Riley's Jerky showcasing their hearty seasoned beef jerky pieces with a textured surface. The jerky appears rich, thick, and full of bold flavors.

Riley’s Jerky: A Taste of Tradition – Exploring All 7 Signature Flavors

Mar 04, 2025

If you’re a beef jerky enthusiast, you know that not all jerky is created equal. Some brands prioritize mass production, while others stay true to time-honored traditions, ensuring superior quality and taste. Riley’s Jerky, a family-owned business in Greenville, California, belongs to the latter group, crafting some of the finest beef jerky available today.

The Story Behind Riley’s Jerky

Riley’s Jerky was founded on the principles of quality and craftsmanship. What started as a small family operation has grown into a beloved brand among jerky lovers. Despite its growth, Riley’s remains committed to its roots, using high-quality USDA Choice and Prime beef, marinated in small batches and slow-cooked to perfection.

Their jerky is made with care, preserving the time-tested techniques that give it that authentic, old-fashioned texture and flavor. When you bite into a piece of Riley’s Jerky, you're not just tasting a snack—you're experiencing decades of tradition.

Riley's Jerky shop located in Greenville, CA.

Why Riley’s Jerky Stands Out

Premium Ingredients

Made with high-quality beef and all-natural ingredients.

Authentic Craftsmanship

Small-batch production ensures rich flavor and a traditional jerky texture.

No Artificial Preservatives

Just pure, natural goodness in every bite.

Bold, Unique Flavors

A variety of options catering to different palates.

The Jerky-Making Process: How Riley’s Creates Their Signature Flavors

Unlike mass-produced brands that rely on artificial preservatives, Riley’s Jerky follows a meticulous process to ensure every batch delivers superior taste and texture. The beef is carefully selected, sliced thick, and marinated with their signature blends. Then, it is slow-cooked and smoked to enhance its deep, savory flavors.

This slow-drying method is what gives Riley’s Jerky its unique, chewy texture that jerky enthusiasts love. Each flavor is crafted with care, balancing seasoning and natural beefiness in every bite.

A Flavor-by-Flavor Breakdown of Riley’s Jerky

Now, let’s dive into all 7 flavors of Riley’s Jerky.

Riley's Jerky Original package – classic handcrafted beef jerky made from hand-cut solid pieces of beef. Naturally dried for a rich, savory flavor.

1. Original Beef Jerky

Riley’s Original flavor stays true to tradition with a perfectly balanced blend of salt, garlic, and a touch of black pepper. The classic jerky flavor highlights the natural beefy richness with the perfect chew.

Best for: Purists who love a simple yet bold jerky experience.

Riley's Jerky Peppered package – seasoned with freshly cracked black pepper for a bold, zesty bite. Made from hand-cut solid beef for a high-protein, savory snack.

2. Peppered Beef Jerky

If you enjoy a kick of spice, the Peppered variety takes the classic jerky up a notch. Coated with cracked black pepper, this jerky delivers a slightly spicy, savory bite that keeps you coming back for more.

Pair it with: A smoky whiskey or dark stout to enhance the bold flavors.

Riley's Jerky Teriyaki package – sweet and savory beef jerky marinated in a rich teriyaki glaze. Tender, handcrafted beef jerky packed with umami flavor.

3. Teriyaki Beef Jerky

For those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savory, Teriyaki is a must-try. Marinated in a rich soy sauce blend with hints of garlic and ginger, it offers a smooth, slightly sweet taste with a deep umami finish.

Perfect for: Fans of Asian-inspired flavors who prefer a more tender bite.

Riley's Jerky Jalapeño package – bold and spicy beef jerky infused with real jalapeño peppers for a fiery kick. Handcrafted from solid beef for a protein-packed, flavorful snack.

4. Jalapeño Beef Jerky

If you’re looking for some heat, Jalapeño beef jerky is the way to go. Made with real jalapeño peppers, this jerky brings a fresh, zesty spice that doesn’t overpower the rich beef flavor.

