonseca.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Brown Cane Sugar, Pineapple Juice (Pineapple Juice, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E, Vitamin A), Salt, Soy Sauce (Water, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Salt, Molasses, Caramel Color, Sodium Benzoate), Water, Natural Flavor, Spices. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The cut of beef used is from cattle raised in California. The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. 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.
The liquid marinade is comprised of healthy pineapple juice, water, and a poor brand of soy sauce.
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 gram of sugar per 28 grams of beef jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 5 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky for a sweet based flavor as we have here. The salt level is low at 210mg of salt per 28 grams of beef jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. This flavor does not qualify to have no MSG added because the cheap, highly processed flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein is used in the soy sauce to lose a rating.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SMOKEHOUSE JERKY CO. – TERIYAKI COWBOY BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell teriyaki. The pieces are medium in both size and thickness. The jerky is a darker hue than most jerkies, which likely means more marinade than usual. There is no oily residue.
When I bite into the jerky I taste salt, at a decent level, sweet, higher than I would like but well within reason. I also taste pepper, garlic, and possibly onion in the background.
It is getting sweeter as I consume more of the jerky.
I am duly impressed with the texture of the jerky, it is rather tough, just like our forefathers intended.
But as I consume more and more, the sweetness is just taking over the flavor, to the point where the other flavors are falling into the background. I am having trouble even tasting the other flavors anymore.
Due to that fact I am inclined to give it a 7/10, just too much sweet for my liking.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Teriyaki cowboy beef jerky flavor from Smokehouse Jerky Co.: “Thanks Paul for the candid taste review. This flavor is indeed sweet tasting but acceptable for a teriyaki flavor. In my humble opinion, I do not think it is fair to criticize this flavor for being too sweet tasting and I did not feel the sweetness drowned out the other flavors. I had a totally different experience with this flavor. I thought it tasted great, and I struggled to not eat my portion in one sitting. Pineapple juice is a great addition, and the soy sauce blends in well also.”
“The cowboy aspect of this jerky is enjoyable, which has a good old-fashioned tough texture but not tough enough to break your teeth. Even though this taste profile has aspects of a teriyaki flavor, I felt it tasted closer to a sweet original flavor. With Paul at a 7 and myself with no clear complaints at a 10, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 4 ounce/113 gram bag of beef jerky sells online for $11.95. That costs $2.99 an ounce, which rates at an upper threshold cheap 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, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed on this bag are “Made in U.S.A.” and “Quarter Pound”.
Some missing bag categories are a best before date and a blurb about the jerky or flavor. A lot number is provided, which could translate to a best before date. Admirably, a phone number is provided for customer inquiries. You are encouraged to follow Smokehouse Jerky Co. on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerkyco.com
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