FOOD
R o a d Te s t
Beef Jerky WE BIT INTO MORE THAN 100 T YPES TO
BEST PEPPERED
F I N D O U T W H I C H M E AT S M E T O U R S T A N D A R D S . T H E S E S I X M A D E T H E C U T. By Ananda Eidelstein
realsimple ROAD TE ST
BEST SWEET & SPICY
Sweetw wood Sweet & H Hot Jerky In these che ewy slices, a blend of cay yenne and other spices m mellows with a flavor close to that of maple syrup. Bo onus points for the grass-f TO BUY: $6 for 1.75 1 oz.; at grocery sttores.
Duke’s Sea Salt & Pepper Beef Brisket Strips Superior tenderness makes these perfect for snacking. Sea salt and pepper offer rich flavor in every bite. TO BUY: $7 for 2.5 oz.; dukesmeats.com.
BEST STICK
Mighty Organic Beef Stick Original Everything we love about the classic road-trip snack, upgraded with organic ingredients. Tastes exactly how you want it to: evenly spiced, with savory beef flavor. TO BUY: $2.50 for 0.75 oz.; at grocery stores.
BEST ORIGINAL
Alewel’s A le ’ Countr nt y Meatts Be ee eef ef Je J rk ky ky Tas as ste ters fell for the classic c chew chew an and d mild d kick. Plus, they swoo w ned ov over the he e brand’s ’s s his h tor ory: or y It’s been famil mily-r y-run un n fo for mo more than 80 yea ea ars. s.. TO BUY: B UY $4 $40 0 for for 4 4-oz. packages; alewels.c . om. m.
136 REAL SIMPLE APRIL 2018
BEST SPICY
Jack Link’s Jalapeño Carne Seca Beef Jerky Real jalapeño flavor makes these strips hot enough to satisfy a spice craving—but not enough to stop you at just one. TO BUY: $7 for 2.85 oz.; at grocery stores. For more tasty snacks, go to realsimple.com/chips.
Photograph by Brian Henn
P R O D U CT I M AG E S C O U RT E SY O F M A N U FACT U R E R S
B E S T T E R I YA K I
Chef’s Cut Real Steak J Jerky Asian Style Teriyak ki Salty soy mingles with h the tropical sweetness o of pineapple in this hand--cut selection. True-blue jerrky fans raved about its firm yet pliant texture e. TO BUY: $8 for 2.5 oz.; at grocery stores.
