What Happened To Lowrey’s Beef Jerky? An Expert’s Guide

Lowrey’s beef jerky has been a beloved snack for many years. But recently, devoted fans have noticed some changes with the brand. So what exactly happened to Lowrey’s beef jerky? As seasoned meat snack experts, we decided to dig into the history and current status of this iconic jerky brand.

A Brief History of Lowrey’s Beef Jerky

To understand what happened to Lowrey’s beef jerky, we first need to understand where it came from. The roots of Lowrey’s trace back to the Oberto Sausage Company, founded in Seattle in 1918 by an Italian immigrant named Constantino Oberto. Oberto started out making salami and other sausages, relying on traditional family recipes.

In the 1940s Oberto began producing beef jerky under the Lowrey’s brand name. It quickly became their best-selling product. As the meat snack category grew, Oberto continued to be an innovator. They launched new flavors, formats like sticks and nuggets, and categories like pork rinds. The Oberto shop in Seattle became an iconic hometown spot for meat snacks.

Over the years, Oberto and Lowrey’s changed ownership a few times as the meat snack industry consolidated. Today, the brands are owned by Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, a Canadian company. But Lowrey’s beef jerky remains one of the most well-known and top-selling meat snacks nationwide.

The Closure of the Famous Oberto Shop in Seattle

One major event that impacted Lowrey’s beef jerky was the 2018 closure of the original Oberto shop in Seattle. This facility, opened in 1953, had been producing beef jerky and other meat snacks for over 60 years. It was shut down to make space for an expansion of nearby Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The closure marked the end of an era for Oberto. The shop on Rainier Ave was a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. Many fans have fond memories of visiting the shop as kids to watch the jerky being made through the factory windows.

While this was certainly a nostalgic loss, Oberto’s manufacturing and retail sales continue at other facilities. The Kent, Washington plant remains their primary production location for meat snacks. So even after losing the flagship shop, Oberto and Lowrey’s products remain widely available.

Recalls and Regulatory Issues

In recent years Lowrey’s beef jerky has faced some recalls and regulatory run-ins that impacted consumer confidence.

In January 2020, Oberto’s Kent facility was fined by the EPA for failing to promptly disclose they were storing hazardous chemicals onsite. This raised concerns about transparency and production practices.

Then in August 2020, Oberto issued a recall for one of their smoked sausage products due to misbranding and an undeclared allergen (soy). While this did not directly impact Lowrey’s beef jerky, it highlighted issues with labeling and quality control.

Most recently in October 2021, Lowrey’s had to pull certain beef stick products off shelves due to possible foreign matter contamination.

While these issues don’t mean Lowrey’s products are unsafe overall, they do show the company has faced some challenges around compliance and meeting FDA food safety standards. For some consumers, these recalls may have shaken their trust in the brand.

Lowrey’s Beef Jerky Today: What to Know

Despite the closure of the iconic Oberto shop and recent recalls, Lowrey’s beef jerky remains available on store shelves today. The brand offers a variety of flavor options including Original, Teriyaki, Old Fashioned, Peppered, and Sweet & Spicy.

Lowrey’s beef jerky continues to be made without added nitrates or nitrites. The jerky comes in resealable bags, convenient for grabbing jerky on-the-go. Store-bought jerky can last 1-2 months past the sell-by date if stored properly. Once opened, it’s best to consume within 1 week.

While Oberto has faced fines related to facilities and production issues, they maintain that Lowrey’s beef jerky itself meets all safety standards. Many loyal fans continue to enjoy this shelf-stable snack.

However, it’s understandable some consumers have shifted away from Lowrey’s after the recalls and facility concerns. When it comes to processed meat, safety and transparency matter greatly.

Possible Alternatives to Lowrey’s Beef Jerky

For those seeking an alternative to Lowrey’s, there are some other high-quality beef jerky brands to consider:

• Krave Beef Jerky: Krave uses grass-fed beef and has options in flavors like Chili Lime and Sweet Chipotle. Their jerky contains no soy, wheat, MSG or preservatives.

• Dukes Meat Snacks: This small-batch jerky company uses premium cuts of meat and offers multiple flavor varieties like Smokey Sweet BBQ and Dill Pickle.

• Jack Link’s Beef Jerky: A classic brand you can find in most gas stations and convenience stores, Jack Link’s jerky comes in resealable pouches and flavors like Original and Teriyaki.

• Slim Jim: For those who prefer a meat stick over sliced jerky, Slim Jims are an easy on-the-go option. Try flavors like Original and Mild Sweet & Spicy.

• Chef’s Cut Real Jerky Co.: This brand focuses on using real, whole-muscle meat for their jerky in flavors like Bourbon Barbeque and Coconut Curry.

When evaluating jerky, look for options with minimal processing and no artificial ingredients. Consider the taste and texture you prefer. Resealable pouches or sticks make jerky the perfect snack for hikes, road trips, or sporting events.

The Outlook for Lowrey’s Beef Jerky

While Lowrey’s has undoubtedly hit some bumps in recent years, they’ve also taken steps to address issues and reassure customers. In 2021, Oberto opened a new R&D facility focused on developing new products and improving food safety through rigorous processes and testing.

If Lowrey’s continues to invest in ensuring compliance, they have a chance to rebuild consumer trust. Nostalgic fans will likely continue purchasing, hoping the brand returns to its peak glory days.

For now, Lowrey’s beef jerky remains easy to find in stores, even if doubts linger for some buyers. We may see more marketing efforts to entice people back to this old school jerky brand. Their history and familiar flavors still hold appeal, but Lowrey’s must fully deliver on safety and quality to thrive in the modern meat snack marketplace.