Our Story

The TC Jerky Story

From Trail to Table

How Traverse City Jerky Co. Began

Traverse City Jerky Co. was born from a simple passion: creating exceptional jerky worthy of Northern Michigan’s outdoor families. Founded by local adventurers who were tired of settling for dried-out, mass-produced snacks, Traverse City Jerky Company began as a small-batch experiment in creating jerky that matched the bold character of our home region.

What started as a small Traverse City operation has grown into a beloved local brand with national reach. But we’ve never lost sight of our founding principles: source locally, craft boldly, and create jerky that fuels the adventures that make life in Northern Michigan extraordinary.

Crafted With Care

Our Premium Process

Our jerky begins with premium cuts of 100% beef from Michigan farms, selected for optimal flavor and texture. We trim each piece by hand, marinate in our signature small-batch blends, and smoke to perfection, creating a wonderful balance of taste, texture, and spice.

Unlike mass-produced jerky, we never rush the process. Our methodical approach—from marinating to smoking to final quality checks—ensures that every bag delivers the exceptional experience our customers expect.

Whether you’re on the way home from pick-up, or hitting the beach, our high-protein snack are made to fuel your days. 10g/serving, 30g/package.

Exceptional Ingredients

The Foundation of Great Jerky

Our delicious jerky starts with exceptional ingredients. Our cherry-smoked jerky contains actual Traverse City cherries, our Jalapeño uses real pepper flakes. No fillers, no artificial preservatives, no compromises—just honest, premium jerky crafted with integrity.

No Fillers. No Artificial Preservatives.
No Compromises.

Inspired by Home

Northern Michigan in Every Bite

Northern Michigan isn’t just where we make our jerky—it’s woven into the fabric of our brand. The vibrant outdoor culture, pristine waters, and dynamic seasons of Traverse City inspire every flavor we create. From the cherry orchards that influence our signature Cherry jerky to the trails that test our products in the field, our connection to this special corner of Michigan defines who we are.

We’re proud to be part of Northern Michigan’s rich culinary landscape and committed to creating products that reflect the exceptional quality and character of our home.

Life Tastes Better in Northern Michigan