The Unorthodox Ingredient Hiding In Costco's Kirkland Signature Steak Strips

When it comes to beef jerky, Costco does things a little differently. The membership warehouse's private label, Kirkland Signature, dubs its version of the dehydrated snack "steak strips." While this may partly be a marketing strategy to get you to buy Costco grocery products, it doesn't eat like your typical beef jerky. They are packed with all the meaty goodness one looks for in salty strips of dried beef, but one ingredient makes every bite a bit sweeter: peach puree.

All the typical ingredients that make beef jerky enticing — like garlic, onion, and hickory smoke — are in Costco's product, yet it is the addition of fruity notes of peach that sets it apart from other brands. Just like how chocolate and rum are a pairing that's meant to be, savory steak combined with nectarous fruit accents the rich umami flavor of the beef without overpowering it. Essentially, it makes the meat taste even more beefy, with light hints of sweetness balancing the salty and savory notes for a flavor profile full of personality.

The inclusion of peach puree in Kirkland's steak strips doesn't only improve the flavor of the jerky — it elevates the texture as well. One common downside of some beef jerky brands is they tend to be dry and tough, with some subpar products making you feel like you are chewing on a hunk of leather. Costco's take on beef jerky is quite the opposite, offering consumers a soft, chewy bite due to the much-needed moisture being introduced by the peach puree. The serving suggestion on the package claims the 12-ounce bag is good for 12 servings, but with each bite calling for another, it wouldn't be unheard of to go through the whole bag in one sitting.

If you can keep your hand from reaching in for another helping, it is important to note Costco's steak strips should be refrigerated after opening. Although they do contain sodium nitrite — an ingredient that helps keep food bacteria-free – the peach puree and other sugars flavoring the top round beef will contribute to spoilage if you leave it out at room temperature for an extended period. With Costco's steak strips fetching a price of $12.99 – a far cry from its iconic and modestly priced $1.50 food court hot dogs – it would be a shame to see any of them go to waste.