Glenwood Smoked Meats – Cracked Pepper Beef Jerky

The first review for Glenwood Smoked Meats will focus on a 1.4 ounce/40 gram bag of their cracked pepper beef jerky. This flavor is simply advertised as good old fashion peppered jerky made with 100% beef. The bag was purchased at a 7-Eleven store in Brampton, Ontario.

This Glenwood Smoked Meats brand of jerky is distributed by Glenwood Snacks, LLC. They are located in St. Anthony, Idaho, and have been in business for over 40 years. Three generations have been creating mouth-watering meats at Glenwood Smoked Products, where they have been a USDA inspected plant since 1983.

In Glenwood Snacks, LLC. words, “We attribute our success in the meat snack industry to our quality products, our distributors and the retail stores that carry our products. Only the best of ingredients are used in our line of smoked meats and snacks, from the meat, to the seasonings, to the latest technology we use in packaging for freshness and taste.”

Ingredient Review

Ingredients: Beef, Brown Sugar, Water, Less Than 2% of: Sea Salt, Lemon Juice, Natural Flavor, Apple Juice, Spice, Honey, Black Pepper, Celery Juice Powder, Vinegar, Ground Red Pepper

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.

This interesting liquid marinade consists of water, and small amounts of lemon juice, apple juice, honey, and vinegar.

Some healthy ingredients are added such as black pepper, ground red pepper, and spice. Some people call black pepper the King of Spices.

The sugar level is on the high side at 7 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. In fairness, the juices account for some of the sugar content. The salt level is also on the high side at 480mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. However, the salt levels are negated because healthy minimally processed sea salt is used.

This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite used, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, mineral rich sea salt is the main preservative used. Admirably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.

Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating

Taste Review

Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc

My feedback is pretty much in line with Paul where I’d like to add the following. I really enjoyed this Glenwood Smoked Meats Cracked Black Pepper and all of its flavors and texture. I picked up right away on the smokiness both in its aroma and taste.

I find the cracked black pepper to be at a very reasonable level. It is quite noticeable and doesn’t take away from the natural beef flavor. The light sweetness, a little bite of spiciness and the natural beef are consistent and present in every bite. A slight splash of acidity really brightens up all of these flavors. I haven’t noticed any chemical like or processed taste or feel and that’s also a great thing.

I can only say positive things about this jerky. I really enjoy this jerky as it has a great chew, tons of natural and bold flavors and I do find it to be addictive as Hell.

I don’t recall ever hearing about Glenwood Smoked Meats in the past and I would highly recommend this great snack to anyone. I believe this jerky would appeal to most every people and especially to all the closet vegan and vegetarian alike.

I’ll certainly buy this jerky in the future and I am also looking forward to try their other flavors.

It goes without saying; I am in favor for an Excellent 10/10 taste rating.

This 1.4 ounce/60 gram bag of jerky cost $3.69. That equates to $2.61 an ounce, which rates as an average price. The price is cheaper if you order online from their web site.

Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating

Bag Review

This clear, small plastic non-resealable bag has labels affixed to both the front and back. As per Canadian law, there are French translations provided.

There are no slogans printed on this bag. The only fact printed on this bag is “Product of U.S.A.”

The only bag category missing is a blurb printed about Glenwood Smoked Meats and this cracked pepper flavor.

Decent (7/10) – Bag Rating