Cracking the Kirkland Jerky Code

This one lands on the safer side of sweet for a classic jerky, with 17g of sugar per 100g and a label that reads pretty clean. The chew is firm enough to feel substantial, not crumbly, so it won't dust up your bag. A solid pick for a late-night study session when you want something savory to gnaw on without going full sugar bomb. It's not the lowest-sodium option, though, so the thirst can creep in if you're cramming for hours. The score suggests it's a reliable staple, but if you're sensitive to salt, keep water handy.

With 21g of sugar per 100g, this peppered version leans sweeter, but the organic black pepper and garlic bring a lively heat that cuts through. The texture feels a bit denser, and the spice may tingle for sensitive palates. It's a great gym-bag backup when you want bold flavor to wake up your taste buds after a workout. The trade-off is the sugar; it's not ideal if you're watching added sweeteners. The score sits at 7.9, reflecting that punchy flavor but also the higher sugar content compared to some cleaner options.

Hickory smoke and a hint of clove give this jerky a campfire vibe, with 14g sugar per 100g and a blend that includes molasses and vinegar for depth. The chew is dense, almost steak-like, which can feel heavy if you're snacking light. It's a cozy option for late-night library marathons when you want that smoky comfort to keep you focused. The trade-off is the ingredient list; it's longer, with natural smoke flavoring and spices that some people may prefer to avoid. The 8.6 score points to strong flavor, but it's not the cleanest label in the set.

This thin-cut jerky shows 0g sugar per 100g and a sky-high 9.9 score, hinting at a very clean label. The thin slices make for a quick, crisp-leaning chew that's easy to portion and less messy than thicker cuts. It's ideal for office desk drawers—quiet to eat, no sticky fingers around your keyboard. The trade-off is texture; thin slices can feel a bit brittle if you're used to a hearty, slow chew. Still, for pure protein focus with minimal extras, it's hard to beat in this lineup.

Teriyaki style with 21g sugar per 100g brings a glossy sweetness and a savory soy backbone. The seasoning blend includes MSG and dehydrated garlic, which can amplify the umami for some palates. It's a tasty late-night treat when you're craving takeout vibes without the delivery fee. The trade-off is the sweetness and the sodium; it may leave you reaching for water, and the sugar content isn't ideal if you're cutting back. The 7.9 score fits—it's tasty, but not the most balanced option if you're label-conscious.