Jack Link's Beef Jerky Variety Pack (Original & Teriyaki) — BULLSHIT
Munch or Dump rates Jack Link's Beef Jerky Variety Pack (Original & Teriyaki) by Jack Link's BULLSHIT — score 0/90.
'No Added MSG' — while adding hydrolyzed corn protein and yeast extract, which exist precisely to deliver the same free-glutamate hit. The '96% fat free' halo distracts from sugar and brown sugar sitting right behind beef. Real meat, engineered marinade, dishonest label.
Why this verdict
- 'No Added MSG' claim is contradicted by hydrolyzed corn protein + yeast extract — both are free-glutamate delivery vehicles doing MSG's job under other names
- Two sugars (sugar + brown sugar) as ingredients 3 and 4 — a sweetness system in a product sold as a protein snack
- Maltodextrin and undisclosed 'flavors' round out a lab-built marinade
- Roughly 590mg sodium per 1.25 oz bag — a quarter of your daily limit in one small pouch
- The beef and the 13g protein are real — it's the label copy that fails
Ingredients (11)
- Beef (moderate) — Second meat source; adds saturated fat.
- Sugar (moderate) — Added for sweetness, can contribute to calorie content.
- brown sugar (caution) — Second added sugar in the flavor base.
- HYDROLYZED CORN PROTEIN (caution) — Free-glutamate flavor enhancer for savory depth.
- YEAST EXTRACT (moderate) — A hidden source of free glutamate, stacked with MSG for umami.
- flavors (caution) — Undisclosed flavoring — you don't get to know what's in it.
- Maltodextrin (moderate) — Highly processed starch-derived carbohydrate used as a carrier and texturizer; spikes blood sugar readily.
- soy sauce (wheat, soybeans, salt) (moderate) — Conventional seasoning; brings wheat and soy allergens.
- cultured celery extract (moderate) — Natural nitrite curing source — same chemistry as conventional nitrite cures.
- Salt / sea salt (moderate) — Saltines are a notable sodium source.
- citric acid (safe) — Acidity and tartness adjuster.
Healthier alternatives
- Country Archer Original Grass-Fed Beef Jerky
- Falafel Burger by Whole Foods Market
- Tofu nature bio
- EPIC Beef Sea Salt & Pepper Bar
- Chomps Original Turkey Sticks