Old Trapper Smoked Products has produced its signature line of authentic handmade beef jerky from its headquarters in Forest Grove, Oregon since 1969. That 50 years of experience, complemented by continued investments in state-of-the-art processes, result in top-quality products that are distributed nationwide.

Melinda and Dennis Evenson established Old Trapper in Tillamook, Oregon in 1969, naming their company for the trappers who once visited the coastal community. Today, it is led by their children. Son Ole Evenson is president.

1969 Old Trapper Smoked Products Inc. has been creating and delivering quality smoked meat snacks and beef jerky since 1969.

If the package remains unopened, the jerky may still be good for a month or two past the date on the bag. After you open a package of jerky, the shelf life shortens. Opened packages of commercial jerky will stay fresh for about one to two weeks in the pantry or three to four weeks in the refrigerator.

Old Trapper Peppered Beef Jerky | Traditional Style Real Wood Smoked Snacks | Healthy Snacks Made from 100% Top Round Steaks | 10 Ounce.

After sampling 15 different brands in a blind test, we picked Lucky Jerky – Original Premium Angus as the best beef jerky overall. This brand had the most balanced texture - chewy without being crumbly - and the pieces in our bag were almost all larger than an inch square with very few crumbs.

Full list of Beef Jerky brands being recalled for Listeria contamination

The 15 Best Beef Jerky Brands

1. Thrive. Thrive Jerky.
2. Slim Jim. Slim Jim.
3. Perky Jerky. Perky Jerky.
4. Stryve. Stryve Beef Biltong.
5. Louisville. Louisville Vegan Jerky Co.
6. Chef's Cut. Chef's Cut Real Jerky Co.
7. Old Trapper. Old Trapper.
8. Cattleman's Cut. Cattleman's Cut/Oberto.

Top Round Steaks Old Trapper Zero Sugar Beef Jerky | Traditional Style Real Wood Smoked | Healthy Snack Made from 100% Top Round Steaks | 8 Ounce Bag.

Trapper is a boy's name of German origin. Taken from the Old German word trappe, which is said to have become a nickname for a “troublemaker” or “rogue,” Trapper is a real charm for any mind of pure mischief.

As long as beef jerky has been produced, packaged, and stored properly, it can be enjoyed indefinitely. That's not to say it's immune from mishandling. If jerky has not been properly dehydrated or packaged, it can lead to issues such as mold and going rancid.

Mold, discoloration, or sliminess on the surface of the beef jerky are all signs of spoilage and should not be ignored. Fresh jerky should be uniform in color and free of any visible mold or growth. If you notice such signs on your jerky, it's best to dispose of it and find a replacement.

The rib and loin are traditionally cut into steaks such as ribeyes and strip steaks that are considered both very palatable and convenient. Accordingly, these cuts are also some of the most valuable in the carcass, and can bring $12-18/pound.

The 15 Best Beef Jerky Brands

• Cattleman's Cut. Cattleman's Cut/Oberto.
• Oberto. Oberto.
• Country Archer. Country Archer.
• People's Choice. People's Choice Beef Jerky.
• Epic. Epic.
• Jack Link's. ZikG/Shutterstock.
• Tillamook. The Image Party/Shutterstock.
• Krave. Krave Beef Jerky.

Because steak strips are not as dehydrated as beef jerky, they tend to have a lower concentration of key nutrients (lower calories, lower protein).

In short, though beef jerky is a healthy snack, its best consumed in moderation. Most of your diet should come from whole, unprocessed foods. Though beef jerky is healthy, avoid eating too much of it, as it's high in sodium and may come with the same health risks that are linked to eating processed meats.