Why Is Jerky So Expensive?
Why Is Jerky So Expensive?
I get the question all the time. Someone picks up a bag of Branchish, sees the price, and says “Whoa, why is jerky so expensive?”
Fair point. I used to ask the same thing when I was buying the cheap stuff at the gas station. You know the kind — the one that tastes like salty cardboard and leaves your jaw sore for an hour.
So here’s the real answer, straight from someone who makes it.
Good jerky costs more because it starts with better beef. We use 100% Grass Fed & Finished beef and cut it from top round. It’s a premium, lean cut that turns into tender, flavorful jerky every single time. Most other brands go with cheaper scraps or different cuts — I honestly don’t know exactly what they use — but starting with top round makes a huge difference in texture and taste.
We keep it small-batch. I still make every flavor the same way I started in my Rhode Island kitchen. Small runs mean higher quality and more attention to detail, but it also means we don’t get the huge cost savings big factories have. You’re paying for care, not machines cranking out thousands of bags a day.
Clean ingredients add up. No nitrates, no nitrites, no weird fillers. Just real seasonings, a touch of honey where it fits, and simple stuff you can actually pronounce. Those choices cost more, but they’re why Branchish doesn’t leave you with that weird aftertaste or the “what did I just eat?” feeling.
And yeah, it’s actually good for you. High protein, gluten-free, and made so you can snack without the guilt. That’s not cheap to do right.
Right now we offer five bold flavors built on that same foundation:
Heat (fiery habanero kick)
The Original (classic bold beef taste)
Maple Bourbon (sweet and smoky balance)
Umami (deep savory explosion)
Cracked Pepper Smoke (bold pepper with a smoky finish)
Each one is small-batch, gluten-free, and made with real ingredients so you can actually taste the difference.
Bottom line: you can buy cheap jerky that lasts two bites and leaves you disappointed, or you can grab Branchish and enjoy something that actually satisfies. Most days I’d rather spend a few extra bucks on jerky I look forward to eating.
If you’ve been wondering the same thing, give one of our bags a try. I think you’ll agree it’s worth it.