I've ordered beef jerky online several times over the last few years. It's usually overpriced at the store, especially when it comes in 1 to 2 oz. packets. Yes it takes a lot of beef to make beef jerky, but I suspect some of the big players in the industry are making a lot of money.
So I try to keep my eye on the smaller outfits which will sell excellent quality jerky for $20 or less per pound. I think my favorite to date has been Tillamook Country Smoker, especially their hot varieties, though jerkyusa is quite good too. I've got a background in jerky which extends beyond what you'll find in the typical grocery or discount store, though I have eaten my share of those brands too.
The price on the Golden Valley's Peppered Beef Jerky is excellent, so I figured that I'd give it a shot. I'd say that the two qualities that beef jerky should have are:
1)texture (esp. chewability)
2)flavor
Regarding the texture of this jerky -- this particular batch was not great. Some pieces were better than others, but on average, it was pretty tough. I'd say it's a bit better than the megabrand that you'll find in most grocery stores, but I was expecting a little bit more.
The flavor was OK, but nothing special. Overall, I prefer my peppered jerky to have more of a black pepper bite to it - this was definitely on the less seasoned end of the spectrum. In addition, the jerky had a relatively sweet flavor to it that I don't particularly like.
I found this particular batch to be relatively average in both texture and flavor. I've decided to give it 3 stars because the price is very reasonable.
Product DescriptionNatural beef jerky; high in protein, low in fat. Comes from beef raised without added hormones or antibiotics, and contains no preservatives, no added MSG, no nitrite, no erythorbate, and no artificial ingredients. Golden Valley Natural Beef Jerky is only minimally processed. US inspected by the Department of Agriculture.
Golden Valley Natural Meat snacks offer an alternative to the confection and pastry-based protein bars and drink powders. Protein eaten in a natural solid form is much more appealing and satisfies the appetite longer than liquid protein shakes and drink proteins. Our natural meat snacks are many times more convenient, less sticky, and easier to eat than traditional jerky products and meat sticks. In addition to being high in protein and low in fat, many Golden Valley Natural meat snacks contain less sugar and salt than traditional meat snacks off the shelf. Our meat snacks are also devoid of traditional cured meat preservatives, such as nitrite and erythorbate.
About the Brand
Idaho-based Golden Valley Natural specializes in all-natural meat products made from animals that have never received artificial growth hormones or antibiotics, have always been fed a 100% vegetarian diet, do not include artificial ingredients, and are minimally processed. Their ranches were the first in the U.S. to have a non-hormone certified beef herd. Golden Valley Natural owns and operates its own USDA-inspected, state-of-the-art processing plant in Idaho Falls, and has been in the meat-processing business for more than 35 years.
In the words of Roger H. Ball, owner and president of Golden Valley Natural: "Golden Valley Natural Beef comes from cattle that are raised in the lush green pastures and mountains of Idaho. These cattle are accustomed to crisp, clean air and wide-open spaces as nature intended. Golden Valley Natural Beef guarantees that all animals are treated humanely and have never received artificial hormones or antibiotics. I believe in giving cattle a healthy, comfortable environment from birth. I have never used artificial hormones in my cattle, and I never will!"
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What do you buy for a teenage boy for Valentine's day!..... Jerky!
