Is Craft Jerky - Street Taco Inspired Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look past the marketing buzzwords like "Street Taco" to the actual composition of the food. When analyzing the ingredients list for Craft Jerky - Street Taco Inspired, it becomes immediately clear that this is an animal-derived product. The primary ingredient is pork, which disqualifies it from any vegan or vegetarian diet.

However, the animal content doesn't stop there. A subtle but critical ingredient found in the list is colored beef collagen casing. This is often used to give jerky strips their uniform shape and chewy texture. Collagen is a protein derived exclusively from animal connective tissue, making this ingredient a definitive non-vegan flag. Additionally, the preservation method includes cultured celery powder. While celery powder is plant-derived, it is often processed in facilities that handle animal products, and in the context of cured meats, it functions as a preservative for the pork. The inclusion of pineapple and chipotle pepper provides the intended flavor, but the base remains entirely animal-based.

Nutritional Value

Because this product is meat-based, its nutritional profile differs significantly from plant-based alternatives. It is high in protein due to the pork content, but it is also high in sodium, which is standard for cured meats to ensure shelf stability and flavor. The addition of brown sugar and cane sugar contributes to the calorie count and adds a sweet element to balance the spicy chipotle and ancho chile. For those monitoring sugar intake, this is an important factor to consider. While it fits within the limits of a standard omnivorous diet, it is a processed meat product and should be consumed in moderation.