It's that time of year again...when we make a list of goals we're beholden to for the next 365 days. Some years we go easy on ourselves, and sometimes it's a real challenge. This year, our resolution is to make YOUR goals easier to meet - with - you guessed it - JERKY.  You may be wondering how jerky can possibly relate to your 2018 resolutions. We think you'l be pleasantly surprised. 

Resolution #1: Take your vitamins.

If you're gonna' work out - you're gonna' need protein.  Whether you've jumped on the Crossfit bandwagon and want to go Paleo, or just want to make sure your muscles are getting the stuff they need to repair, Jerky's got your back. Your average post-workout snack should have anywhere from 10-20 grams of protein - which means you just need to eat 2-3 pieces of our very own old fashioned jerky to do the trick.  Filling your gym bag with our gourmet jerky is a great way to stay motivated - what better reward for a workout? 

There's just 11 days left 'til Christmas. We know some of you have your trees trimmed and gifts wrapped - but then there's always the others - the procrastinators, the too-busy-with-work, the perfectionists who want to give NOTHING but the best. So we thought we'd write up a little Christmas gift guide for those of you who need a little push in the right direction. 

For the Culinary Mastermind: 

For those in your life who love spending time in the kitchen, or who know how to rock a charcuterie board, they'd be stoked to get some of our perfectly themed Spicy Reindeer Sausage in their stocking. Want to go a bit bigger? Our Summer Sausage gift pack will come in handy when they're hosting this year's New Year's Eve party - or they can keep it all for themselves! We've got a great collection of spices & rubs to choose from too! 

For the Outdoorsman: 

Does your gift recipient love nothing more than being out in nature? This Christmas, stock them with plenty of snacks for their upcoming adventures. Does your loved one love to fish? We've got a variety of Fish Jerky - perfect for the avid angler.  More of the hiking/trekking type? We've got plenty of snack packs of all the essentials for that next backpacking trip! 

For the Alcohol Aficionado: 

Know someone who's a connoisseur of cocktails, wine, and beer? We've got the perfect gift for them! Our Alcohol Jerky is the way to go! You can buy it in a delicious Six Pack, or pick your poison - be it Tequila, Pinot Noir or a nice Dark Ale. 

Hope our little roundup sends you in the right direction. We're pretty sure it will. And, at any rate, we're pretty sure Santa would appreciate some jerky on his plate - skip the cookies - this year. And honestly, when it comes to giving the gift of Jerky, you can't really go wrong. 

Can't quite decide what to get? Or shopping REALLY last minute? There's always Gift Cards! 

When Veteran's Day rolls around every year, we find ourselves filled with gratitude toward all those who have honorably served in the military – in war time or peace time.  But we're not just thankful on November 11th - we take pleasure in shipping out military donations year round from our generous customers. 

We're not surprised that jerky is something the guys and gals serving our country really want in their care packages.  And we absolutely love putting extra sticks of jerky in those Ultimate Packs going overseas. It's the least we can do to say thanks for fighting for our freedom. And we love working with Any Soldier to get goodies into the hands of those who don't typically recieve much mail from home. 

We've been mulling over what more we could do to show our gratitude and we decided to launch a JERKY GIVEAWAY! Beginning today - through the end of the year (December 31st)- we're taking entries from Active Duty Military personnel to have the chance to win a year's supply of jerky! You'll be subscribed to our Jerky of the month club for all of 2018! That's a $360 value! 

There are lots of ways to enter - what we really want to know is: what America/serving our country means to you. You can tag us in a brief tweet about your love for our country with the hashtag #JerkyDynastyUSA. Or post a photo of your squad on our facebook page.  Or write your heart out and email us your thoughts at jerkydynasty@gmail.com. We all know our country is in need of a little love - what a great way to spread it! 

Be sure and share the giveaway opportunity with others in your unit - you're family after all.  And we'd bet if they happen to win the year's supply they'd thank you by sharing their Jerky stash!  Win win, right?!? We're looking forward to reading your entries and seeing your photos. Good luck and godspeed! 

Raise your hand if you've ever watched a college football matchup without snacks. That's what we thought. Jerky is a game day staple - but have you considered WHAT jerky you'll be eating when your team is playing their rivals? 

