Old Trapper jerky has over 50 years of experience making jerky. They go on to explain how the finest ingredients are used, and then smoked with real wood. In 2016, Old Trapper embarked on their most ambitious expansion yet when they broke ground on a new 80,000 square foot manufacturing facility at their headquarters in Forest Grove, Oregon. Today, Old Trapper claims that they are the country’s second-largest beef jerky manufacturer. Once their new facility is fully operational, they will be ready to take the next big step in a company story that began in a humble grocery store back in 1969.
Old Trapper Smoked Products, Inc. distribute this
This Old Trapper jerky brand name, and it is located in Forest Grove, Oregon.
We know from personal experience that Old Trapper is a popular brand of jerky. On our Top 20 Jerkies post published in August 2019, Old Trapper impressively occupies spots (2, 7, 14, 17).
The next review for Old Trapper will focus on a 10 ounce/283 gram bag of their teriyaki beef jerky. We had previously reviewed an older bag of this teriyaki flavor, where the bag design and ingredient list has since been tweaked. This bag was purchased at a Walmart store located in Niagara Falls, New York.
Ingredients: Beef, Soy Sauce (Water, Soy Sauce Powder Wheat, Soy Beans, Salt, Maltodextrin, Sodium Benzoate), Brown Sugar, Apple Cider Vinegar, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Salt, Flavorings, Sodium Nitrite. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The liquid marinade consists of an average brand of soy sauce and healthy apple cider vinegar.
There are no healthy ingredients listed. The vague term flavorings is used instead, which can contain both healthy and unhealthy ingredients. Onion powder is likely added.
For a sweet based flavor, as we have here, the sugar level is at the upper acceptable limit with 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 490mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating.
It is disappointing to see that unhealthy sodium nitrite is used outright as a preservative to lose a rating. This jerky qualify to have no MSG added because the cheap, highly processed flavor enhancer hydrolyzed corn protein is used to lose another rating.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
OLD TRAPPER – TERIYAKI BEEF JERKY (REVIEW #2)
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I smell soy and vinegar. The pieces are medium in size, and they are cut thin to medium in thickness. The jerky is soft and rather dry, and are quite chewy. There is no oily residue left on your fingers.
The first flavours I encounter are salt, at a high level, which I like, sweet, at a manageable level, not too overpowering, slight garlic and onion, vinegar, soy, and some natural beef flavor as well.
While this flavor is somewhat enticing, it truly lacks in the ‘Wow’ factor. My daughter had a piece and said the same thing. While decent tasting, it is not grabbing us and reeling us in. Instead of a bold flavor, it is more of a gentle caress. Color me mildly impressed but by no means a disciple. 6 or 7/10 gentlemen.
Here is what Stéphane had to say: “The Old Trapper Teriyaki Beef Jerky is nothing to shake a stick at. It is salty with no depth of flavor, and it is not reminiscent of a teriyaki flavor in any way. It is quite uninspiring with fine after notes of a premium dollar store pet jerky.”
“As this is clearly below average and I wouldn’t rate it past a generous 4/10 taste rating.”
Here is what Mark M. had to say: “There is not that much teriyaki flavor, being a good thing. I’d give this a 10.”
Here is what Mark J. had to say about this teriyaki beef jerky flavor from Old Trapper: “Thanks Stéphane, Mark M., and Paul for the entertaining reviews. I am definitely in Paul’s camp here. This flavor is decent, but by no means blows you away. I can see the allure because of the cheap price. Plus many people seem drawn to this jerky. As for the teriyaki flavor itself, it does an average job. There is zero Asian flair to this teriyaki flavor.”
“As for the natural beef flavor, no, it does not taste like homemade jerky. However, among the big brands of jerky, this is one of the better tasting beef out there.”
“Due to COVID-19, we are down to four members from the Group of Seven. With this being a huge 10 ounce bag of jerky, we sought for more opinions.”
Jim – 8
Ralph – 8
Amanda – 8
Todd – 7
Waldemar – 9
Angeline – 7
“For the record, Paul is at a 6, Stéphane at a 4, Mark M. at a 10, and myself at a 6. A Decent (7/10) taste rating seems most appropriate.”
This 10 ounce/283 gram bag of jerky cost $10.98. That works out to $1.10 an ounce, which rates at a very cheap price.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has labels affixed to both the front and back. The logo is of a man who appears to be wearing a beaver cap. This man is referred to as the mysterious Old Trapper who lives in the forests of Western Oregon.
There are no slogans printed on this bag, but “Since 1969” could qualify. The only fact printed is “Naturally Smoked”.
All bag categories are covered except a blurb about the jerky maker or flavor.
I absolutely love the Old Trapper Terayaki jerky. In Alabama every Walmart I stop at is always out! I’d like to know who else sells this amazing product.