Why Love's Is the Handmade Beef Jerky Small Batch to Try

Finding the best jerky starts with how it is made. Love's Jerky Co. is a small family business, and every bag is handmade and made fresh weekly. That is why we sell out often. When a flavor is gone, the next batch is already on its way.

The recipe came from our founder's dad, Leroy, and we have kept it simple. Our beef is not marinated, and we use lower sodium than many brands. Most flavors have short ingredient lists, and Salt and Pepper is just three ingredients: beef, salt, and black pepper.

You also get a made date on the bag, with about 6 months of shelf life from that date. Small batch means fresher jerky and honest flavor.

How to Choose Handmade Beef Jerky Small Batch Flavors

Start with how much heat and how much sauce you want, then match it to a flavor. Here is a quick guide to our six:

• Want zero heat and pure beef? Try Salt and Pepper, Real Salt (two ingredients, also available grass-fed and finished), or Garlic Delite for a deeper savory punch.
• Like a sweet-savory sauce? Teriyaki is lightly marinated and never drowns out the beef.
• Want something bright? Lemon Pepper balances citrus zest and ground black pepper with no heat.
• Ready for a little kick? Hatch Green Chile starts savory with teriyaki, then turns smoky and earthy, at a mild to medium heat. It won 1st Place at the International Flavor Awards.
• Not sure yet? Pick one no-heat flavor, one sauced flavor, and one adventurous flavor.

Tips for Finding the Best Handmade Beef Jerky Small Batch

A few simple habits make it easier to find your favorite handmade jerky.

• Read the ingredient list first. Shorter lists, like Real Salt or Salt and Pepper, show you the beef itself.
• Check the made date. Fresh jerky from a small batch keeps about 6 months from that date.
• Taste across styles. Compare a plain flavor with a sauced one so you know what you prefer.
• Expect some variation. Every cow is different, so some batches are a little chewier. The flavor stays the same.
• Check allergens before you order. Hatch Green Chile and Teriyaki contain wheat and soy, and Lemon Pepper also contains fish.

5oz vs 1.5oz and the Sample Pack: Which to Buy

If you are still deciding, the Sample Pack is the best place to start. It includes six flavors in six 1.5oz bags for $50, with free shipping, so you can taste everything before committing.

Once you know your favorites, buy the 5oz bag at $25. It costs about 25% less per ounce than the 1.5oz bag at $10. Free US shipping also applies on orders over $66, which makes a mixed box of 5oz bags a smart move.

Why Thin and Crispy Beats Thick, Chewy Jerky

Most jerky is cut thick and stays chewy. Ours is thin-sliced and dried until crisp like a chip, which is why we call it meat chips. The thin cut lets the beef flavor come through fast, with no jaw workout.

Because every cow is different, a batch may eat a little chewier than the last. The flavor stays the same. That is part of real handmade beef jerky small batch: you are getting food made by hand, not a factory copy.