Oberto may still be the second largest national meat snack company that sells well over 100 different dried meat products. Oberto is a family-owned company that was formed over 100 years ago in 1918 by Constantino Oberto. In 1967, Safeway became the first national grocery store to carry Oh Boy! Oberto jerky. In 1994, they launched turkey jerky. In 2000, they aligned with the significant global snack manufacturer Frito-Lay to expand their distribution network, including Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Norway. In 2009, after slow sales, Oberto Brands ended the distribution deal with Frito-Lay and began distributing its products.
Overall, a very impressive success story, where the Oberto family took their fair share of risks to get where they are today. Oberto announced in April 2018 that it was being sold to Premium Brand Holdings. Oberto is distributed under the name of 2017 Oberto Sausage Co., and they are located in Kent, Washington.
The next review on Oberto will focus on a 2.85 ounce/81 gram bag of their original flavored beef jerky. This bag was purchased at an Ollie’s discount store located in Niagara Falls, New York.
Ingredient Review
Beef, Brown Sugar, Sugar, Sea Salt, Vinegar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Spices and Natural Flavorings, Cultured Celery Powder, Beef Stock.
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 consists of water, and healthy a decent beef stock.
The only healthy ingredient listed is spices. The vague term natural flavorings is used, which can contain both healthy and unhealthy ingredients.
The sugar level is on the high side at 7 grams of sugar per 28 grams of sugar to lose a rating. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 500mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. However, the salt level is ignored because healthy, minimally processed sea salt is used.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, sea salt and to a lesser degree vinegar acts as the main preservative. Admirably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
OBERTO – ORIGINAL BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I smell nasty. I smell strong soy, not even good soy, and nothing else. The pieces are small and medium in thickness, as well as soft and a bit moist. There is no oily residue handling these jerky strips.
When I bite into the jerky, I pick up a light salt, light pepper, maybe light, ever so light garlic, perhaps not at all. I taste soy, at a strong level. I taste strong sweet.
Man, this jerky is terrible. I mean it is brutal. Is this jerky made from offal because it tastes awful? I have eaten one piece, and that is it. I tap out. I’m the wrong person to review this ‘jerky’. It is horrible. For (I believe) the first time in my jerky reviewing life, I am most comfortable rating this jerky a 0. A big fat oh-for. Oberto, this jerky is not suitable for livestock, never mind human consumption.
Here is what Mark had to say about this original beef jerky flavor from Oberto: “Thanks Paul for the honest taste review. Wow, you are being a little bit harsh here Paul. True that this jerky tastes quite processed and leaves a horrible aftertaste in your mouth. But it is by no means the worst jerky that we have tried since 2007. Agreed that this original flavor is too sweet tasting and offers nothing special.”
“Due to COVID-19, we are down to just two members from the Group of Seven. However, Paul K. agreed to review also. Paul K. initially said this original flavor tasted good and eventually settled on a 7 taste rating. I am quite certain that Paul K. could have been persuaded to an 8 taste rating. Probably many people are in that boat. After much consideration, a Fair (4/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 2.85 ounce/81 gram bag sold for $2.99, which works out to $1.05 an ounce. That rates at an extremely cheap price. Granted the bag was bought at a discount store.
Bag Review
This resealable professional-looking plastic bag has everything imprinted on to the bag itself, both on the front and back. On the front, there are illustrations displayed by people doing various sports and exercise. On the back, there are high-resolution pictures of various vegetables.
Some slogans printed on this bag are “All Natural” and “You Get Out What You Put In”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Premium Steak With Natural Smoke Flavor Added”, “High in Protein”, “Made in the USA”, “Gluten Free”, “No MSG Added”, “No Artificial Ingredients”, “Minimally Processed”, and “Family Owned Since 1918”.
All bag categories are covered here. Commendably, a toll-free phone number is provided for customer inquiries. There is a good blurb printed on the back of the bag about Oberto.
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