Jack Link's Beef Jerky Teriyaki
Summary
Jack Link's Beef Jerky Teriyaki scores 24/100. Despite claiming 'Made with 100% Beef,' 'No Added Nitrates or Nitrites,' and 'No Added MSG,' the reality is far less clean. Brown sugar is the 2nd ingredient with 6g added sugars per tiny 1oz serving (12% DV). The 'no nitrates' claim is misleading — cultured celery extract is a hidden nitrate source that functions identically to sodium nitrite during curing. 'Flavors' is an opaque additive with zero transparency. Sodium is extremely high at 550mg per serving (24% DV). The beef protein base (11g/serving) is the one redeeming quality, but it's buried under sugar, hidden nitrates, and mystery flavoring. Owned by Link Snacks, Inc.
At a glance
Key ingredients 10
BeefGood
100% beef base. Good protein source (11g per serving).
See more about Beef →Brown SugarBad
2nd ingredient. 6g added sugars per 1oz serving (12% DV). Excessive for a meat product.
See more about Brown Sugar →WaterNeutral
Standard processing ingredient.
See more about Water →Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt)Neutral
Traditional fermented condiment. Contains wheat and soy allergens but is a recognizable ingredient.
See more about Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt) →Sea SaltGood
Unrefined sea salt — a minimally processed, natural source of sodium and essential trace minerals, and a legitimate whole-food seasoning. Treated as a positive ingredient.
See more about Sea Salt →SaltNeutral
Additional salt contributing to extreme sodium load.
See more about Salt →FlavorsBad
Completely opaque lab-derived flavoring compounds. No transparency.
See more about Flavors →Beef StockNeutral
Natural beef-derived flavoring liquid.
See more about Beef Stock →Cultured Celery ExtractBad
Hidden nitrate/nitrite source. Marketed as 'no added nitrates' but functionally identical to sodium nitrite during curing. Deceptive labeling.
See more about Cultured Celery Extract →Pineapple PowderNeutral
Natural meat tenderizer containing bromelain enzyme.
See more about Pineapple Powder →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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