Established in 2017, Meridian Smokehouse focuses on producing traditional, small batch beef jerky using simple, high quality ingredients and old fashioned methods. The brand was founded with the goal of creating an authentic style of jerky made from 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, sourced from pasture raised cattle and free from growth hormones and steroids. Its products are handcrafted in small batches and slow wood smoked to develop a rich, natural flavour profile that emphasizes the quality of the meat itself rather than heavy processing or additives.
Meridian Smokehouse positions itself as a clean, protein rich snack option, offering classic and modern flavours like Traditional, Maui Teriyaki, and Sweet Heat, while staying rooted in a “back-to-basics” philosophy centered on natural ingredients, careful preparation, and a genuine smokehouse taste. The Meridian Smokehouse brand name is distributed by Meridian Small Batch Foods Ltd, and it is located in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada. This jerky is manufactured by Premium Brands Operating Limited Partnership, located in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
The first review on Meridian Smokehouse will focus on a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of their Sweet Heat flavoured 100% grass-fed beef jerky. This bag was purchased at a Winners store in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Sugars (Brown Sugar, Sugar, Pineapple Juice from Concentrate), Sea Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar, Cultured Celery Powder, Spices, Dehydrated Garlic, Ascorbic Acid, Smoke.
100% grass-fed beef is used here, just the way nature intended. These cattle are raised ethically, meaning they are not fed growth hormones or additional antibiotics. There is also some free range access for the cattle to roam about. As a result, the ingredient rating starts at Excellent (10/10).
This liquid marinade is comprised of healthy pineapple juice concentrate and super healthy apple cider vinegar.
Some healthy ingredients added are spices and garlic powder.
The sugar level is borderline acceptable at 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky for a sweet based flavour as we have here. The salt level is acceptable at 320mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite. Instead, sea salt is the main preservative, and to a lesser extent cultured celery powder. Admirably, this jerky does qualify to have no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
MERIDIAN SMOKEHOUSE – SWEET HEAT 100% GRASS FED BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell what I believe to be vinegar, and nothing else. The jerky is medium in both size and thickness. The jerky is a bit too soft and easy to chew for my liking, our forefathers would disapprove. There is no oily residue left on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky, I taste salt at a decent level, and the sweetness is pretty much the same. The garlic and pepper flavours are rather mild, as is the heat. It is quite tempered, thereby making me question why they’re calling it “sweet heat”. I can tell there is some heat, but it is way too mild for my liking. It’s tough to warrant labeling it “sweet heat” when it is very difficult to notice. I believe I am also tasting mild vinegar, but it is very mild.
Overall, I don’t dislike this flavour, but it is too non-descript to me, and I am by no means “wowed”. An 8/10 is the most I can award this particular flavour. Gentlemen?
Here is what Mark had to say about this Sweet Heat beef jerky flavour from Meridian Smokehouse: “Thanks Paul for the accurate taste review. The word ‘Heat’ has no business being in this flavour name. You could say spicy, but even then, it is not overly spicy. The heat level would rate at a 1 out of 4 on the heat scale. There is sweetness present, but thankfully, it does not go overboard. Spicy Sweet would be a more accurate flavour name.”
“There is no hint of the natural 100% grass-fed beef flavor tasting processed. The overall taste profile is fairly simple. One aspect appreciated is the apple cider vinegar, adding depth to the flavor. The smokiness is at a faint to light level. There are no issues with the texture, which is somewhat soft and tender, making it easier on the teeth. While this jerky was enjoyable and somewhat addictive, it lacked a ‘wow’ factor. A unanimous Good (8/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of jerky costs $6.99. That works out to $2.83 an ounce, which rates as a cheap price.
Bag Review
This orange, resealable plastic bag has a label with everything printed on it, both on the front and back. There are no labels affixed. There are illustrations of a cow on the front and back.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed on this bag are “No Added Nitrate”, “Raised Without the use of Growth Hormones”, “Est 2017”, “Made with 100% Grassfed Beef”, “Seasoned & Smoked Beef Steak”, “Gluten Free”, “30g Protein”, “1.5g Fat”, and “Prepared in Canada”.
There is no missing bag categories. A good blurb is printed on the bag about this jerky. You are encouraged to follow Meridian Smokehouse on Facebook and Instagram with their @meridiansmokehouse handle. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided.
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