Chomps Beef Jerky Review

You say beef jerky and I think Slim Jims. 

Not because I love them, but that's a brand that I'm familiar with. 

I've had the occasional hankering for some, when I can't run to my Polish butcher for some 

homemade stuff. 

But, we also know that they are loaded with chemicals. 

Being a teacher, I often have "snacky" lunches, or something that can tie me

over through an almost hour commute. 

I had the chance to try an assortment of beef jerky complementary from the brand

Chomps.

As their website declares:

Well, considering the fact that I know that Slim Jim's are terrible and contain questionable "meat", anything could be healthier. 

Apparently, if you follow the Whole30 or Paleo movement, 

these are also approved by both programs.  

I don't really follow either, but I do try to opt for healthier, and more natural foods when I can.

But, I had the chance to try three flavors, so in ranking of my favorite to least here we go!

Hoppin Jalapeno

I should preface this with, I love spicy food.  I love spicy meats even more. The texture of this is very similar to a Slim Jim, with a thin outer casing, and softer inside.  You get actual, identifiable chunks of jalapeño within the stick *you've been warned*. The fat was well distributed, although the minor downside is that I wish it didn't have a sweetness to it.  It needs just that little bit more of salt. 

Original

Yep! Mid-study snack!

This is closest to what an original Slim Jim would be like.  Has the meaty-ness, the savory flavor.  

This does not have the sweetness of the other two, and therefor you get a nice steady heat.  This comes second best as there was just something about that Jalapeno which tasted just a TINY bit better. 

Crankin' Cran

You can see a a little bit of cranberry in this bite!

This is for the hot and spicy and sweet wallop lovers. I love my spicy and this is the spiciest of the bunch, BUT the sweetness of the cranberry plus the natural sweetness of the stick combine to be a bit sickly. You can see the actual chunks of cranberry and habanero peppers, and your mouth will feel the heat, which I LOVE. But that follow up sweetness is something I disliked. 

As you might notice, these sticks have a sweetness to them, which I don't LOVE. I LIKE 

the flavor options. I LIKE that they are actually spicy and not a whimpy flavor. But that sweet after taste leaves me with a ".... um what?"

Nutritional Facts versus Slim Jim

Okay, so let's talk about those nutritional facts. What are the stats on this thing?

So let's start with the portion, both are 28grams. So same size, great!

The Chomps stick is only 100 calories, while Slim Jim's are 140.

For those who follow strict food programs, that might already become a deal breaker. 

Slim Jim's have 11 grams of fat, 25mg of cholesterol, 480mg of salt and 4 grams of carbs. 

Meanwhile the Chomps stick has 3 grams of fat, 20 mg of cholesterol,  and almost HALF the sodium at 250mg.  It also has zero carbs.  Considering that we eat a lot of foods already with salt, I'll be glad to take the lower option. 

For my protein loving friends, Chomps has 9 grams of protein, while Slim Jim has 6. 

So looking at the Nutritional Facts, the Chomps brand is more mindful, and probably the "healthier" option of both. 

Ingredients

Chomps:

So let's discuss ingredients.  It's awesome to see a short list of pronounceable ingredients.  In Chomps Original Sticks there are 10 ingredients.  There are actual spices, and they use celery juice as a preservative.  (I never knew you could do that!)

Slim Jim's 

Um. Yeah. What is exactly the purpose of outlining that chicken is mechanically separated? 

Soy protein concentrate? 

No wonder why my mom never let me take these things in my lunch boxes!

Clearly, Chomps uses better ingredients. 

Cost

So show me the money!

After this side by side, we know that Chomps is better, but then we know usually more natural means much more expensive. 

A Slim Jim from my locale ShopRite retails at $1.49.

Chomps sell via their own website, and offers several package options, and I've calculated to see what are the price points. 

You can buy a 5 count pack for $11.25. 

Ouch. This means that each stick is $2.25. 

A box or 24 count pack goes for $49, 

which breaks down to $2.04.

A case or 144 count pack goes for $259

and you get free shipping with this one. 

This option breaks down each stick to $1.80.

The most cost effective option would then become the 144 count, and yes you can get a mixture of the brands three flavors. No matter which option, you will pay between 40-76 cents more per snack stick. 

For orders over $75 the shipping is free, and for under it is a flat rate of $4. 

Final Thoughts:

I really hope this brand expands into supermarkets near me. 

Or at least into my more natural markets such as Whole Foods, Fairway or Trader Joes. 

 While this doesn't beat out my trusty Polish butcher shop, this is much better than any Slim Jim. 

If you are looking to have natural, 100 calorie snacks, this is a good option. 

Interested in Purchasing?

http://www.gochomps.com

*I was sent the products complimentarily for review.  This does not affect my honest opinions within this post*