The world is full of over-processed food with ingredient lists that no normal person can even understand. This has been done simply for convenience. But what these big brands don’t understand is that people love simplicity. We have become so used to the packaging sounds of mass-produced products. The treats have been made to hit us just right when we take a bite. But this mass production is taking the soul away from our food. It’s rare in this day and age to find a brand that reminds us that the best flavor that you can find is usually crafted by hand instead of a machine.
To understand a brand like Big Mike’s Jerky, you need to look past the nutritional label. This brand started because of a personal journey. A journey that was fueled by eating better and creating a community. Big Mike’s Jerky is based in the St. Louis area and is a brand that refuses to settle for the mainstream, prioritizing shelf life over quality.
Fixing the Jerky Industry
Years ago, Big Mike found himself in a pickle. He needed to learn how to navigate a Paleo lifestyle in a world that doesn’t make products to support it. His approach consisted of eating whole, unprocessed food like lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. The reality of the modern-day jerky is anything but compatible for those navigating Paleo.
Most modern-day jerky brands that Mike found were packed with:
- Refined Sugar
- Corn Syrup
- Chemical Preservatives
Not only were the ingredients a disappointment, but the texture was even worse. These brands use ground meat and binders, which they form into strips. This means that it ultimately lacked muscle fiber and the chew that everybody looks for.
Mike did what any great snacker would do: He began to create his own version. In his approach to jerky, he started experimenting with eye of round beef. This is a lean, tough cut of meat that can create something incredible once it is sliced and dried. He looked for a way to create a burst of flavor without using nitrates, gluten, and artificial flavorings. His product used only garlic, onion, and liquid aminos.
The Art of Real Flavor
This journey involved countless batches, perfecting the ratios and mastering the art of drying. Mike ultimately wanted his product to have a clean label, meaning it would be free of refined sugars and nitrates without compromising the pure jerky flavor.
He had a breakthrough when he made a version that featured cracked black pepper. This might sound simple, but it was anything but that. It offered a spicy, honest flavor profile. This became the foundation upon which Big Mike’s Peppered Jerky was built. He used a marinade with 7 to 9 ingredients and focused on the beef’s flavor rather than on ingredients that could mask it. The result is jerky that is chewy and savory with hints of garlic, onion, salt, and, of course, black pepper.
This all started as a way to lead a healthier lifestyle, and it turned out to be a hit. Mike soon realised that he wasn’t the only person who was tired of the over-processed world we live in, and that people prefer brands they actually trust.
Maintaining the Standard Without the Shortcuts
During the 2020 lockdowns, the world slowed down. This was when Mike and his team started to speed up. They found a commercial kitchen partner and shared their ideas and visions with them. They spent many months obsessing over the small detail.
A problem they found was that scaling up would be a challenge. It is hard to move to a large facility and still produce a product that tastes homemade. To ensure they maintained the standard they wanted, they took no shortcuts. They maintained the thin-sliced eye of round, the simple marinades, and the slow drying process.
By 20201, Big Mike’s Jerky was ready to take on the world. They started at farmers’ markets and got incredible feedback. In a space filled with bread and honey, a product with zero sugar was exactly what people needed.
Bike Mike’s Big Three
Big Mike’s Jerky is intentional about every flavor, which is why they chose the launch of three basics.
Peppered Beef Jerky
- This is a health-conscious recipe that has no sugar, no gluten, and no nitrates.
- This gives you the scents of the real spices instead of chemical additives.
- This product is made from eye of round beef, which gives it that traditional chew.
- A singular bag provides 28g of protein, which means that it is a great energy source
- Designed to fit into a busy lifestyle.
Original Turkey Jerky
- This is the perfect option for those who cannot eat red meat.
- It is made using thin slices of premium turkey breast.
- It features the same marinade.
- This is a softer and more tender option, which makes it best for children or those who prefer a softer bite.
- Designed for those with dietary restrictions that don’t want to give up the jerky experience.
Teriyaki and Sweet Hot
- This is for those who want a sweet profile without all the added sugars.
- Features coconut aminos, which provide a sweet flavor and are a natural and soy-free alternative.
- This product still maintains the no-sugar and low-carb profile.
- This is perfect for those who want to avoid the soy that is associated with traditional teriyaki products.
- This is a guilt-free way to get that sweet tooth satisfied.
The Future of Food is Simple
This brand is committed to transparency, as evidenced by its superior nutritional profile. They swap out the chemicals and give you a product that is actually clean. This dedication to simplicity extends to their supply chain. They use only 7 to 9 high-quality ingredients, ensuring your product has no hidden binders or fillers.
This brand aims to support an active lifestyle with durable, resealable packaging you can carry anywhere. This isn’t just another snack; this is a real food source that can become a part of your daily life.
Big Mike is a gentle reminder that the future of food is simple. What started as a personal experiment has grown into a St. Louis everyday staple. It’s time to start choosing your snacks intentionally. Choose a healthy snack that tastes exactly as it should. Choose Big Mike’s Jerky.