We've matched up some of our favorite jerky snacks with college mascots. Perhaps you'll want to chow down on the opposing team's mascot - or maybe your good luck charm is sticking with meat from your own team. Whatever your style - we've got 6 pairings to get you through your next game day house party! 

Colorado Buffaloes

The CU Buffaloes came from behind and squeaked past the Oregon State Beavers last week, and they're up against Washington State this Saturday in what could be a nail-biter after they finally broke their losing streak. Instead of munching those fingernails, CU fans should pick up some of the best Buffalo Jerky out there. Our Jackson Hole Buffalo Jerky is 100% buffalo - no fillers. Which is exactly what you want from your team. 

Florida Gators

With a 3-3 record following their loss to the Aggies, and fans blaming offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, a bye week might be just what this team needs. And it gives Coach McElwain some time to hit the recruiting trail.  Perhaps he should stock up on Alligator jerky to pass out to potential recruits!

Oregon Ducks

The Ducks were going strong this year until QB Justin Herbert broke his collarbone in their win over Cal. With a true freshman, Braxton Burmeister as their only hope for redemption and a shot at being bowl elligible, the Oregon staff is doing everything in it's power to get the replacement QB up to speed. Maybe they should try feeding him Duck jerky. If it quacks like a duck....

Arkansas Razorbacks

More QB struggles abound in Arkansas, where Austin Allen's shoulder injury seems to be keeping him down. The team is placing their hopes in Cole Kelly, and crossing their fingers Allen will be back to go whole hog in their 64th matchup against Ole Miss on October 28th. And we're pretty sure our Wild Boar sausage could bring anyone back to health. Or at least feed the guests watching the game at your place - and keep 'em from yelling (too much) at the screen.

Texas Longhorns

After a devestatingly close game (and ultimately loss) against OU, the Longhorns needed something to spice things up a bit. And wouldn't you know - that's when DeShon Elliott was named Sporting News' Midseason All-American. Still holding on to their #2 ranking in the Big 12, they just need keep bringing the heat - kinda' like our Hot & Spicy Beef Jerky. Bevo would approve. 

Akron Zips 

Maybe the Mid American Conference isn't on your radar, but if the University of Akron is bold enough to make their mascot a Kangaroo, perhaps it should be. They're ranked #1 in MAC East and fresh off a post-flooding rainy day win vs Western Michigan. And did we say their mascot is a KANGAROO? That's #winning in our book. Fans should go bonkers over our exotic Kangaroo jerky! 

Regardless of which team you root for (or against) - we can all agree on one thing. Jerky and football are a winning combination. 

We're about halfway through summer, but there's still plenty of time for an epic getaway. Whether you're driving cross-country or just getting outside the city for a weekend, you won't want to hit the road without snacks.  And we'd like to tell you why jerky's the best choice to fuel your drive. 

10 Reasons Jerky Rules for Roadtrips: 

1. You're gonna' get sick of fast food french fries. 
2. Jerky won't melt all over your upholstery, unlike chocolate.
3. Need a moment of quiet in the car? Jerky takes a while to chew, so it'll keep your traveling companions' mouths busy. 
4. Gas station snacks just don't deliver. And boy are they overpriced! 
5. It's full of protein to keep you from getting hangry.
6. Sodium helps prevent dehydration - so you can drink less and make fewer stops! 
7. There's nothing better than eating meat at 70mph! 
8.  You can match your meat to your destination. Going to Louisiana? How 'bout some Cajun Alligator?
9. Jerky sticks are a great space saver if you're packing light. 
10. EVERYBODY loves jerky! 

Ten reasons not enough to make jerky your go-to roadtrip snack? We'll give you one more. Use code ROADTRIPPIN17 at checkout for 10% off! (Good through 8/15/2017). 

Dads are worth celebrating. At least Richard Nixon thought so when he made Father's Day a national holiday in 1972. And when it comes to Father's Day, folks across the globe have all sorts of traditions. In Thailand,  dads get Canna Lilies, and apparently in Germany, men load up wagons of beer and liqour and pull them into the woods. Here in the U.S. it varies - Dad might recieve a card, the traditional necktie, or a new tool. Or if you've accepted Jimmy Kimmel's Father's Day challenge, a big surprise. 

