Introducing Lightlife Smart Jerky - One Veggie Lover’s Journey Back to Jerky

Not everyone starts their life out as a vegetarian or vegan. Many of us grew up eating staple comfort foods that included meats, cheeses, and dairy. When those of us who have tried to make that life transition to a more plant-based lifestyle, find ourselves craving our old favorites, it can be difficult to keep our cravings at bay. Not every vegetarian/vegan wants to replace their proteins with meat-like substitutes, but there are plenty of us that do still like to fill that void that we've felt since we kicked meat to the curb. I'm talking Lightlife plant-based protein!

The tasty plant-based Smart Jerky that we are talking about today, came from the good folks at Lightlife (You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). I was generously given the Smart Jerky to review and giveaway, but my opinions are my own! I’m also a part of the Lightlifers blogger ambassador program. I will only share with you products that I myself love and use personally!

I was missing jerky on the trail

It's hard when you are hardcore into a sport that revolves around the give and take of food during the only time of day that you get to sit down and rest your tootsies. As an avid hiker, I spend a lot of time on the trail with plenty of meat eating friends, and one of the snacks that I miss the most, is beef jerky. I know what you're thinking. *gasp* “How could you Christina?” I'm sorry! I grew up in a meat-loving family, and that was one of those trail snacks that you couldn't beat! I was delighted to find out, there is a tasty jerky option for us plant eaters, Lightlife Smart Jerky!

Lightlife, a plant protein pioneer since 1979

Founded in an old converted car wash in 1979, Lightlife (then known as Tempeh Works) became the first tempeh product on the mainstream market. Over time, they plowed the way for other plant proteins, until the 90's where they introduced their fat-free Smart Dogs, now the #1 best-selling refrigerated vegetarian products in the United States. Throughout the years, they have revolutionized the market further with Smart Deli and Gimme Lean Sausage. Due to concerns about the sustainability of ingredients in the food chain, in 1999 Lightlife publicly pledged that all products will be GMO-free, eight years before the Non-GMO Project is founded. Now, in 2017, all of their products are enrolled in the Non-GMO Project! They truly have been paving the way for the rest of us veggie heads, since before this Hippy was born ('83 if you were wondering!).

The Hippy Hubby gave the meat eater's approval

The Hippy Hubby is a staunch meat eater. One of his favorite meaty things to eat is beef jerky. He was somewhat appalled by the idea of what he called “imitation jerky,” but was willing to give the Smart Jerky a chance. After tasting one and commenting that, “these aren't bad! If I somehow got some disease that prevented me from eating meat anymore, I could totally eat these instead!” He then proceeded to scarf the rest of the bag that he had opened. Before writing this review, I had to hide one bag of each flavor, (original & teriyaki) so that I would have some left to photograph and write about! He ate nearly all of them! I don't know about you, but in my book, that is a very high compliment from a carnivorous eater.

You can find Lightlife in your local health foods stores

Lightlife is available at the stores where you shop.  Not every location carries their goods, so you might talk to your favorite store's manager to order some for you!

All information on The Hippy Homemaker is meant for educational and informational purposes only. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and/or information are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent any disease. Readers are advised to do their own research and make decisions in partnership with their health care provider. If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition or are taking any medication, please consult your physician.