The 4 Best And 5 Worst Meat Sticks At Costco, According To Customers

When you're peckish and need a snack, you may the type of person who reaches for a meat stick. It's no surprise that the sale of meat sticks is on the rise. Meat sticks a convenient snack jam-packed with protein, and with its thin profile, it's easy to enjoy on-the-go. You can even throw a handful of them in your bag or gym backpack to have for emergency hangry moments. If you're on the hunt for your next meat stick to devour, Costco has numerous options. From beef to turkey to zero sugar, the choices are bountiful.

To help break down what meat sticks are worth tossing in your cart and which are worth skipping, we created guide based on a combination of personal experience and what reviewers had to say. So the next time you go shopping at Costco, you'll know which meat sticks to buy and which to skip — whether it's shopping in-person or browsing online from the sofa. You can also browse what's new at Costco this September to round out your cart.

When the Kirkland Signature brand (Costco's in-house brand) of meat sticks first hit shelves, hopes were high, especially with the competitive pricing. A 12-pack of Kirkland beef sticks is a bargain at around $15. But after some time, customers began noticing inconsistencies and a decline in quality, with many people pointing fingers at the reason being a supplier change from the United States to Canada. While we can't say for sure why the quality dropped, reviewers can confirm that it sadly has.

Customers say these have become tough to eat, and the casing and beef have an off taste, leaving an unpleasant flavor in their mouths even reminiscent of dog food. Some have found gristle and hard bits, and others note changes in color, observing that the meat sticks oxidize quicker and, in some cases, turn a grayish-brown.

A few reviewers even said this was the first product they've ever returned from Costco. After the recent downturn in reviews and uptick in returns, we can sadly say this product is a skip.

Chomps is a crown jewel of Costco's meat stick selection and a personal favorite, as well. Chomps are made from grass-fed, grass-finished beef. The cattle are raised on a vegetarian diet without any added hormones or antibiotics, and these meat sticks have no fillers or added sugar and tout 10 grams of protein per stick.

Chomps sticks are made without milk, soy, nuts, or wheat, and is certified gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease and other food allergies. Reviewers say these are a staple for both at-home and on-the-go eating. Costco shoppers highly recommend these for a quick protein fix.

In terms of taste and texture, Chomps ranks high. Fans of Chomps like that you can taste the beef; it's not hidden or over-seasoned, and the texture isn't too soft or chewy. It has a little snap followed by a softer chew, and the flavor slightly and pleasantly lingers. These are a definite buy from Costco.

Slim Jims are among the most recognized meat sticks on the market. From gas station checkout counters to Costco, Slim Jims are readily available. But does the meat stick stand up to its brand recognition? The jury is mixed, leaning pass. While some Slim Jim diehards will go to bat for the meat stick, others paint a different picture.

Let's start with the ingredient list. Slim Jims are made from three animal proteins: mechanically separated chicken, pork, and beef. They include textured soy flour, soy lecithin, and hydrolyzed soy protein, meaning these are not suitable for anyone with soy allergies. Additionally, ingredients such as corn syrup and additives like caramel coloring make a difference for those looking for a more streamlined ingredient list, but that's not true of all buyers.

What many shoppers universally complain about online are the greasy and oily taste and texture. Others find Slim Jims to be too salty. Buyers have also found moldy sticks, and others commonly complain about difficulty opening the plastic wrappers or note missing Slim Jims in the box. Unfortunately, in this case, the cons outweigh the pros for this product.

We like to think of Chomps Chomplings Original Turkey Mini Sticks as the younger cousin of Chomps Original Beef Sticks. Size-wise, these are a mini version of their beef kin — one bag contains 24 0.5-ounce sticks. They're made from antibiotic-free turkey and seasoned with pepper, garlic, cultured celery powder, sea salt, and coriander. Each mini stick has 35 calories and 5 grams of protein per stick, with no added sugar. They're also free of the nine major allergens, making this another solid option for those who suffer from certain food allergies (including corn allergies).

While they're a bit drier than their beef counterparts, we like the variety of the cherry pepper, black pepper, and red pepper along with the garlic and coriander, which give these a little zest and a kick. The flavors linger without being overpowering or too spicy. Several reviewers chime in, saying these make delicious office snacks. While some people complain that they're too dry for their liking, they seem to be in the minority of reviewers online, landing this product solidly in the buy category. The Chomps Chomplings Original Turkey Mini Sticks make an excellent choice when you're craving a pop of protein and prefer an alternative to beef.

While Country Archer Grass-Fed Beef Stick Minis receive high marks for minimal ingredient lists from some shoppers and the fact that they come in a snack size format, lately, something has been amiss. Despite the label stating, "crafted in small batches; appearances may vary," numerous buyers complain of packaging issues and a decline in quality control. Whether or not the recent rebrand of the packaging has anything to do with it, customers are noticing a change in quality, taste, and packaging.