But the biggest surprise of all for your pops might be doing something a little different this year. Something that he can enjoy for days, weeks, months to come. Something he can brag to his buddies about. You guessed it - Jerky. 

Apparently only the cool kids are doing it. If you're crafty in the kitchen you can follow in the footsteps of the likes of Gronk and Richard Sherman.  They're giving their dads jerky neckties. What's even better than a necktie? An ammo can filled with his favorite snack that he can display proudly in his office, or possibly some alcohol jerky to enjoy with his friends. We've got a whole page of our store dedicated to the perfect Father's Day gift, and you can't go wrong with any of our options. 

Here's hoping all the dads out there feel really special this year. If you think your kids need a hint on what to get you, feel free to email them this blog post. You won't regret it. 

If you’re counting down the calendar days ‘til summer, we’ve got about 8 weeks left - technically. But we all know summer begins long before the solstice. And with pool parties, lake outings and beach vacations on the horizon, being ready for swimsuit season has surely crossed your mind, if not taken priority. According to a survey by Planet Fitness, 33% of Americans would rather go to the dentist than don a swimsuit.

Regardless of whether you’re only mildly panicked or having a full blown freakout, we’ve got your back. There’s no need to do a drastic cleanse or a trendy diet. Just change the way you’re snacking!

Jerky is both high in protein and low in calories - which means it will keep you full for longer. It also won’t raise your insulin levels—a hormone that signals your body to store fat. Jerky makes a great snack between meals, especially if you’re trying to lose weight.

Does dreaming of the beach have you spending more time in the gym? A study published in The FASEB Journal showed that doubling your protein intake along with exercise may be the key to losing fat pounds without dropping muscle mass. And an added bonus? Our jerky sticks and snack packs are just the right size to toss in your gym bag.

Consider yourself a pescatarian? Not a problem - we’ve got several fish jerky options to tide you over ‘til the tide rolls in. Road tripping to the ocean? Why stop for fast food burgers when you’ve got protein in your purse, sans all the grease. And honestly, when you’re on the beach with your toes in the sand and jerky in your hand, you’ll be content whether or not you hit your goal weight. But as long as there’s still time and you’re still trying to shed those pounds, we’ve got your snacking regimen covered.

Have plans to be Irish for a day on March 17th this year? Whether you’re determined to wear (and drink) green, or avoiding the St. Patrick’s Day party, we’ve got some beer and jerky pairings we think you’ll love!

Go green or go home:

We’re not sure where the green beer tradition started, but we’re pretty sure it’s an American thing. If you’re making green beer to toast your heritage, you’re gonna’ want to start with a beer that’s light in color (but not low on taste). 2 drops of green food coloring should do the trick. And of course, you’ll need some Jerky to go with your festive beverage.

The yellow coloring of a light lager or Pilsner lends itself to turning green. And your Heineken, Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella Pils, or your Lagunitas Pils would go great with the lighter side of Jerky - like any of our fish jerky varieties!

More of a Pale Ale drinker? Try your Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Deschutes Mirror Pond, or Ballast Point Grunion with something with a little kick, like Jeff’s Famous Habanero Heat Wave or our very own Jerky Dynasty Hot & Spicy. Let’s get this St. Patty’s party started!

Ye olde Irish Standards:

Green beer not your thing? Rather stick with something more traditional, perhaps a dry Irish stout? Whether it’s the old standby - Guinness, a Dry Irish Stout from Brooklyn Brewery, or a Bearded Seal from Pinthouse Pizza in Austin, TX  - the high carbohydrate level in stout helps to bring out the flavor in the jerky. Pair it with Buffalo Bob’s BBQ Wild Boar - Or Honey BBQ Old Fashioned Elk - The roasty notes of the stout provide a great flavor to accompany the sweetness of the BBQ taste.

No matter your beer style preference, you can’t really go wrong pairing any beer with ANY jerky. It’s just a tried and true combo. And regardless of your heritage or celebratory status, we hope you have a happy St. Patrick’s Day!