# Do you like beef jerky? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [June 5, 2017, 6:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158 "2017-06-05T06:02:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Geek\_Mecha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ecae2f/32.png) [@Geek\_Mecha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geek_Mecha)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2017, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/41 "2017-06-06T19:12:49Z")
I like jerky and also own a dehydrator, which I prefer over the oven method. I prefer nonsweetened, nonspicy flavors, and making my own is the only way to get what I really want. ---
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2017, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/42 "2017-06-06T20:59:51Z")
I like it, especially peppery preparations, but I don’t eat it that often. For a regular snack, it’s too expensive for the amount of snacking you get out of it. I occasionally get a package to use as my allowed “cheat” when I’m dieting, because it’s savory and offers a jaw workout. Taken a little scrap at a time, a pack will last days. (Most of the time, though, I go with peanuts for tiny bits of cheap crunchiness.) As for tough, over-dry jerky–I accidentally cut myself with a piece of jerky once. I was tearing a bite off with my teeth, and when it came loose, the corner of the piece in my hand dragged across my cheek. It was hard and sharp enough to draw blood. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2017, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/43 "2017-06-06T20:59:53Z")
Side note: every year on Valentine’s Day, my third graders give each other gifts, and I inevitably get some candy bars, some cute homemade cards, some nasty conversation heart candies, and so on. This year, [I got something new](https://www.amazon.com/Jack-Links-Beef-Jerky-Feed/dp/B00HT1A5FI). It was my favorite gift ever. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2017, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/44 "2017-06-06T21:58:18Z")
I do, but I don’t want to yank out a filling or a crown, so I generally steer\* clear. I do eat (too many) Slim Jims, though, if that counts. mmm \*see what I did there? ---
**Author:** ![nightshadea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/7ba0ec/32.png) [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Post date:** [June 6, 2017, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/45 "2017-06-06T22:15:01Z")
yeah these days jack links are considered the best but I still find the no brand name shingles in a plastic container once in a while … when I was a kid wed buy this shredded beef jerky in what looked like a chewing tobacco can…and act like we were getting some “chaw” /… several times I was searched because of it but now I think they made a law about it because they changed the way they packaged it ---
**Author:** ![scabpicker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/scabpicker/32/8268_2.png) [@scabpicker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scabpicker)\ **Post date:** [June 7, 2017, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/46 "2017-06-07T03:01:38Z")
> [@nightshadea](#): > > yeah these days jack links are considered the best but I still find the no brand name shingles in a plastic container once in a while … > > when I was a kid wed buy this shredded beef jerky in what looked like a chewing tobacco can…and act like we were getting some “chaw” /… several times I was searched because of it > > but now I think they made a law about it because they changed the way they packaged it Hehehe, shingles. Good word for the pressed stuff. I remember the shredded jerky in a can, but can’t remember the name…wow, it looks like Jack Link and others still make the stuff. I don’t see it, and would personally avoid it now. **DCnDC** , I can usually find the pressed stuff at QT, if you have them in your area. Barring that, truck stops usually have a selection. ---
**Author:** ![Guest-starring\_Id](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guest-starring_id/32/21736_2.png) [@Guest-starring\_Id](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guest-starring_Id)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2017, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/47 "2017-06-24T20:48:50Z")
Pardon the defibrillation - not sure how I missed this first time around… For me, totally old school - the thinner, leathery, and saltier it is, the better. Thick, soft, and sugary (or maple-y) - I’ll pass. McSweeney’s has a peppered variety that I’ll snack on most nights. Almost an addiction. Not crazy about what it does to the breath and pocket book, though. And the odd gristly bit I can do without. > [@DCnDC](#): > > I grew up with that cheap pressed jerky that had the **flavor** and consistency of shoe leather. My bold. Gosh. Curious for an elaboration. ---
**Author:** ![swampspruce](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/swampspruce/32/261_2.png) [@swampspruce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swampspruce)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2017, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/48 "2017-06-24T21:08:12Z")
Love it, especially from the local butcher shop. They’ve sent it to the ISS! [Hamel’s](http://albertajerky.com/index.html). I’m partial to the buffalo and Santa Fe myself. ---
**Author:** ![terentii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terentii/32/212_2.png) [@terentii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/terentii)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2017, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/49 "2017-06-24T22:04:09Z")
I love good jerky … but now I’d need about $30,000\* to enjoy it. \*Dental implants. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![CelticKnot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/celticknot/32/3392_2.png) [@CelticKnot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CelticKnot)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/50 "2017-06-25T18:22:26Z")
