Introducing Jerky Boyz, a Shanghai home-grown jerky brand that started from humble beginnings is now available for delivery throughout China! American-style jerky for your guilty snacking pleasure, straight to your door.

Nomfluence readers get 15% off when you shop!

About Jerky Boyz, A Shanghai Home-Grown Brand

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

What is beef jerky and who are the Jerky Boyz? And what makes beef jerky so damn addictive?

Jerky is a seasoned and marinated dried meat product, often made with beef but is also made with just about any kind of meat. It is a popular snack worldwide and variations differ from country to continent.

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Jerky Boyz was established in January 2020. It began with two Americans, founders Lightning Pace and TJ, who started experimenting with ingredients at home. An origin story similar to every other big-name brand you see on shelves today. The duo first peddled their tasty treats at local events like Jiashan Market before scaling up to produce their jerky in a factory. Today, it’s available nationwide, shipping across China.

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

It is an American-style jerky. Expect it to be tart and vinegary with clearly visible seasoning flaking off the thin pieces of meat. It’s dry, and chewy yet tender in texture.

Five Flavors of Jerky Boyz

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

There are five flavors of Jerky Boyz: Applewood, Teriyaki, Black Pepper, Spicy, and XX Spicy.

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

I managed to sample them all. Overall, it is more tangy and more tart than other jerkys I’ve tried. It is also much more tender, easier on the teeth and pulls apart quite nicely.

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The Applewood has a lingering aroma of smokiness and a touch of sweetness, and the Teriyaki has that distinctive sweet-savory flavor.

Spicy vs XX Spicy. The Spicy flavor isn’t all that spicy, at least to me, and when compared to the XX Spicy, the heat level isn’t that big a step apart. If you want a nice kick, go for the XX Spicy, which leaves a long lingering burn on the tongue.

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

The Black Pepper is my favorite, very peppery with visible crumbs of cracked black pepper. They also have gluten-free versions.

What Makes A Good Jerky?

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

When it comes to beef jerky, the most important determinant of its quality lies in its manufacturing process. Jerky Boyz imports Angus beef from Uruguay, then processes it in China. The fat is trimmed by hand and the meat sliced with a slicer. The thin strips of meat are marinated and seasoned with a combination of garlic, onions, chili flakes, salt, vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, etc.

Then, the seasoned meat is hand racked and dehydrated without the addition of preservatives. Once the beef has been properly dehydrated, its packaged into individual bags.

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

There are plenty of articles that argue the benefits of beef jerky as a healthier snack option as opposed to potato chips or other snacks with high levels of saturated fats.

Beef jerky is undeniably a protein-packed snack that is low in fat with little carbs, and in the case of Jerky Boyz, there is also zero added oil. However, it is not ideal for those with high blood pressure, as it does contain a fair amount of sodium from curing ingredients.

Ah, but that’s what makes it so addictive!

Like all good ‘n tasty things, consumption in moderation.

Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Jerky Boyz has five flavors, all available in two sizes: 60g (¥50) and 120g (¥100).

Order Your Jerky Today

Nomfluence readers get 15% off your order of Jerky Boyz! The discount is valid for orders placed before April 30, 2024.

Scan to claim the deal & order via the WeChat store
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Jerky Boyz, an American beef jerky brand founded in Shanghai. Photos by Rachel Gouk @ Nomfluence.

Jerky Boyz ships throughout China, delivery fees apply. Also available in Shanghai at Alex Shop Store (Jing’an) and The Hai; pricing and flavors may differ.

Having trouble applying the deal?
Add Lightning (Jerky Boyz) on WeChat: 13062756007

Official WeChat account: JerkyBoyz美式牛肉干