Food Quality Guide by KarbCoach
Great Value Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky, Sweet & Hot: Food Integrity analysis
Quick answer
Mixed integrity
Great Value sweet & hot beef jerky, sweet & hot received a Food Integrity Score of 67 out of 100 (mixed integrity). This reflects moderately processed and moderate additive load. This jerky has elements of a processed snack due to ingredients like monosodium glutamate and sodium nitrite. It’s something to consume occasionally due to its processed nature and presence of additives. Opt for less processed options if you prefer cleaner ingredient profiles. Main considerations include additive load and family watchlist. Simpler options: Choose jerky without sodium nitrite; opt for products with fewer additives.
Food Integrity Score 67/100
What stood out on the label?
- Moderately processed
- Moderate additive load
- Transparency: Very low
What to watch?
- Additive load
- Family Watchlist
Simpler options to consider
- Choose jerky without sodium nitrite
- Opt for products with fewer additives
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 Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky, Sweet & Hot
- Brand
- Great Value
- Category
- Snacks (source: Other Snacks)
- GTIN / UPC
00078742102481- 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
Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky, Sweet & Hot
Great Value
Mixed integrity
Warning Signs
Contains monosodium glutamate and sodium nitrite, which are often debated additives.
Consider This
The list includes flavoring and sugar, typically associated with commercial processing.
Good Substitutes
Look for jerky made with beef, salt, and simple spices.
Overall Assessment
Mixed integrityThis jerky has elements of a processed snack due to ingredients like monosodium glutamate and sodium nitrite. It’s something to consume occasionally due to its processed nature and presence of additives. Opt for less processed options if you prefer cleaner ingredient profiles.
Key Highlights
What stood out
- Additive load
- Family Watchlist
Family Watchlist
Ingredients some users may personally want to know about.
- FLAVORING — Vague ingredient
- MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE — Commonly debated additive
- SODIUM NITRITE — Controversial preservative
Highest concern ingredients
- SODIUM NITRITE (7/10) — Controversial preservative related to nitrites
Better choice tips
- Choose jerky without sodium nitrite.
- Opt for products with fewer additives.
Ingredients
Ingredient list
BEEF, WATER, SUGAR, LESS THAN 2% OF SALT, FLAVORING, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, SODIUM NITRITE.
Formulations can vary — check the package label for the final word.
Highest-concern ingredients first. Expand an item for notes.
SODIUM NITRITEConcern 7/10 — Higher concernPreservativeWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Preservative
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Preservative linked to controversy
Family watchlist
Controversial preservative
FLAVORINGConcern 6/10 — Moderate concernVague ingredientWatchlist · Vague label term
What this is
Vague ingredient
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Family Watchlist
Why it matters
Source unknown, can contain various additives
MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATEConcern 5/10 — Moderate concernFlavor enhancerWatchlist · Additive
What this is
Flavor enhancer
Processing category
Synthetic / man-made
Main concern area
Additive load
Why it matters
Common additive, may cause sensitivity
Family watchlist
Commonly debated additive
SUGARConcern 3/10 — Mild concernSweetener
What this is
Sweetener
Processing category
Natural refined
Main concern area
Ingredient concern
Why it matters
Refined sweetener, mildly processed
View all 7 ingredient assessments
BEEFConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernWhole food
What this is
Whole food
Why it matters
Primary protein source, minimally processed
Additional note
Simple base ingredient
WATERConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Basic ingredient, no concerns
Additional note
Hydration and consistency
LESS THAN 2% OF SALTConcern 0/10 — No meaningful concernSimple food
What this is
Simple food
Processing category
Whole food
Why it matters
Common seasoning, normally used
Additional note
Preservation and flavor
The analysis is based on the provided ingredient list and does not indicate product safety. 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.
Low-Spike Stability
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low-Spike Stability, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
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", "monosodium glutamate", "sodium nitrite". See ingredients for details.)
GLP-1 Eating Support
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing GLP-1 Eating Support, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Low Sugar Lifestyle
Watch-outsMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Low Sugar Lifestyle, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
Appetite & Portion Awareness
MixedMetabolic Health
For someone prioritizing Appetite & Portion Awareness, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
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". 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". 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
MixedDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low-Carb Lifestyle, the same nutrition and ingredient data show both supportive signals and tradeoffs.
A tradeoff: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
This product has 1 additional signal for this goal.
Keto-Style Eating
Watch-outsDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Keto-Style Eating, the analysis identifies considerations that may matter more than the general product score alone.
A consideration: Sweetener/sugar ingredients (Mentions "sugar". 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: Family watchlist items (FLAVORING)
This product has 1 additional signal 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: Family watchlist items (FLAVORING)
This product has 1 additional signal 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: Family watchlist items (FLAVORING)
This product has 1 additional signal 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: Added-sugar cues (Mentions "sugar". See ingredients for details.)
Athletic Fueling
NeutralAthletic Performance
For someone prioritizing Athletic Fueling, the Food Integrity data do not show a strong matching signal for this product.
Low Gluten Eating
NeutralDietary Patterns
For someone prioritizing Low Gluten Eating, 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 Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky, Sweet & Hot highly processed?
Food Integrity lists processing level as Moderately 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 Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky, Sweet & Hot shows about 0g of fiber per labeled serving in the Longevity nutrition facts.
Does it contain added sugar?
Great Value Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky, Sweet & Hot: 5g added sugar per serving; sweetener signals include SUGAR. 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 in saturated fat.
What prevented a perfect Longevity Score?
Key concerns noted include: Contains monosodium glutamate; Contains sodium nitrite; Moderate sugar content.
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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