Adam Scepaniak 04.09.25
“Gear items” that we have begun to increasingly review here on AllOutdoor is food. Whether it is to nourish you before or post-workout, or to simply fuel you through a hunt, food is an enormous part of our lives. It can either make or break you. So, it makes sense for us to look to deliver to you the best knowledge on “health foods” and all other kinds of snacks and supplements that are geared towards hunters and outdoorspeople. So, in this AllOutdoor Review, we are going to take a look at Vaca Jerky which is a double dehydrated, crispified beef jerky unlike others you have ever tried before. Let’s dive in!
Beef Jerky Coverage on AllOutdoor
Nutrition Information – Vaca Jerky
For one package of Vaca Jerky, you are looking at a serving size of 2 ounces. This is less than other brands, but I would attribute it to the fact that this jerky is double dehydrated. So, the lighter serving size might just be water weight that’s been removed. You are also looking at roughly 200 – 210 calories per package (depending on the flavor) along with these macronutrients:
- Fat: 2 – 2.5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11 – 12 grams
- Protein: 34 – 35 grams
A macronutrient split like this is fantastic because it gives you a bevy of protein – which we would expect from jerky – some fat for cognitive functioning and a bit of carbs for energy. No filler or fluff. As far as actual ingredients go, the only ones I didn’t care to see are “caramel color” and xanthan gum. Caramel color is an additive simply for color. They could have done without using that. Also, xanthan gum is a thickening agent meant to bind things; commonly found in chewing gum and wallpaper glue.
The one ingredient that is absent that I’m most concerned about when eating jerky is nitrates. Nitrates in their varying forms are often used as a preservative in meat like ham and jerky, and is openly known to cause cancer. This product does not have nitrates in it. So, huge round of applause for Vaca Jerky for not using it!
- Double Dehydrated – VACA Jerky is dehydrated twice as long and at a higher temperature. This crispifies the meat and intensifies the flavor!
- Thin-Sliced Marbled Meat – Our unique, time-consuming double-dehydrating process allows us to use more flavorful marbled meat (because the fat is where the flavor is!).
- Keto Friendly – VACA Jerky is the perfect snack for our friends on the Keto diet. Naturally high in protein and low in carbs, it’s an ideal choice to keep you going without breaking your diet goals!
A Word from Vaca Jerky on their 3 Flavors of Double Dehydrated, Crispified Beef Jerky
Next, we have a word from Vaca Jerky on their 3 current flavors. Any flavor that you choose has an MSRP of $10.99 for an individual pack – which is expensive – but this is a truly unique kind of jerky. Not only in texture and in taste, but also in the way that it is produced which we will get to in a moment.
Classic
VACA’s CLASSIC flavored beef jerky provides a classic flavor that is intensified thanks to VACA’s double dehydration process and the fact that we use marbled meat — the fat is where the flavor is! Plus, the crispified texture is far more fun to eat than traditional jerky.
Mild
For those who like just a little bit of bite, the MILD flavor is your VACA jerky of choice. You’ll love the intensified flavor of the marbled beef and the crispified texture created by VACA’s unique double dehydration process. There is nothing else like it!
Spicy
If you like your jerky to have some zip, VACA SPICY will be your favorite! It’s made with thinly-sliced, marbled meat and double dehydrated, which breaks down the meat and crispifies the jerky. Once you eat VACA, you’ll never go back!
First Impressions & Taste – Vaca Jerky Classic
So, how does it taste? Their Classic flavor is a nice palate cleanser. You can taste the rich meat and yummy fat along with a trace amount of seasoning and that’s it. Not overpowering. Just a clean, nice tasting beef jerky. As far as texture, that was the most eye-opening part. Since beef jerky is double dehydrated, it is like the equivalent of eating a cracker or potato chip. You are not gnashing your jaw getting fatigued eating a bag of this. Rather, you get your nutrients, you curb your satiety, and you are on your way.
First Impressions & Taste – Vaca Jerky Mild
The Mild flavor had a nice kick of seasoning and spice to it, but nothing overpowering. I enjoy spicy foods and this was very pleasant to eat. You got your mouth to water a little bit, but not so much that you feel your brow beginning to sweat. Overall, this was my favorite flavor by far. It had a good ratio of meat-to-fat, delicious, seasoned well, and the same crackery texture which made it quick and easy to consume on-the-go.
First Impressions & Taste – Vaca Jerky Spicy
Finally, we have the Spicy flavor. As someone who loves spicy food, this wasn’t my favorite because the spices were not evenly spread throughout. You’d bite into a piece of jerky and it would have the same flavor profile as the Mild in one bite. Then, the next you’d hit a pile of red pepper flakes/seeds and some higher heat would hit you out of nowhere. So, the flavor was good like the other flavors, but I wish the Spicy seasoning was more consistent throughout the beef jerky. And again, it had a good crackery texture.
Final Thoughts
So, what are my final thoughts on Vaca Jerky?… Overall, it is expensive, but the ol’ adage of “you get what you pay for” rings true here. I love jerky because it is typically shelf stable for so long and is a nice snack to bring out in the woods hunting with me. What I hate is that most beef jerky companies use nitrates as a preservative though, and Vaca Jerky does not. As I get older, I am also willing to pay more money in truly healthy food that I put into my body. It is an investment in the greatest sense. I want to be romping around the woods creating adventures for myself for decades to come. To do that, I need to be fueled right and put real food in my body; not chemicals. Vaca Jerky is absolutely something I would be willing to eat and bring with me in the future.
As always, let us know all of your thoughts about Vaca Jerky, and all of their double dehydrated, crispified beef jerky flavors like their Classic, Mild, and Spicy options in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.
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