Pairs well with: A cold Mexican lager or a citrusy IPA to balance the spice.

Riley's Jerky Cajun package – bold and spicy beef jerky with a classic Cajun-style seasoning blend. A high-protein snack featuring smoky heat and savory depth.

5. Cajun Beef Jerky

Bringing a bold Southern twist, Cajun beef jerky is packed with deep, smoky spices, including paprika, cayenne, and garlic. This flavor delivers a slow-building heat with layers of robust seasoning.

Why you’ll love it: If you enjoy Louisiana-style spices, this jerky packs the perfect amount of kick.

Riley's Jerky Sweet & Spicy package – perfect balance of bold heat and natural sweetness in a handcrafted beef jerky. Made from high-quality beef and packed with flavor.

6. Sweet & Spicy Jerky

For those who want the best of both worlds, Sweet & Spicy jerky combines brown sugar with a fiery blend of chili and black pepper. The result is a dynamic taste that starts smooth and ends with a slow burn.

Best for: Adventurous eaters who enjoy a flavorful contrast in each bite.

Riley's Jerky Hawaiian package – tropical-inspired beef jerky with a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze. Handcrafted from solid beef for a unique, mouthwatering snack.

7. Hawaiian Beef Jerky

A tropical twist on traditional jerky, Hawaiian beef jerky is infused with pineapple juice and soy sauce for a naturally sweet, tangy flavor. The result is a juicy, tender bite with an island-inspired finish.

Pairs well with: A fruity cocktail or a refreshing coconut water.

Why Riley’s Jerky Beats the Competition

Unlike mainstream brands that use excessive sugar, preservatives, and artificial flavors, Riley’s keeps things simple and pure. Their commitment to premium ingredients and small-batch production results in a jerky experience you won’t find in grocery store brands.

What Customers Are Saying

Jerky lovers across the country rave about Riley’s Jerky. Here’s what some satisfied customers have to say:
Pete A.JerkyGent Member

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The Riley’s Jerky I ordered was delicious. I’m glad that I was able to order it online. I used to have to drive quite a ways to get that particular brand."

Richard R.JerkyGent Member

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"Great jerky, not slippery and slimy... perfect!"

Katherine D.JerkyGent Member

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The best. I have been buying this for years. Delicious."

Shop the Complete Collection of Riley's Jerky

Explore the full lineup of Riley's Jerky, featuring bold flavors, hand-cut craftsmanship, and premium ingredients. From smoky and spicy to sweet and savory, find your perfect jerky fix today!
Riley's Beef Jerky - Black Pepper Flavored
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Riley's Jerky Jalapeño – fiery heat with a smoky kick, crafted from hand-cut beef slices and packed in a green and yellow bag.
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Riley's Jerky Sweet & Spicy – the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, featuring visible chili flakes on tender, hand-cut beef jerky in a purple and yellow package.
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Riley's Jerky Original – traditional, no-frills, smoky and savory hand-cut beef jerky in a blue and yellow package for a classic jerky experience.
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Riley's Jerky Teriyaki – a rich, umami-packed beef jerky infused with sweet soy and garlic, made from hand-cut beef and sealed in an orange and yellow bag.
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Riley's Jerky Cajun – bold and zesty beef jerky with Southern-inspired spices, featuring hand-cut slices of tender beef in a red and yellow package.
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Riley's Jerky Hawaiian – a tropical-inspired blend of sweet and savory flavors, made from hand-cut beef, packed in a bright yellow and purple bag.
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Find The Best Beef Jerky For Your Lifestyle

FAQ: Common Questions About Riley's Jerky

Riley’s Jerky has been a family owned and operated business since 1981.

Yes. Every single piece of beef jerky is trimmed and cut by hand.

Absolutely not. No preservatives. However, there is a small amount of sodium benzoate (less than 1/10th of 1%) in the soy sauce and teriyaki sauce.