The next review on Steve’s PaleoGoods Jerky will be on a 2.8 ounce/79 gram bag of their original flavored beef jerky. This jerky was kindly submitted by the Steve’s PaleoGoods team.
The Steve’s PaleoGoods Jerky brand name is distributed by Steve’s PaleoGoods, based out of Pennsauken, New Jersey. Steve Liberati, aka Head Caveman, started Steve’s Club in 2007. By 2009, it became Steve’s Club National Program, an organization dedicated to helping at-risk youth. Their focus is on nutrition and fitness, focusing on highly intensive crossfitting. 15% of all Steve’s PaleoGoods proceeds goes directly to support the worthy cause of Steve’s Club National Program.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef Jerky (Beef, Sea Salt, Apple Juice Concentrate, Paprika, Pineapple Juice, Beet Powder, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Ascorbic Acid).
This beef is ethically raised, meaning no growth hormones, or additional antibiotics are given. The cattle have free range access to graze on grass. These cattle are also fed things such as hay, grains, and legumes.
The liquid marinade consists of apple juice concentrate and pineapple juice. Apples are very high in a fiber known as pectin, which technically is a polysaccharide that is believed to offer many different health benefits. Pineapples contain a natural enzyme named bromelain, which is widely used in the food industry as a natural meat tenderizer.
The most interesting ingredient used is beet powder, where the vegetable beets are loaded with antioxidants. Healthy spices such as paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder are used.
Admirably, there is no sugar used. The salt level is a tad high at approximately 358mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. However, that is negated because minimally processed sea salt is used instead of highly processed table salt.
As for preservatives, true to their word, this jerky has no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Admirably, sea salt is the main preservative, which is high in minerals and trace minerals. Another healthy preservative choice is ascorbic acid, which is similar to vitamin C. With further kudos to Steve’s PaleoGoods Jerky, this jerky does qualify to have no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips are small in size, and mostly sliced thick. The texture is dry, but not overly dry. This jerky is relatively easy to chew. There are some visible signs of fat that add to the overall taste. Handling this jerky leaves a considerable oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a mild fruity flavor. There is a faint peppery taste, and the salt level is moderate. Perhaps most of all, the natural beef flavor stands out most. That tends to happen when you use no sugar. There is a unique certain taste in this jerky, which may be the beet powder. The paprika taste seems noticeable also. Overall, this jerky is tasty for an original flavor.
This 2.8 ounce/79 gram bag sells online for $5.95. That works out to $2.12 an ounce, which rates as an average price. This jerky is absolutely worth your money, even just for the sole purpose of supporting the noble cause of Steve’s Club National Program.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
The plastic bag used is somewhat uncommon. There is a label affixed on the front, but on the back, the label seems infused inside the plastic. The best feature of this jerky bag is that it is vacuum sealed, the absolute best way to keep jerky fresh, where oxygen is the enemy of jerky.
On the back of the bag, there is a great write up of Steve’s Club. Sticking with the paleo theme, the Steve’s PaleoGoods logo depicts a man walking, with what looks like a walking stick. The only fact stated on this bag is “15% of your purchase supports Steve’s Club National Program”.
All major bag categories are covered with this bag. There are no fancy graphics or slogans, but this bag does its job effectively being vacuum sealed.
Order their jerky products online: www.stevespaleogoods.com
For more information on Steve’s Club: www.stevesclub.org
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