Jack Links Teriyaki Tender Bites. Good flavor, chewable, and a great low-carb snack for moments of hypoglycemia. Yes, pricey, but better for me than the high carbohydrates in protein bars of all sorts. ---
**Author:** ![Randolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Randolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randolph)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/51 "2017-06-25T18:30:01Z")
I use [these](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FYVKRS/) as recovery food for my workouts. …and periodically I have to make a solemn vow to stop eating my recovery food without working out first. =( ---
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/52 "2017-06-25T21:11:15Z")
I guess I’m a yes, but it’s not one of my go-to snacks. I’ll pick some up maybe once a year when I’ve got a day hike planned and want to carry some rations. Then I’ll stop at a deli on the way to the trailhead, buy a sub, eat that at the top of the hill, and discover the jerky in my backpack six months later. I guess nothing in my diet says I need to eat more meat, dehydrated or not. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2017, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/53 "2017-06-25T22:11:30Z")
I am kind of annoyed that I can’t seem to find Turkey Jerky anymore after the bird flu problems of the last couple of years. My cats don’t get their souffle food either since they stopped making it due to the same cause. ---
**Author:** ![Elemenopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5e925/32.png) [@Elemenopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elemenopy)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/54 "2017-06-26T03:54:13Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > I like it, but the servings tend to be rather small and leave me wanting more. > > For a similar treat, I usually prefer northwest-style smoked salmon. My dad made it a few times when I was young. It wasn’t as dry as beef jerky, but it did have a chewy, salty, savory goodness. I can find similar in stores, but not as chewy and well done as he used to make it. Dude. I love that stuff, and I thought that’s what lox meant. For years now I’ve been only getting soggy, slightly salty smoked fish and maniacally telling everyone “This isn’t the good stuff I had that one time.” I was beginning to think I hallucinated it. So, uh, how do I get the good stuff? And what do I call it? As far as beef jerky, my ex stepdad used to make what I jokingly called pemmican. It was a really sweet beef jerky made from minced beef and lots of spices and sometimes chopped dried cranberries, made in a dehydrator, and damn it was good. Plus because it was minced, it was never hard on the teeth. I could go for some right now. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/55 "2017-06-26T04:06:53Z")
> [@Elemenopy](#): > > Dude. I love that stuff, and I thought that’s what lox meant. Sounds like you want smoked salmon. Lox doesn’t even have to be smoked. It just refers to a brined form of salmon, but, quite often, it is cold-smoked as well here in the US (technically something called Nova lox.) ---
**Author:** ![Elemenopy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/b5e925/32.png) [@Elemenopy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elemenopy)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/56 "2017-06-26T04:34:43Z")
Really, the first time I had smoked salmon (I want to say it was when I lived in TX), it was salty and chewy, almost like beef jerky. It was also sort of shredded. We ate it sprinkled over cream cheese on Wasa-type crackerbread, and it was awesome. I’ve never seen it that way since, and I’ve bought tons of smoked salmon, mackerel, sturgeon, sea bass, etc. But I want that chewy, salty fish jerky, and maybe I have to make it myself. 🆒 I’m just happy to know that it’s a thing and I didn’t confabulate it. Seriously! ---
**Author:** ![Superdude](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/superdude/32/13450_2.png) [@Superdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superdude)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/57 "2017-06-26T07:05:38Z")
Love it, but can’t eat it anymore. I have weak teeth, stemming from an old childhood injury. As a result, eating jerky can cause them to break. There’s a store a few miles from my house that exclusively sells jerky and jerky making supplies. They have the typical beef/turkey/etc types, but they also have more exotic types, like kangaroo. Free samples, too. One of my favorite types was beef that had been smoked with cherry tree wood. Gave it just a little bit of sweetness. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk ---
**Author:** ![madmonk28](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/madmonk28/32/20811_2.png) [@madmonk28](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madmonk28)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 8:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/58 "2017-06-26T08:43:25Z")
Beef jerky has an emotional pull for me. My wife and I used to do a lot of hiking/camping with our dog. We’d always get jerky when we stopped for gas and share it in the car among the three of us. It’s one of my happiest memories. We had to put our dog down last year and I still tear up just looking at a bag hanging on the rack. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/59 "2017-06-26T09:10:27Z")
Don’t know because I’ve never had any and never been in the company of anyone eating it. Don’t recall seeing it anywhere as a snack food here in the UK either. I’m sure it is available but it must be a fairly uncommon. From the description I’m not sure I’d be a fan but you never know. ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2017, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158/60 "2017-06-26T14:17:26Z")
I like jerked beef. Also jerked buffalo, jerked turkey, jerked chicken, jerked people. Jerky is good in all it’s flavorings. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-like-beef-jerky/788158.md?page=4)