RoadTest

Road Test

Beef Jerky

WE BIT INTO MORE THAN 100 TYPES T O

FIND OUT WHICH MEATS MET OU R

STANDARDS. THESE SIX MADE THE CUT.

By Ananda Eidelstei n

realsimple ROAD TEST

BEST ORIGINAL A Alewel’s ’ Countr nt y M Meat ts B Beeef eef fe Je J rkky y Tas as ste ters fell for the classic chew and d m d ild d kick. Plus, they swoo w ned over the he e b brand’s s his h tor ory: y It’s been family-run un n fo for more than 80 yeaars. . TO B TO UY: UY $40f 0 for or 4 44 -oz. packages; alewels.c . om. m. m.

BEST SWEET & SPICY Swe woodetw

Swe Hot Jerkyet & H ewy slices,In these che a blend of c yenne anday other spices mellows with m a f to that oflavor close maple syrup. onus pointsBo for the grass-f

TO BUY: $6 fo 1.75 oz.;r 1 at grocery stores. t

BEST TERIYAKI Chef’s Cut Real Steak Jerky J Asian Style Teriyaki k Salty soy mingles with the h tropical sweetness of o pineapple in this han -cutdsel rkyection. True-blue jer fans raved about its firm yet pliant textu e.re TO BUY: $8 for 2.5 oz.; at grocery stores.

BEST PEPPERED Duke’s Sea Salt & Pepper Beef Brisket Strips Superior tenderness makes these per fect 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 MightyOrganic 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 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.