Launched 20 years ago, Summit Snacks is the proprietary beef jerky line from the the Pacific Northwest, crafted to deliver both high quality and excellent value. Operated by a multi-generation family with over 40 route trucks, it is developed in-house to ensure complete control over every aspect of production from ingredients to packaging. The brand reflects a commitment to delivering “a distinctive and memorable snacking experience” for customers in Western Washington and Oregon. Customers frequently praise its full-bodied flavor and softer, more tender texture, all offered at a value driven price point.
This Summit Snacks jerky brand is distributed under the name of Inderbitzin Distribution, located in Pulallup, Washington. Inderbitzin Distribution was founded in 1979 by Dick Inderbitzin. This jerky is manufactured by Glenwood Snacks, LLC., and is located in Saint Anthony, Idaho, likely making this a stock recipe.
The first review of Summit Snacks will focus on a 9 ounce/255 gram bag of their Teriyaki flavored beef jerky. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by Sales & Marketing Director, Doug McKeen.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Brown Sugar, Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce [Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt], Wine, Sugar, Water, Vinegar, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice Extractives, Succinic Acid, Garlic Powder), Water, Less Than 2% of: Honey, Vinegar, Salt, Natural Flavors, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Sodium Nitrite. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
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 used here is comprised of a decent brand of teriyaki sauce, water, healthy honey, and healthy pineapple juice concentrate.
The vague term natural flavors is listed, which can contain both healthy and unhealthy ingredients.
The sugar level is very high at 10 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 very high at 550mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose another rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite, as sodium nitrite is used outright as a preservative to lose a rating. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
SUMMIT SNACKS – TERIYAKI BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell teriyaki. It smells like lots of sweet. The slices are medium in both size and thickness. The jerky is mostly rigid and dry, pretty much just as our forefathers intended. There is no oily residue left on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky, I taste medium salt, and, surprisingly, medium sweetness. The smell in the bag smelled intensely sweet, but as I bit into it, I found the sweetness manageable. I also taste a decent amount of pepper, garlic, and, to a lesser degree, onion.
I am pleasantly surprised at how much I am enjoying this particular teriyaki flavor. Normally, teriyaki flavors are way too sweet, but that is not the case for this jerky. Quite honestly, outside of the lack of any “Wow!” factor, I am comfortable giving this flavor of jerky a 9/10. Gentlemen?
Here is what Mark had to say about this Teriyaki beef jerky flavor from Summit Snacks: “Thanks Paul for the positive taste review. I pretty much agree with everything stated. True, there is a fair amount of sweetness present, but at an acceptable level, given that teriyaki flavors are inherently sweet. The soy is at a mild to medium level with a possible faint taste of smokiness in the background. There is some Asian flair, helped by the pineapple juice, but at a light level.”
“The natural beef flavor has no signs of tasting processed, and the odd piece of fat accentuated the natural flavor of beef. The overall taste profile is well-balanced, with no doubt that you are eating a Teriyaki flavor. I have to agree with Paul that there is no ‘wow’ factor present. With that said, I found this teriyaki flavor to be quite addictive and enjoyable. A unanimous Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 9 ounce/255 gram bag of jerky costs $16.99. That works out to $1.89 an ounce, which rates as a very cheap price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This clear, resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on the bag, both on the front and the back. There are illustrations of pine trees and a mountain, which, of course, has a summit in the middle of the words Summit Snacks, both on the front and back.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. The only fact printed is “Made in the USA”.
Some missing bag categories are a blurb about Summit Snacks or this flavor, hardly any facts, and quite a bit of unused space.
Check out their jerky: https://inderbitzin.com/summit-snacks
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