The USDA defines a minimally processed product as one that is not fundamentally altered during production (simply put, we marinate premium cuts of beef, cook them, dry them, and put them in a handy package for you to enjoy).

Oberto is an American family-owned business that makes meat snacks including all natural jerky, pepperoni, charcuterie, chicken bites and other smoked meats. The company was founded in 1918 by Constantino Oberto in Seattle, Washington. It is now headquartered in Kent, Washington.

Oberto original beef jerky doesn't do anything to wow you, it's just the standard for what solid beef jerky is. Dry, salty, a little chewy, and extremely crushable. Oberto gets points for not only setting the bar, but also remaining as affordable and available as its seemingly always been.

The company's founder, Constantino Oberto (1889-1943), an Italian immigrant, began selling his hand-made Italian sausages in 1918 from a small shop in South Seattle.

First of all, beef jerky is made from beef – specifically beef round or beef sirloin. After beef has been selected for use, it is cut into thin slices following the grain of the meat. Then, the beef slices are trimmed of any undesired pieces or fats.

Jerky is made from domesticated animals as well as game animals. Jerky from domesticated animals includes beef, pork, goat and mutton or lamb and game animals such as deer, kudu, springbok, kangaroo, and bison are also used.

Premium Brands Holdings CorporationOberto Snacks Inc. / Parent organization Premium Brands, a company with more than 47 brands under its ownership, is the buyer of Kent-based Oberto, a family-owned meat snack maker.

Premium said it is paying approximately $188 million to acquire Oberto and, in a separate transaction, to increase its stake in a Vancouver, British Columbia. based organic processed meats supplier, McLean Meats, to two-thirds from one-third.

In short, though beef jerky is a healthy snack, its best consumed in moderation. Most of your diet should come from whole, unprocessed foods. Though beef jerky is healthy, avoid eating too much of it, as it's high in sodium and may come with the same health risks that are linked to eating processed meats.

The big difference between them is that ground beef has had its connective fibers chopped up, so the jerky will be easier to chew.

• Oberto - Original.
• Stryve - Sliced Beef Biltong.
• Tillamook - Original.
• Krave - Chili Lime.
• No Man's Land - Mild.
• Cattleman's Cut - Original.
• Jack Link's - Peppered.
• People's Choice - Original.

Employing more than 500 food professionals, Oberto's mission is to empower people to make better choices for a healthier and happier life.

Oberto Snacks Inc, 7060 Oberto Dr, Kent, WA, Business Services - MapQuest.