TILLAMOOK COUNTRY SMOKER Peppered Beef Jerky scores 37/100 (Poor) due to its high sodium content and ultra-processed nature, despite offering a notable amount of protein.
This product received a FoodScore of 37/100, indicating a poor nutritional profile.
It provides 35.7g of protein per 100g, a significant amount for a snack.
A major concern is the 2500mg of sodium per 100g, contributing to 109% of the daily value.
Classified as NOVA 4, it is an ultra-processed food, unlike whole-food snack alternatives.
Consider this as an occasional snack due to its high sodium and processing level.
Scores -4 points above the snack category average (41/100 across 2903 foods).
Fiber
7.11g
25% of Daily Value
Protein
35.71g
71% of Daily Value
Added sugar
7.5g
15% of Daily Value
Sodium
2500mg
109% of Daily Value
+
What it brings to the table
Fiber (7.1g)+9
Protein (35.7g)+10
Micronutrients (Iron)+2
−
What holds it back
Added sugar (7.5g)-8
Saturated fat (5.4g)-4
Sodium (2500mg)-12
Ultra-processed (NOVA 4)-10
Why it scores 37
TILLAMOOK COUNTRY SMOKER Peppered Beef Jerky received a FoodScore of 37 out of 100, primarily driven by its high sodium content and classification as an ultra-processed food. The product contains 2500mg of sodium per 100g, which is a significant contributor to the daily recommended limit and incurs a substantial penalty in the scoring. Its NOVA class 4 designation also results in a penalty, reflecting the presence of ingredients like textured soy flour, maltodextrin, and monosodium glutamate, which are typical of highly processed foods. On the positive side, this SKU is a good source of protein, providing 35.7g per 100g, and offers 7.1g of fiber, both of which contribute positively to its score. It also provides 29% DV for iron. However, these benefits are largely offset by 7.5g of added sugar and 5.36g of saturated fat. Compared to a whole-food snack alternative, this product contains more additives and a higher sodium load.
Health benefits
What the nutrients in tillamook country smoker peppered beef jerky actually do for you, grounded in established dietary science.
Supports Muscle Maintenance and Satiety
This beef jerky is a concentrated source of protein, providing 35.7g per 100g. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and consuming adequate amounts can help with satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake. For individuals looking to increase their protein intake, especially on the go, this product can serve as a convenient option to help meet daily protein needs.
Contributes to Iron Intake
TILLAMOOK COUNTRY SMOKER Peppered Beef Jerky provides 5.14mg of iron per 100g, which is 29% of the Daily Value. Iron is a crucial mineral involved in oxygen transport and energy production. Including iron-rich foods in the diet can help prevent iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue and weakness. This product can be a useful occasional contributor to iron intake, particularly for those who may struggle to meet their needs through other sources.
Provides Dietary Fiber
This product contains 7.11g of fiber per 100g, which is a notable amount for a meat-based snack. Dietary fiber is important for digestive health and can contribute to feelings of fullness. While not typically a primary source of fiber, the inclusion of textured soy flour contributes to this fiber content, offering an unexpected benefit in this category of snack.
TILLAMOOK COUNTRY SMOKER Peppered Beef Jerky scores 37/100 (Poor) due to its high sodium content and ultra-processed nature, despite offering a notable amount of protein.
How to eat it
Beef jerky is commonly consumed as a convenient, portable snack, often between meals or as a quick energy source during activities. A typical serving size is 1 ounce, which is considerably less than the 100g used for the nutritional analysis. Be mindful of portion sizes to manage sodium and calorie intake.
Pair with fresh fruit or vegetables to add vitamins and antioxidants and balance the sodium content.
Use as a post-workout snack for protein, but be aware of the high sodium if monitoring electrolyte balance.
Consider cutting into smaller pieces and adding to a trail mix with unsalted nuts and seeds to dilute the sodium per bite.
Limit consumption to occasional use, especially if you are monitoring your sodium intake for blood pressure management.
Things to keep in mind
This product contains 2500mg of sodium per 100g, which is a very high amount and could be a concern for individuals monitoring their blood pressure or those with heart conditions. The ingredient list includes monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer that some individuals report sensitivity to, although it is generally recognized as safe. Allergens declared include soy and wheat, due to the presence of textured soy flour and soy sauce powder, so individuals with these allergies should avoid this product. The inclusion of sodium nitrite is a common preservative in cured meats, and while approved for use, some consumers prefer to limit its intake. The product is also classified as ultra-processed (NOVA 4), indicating a formulation with multiple industrial ingredients.
Is TILLAMOOK COUNTRY SMOKER Peppered Beef Jerky a healthy snack?
With a FoodScore of 37/100 (Poor), this product is not considered a healthy everyday snack. While it offers a good amount of protein and some fiber, its high sodium content and classification as an ultra-processed food are significant nutritional drawbacks. It is best consumed in moderation.
How does TILLAMOOK COUNTRY SMOKER Peppered Beef Jerky compare to other jerky brands?
Compared to other beef jerky brands like Jack Link's Original Beef Jerky, TILLAMOOK COUNTRY SMOKER Peppered Beef Jerky has a similar nutritional profile, often high in protein but also high in sodium and sometimes added sugars. Many jerky products fall into the ultra-processed category. Always check the nutrition label for specific comparisons, especially for sodium and added sugar.
What is 'textured soy flour' and why is it in this jerky?
Textured soy flour is a processed soy product used to add protein and fiber, and to improve the texture and yield of meat products. In this jerky, it contributes to the protein and fiber content, but also indicates a higher degree of processing compared to jerky made solely from whole muscle meat.
What is a reasonable portion size for this beef jerky?
The declared serving size is 1 ounce (28g). This portion provides significantly less sodium and calories than the 100g values. Sticking to the recommended serving size is crucial to manage the high sodium intake and align with dietary guidelines for snacks.
Can I eat this jerky if I am trying to reduce my sugar intake?
This product contains 7.5g of added sugar per 100g. While not extremely high compared to some snacks, it still contributes to your daily added sugar limit. If you are strictly trying to reduce sugar, consider jerky options with no added sugar or alternative snacks like plain nuts or seeds.