Buyers report having received beef sticks of varying color and texture, as well as noticing unsealed and improperly wrapped products, and, in some cases, empty seals. Multiple reviewers have complained about finding green or blue mold on the meat sticks. One customer reports falling ill after eating a "mushy meat stick," only to realize afterward that several of the meat sticks in the package were pink in color and potentially raw.

In terms of taste, customers question whether the recipe has changed. Reviewers are frustrated with the misleading "mild" heat claim, only to find these meat sticks to now be quite spicy, greasy, and unpleasant. We have to agree; the last time we tasted the Country Archer Grass-Fed Beef Stick Minis, we found them to be incredibly spicy and unappetizing.

If you've been thinking about trying Think Jerky, take this as your sign to try Think Jerky Grass-Fed Beef Sticks. These meat sticks receive numerous accolades for flavor, quality, and nutritional value across the board. What sets them apart from the pack is that every Think flavor is crafted by a chef.

Let's start with the original; this recipe hails from Chef Doug Sohn, the founder of Chicago's renowned hot dog and sausage empire, Hot Doug's. It features granulated garlic and onion as well as cherry powder, which rounds out the alliums. These meat sticks are made from 100% grass-fed beef without any added hormones or antibiotics.

They are also gluten-free and have no sugar, which many folks online appreciate. Others are pleased with the lower salt content compared to other brands — 330 milligrams of sodium per stick, which is roughly 14% of the recommended daily intake. While the price is steeper than most on this list — a 20-pack goes for about $30 — many customers are willing to pony up for high-quality, fresh, and incredible meat sticks. Reviewers online say they're unlike any other meat sticks they've ever tried — in the best way.

Bigger doesn't always mean better, and that seems to be the case with Jack Link's Big Beef Jerky Sticks. The Jack Link's sticks are made from 100% beef and feature 6 grams of protein per serving. They have 10 grams of fat and 410 milligrams of sodium, which some find to be high for their liking.

One particular Reddit thread is alight with rage after a customer uploaded a photo taken after biting into a Jack Link's beef stick. The image depicts what appears to be mold and a questionable white cyst. Others complain about inconsistent textures, with some finding these to have a mushy mouthfeel while others find them to be dry and hard.

Some reviewers are also disappointed by the more processed ingredients. Lastly, several customers find the product name misleading, expecting they will find a jerky-style meat only to discover it's actually a traditional meat stick.

Anthem Beef Sticks are revered by many customers for the company's mission, taste, and clean ingredients. Anthem is veteran-owned and donates 10% of proceeds to veterans and first responders, so lots of customers feel good about supporting this brand.

They're made from 100% American beef and seasoned with granulated garlic, cherry powder, celery powder, and sea salt. Reviewers appreciate the nutritional value, which touts 9 grams of protein, 90 calories, and 0 grams of sugar. They're also gluten-free, a bonus for many folks.

Some reviewers cite Anthem Beef Sticks as the best beef sticks out there, while others frequently stock up – especially since this item is known for selling out. As for the flavor, customers tend to like that the mild and balanced smoky flavor doesn't outshine the beef. One reviewer adds that these meat sticks have a nice aroma and texture without leaving a waxy feel or aftertaste in their mouth. For a tasty meat stick that also gives back, the Anthem Beef Sticks are customer-approved.

Despite the Greenridge Naturals Beef Snack Sticks labeled as meat sticks, customers are calling the brand's bluff. Numerous buyers complain of a soft and floppy texture that's only edible when it's air-fried, grilled, or sautéed, which beats the purpose of a convenient, on-the-go snack. Unlike these meat sticks' competitors on the market, they also must be refrigerated, which frustrates some customers used to this category of product being shelf-stable.

But even for those who used to love Greenridge's meat sticks, many have now changed their tune. Many customers online state the color of the meat is now lighter pink and the texture has changed. Some people are pointing to a change in supplier as the cause, but we can't say for sure why they've gone downhill. All that's clear is that they have.

And the negative reviews continue: One customer found gristle and bone, and another one noted a mushy and greasy texture. Nearly every recent comment about this product online was negative. Yikes.

To build this list of the best and worst meat sticks at Costco, I first determined which meat sticks were available for sale on Costco's website. I then researched and scoured customer reviews on Costco and the manufacturer's website, social media, professional reviews, and Reddit threads, and incorporated my own personal experiences with the product.

I also took into account ingredients, nutrition facts, taste and flavor, freshness, and texture. After considering the reviews across platforms, I built this list of the best and worst meat sticks. Still not interested in any of the "best" meat sticks listed? Try making your own beef jerky at home.