Celebrate National Jerky Day With T.O.P. Chops

Beef jerky can be known for its tough and chewy texture, but one snack brand believes consumers deserve a more tender experience. And in honor of National Jerky Day, they’re celebrating with 50% off first-time orders.

T.O.P. Chops Jerky is a handcrafted jerky made from American beef with no additives or preservatives, and it’s grown from an at-home hobby to a thriving, national snack brand disrupting the jerky industry—in just six short years.

Dusty Jaquins, who is one of the co-founders of T.O.P. Chops, started making jerky from his Atlanta kitchen using an old family recipe. Everyone who tried it raved over the taste and texture, encouraging Jaquins to take the jerky to market. Jaquins and his fellow co-founder, Luke Sellers, knew they had to share the southern-born beef jerky with the world.

Today, T.O.P. Chops Jerky is a national brand, offered at many major grocery retailers across the country. What makes the jerky better? Jaquins explains how special and different come down to three important things:

T.O.P Chops only uses USDA Graded Select or better beef

Most jerky that’s made in the U.S. uses ungraded meats from dairy cattle, which are cows that no longer produce milk. Jaquins says, “T.O.P. Chops changes the standard by only using USDA Graded Select or better beef that’s sourced from steers raised in the U.S.” He explains how using American beef from steers—as opposed to dairy cattle—makes their jerky incredibly tender and provides an authentic beef flavor.

Thin cuts make moist jerky

The majority of beef jerky is what Jaquins refers to as cowboy jerky—it's hard, it’s tough, you have to gnaw at it. But he and business partner Sellers believe life is already tough enough, and they want to provide a more positive eating experience. As a result, they slice their beef very thin using a Veri-Thin™ slicing process. This reduces the cooking time, retains the meat’s moisture and renders an easy-to-chew jerky.

Marinades infused with antioxidants

While most premium jerkies on the market have similar levels of fat, sugar, and sodium,

Jaquins wanted to offer a “better-for-you” beef jerky. To do this, he and Sellers partnered with food science and culinary experts to enhance the recipe. This effort culminated in a new ingredient called plum powder, which not only reduces added sugars and sodium but also creates a product packed with antioxidants.

The plum powder sweetens the jerky marinade. The team of jerky artisans use a small amount and let it sit overnight to give the jerky a strong, high-quality meat flavor with some subtle notes of sweetness and spice.

T.O.P. Chop Jerky comes in four flavors, including Original, Teriyaki, Sweet & Spicy and Red Chili Pepper. Jaquins recommends his personal favorite Sweet & Spicy because “I'm not a lover of extremely hot foods, and the sweet and spicy has a nice balance. It’s a mild heat with a little sweetness to it."

The dried meat snack industry has seen significant growth over the last decade, and T.O.P. Chops plans to grow right along with it. Dried meat consumption is up 18% and 92% of millennials replace one meal a week with a wholesome snack like jerky. The brand is getting ready to launch in Costco and Target stores in August 2019 and has scheduled launches in other large grocery chains in September and October of this year.

Readers who are interested in learning more about T.O.P Chops Jerky can visit their website or follow them on Instagram @topchopsnacks. 

Use code JERKYDAY to get 50% off your first purchase and celebrate National Jerky Day.

Chia Seeds Can Be Used as an Egg Substitute for Vegan Lifestyles

Did you know that chia seeds can be used in baking as an egg replacement. What?!? Just mix 1 T Organic Chia Seeds from BetterBody Foods with 3 T of water and let sit for 5 minutes.  Use just like an egg in all of your baking recipes.  These magical little seeds are small in size, but they pack a punch in terms of nutritional value, texture, taste AND versatility.   In fact, “chia” was the ancient word Mayans used for strength. BetterBody Foods believes making better food choices contributes to a happy and healthy life.  They are committed to providing the best organic and natural foods for cooking, baking, health and wellness. Trust the company that makes your favorite healthy peanut butter powder, PBfit, with so many of your healthy cooking choices including Organic Chia Seeds. What is so great about Chia Seeds?  Let me tell you: ·                Just one serving of organic chia seeds gives you protein, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, thiamin and omega-3 fatty acids ·                Because of all their fiber, chia seeds can absorb around 12 times their weight in water, which then gives you more sustained energy and helps you feel fuller longer ·                Protein power — You'll find 2g of protein in every serving of Organic Chia Seeds. Add to your smoothie or juice. Sprinkle on yogurt, salad or cereal to add a nutritious boost. ·                Neutral Taste — Chia seeds are virtually tasteless and can be added to your favorite foods. For added texture and protein, add chia seeds to smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt for a satisfying snack ·                Suitable for All Diets — This omega powerhouse supports all dietary restrictions considering they are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, raw, low-carb and paleo-friendly.                      With ingredients that are sourced from top farms around the world, and BetterBody Food’s state of the art manufacturing facility (which has received a long list of certifications and awards) their goal is to teach their customers about how to use their revolutionary products to make powerful and healthy changes in their lives. They want you to live life to your fullest! Add these delicious and nutritious products to your daily eating routine and have confidence that you are putting only the best ingredients into your body!  Available at betterbodyfoods.com,amazon.com and many retailers!

