365 by Whole Foods Market, Original Turkey Jerky, 8 OZ
✅ PROS
- Clean ingredient list — turkey, cane sugar, sea salt, spices. No nitrates, MSG, or artificial preservatives
- Solid protein punch at 9g per 1oz serving with only 70 calories
- Consistently tender, easy-to-chew texture — not the rock-hard jerky you get from beef brands
❌ CONS
- Sweet flavor profile leans heavily on cane sugar; savory jerky purists may find it too sweet
- 8 oz bag is smaller than it looks once opened — roughly 8 servings, and the price per ounce runs higher than commodity beef jerky
The Verdict
The Whole Foods Turkey Jerky That Actually Tastes Like Turkey
Most turkey jerky tastes like cardboard seasoned with regret. This one doesn’t. The 365 by Whole Foods Market Original Turkey Jerky has carved out a loyal following — 4.2 stars across 210 ratings — and after breaking into an 8 oz bag, I understand why. It’s the jerky you grab when you want something protein-dense but don’t want to feel like you’re chewing a leather boot.
What You’re Actually Getting
The 8 oz resealable bag delivers roughly eight 1-ounce servings. Each serving packs 9 grams of protein, 70 calories, and 3 grams of fat — respectable macros for a shelf-stable snack. As shown in the product image, the jerky comes in thin, flat strips with a matte finish. Don’t expect the glossy, lacquered look of mass-market beef jerky; this looks like what it is — minimally processed turkey.
The ingredient panel is where this product earns its keep: turkey, cane sugar, sea salt, celery powder, spices, and natural flavoring. No sodium nitrite, no MSG, no artificial anything. That’s the Whole Foods promise, and it delivers.
Taste and Texture: The Real Story
Here’s the honest breakdown. The texture is the standout feature — genuinely tender. You can tear a strip with your fingers without a fight. It’s not the stringy, fibrous mess that clings to your teeth like some beef jerkies. This makes it a legit option for older kids or anyone with dental work.
Flavor-wise, it’s a sweet-forward teriyaki-adjacent profile. The cane sugar is unmistakable — second on the ingredient list — and it shows. There’s a gentle smokiness underneath, but this is not a savory, peppery jerky. One Amazon reviewer put it simply: “Tastes like a healthier version of teriyaki turkey jerky — sweet, mild, and easy to snack on.” Another noted, “My go-to jerky. Great texture, not too salty, and the flavor is clean without that chemical aftertaste.”
Where It Falls Short
The sweetness is the main divider. If you’re coming from traditional beef jerky — think Jack Link’s or Old Trapper — this will taste closer to candy than jerky. The sugar content sits at 4 grams per serving, which is noticeable. Savory purists should look elsewhere.
The value proposition is also worth scrutinizing. The 8 oz bag runs at a premium per-ounce price compared to mainstream beef jerky, and the bag’s resealable zipper is functional but not great — it tends to lose its seal grip after a few openings. Transfer to your own container if you don’t finish it in a week.
Who Should Buy This
This is for the health-conscious snacker who wants clean ingredients without sacrificing convenience. It’s perfect for hiking, office snacks, or road trips where you want protein without refrigeration. It’s also a solid fit for anyone easing off processed meats — the absence of nitrates is a genuine plus. Skip it if you want bold, smoky, savory jerky or if you’re watching added sugars.
FAQ
Is this jerky actually gluten-free? Yes. Whole Foods labels it gluten-free, and the ingredient list contains no wheat, barley, or rye derivatives. It’s also dairy-free.
How does it compare to beef jerky in protein? It’s slightly lower — 9g vs. 10-12g per ounce for most beef jerkies. But it’s also leaner with less saturated fat, making it a better everyday snacking option.
Does it need refrigeration after opening? No, but it’s a perishable product. Keep it in a cool, dry place and it’ll stay good for up to a week once opened. The resealable bag helps, though as noted, the zipper isn’t the strongest.
The Verdict
Buy it if: You want a clean, tender, protein-rich snack with honest ingredients and don’t mind a sweet flavor profile.
Skip it if: You crave bold, savory jerky or need maximum protein per dollar.
This is a genuinely good product that does exactly what it claims — clean turkey jerky with a pleasant texture. It’s not the cheapest, and it’s not the most savory, but for what it is, it earns its 4.2 stars.
Rating: 4.2/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.