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Obsessed: Tajín Flavored Beef Jerky

Find out why this new flavor is our editor’s instant favorite beef jerky and spicy, hearty snack.

I’ve found my favorite beef jerky, and it’s flavored with Tajín.

A new collaboration between Tillamook Country Smoker and Tajín makes all the sense in the world. So much so that I’m a little mad I hadn’t thought of it already.

A close up product photo of Tajin flavored beef jerky in a wooden bowl with ingredients on the counter behind it.
(Courtesy of Tillamook)

Both elements are great on their own, yes — at least assuming we’re not talking about Slim Jim sticks, which taste like wet cardboard put in a blender with a hot dog and beef stock before being reassembled into a pencil. (But I digress.) My wife used to travel to Wisconsin for work and bring back packets of bison jerky that are the top-shelf version of jerky. Still, I’m happy with most store-bought beef jerky I’ve come across. It generally gets the job done.

Tajín Clásico — that simple yet divine combination of chili peppers, lime, and salt — is a masterful Mexican seasoning option. I first experienced it several years ago in a mangonada in North Carolina and later sprinkled atop fruit from a street vendor in Manhattan. Sprinkle it on just about anything and I’ll be happy.

Tajín flavored beef jerky? Absolutely.

The Tillamook’s Tajín Flavored Beef Jerky is tender yet chewy — more succulent than most dried-out jerkies on the market, which is a welcome evolution — and with the Tajín, it delivers a spicy punchiness. The dusty dry rub means your hand will come out of the bag with orange on your knuckles, the kind of color you’re used to seeing in runoff from cooking ground beef. A little messy on the go, but worth it.

It’s almost like you’re eating a bag of tough Cheetos.

And “bag” is the right word, because I demolished the small 2.2-oz bag as soon as it arrived. The 6.5-oz bag is still here, but only because I’m a considerate partner trying to let my less voracious wife have a few pieces before it’s gone.

Tajin flavored beef jerky on a countertop in a bag and a bowl with ingredients nearby.
(Courtesy of Tillamook)

The chili pepper in the Tajín lingers in my mouth after the jerky is gone, but doesn’t burn. Some might think the amount of seasoning is a little heavyhanded, but I think it’s the ideal amount.

It’s a totally different flavor profile, but it did make me think of these West African beef skewers coated with memorable suya spice.

The Tajín flavored jerky is currently available on Tillamook’s website or Amazon. My guess is we’ll see it in stores soon, too.

Disclaimer: This is not sponsored content, affiliate content, or a paid endorsement. However, Tillamook did provide free samples for editorial consideration. This piece represents our editor’s genuine opinion.