Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauces were first introduced in 1985. Their philosophy and slogan are “The Sauce is the Boss”. Bridgford Foods Corp. started its business in 1932, specializing in multiple food products, not just meat snacks, and currently has about 500 employees. They have a deep distribution network and are likely in the top five for jerky sales in North America while still being a family run business. The Sweet Baby Ray’s jerky brand name is manufactured and distributed by Bridgford Foods Corp. and they are located in Chicago, Illinois.
The next review for Bridgford will focus on a 10 ounce/282 gram bag of their Roasted Garlic flavored beef jerky. This jerky bag was purchased at a Walmart store in Niagara Falls, New York.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Water, Seasoning Blend (Salt, Brown Sugar, Sugar, Mustard, Monosodium Glutamate, Dehydrated Garlic, Red Pepper, Sodium Erythorbate, Onion Powder, Spice Extractive), Brown Sugar, Sweet Baby Ray’s Jerky Base (Vinegar Powder [Dextrin, Modified Food Starch, Vinegar Solids], Tomato Powder, Pineapple Juice Powder [Maltodextrin, Pineapple Juice], Worcestershire Sauce Powder [Distilled Vinegar, Molasses, Corn Syrup, Salt, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Spices, Tamarind, Natural Flavor and Sulfiting Agents], Maltodextrin], Natural Smoke Flavor, Spices, and not more than 2% Silicon Dioxide added to prevent caking), Garlic Powder, Sodium Nitrite. Allergen Warnings: May Contain Soy and Wheat
This 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 consists of just plain old water. Every other liquid listed is in powdered form.
Some healthy ingredients are added, such as garlic powder, red pepper, onion powder, spice extractive, and spices.
The sugar level is somewhat high at 6 grams of sugar per 28 grams of 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 high at 480mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose another rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or under per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to be sodium nitrite free, as sodium erythorbate and sodium nitrite are used as preservatives to lose a rating. The flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) is used to lose another rating.
Fair (4/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
BRIDGFORD – SWEET BABY RAY’S ROASTED GARLIC BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell sweet. The jerky is small to medium in size and sliced to a medium thickness. The jerky is moderately rigid but not quite as our forefathers intended. The jerky is light in hue, and there is no oily residue.
As I bite into the jerky, I am detecting mild salt, mild pepper, and medium sweetness, where I would prefer a bit less. Very light garlic, which is surprising, seeing as this is described as garlic jerky. It is a little disappointing, the jerky is not bad, but it is missing the delectable flavors. I can go no higher than a 7.5/10.
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I find this Bridgford Roasted Garlic jerky somewhat “ketchupy” and lacking in roasted garlic flavor. The texture is fine, and the aroma is acceptable.
I realize this is likely due in some way to the fact that the bag was opened nine days ago, and the flavor may have dissipated since then. I picked up the roasted garlic flavor in a couple of bites, but not enough to strip my clothes off and run around. I recognize the aroma and lack of flavor may be my fault. I also remember being biased towards Bridgford, as I usually greatly appreciate their jerky.
To be as objective as possible, I rate this jerky 8/10. I’ll buy this same flavor next time I am in the US and hopefully, I wasn’t too hard on Bridgford and this Roasted Garlic Jerky.
Written by guest jerky reviewer Pierre Mesa – Owner/Chef/CEO from Vermont’s Farmhouse Jerky
“The jerky looks appealing in the package. When I open the jerky I see and smell sweet with a touch of garlic. Moisture content is desirable, with a good thickness and a bit sticky. The pieces of jerky are a nice, pliable selection. The taste comes with a slight sweetness and desirable marinade. I taste beef and a touch of pepper, but very little garlic. Sweetness is a wonderful addition.”
“I have always liked this brand, and when I buy jerky, I look for it. Overall, it is a very good product. I wish it had more garlic flavor, but the product is delicious overall. Very consistent with thickness, moisture, and flavor. I enjoyed the jerky. 8.5 out of 10. I wish there were more garlic flavor.”
Here is what Mark had to say about this Sweet Baby Ray’s Roasted Garlic beef jerky flavor from Bridgford: “Thanks Stéphane, Paul, and Pierre for the favorable taste reviews. We all have very similar views here. As with all Bridgford taste reviews, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is the star of the show, and the accompanying flavor, whether teriyaki, black pepper, or roasted garlic, has a faint taste in the background. The garlic level is weak, and roasted garlic no less. I have always appreciated Bridgford’s slogan, “The Sauce is the Boss”, which is fitting.”
“Paul’s complaint of being too sweet tasting has no merit because a BBQ based flavor has leeway for some sweetness. The level of sweetness is by no means overwhelming and not a distraction at all. Paul’s mild complaint of the texture not being rigid enough is also not valid, where the texture is between soft & tender and dry & tough. The natural beef flavor is at a good level, with no hint of tasting processed. Overall, Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce is impressive and has led me in the past to buy Sweet Baby Ray’s BBQ sauce for various meats that I cook at home. With Paul at a 7.5, Stéphane at an 8, Pierre at an 8.5, and myself also at an 8.5, a Good (8/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 10 ounce/282 gram bag of jerky cost $12.94. That equates to $1.29 cents an ounce, which classifies as a dirt cheap price.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted directly onto the bag itself, both on the front and back. There is a high resolution picture displayed on the front of a bottle of Sweet Baby Ray’s barbecue sauce and cloves of garlic. Oddly on the front, there is something covered in white that resembles mold.
The slogans printed are “The Premium Brand” and “The Sauce is the Boss”. Some facts displayed on this bag are “High in Protein”, “0g Trans Fat”, “90 Calories”, “0g Sat Fat”, “11g Protein”, and “Made in the USA”.
All bag categories are covered with this bag. There is a good blurb printed on the back describing Bridgford Foods. Admirably, a toll free phone number is provided for customer inquiries. You are encouraged to follow Bridgford Foods on Facebook and Twitter. A QR code is displayed linking back to the Bridgford Foods website.
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