The first review for House of Jerky will focus on a 2 ounce/57 gram bag of their natural style flavored beef jerky. This bag was kindly submitted for review by Lesley from House of Jerky.
This House of Jerky brand is distributed by House of Jerky Inc., based out of Evansville, Indiana. House of Jerky started business way back in 1993 by husband and wife Ron Hargett and Janie Honeycutt. They were pioneers in the jerky industry, and perhaps the first commercially sold jerky that did not use MSG, fillers, or unhealthy preservatives. In 1996, the first House of Jerky opened in Temecula, California, earning the distinction of being the first jerky store. Today, they have approximately 25 House of Jerky stores located across the U.S.A, where new business opportunities are always welcome.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Top Round Beef, Salt, Water, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Seasonings (Salt, Sugar, Garlic, Black Pepper), Pineapple Juice, White Vinegar, Liquid Smoke, Black Pepper. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
Grade A USDA approved beef is used here, with top round as the cut of beef. USDA inspected beef 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 a decent soy sauce, pineapple juice, healthy white vinegar, and liquid smoke. Pineapples contain an enzyme named bromelain that is widely used in the food industry as a natural meat tenderizer.
It is always great to see when garlic is used. Many people consider garlic to be in the superfood category. Black pepper is another healthy ingredient, which some people call the King of Spices.
The sugar level is quite impressive at only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is on the high side at 410mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less.
As advertised, this jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. Admirably, there is also no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These jerky strips are mostly large in size, and are sliced borderline thin. There is a great dry texture that is relatively easy to chew because the strips are not that thick. Some fat is visible, which adds to the overall natural beef flavor. Handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavor detected is a mild smokiness. It does take long for a good deal of natural beef flavor to set it, the way an original based flavor should be. There is a good moderate soy flavor.
The saltiness is at a moderate level, and the sweetness is at a mild level. There is a light tanginess from the vinegar and pineapple juice. As a bonus, the garlic is at a mild level, and there is a light peppered taste. Overall, this how a classic original based flavor should taste.
On the House of Jerky web site, 8 ounces sells for $22.00, which includes shipping. That works out to $2.75 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Given that healthy ingredients are used, and that this jerky tastes great, we surely recommend this jerky as worth your money.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This is a standard, clear, non-resealable sized plastic bag. Worth noting is that this bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh. There is one label affixed to the front, and nothing of the back.
The House of Jerky logo is of a man tapping a triangle, signaling that it is time to eat.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed on this bag are “Made from solid strips of beef” and “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”.
There are some bag categories missing such as a nutrition facts table, a bar code, allergen alerts, and a blurb about this jerky and flavor. To the credit of House of Jerky, a toll free phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.houseofjerky.net
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