Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Original Beef Jerky, Original: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Lower integrity
Great Value original beef jerky, original received a Food Integrity Score of 47 out of 100 (lower integrity). This reflects highly processed and high additive load. This jerky contains several processed ingredients like corn syrup solids and monosodium glutamate that are commonly associated with factory-formulated foods. Sodium nitrite is another ingredient often used in processed meats for preservation. While beef jerky is a convenient snack, choosing versions with simpler ingredients may offer a more natural option. Main considerations include processed and family watchlist. Look for jerky with just beef, salt, and spices.
Food Integrity Score 47/100
What stood out on the label?
- Highly processed
- High additive load
- Transparency: Low
What to watch?
- Processed
- Family Watchlist
Simpler options to consider
- Look for jerky with just beef, salt, and spices
You are viewing ingredients and processing. Switch to Longevity for nutrition and longer-term eating pattern fit.
Source data, GTIN, and Food Quality Guide analysis details
Product facts
- Product
- Great Value Original Beef Jerky, Original
- Brand
- Great Value
- Category
- Snacks (source: Other Snacks)
- GTIN / UPC
00078742102443- Serving size
- 28 g (1 ONZ)
- Source data — ingredients
- Ingredient list from product label data (see Sources)
- Food Quality Guide analysis
- Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards. See methodology under Sources.
- Data last verified
Food Integrity results
Original Beef Jerky, Original
Great Value
Lower integrity
Warning Signs
Monosodium glutamate and sodium nitrite drive concern for this beef jerky.
Consider This
The combined use of corn syrup solids and maltodextrin suggests ultra-processed elements.
Good Substitutes
Look for jerky with just beef, salt, and simple spices.
Overall Assessment
Lower integrityThis jerky contains several processed ingredients like corn syrup solids and monosodium glutamate that are commonly associated with factory-formulated foods. Sodium nitrite is another ingredient often used in processed meats for preservation. While beef jerky is a convenient snack, choosing versions with simpler ingredients may offer a more natural option.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Processed
- Family Watchlist
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE — Common controversial additive
- FLAVORING — Vague ingredient signals
- SODIUM NITRITE — Preservative use in meats
Highest concern ingredients
- SODIUM NITRITE (8/10) — Preservative used in processed meats
- MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE (7/10) — Debated additive in flavor enhancement
- FLAVORING (6/10) — Lack of transparency, non-specific
Better choice tips
- Look for jerky with just beef, salt, and spices
Ingredients
Ingredient list
BEEF, WATER, SUGAR, LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, CORN SYRUP SOLIDS, HYDROLYZED CORN AND SOY PROTEIN, DRIED SOY SAUCE (WHEAT, SOYBEAN, SALT), MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, FLAVORING, MALTODEXTRIN, SPICE, SODIUM ERYTHORBATE, SODIUM NITRITE.
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
SODIUM NITRITEConcern 8/10 — Higher concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive · Higher concern
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Preservative used in processed meats
Additional note
Controversial preservative
Family watchlist
Preservative use in meats
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATEConcern 7/10 — Higher concernFlavor enhancerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Flavor enhancer
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Debated additive in flavor enhancement
Additional note
Flavor enhancer, common concern
Family watchlist
Common controversial additive
HYDROLYZED CORN AND SOY PROTEINConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernRefined proteinWatchlist
What this is
Refined protein
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Processed ingredient, flavor enhancement
Additional note
Processed protein enhancer
Family watchlist
Processed flavor enhancer
FLAVORINGConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Transparency Context
Why it matters
Lack of transparency, non-specific
Additional note
Broad, non-specific ingredient
Family watchlist
Vague ingredient signals
View all 13 ingredient assessments
CORN SYRUP SOLIDSConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernSweetenerWatchlist
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined ingredient for sweetness
Additional note
Refined sugar derivative
Family watchlist
Refined sweetener in processed foods
SODIUM ERYTHORBATEConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Used in meat curing processes
Additional note
Antioxidant, processed ingredient
Family watchlist
Used in meat processing
DRIED SOY SAUCE (WHEAT, SOYBEAN, SALT)Concern 4/10 — Mild concernFlavored seasoning
What this is
Flavored seasoning
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Processed for flavor
Additional note
Processed flavoring agent
MALTODEXTRINConcern 4/10 — Mild concernThickenerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Thickener
Processing category
Processed
Main concern area
Processing
Why it matters
Often used in processed foods
Additional note
Processed carbohydrate
Family watchlist
Processed carbohydrate base
SUGARConcern 3/10 — Mild concernSweetener
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined sugar in processed foods
Additional note
Refined sweetener concern
SPICEConcern 2/10 — Very low concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Unknown / not listed
Main concern area
Transparency Context
Why it matters
Non-specific spice blend
Additional note
Vague blend of spices
Family watchlist
Lack of specific spice identification
LESS THAN 2% OF SALTConcern 1/10 — Very low concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Common seasoning ingredient
Additional note
Common basic seasoning
BEEFConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Recognizable whole food
Additional note
Whole food, minimal concern
WATERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Natural refined
Why it matters
Basic hydration element
Additional note
No concerns, natural
This analysis is a food integrity assessment, not a safety review. Always read labels and consult health advice when needed. Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
How this product may fit different goals
The same food can look different depending on what matters most to you. Here is a general preview of how this product may align with several common goals.
Heart-Healthy Eating
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Heart-Healthy Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Added-sodium ingredients (Mentions "salt", "soy sauce", "monosodium glutamate". See ingredients for details.)
