Original Beef Jerky

Common questions

Is Original Beef Jerky healthy?

Original Beef Jerky scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This beef jerky contains beneficial ingredients like beef, spices, onion, and garlic, which provide protein and antioxidants.

How processed is Original Beef Jerky?

Original Beef Jerky is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Original Beef Jerky's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Beef, Honey, Spices count in its favor; Brown Sugar, Prime Rib Seasoning Flavor, Natural Flavor are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Original Beef Jerky

Market Basket
65 Fair

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 5
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Demoulas Super Markets, Inc.
Category Jerky
Summary

This beef jerky contains beneficial ingredients like beef, spices, onion, and garlic, which provide protein and antioxidants. However, the presence of brown sugar and natural flavors introduces added sugars and potential processing concerns. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the inclusion of some natural ingredients.

Key ingredients 10

Beef
Good

Beef is a high-quality source of complete protein, providing essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Grass-fed beef would be preferable for higher omega-3 content, but no specific quality indicators are provided here.

Risks

Excessive consumption of red meat has been linked to increased risk of certain health issues, such as heart disease.

Benefits

Provides essential amino acids and is rich in iron and zinc, supporting muscle health and immune function.

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Honey
Good

Traditional whole-food sweetener with trace enzymes and antioxidants.

Risks

High sugar content can contribute to weight gain and increased risk of metabolic disorders if consumed in excess.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants and is less processed than refined sugars, offering a more natural sweetening option.

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Spices
Good

Spices are natural ingredients that can enhance flavor and provide health benefits due to their antioxidant properties. They are minimally processed and can contribute to overall health by reducing inflammation. The specific spices used are not listed, but they generally offer positive health effects.

Benefits

Rich in antioxidants and can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

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Onion
Good

Onion is a natural ingredient that provides flavor and contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It is a source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and folate. Onions can support immune function and cardiovascular health.

Benefits

Contains antioxidants and supports immune function and cardiovascular health.

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Garlic
Good

Garlic is known for its health-promoting properties, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. It contains compounds like allicin that can support heart health and boost the immune system. Garlic is a natural ingredient with minimal processing.

Benefits

Supports heart health and boosts the immune system with its antimicrobial properties.

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Salt
Neutral

Salt is a common seasoning that enhances flavor but provides no nutritional benefits beyond sodium. It is essential for bodily functions but should be consumed in moderation to avoid health issues. Excessive intake can lead to hypertension and cardiovascular problems.

Risks

High sodium intake is associated with increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Benefits

Essential for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

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Cultured
Neutral

The term 'cultured' typically refers to fermentation processes that can enhance flavor and preservation. It may contribute beneficial bacteria, but the specific benefits depend on the type of culture used. Without further details, the health impact is unclear.

Benefits

May contribute beneficial bacteria if fermentation is involved, supporting gut health.

Brown Sugar
Bad

Brown sugar is a refined sugar that contributes to increased calorie intake without providing significant nutritional benefits. It can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to metabolic disorders. While it contains trace amounts of molasses, the nutritional difference from white sugar is minimal.

Risks

Excessive consumption can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.

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Prime Rib Seasoning Flavor
Bad

This ingredient is a blend that includes natural flavor and salt, which can obscure the specific components and their quality. The use of 'natural flavor' is often a catch-all term that lacks transparency. It may contain additives or processing aids not disclosed on the label.

Risks

Potential for hidden additives and lack of transparency in ingredient sourcing.

Natural Flavor
Bad

Natural flavors are often used to enhance taste but can include a wide range of chemical compounds. The lack of specificity makes it difficult to assess the health impact. They are typically highly processed and may contain additives not listed on the label.

Risks

Potential for hidden additives and lack of transparency in ingredient sourcing.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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