What is Craft Beef Jerky and Why is it so Popular?
By Breck Hapner
Craft beef jerky has been steadily gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Unlike traditional jerky, which is often mass-produced and loaded with preservatives, craft beef jerky is made in small batches with high-quality meat, seasonings, and careful attention to detail. So, what is craft beef jerky, what are the different types available, who makes the best beef jerky, where should I buy beef jerky, and why is it a popular choice for snackers everywhere?
What is Craft Beef Jerky?
Craft beef jerky is a type of jerky that is made by hand, in small batches, using high-quality ingredients. Unlike traditional jerky, which is often made with low-quality cuts of meat, craft beef jerky is made with premium cuts, such as top round or sirloin. This results in a more tender and flavorful product, made by experts who take pride in their work.
Craft beef jerky is also often made with organic ingredients and without the use of preservatives using a careful, artisanal approach. This makes it a healthier snack option compared to other processed snack foods. Additionally, craft beef jerky is often seasoned with unique and bold flavors, making it a delicious and satisfying snack.
Types of Craft Beef Jerky
There are several different kinds of craft beef jerky available on the market today, each with its unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular varieties include:
Traditional Style: This type of beef jerky is made using a classic blend of seasonings, usually with a simple marinade of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. It is often sliced thin and has a chewy texture, resulting in a delicious and familiar taste.
Teriyaki Style: Teriyaki beef jerky is marinated in a sauce made of soy sauce, sugar, and ginger. It has a slightly sweet and savory flavor and is often sliced thicker than traditional beef jerky.
Hot and Spicy: Hot and spicy beef jerky is seasoned with a variety of spices and chili peppers, giving it a fiery kick. Like traditional style, it is often sliced very lean and has a chewy texture.
Sweet – If you prefer a honeyed snack, then sweet beef jerky is the way to go. Made with a blend of sugars and seasonings, this jerky is the perfect combination of candied and savory.
Smoked Style: Smoked beef jerky is made by smoking the meat over wood chips for several hours. This gives it a distinct smoky flavor and a rich, tender texture that is difficult to resist.
Why is Craft Beef Jerky a Popular Choice?
There are several reasons why craft beef jerky has become a popular choice for snackers, including:
Health benefits: It is a healthier snack option compared to other processed snacks that are loaded with sugar. Craft beef jerky is high in protein, low in fat and carbs, and often made with natural ingredients and without preservatives.
Convenience: Craft beef jerky is a convenient snack that can be eaten on the go. It does not require refrigeration and can be stored in a bag or purse for quick and easy access, making it a great choice for hiking, camping, or road trips.
Staying power: Craft beef jerky is a satisfying snack that can help you stay full for longer periods. Its high protein content helps to keep you feeling satisfied, so it is less likely other calories will be consumed. This adds to fitness and weight loss.
Flavor: Craft beef jerky is a delicious snack that comes in a variety of bold and unique seasonings. The tangy and salty taste satisfies cravings and staves off hunger. Whether you prefer sweet, spicy, or savory, there is a flavor of beef jerky out there for you.
Why is Craft Beef Jerky Taking Over the Traditional Marketplace?
Craft beef jerky is favored over other traditional types because of the use of high quality ingredients that feature unique and interesting flavor combinations. Makers such as DoubleG Craft Jerky take a more hands-on approach to the process, opting for small-batch production and using traditional methods of drying and smoking the meat. This attention to detail and dedication to quality sets DoubleG Beef Jerky apart from traditional beef jerky producers.
Craft beef jerky makers are also more environmentally conscious, which is another reason why they are gaining popularity. Many craft jerky makers use sustainably sourced meat, and some even use grass-fed, organic beef. This means that consumers can feel good about the impact their snack choices are having on the environment.
Where Should I Buy Beef Jerky?
Another factor that sets craft beef jerky apart is its availability. In the past, finding high-quality beef jerky required a trip to a specialty store. However, with the rise of craft beef jerky, it is now easier than ever to find great-tasting, high-quality beef jerky. DoubleG Beef Jerky sells their best beef jerky products online, making it easy for consumers to find and purchase their favorite flavors.
Whether you are hitting the gym, going for a hike, or just need a quick snack to get you through the workday, craft beef jerky is an ideal choice.
