Note: For a more current taste review open up Simms – Peppered Beef Jerky (Review #3).
This will be the second review on the Simms brand of their peppered flavor beef jerky. The ingredient list has since changed from 2009. This 6.2 ounce/175 gram bag was purchased at an Aldi store in East Rutherford, New Jersey, back in December 2014.
This Simms brand of jerky is distributed by Aldi Inc., based out of Batavia, Illinois. Aldi is a very large company with grocery stores located in at least 18 countries around the world. This jerky is manufactured by the private label company Marfood USA, located in Taylor, Michigan. That would make this jerky a stock recipe.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Water, Brown Sugar, Salt, Contains 2% or Less of Black Pepper, Vinegar, Flavorings, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Black Pepper, Citric Acid, 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 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 just water, and a small amount of healthy vinegar. Some people call black pepper the King of Spices, which offers many health benefits.
The vague term flavorings is used, which can mean many different things. There could be healthy foods included in the flavorings, and it could contain unhealthy things also.
The sugar level is on the high side at 6 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less. The salt level is extremely high at 600mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less.
As for preservatives, unhealthy sodium nitrite is used. To a lesser degree, citric acid also acts as a preservative. The quality of citric acid can vary widely depending on how it is manufactured.
This jerky does not qualify to be MSG free. The highly processed flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein is used, which is a type of MSG. Even worse, hydrolyzed soy protein is a type of trans fat.
Fair (4/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips are medium to small in size, sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is somewhat soft and tender, but not quite. Occasionally, there are wads of meat that are difficult to chew. There is some fat on this jerky, and handling this jerky leaves an oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is the meat flavor, but it has a processed taste. There is hardly any natural meat flavor, where it has an unnatural taste.
Being a peppered flavor, the peppery taste is noticeable. While the pepper level never exceeds a mild level, it is fairly apparent that you are eating a peppered flavor. There is a mild soy taste, and the sweetness level is moderate. With the processed beef taste being so dominant, this jerky does not taste overly salty.
This 6.2 ounce/175 gram bag cost $5.89. That works out to an incredibly cheap price of $1.05 an ounce. While you could certainly do worse, we do not recommend this jerky as worth your money.
Bag Review
This is a rather tall bag, needed to fit 6.2 ounces/175 grams. Everything is imprinted directly on this resealable bag, both on the front and back. There are almost no graphics.
There are no obvious slogans on this bag, but a number of facts displayed. They are “97% Fat Free”, “11g Protein”, “6g Total Carbs”, “0g Trans Fat”, “Made in USA”, “Premium Cuts of Beef”, “Specially Seasoned and Slowly Cooked”, and a “Lactose Free” image. We actually disagree with the “0g Trans Fat” claim, where the flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein is a type of trans fat.
All major bag categories are covered. There is a short but good blurb on the back about Simms beef jerky. There is no web site listed. One oddity is that there are four bar codes printed on this bag. Admirable, Aldi Inc. offers a “Double Guarantee”, where they will both replace your product, and refund your money if you are not satisfied.
I purchased a bag of Simms teriyaki beef jerky at Aldis for my son yesterday. I opened it without looking at it.my mistake the bag was full of mold and chunks of mold unfortunately he didn’t notice either his bedroom is kinda dark.He immediately got sick.I put my trust in this company and by no means should have to evaluate the ingredients every time I buy food.im thinking of publishing this against aldis online.the expiration date is 4/17. Very upset
It’s good, would like to order 12packs of pepperd beef jerky but don’t know how, please advice. Tks!