The Quechua people in South America came up with beef jerky, which you may enjoy. In the 1800s, this way of salting and drying meat was created as a way to keep food fresh so that tribe members could eat when food supplies were low. People all over the world still enjoy beef jerky as a protein-rich snack, even though it’s not a food that people have to eat. Except for those who are put off by jerkys distinct texture; a by-product of the drying process.
Even the best, most flavorful jerky will have a dry, chewy texture thats often likened to leather. Despite any interior tenderness, the rough outer exterior is not for everyone. Some people actually stay away from jerky just because of the way it feels, even though they love the strong meaty flavors it has. If this sounds like you, there’s a product at Costco that might be the answer to your prayers. It has big, bold flavors without being tough like jerky.
Kirkland beef jerky has become a popular snack option for many shoppers at Costco. The Kirkland brand is Costco’s signature private label, known for providing quality items at a great value. But despite its popularity, the identity of the actual manufacturer behind Kirkland beef jerky remains a bit mysterious.
In this article, we’ll examine the clues, rumors and evidence surrounding the real producer of Kirkland beef jerky.
A Look at Kirkland Beef Jerky
First, let’s take a quick look at the Kirkland beef jerky product itself Costco carries a couple of varieties
- Kirkland Signature Steak Strips Beef Jerky
- Kirkland Signature Southwestern Style Beef Jerky
The steak strips consist of top round steak, seasoned with ingredients like garlic, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. It has a flavor profile described as “complex.”
The southwestern style is made with flank steak and has a spicy kick from a blend of peppers and spices.
Both options come in sizable 24 oz bags, priced affordably compared to other major beef jerky brands. The products are USDA-inspected and made in the USA.
The Must Know Info on Kirkland Products
To understand the jerky mystery, it helps to know a bit about Kirkland and Costco’s approach to their private label products:
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High Standards: Kirkland products must meet Costco’s rigorous quality and pricing requirements. This means solid value for consumers.
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Multiple Suppliers Costco frequently uses multiple suppliers for Kirkland items. They can switch suppliers as needed to control costs and quality
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Top Manufacturers: Reputable brand-name companies are often behind Kirkland products, contracted to produce items for the private label.
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Secrecy: Costco is notoriously secretive about the specific manufacturers behind Kirkland products. They wish to keep suppliers competitive.
So while we as consumers don’t know exactly who makes Kirkland beef jerky, we know it’s likely a recognized meat snack producer capable of meeting Costco’s high standards.
Clues Point to These Potential Jerky Makers
Costco and Kirkland do not publicly identify suppliers, but various tidbits of information point to these likely major jerky manufacturers as potential producers:
Jack Link’s
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One of the largest meat snack companies in the world
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Products widely sold at Costco
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Similar flavor profiles to Kirkland (pepper seasoning, sweet and savory)
Oberto
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A leading US jerky brand, owned by Pepsico
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Sells jerky varieties aligned with Kirkland flavors
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Already makes other Kirkland meat snacks like beef sticks
Tillamook
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Major meat and dairy co-op based in Oregon
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Supplies other Kirkland products like cheese
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Expanded into jerky recently with steak strips and southwestern flavors
Examining a Kirkland Jerky Review
Product reviews of Kirkland beef jerky can provide further clues on the potential producer.
This detailed review from Jerkyology of the Kirkland Signature Steak Strips jerky reveals:
- Use of quality top round steak
- A flavor profile with many complex layers
- Occasional tough, chewy bits despite otherwise tender texture
- Strong similarities to Jack Link’s jerky noted
The complex flavor and premium beef match Jack Link’s approach. The tough bits seem less characteristic of their products though.
The Verdict on Kirkland’s Jerky Producer
While it’s not possible to know for certain without an official confirmation, the available evidence seems to point to Jack Link’s as the most likely manufacturer of Kirkland beef jerky.
Jack Link’s has the scale, distribution, and production capabilities to supply Costco’s demands. The flavor styles align well between the brands. And Jack Link’s is known to produce private label jerky for various retailers.
That said, Costco could use multiple suppliers across their different regions. And they may switch producers at any time. But for now, it looks like Jack Link’s is potentially the secret maker behind those tasty Kirkland jerky bags.
So next time you enjoy Kirkland beef jerky, you can speculate that you may be tasting jerky from the Jack Link’s kitchens! The anonymity allows Costco to bring it to you at a great price while still delivering the meat snack quality you expect from Kirkland.
A softer, gentler jerky
Compared to the much more expensive name brands, Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand has a wide range of high-quality items at prices that can’t be beat. As a result, Costco shoppers swear by this line of products, which helps them stick to their budgets without sacrificing quality. The warehouse retailer chains steak strips are no exception. Kirkland Signature Steak Strips come in a 12-ounce package and retail for $11. 99. This product comes from high-quality beef cuts that have been smoked to make the flavor even better. Its also gluten-free, 98% fat-free, and ready to eat out of the bag.
So, what makes Kirkland Signature Steak Strips different from other jerky? This product is much softer and has a lot more moisture than other jerky. It’s not chewy or tough like traditional jerky. So, it’s the best choice for people who love the taste of jerky but don’t like the problems that the texture causes. Anyone who has bought something from Costco is happy to give you their opinion on whether or not the product lives up to the hype.
Costco Kirkland Beef Jerky Review – Good Deal
FAQ
Why does Costco jerky need to be refrigerated?
What are the ingredients in Costco beef jerky?
Who makes Member’s Mark Beef Jerky?
Who makes Kirkland’s signature?
How much does Kirkland beef jerky cost?
Thus it’s about $1.74 per ounce. It has no nitrate or nitrites. The cuts are not uniform. Extra thick, moist, and tender steak beef jerky serves you with Costco’s user-focused specialty when you pick the Kirkland Signature beef jerky at a Costco gas station. Its thick, chewy bites are just a “wow!”
Does Costco Kirkland have turkey jerky?
Today I’m reviewing the Costco Kirkland Signature Turkey Jerky. I’m not a huge fan of jerky so for this review I’m relying on my husband who likes it for his expert opinion! My husband actually really liked this! I didn’t mind it at all either but as I said before I’m not the biggest jerky fan.
How much does Kirkland meat cost?
The flavor is nice, slightly sweet and smoky and very well seasoned. There’s various sized pieces of meat in the bag so some pieces are slightly more tender and easier to eat than others. The 340 gram bag of Costco Kirkland Signature Cured & Dried Extra Thick Cut Steak Strips cost $13.49 Canadian, regular price.
Is Costco beef jerky good?
Its thick, chewy bites are just a “wow!” You can easily compare Costco’s beef jerky brand with any of the top-rated jerky brands. With smokey notes, and visible seasoning, its perfectly infused smokey flavor makes every protein bite memorable–I bet you’re not going to forget it.