GLP-1 Eating Support
SupportiveMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "soy protein". See ingredients for details.)
Appetite & Portion Awareness
SupportiveMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "soy protein". See ingredients for details.)
Workout Recovery
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Workout Recovery, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "soy protein". See ingredients for details.)
Strength & Protein Focus
SupportiveAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Strength & Protein Focus, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "soy protein". See ingredients for details.)
Vegetarian
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegetarian, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Meat/seafood ingredients (Mentions "beef". See ingredients for details.)
Vegan
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Vegan, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "beef". See ingredients for details.)
Plant-Based
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Plant-Based, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Animal-derived ingredients (Mentions "beef". See ingredients for details.)
Pescatarian
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Pescatarian, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Land-meat ingredients (Mentions "beef". See ingredients for details.)
Low-Carb Lifestyle
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "soy protein". See ingredients for details.)
Keto-Style Eating
SupportiveDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the available data suggest this product may align in helpful ways.
A supportive signal: Protein ingredients (Mentions "beef", "soy protein". See ingredients for details.)
Low Gluten Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Gluten-related ingredients (Mentions "wheat". See ingredients for details.)
Minimally Processed Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Minimally Processed Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Whole-Food Focused Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Whole-Food Focused Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Higher processing level (Highly processed)
This product has 3 additional signals for this goal.
Paleo-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Paleo-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Grain/legume ingredients (Mentions "wheat", "corn", "soy". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Low-Spike Stability
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Sugar Lifestyle
NeutralMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Mediterranean-Style Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Mediterranean-Style Eating, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Healthy Fat Focus
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Healthy Fat Focus, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
See how this product fits your goals
Choose what matters most to you and explore a more detailed interpretation of this product's nutrition, ingredients, and tradeoffs.
Understanding the Food Integrity analysis
What the Food Integrity analysis evaluates
The Food Integrity analysis focuses on how a packaged food is formulated and made. It examines processing level, ingredient quality, additives, oils, sweeteners, purity cues, and how clearly a label communicates what is in the product. The Food Integrity Score summarizes that formulation and transparency picture on a 0–100 scale. It is not a full nutrient report and it is not a personalized meal plan.
Why processing, ingredients, and transparency matter
Processing level and ingredient quality shape what you are actually eating beyond calories on the label. Additives, industrial oils, and intense sweeteners can change how clean or heavily engineered a product feels, even when the front of pack looks wholesome. Purity and transparency matter because incomplete or marketing-heavy labeling can hide tradeoffs that only show up when the full ingredient list is reviewed carefully.
Who may prioritize Food Integrity
Some people care mainly about Food Integrity because their dietary goals center on formulation rather than macros alone. Examples include checking vegetarian or vegan suitability, preferring simpler ingredient sources, avoiding certain additives or sweeteners, watching oil choices, or preferring less processed options. For those priorities, the Food Integrity Score can be the more practical first read.
How Food Integrity differs from Longevity
Food Integrity is the focused analysis of processing, ingredients, additives, purity, and transparency. Longevity is the broader analysis of nutritional composition, metabolic and dietary characteristics, processing, and ingredient quality together. Favorable nutrition values do not necessarily mean strong Food Integrity: a product can look balanced on macros yet still rely on heavy processing or additives that the Food Integrity analysis flags in more detail.
Why the two analyses overlap—and why to review Longevity too
The analyses overlap intentionally. Food Integrity–related characteristics contribute to Longevity, and Longevity still benefits from the same ingredient-quality lens. They are not competing verdicts; they answer different questions at different depths. Reviewing the Longevity analysis can add information about nutritional composition, metabolic characteristics, and dietary balance that Food Integrity alone does not emphasize. Looking at both usually gives the most complete understanding of tradeoffs.
Common questions about this product
Is Great Value Original Beef Jerky, Original highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Highly processed. That reflects formulation and processing signals from the ingredient analysis — not a medical or regulatory classification.
Why are the Longevity and Food Integrity scores different?
Longevity emphasizes nutrition per serving and longer-term dietary alignment. Food Integrity emphasizes ingredients, additives, processing, and label transparency. The same product can score differently on those lenses.
How much fiber is in one serving?
Great Value Original Beef Jerky, Original shows about 0g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Original Beef Jerky, Original: 3g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include Corn syrup solids. Confirm the current package Nutrition Facts and ingredient list.
What helped the Longevity Score?
Key positives called out in the analysis include: High protein content; Low saturated fat.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: Contains sodium nitrite; High sodium level; Added sugars present.
Who might evaluate this product differently?
People prioritizing different goals (for example lower carbs, higher protein, or minimally processed eating) may weigh the same snacks differently. Use the goal preview on this page, then personalize in KarbCoach for your priorities.
Source data and Food Quality Guide analysis
- Public label databases (including USDA FoodData Central and Open Food Facts) — Possible sources for package ingredients and nutrition.
- Food Quality Guide analysis (Longevity and Food Integrity) — Independent Longevity and Food Integrity scorecards.
- How the Longevity Score is calculated
- How the Food Integrity Score is calculated
- Scoring models: KarbCoach Longevity and Food Integrity.
- Independent analysis. No manufacturer affiliation.
- Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions. Full sources and safety details.
Label accuracy and safety information
Formulations can vary by region, size, and packaging. Check the package label for ingredients, allergens, and nutrition. Not medical advice — do not use this site or the KarbCoach mobile app for allergy or health decisions.
See how this item lines up with your goals
Food Quality Guide covers this product in detail. In KarbCoach, your goals shape what matters most for your meals.
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