How to Incorporate Ancient Grains Into Our Daily Diets

You've probably heard of both Chia Seeds and Quinoa, but did you know where they come from? And did you know the variety of ways they can be used (i.e. Chia Seeds can be used as a egg replacement!)? BetterBody Foods makes it easy to get a hold of both these ancient grains, and they give tips on how, and why they should be a part of your daily diet. 

Several ancient grains were worshipped and used by many ancient civilizations, from the Aztecs to the Greeks and Egyptians.  Quinoa was called the "mother of all grains" and considered sacred by the Inca people. Chia seeds have been eaten for thousands of years in Central America starting with Aztec warriors who ate them before battle or running long distances. Runners would carry water and a pouch of chia seeds because they helped increase endurance.  

But how do we incorporate these mystical and magical products into our daily diets today? BetterBody Foods makes eating like an ancient warrior a breeze.  With their Organic Chia Seeds and Organic Quinoa, we can all channel the ancient Incas and treat our bodies like a temple!

BetterBody Foods Organic Chia Seeds: Did you know that chia seeds can be used in baking as an egg replacement? These magical little seeds are small in size, but they pack a punch in terms of nutritional value, texture, taste and versatility.  In fact, “chia” was the ancient word Mayans used for strength 

• Just one serving of organic chia seeds gives you protein, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, thiamin and omega-3 fatty acids;
• Because of all their fiber, chia seeds can absorb around 12 times their weight in water, which then gives you more sustained energy and helps you feel fuller longer;
• Shake and bake — Shake some Organic Chia Seeds into your favorite muffin recipe or use as an egg replacement by mixing 1 Tbsp. Organic Chia Seeds with 3 Tbsp. water and let sit for 5 minutes.
• Protein power — You'll find 2g of protein in every serving of Organic Chia Seeds. Add to your smoothie or juice. Sprinkle on yogurt, salad or cereal to add a nutritious boost.
• Neutral Taste — Chia seeds are virtually tasteless and can be added to your favorite foods. For added texture and protein, add chia seeds to smoothies, oatmeal or yogurt for a satisfying snack.
• Suitable for All Diets — This omega powerhouse supports all dietary restrictions considering they are gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, raw, low-carb and paleo-friendly.

BetterBody Foods Organic Quinoa

Beauty. Goodness. Versatility. Flavor. Organic Quinoa really does have it all going on. Quinoa (keen-wah) has taken the world by storm because it takes on the flavors you cook it with, adds protein and fiber to any dish, and is easy to make. 

Quinoa has grown in Bolivia and the mountains of the Andes for thousands of years, acting as a staple food for indigenous people in South America. It didn’t appear in the United States until NASA discovered the superfood as they searched for a nutrient rich food to give astronauts on long space missions.

•  Organic Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs every day
• One serving of this delicious blend has calcium, iron and six grams of protein.
• Quinoa is one of a few complete plant-based proteins. It contains all nine essential amino acids.
• Use in place of rice, couscous or other grains. Great for salads, soups, breakfast and more. It’s a great choice for everything from hot cereals to dinner side dishes.
• One serving of Organic Quinoa contains six grams of protein. Go ahead and power up!

BetterBody Foods believes that making better food choices contributes to a happy and healthy life. They are committed to providing the best organic and natural foods for cooking, baking, health and wellness. 

With ingredients that are sourced from top farms around the world, and BetterBody Food’s state of the art manufacturing facility (which has received a long list of certifications and awards) their goal is to teach their customers about how to use their revolutionary products to make powerful and healthy changes in their lives. 

Add these delicious and nutritious products to your daily eating routine and have confidence that you are putting only the best ingredients into your body.