When reminiscing about my childhood, I can’t help but recall those iconic Slim Jims that my parents used to buy. You know, those meaty sticks that the legendary “Macho Man” Randy Savage endorsed on TV? They were not only delicious but also incredibly convenient, thanks to their self-contained packaging.
Slim Jims were a unique blend of beef, pork, chicken, and other ingredients that gave them their distinctive flavor. Aldi, however, decided to put their own spin on the concept with Simms Mild Smoked Snack Sticks – their take on Slim Jims. But as times changed and people sought healthier alternatives, turkey emerged as a popular substitute for other meats. And guess what? Aldi didn’t miss a beat and promptly introduced their own Slim Jim Turkey Stick.
Simms Turkey Sausage Snack Sticks are a Regular Buy at Aldi, meaning you can find them on the shelves all year round. At just $3.49 per package, they offer great value for money, coming in at only 43.6 cents per ounce. That’s a significant drop from the 68 cents per ounce we used to pay for the original snack sticks. One possible reason for this cost difference is that the Simms Turkey Sticks come in a single 8-ounce resealable Ziploc-style bag, containing approximately 14 sticks, as opposed to individually wrapped packs or sticks.
Now, here’s an important consideration: refrigerate these after opening. Unlike individually wrapped snack sticks or beef jerky, which can be stored in the pantry, these turkey sticks need to be refrigerated after opening. They come in a single pack, more akin to bacon bits, which also require refrigeration.
Rest assured, these turkey sticks are proudly made in the USA and have undergone the necessary inspections by the USDA to ensure their quality.
From a nutritional standpoint, it’s important to note that these are processed snacks, meaning they contain various additives, including the preservative sodium nitrite. The package claims that the only meat used is turkey and that the sticks are both gluten-free and free of MSG, just like all other Aldi products.
Curiosity got the better of me, and I couldn’t help but compare these turkey sticks to the standard Simms Snack Stick, which closely resembles a Slim Jim. When I doubled the size of a regular snack stick, allowing for an apples-to-apples comparison, I discovered that the turkey sticks are generally healthier. For the same weight, 16 grams, the turkey sticks have fewer calories (45 versus 85), less fat (8 grams versus 3 grams), and lower sodium content (190 mg versus 240 mg). The cholesterol levels in both options are relatively similar.
But what about the taste? Well, I must admit that I didn’t enjoy these turkey sticks as much as their regular counterparts. While the texture remains similar, with a tough outer casing and a softer middle, the turkey flavor just didn’t hit the mark for me. However, personal preferences may vary, and some may appreciate the health benefits enough to overlook the difference in taste.
The Verdict:
If you’re on the lookout for a healthier alternative to the classic Slim Jim-style snack stick, Aldi’s turkey sticks are a great option. They are not only healthier in most ways but also come at a more affordable price. However, it’s worth noting that the taste might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re particularly fond of that iconic flavor, these turkey sticks may or may not live up to your expectations. And don’t forget, refrigerate these after opening, as they aren’t individually wrapped like their counterparts.
For more information, visit the Rowdy Hog Smokin BBQ website.
