Best Jerky Seasoning Kits for a Dehydrator
The best jerky seasoning kits for a dehydrator include the Hi Mountain Original Blend Kit for a first batch, the Bearded Butchers Variety 3-Pack for three flavors in one pack, and the Hi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic Kit for a bold pepper and garlic flavor.
On this page (13 sections)
- The 7 best jerky seasoning kits for a dehydrator in detail
- Side by side: flavor, meat coverage and cure type
- How we picked these 7
- Which seasoning flavor fits beef and venison jerky?
- Which flavors do the kits give you?
- How much meat does each kit season?
- Which kits cover whole-muscle strips and ground meat?
- What does each kit include besides seasoning?
- How do the three brands differ?
- What the cure means for your batch
- Using a seasoning kit in a dehydrator
- Can you use these kits for deer and venison?
- Which jerky seasoning kit to buy for your dehydrator
The best jerky seasoning kit for a dehydrator in this roundup is Hi Mountain Original Blend, followed by the Bearded Butchers Variety 3-Pack and Hi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic. All seven kits include a cure and work in a dehydrator, so flavor and meat coverage decide the order.
This guide covers the seasoning only, not cure amounts, since each maker prints its own directions. For the machine itself, start with food dehydrators for jerky.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for three flavors in one packBearded Butchers Variety 3-Pack
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a bold pepper and garlic flavorHi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic Kit
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Best for sampling four flavorsCheck it - 5
Best for a light hickory flavorCheck it - 6
Check itHi Mountain Mandarin Teriyaki Kit
Best for a sweet-savory teriyaki - 7
Best for a balanced, not-too-sweet teriyakiCheck it
The 7 best jerky seasoning kits for a dehydrator in detail
Hi Mountain Original Blend leads for its traditional flavor and complete kit. Bearded Butchers' Variety 3-Pack comes next for three flavors at once, and the Lucky Jerky Teriyaki scores lowest because it offers one plain teriyaki profile.
Hi Mountain Original Blend Kit
- Seasoning packet, cure packet and shaker bottle
- Seasons up to 15 lb of whole muscle or 10 lb ground
- Made for beef, wild game, poultry and fish
- Step-by-step instructions included
A traditional blend with its own cure packet is the most straightforward start for a first batch. Hi Mountain says the kit works in an oven, smoker or dehydrator.
Pros
- Complete kit with shaker bottle
- Labeled for beef and venison
- Instructions included
Cons
- One flavor per kit
- Coverage is up to 15 lb of whole muscle or 10 lb of ground meat, so size your batch to the kit
Hi Mountain Original Blend is the pick for a first batch of jerky. It's a time-tested traditional flavor, and the kit includes a seasoning packet, a cure packet, a shaker mixing bottle and instructions.
The kit seasons up to 15 lb of whole-muscle meat or up to 10 lb of ground meat. Hi Mountain says the blend suits beef, wild game, poultry and fish.
Hi Mountain says the kit works in an oven, smoker or dehydrator, so your method stays flexible. Read the printed steps in full before you mix anything.
It suits someone who wants one reliable flavor and a complete kit. Skip it if you want several flavors to try, since it's a single blend.
Bearded Butchers Variety 3-Pack
- Hickory BBQ, Bold and Hot packets
- 10 lb of meat per packet, 30 lb total
- Pre-blended seasoning and cure
- Printed directions, conversion chart and QR code for videos
Three flavors in one pack, each pre-blended with seasoning and cure, cover 30 lb of meat in total. Bearded Butchers says its cure has no synthetic sodium nitrite, red dyes or MSG.
Pros
- Three flavors in one pack
- Pre-measured packets with no ratios to work out
- Printed directions and a QR code for videos
Cons
- Three 10 lb packets is a lot of meat for a first batch
- The Hot packet layers cayenne with habanero, so it isn't for a mild batch
Bearded Butchers' Variety 3-Pack is the pick for a cook who wants three flavors in one order. It holds Hickory BBQ, Bold and Hot packets, and each one is pre-blended with seasoning and cure.
Each packet is portioned for 10 lb of meat, so the pack covers 30 lb in total. Bearded Butchers says the blend works on whole muscle cut into strips and on ground meat that's pressed and formed.
Bearded Butchers describes Hickory BBQ as smoky, Bold as garlic-forward and Hot as cayenne layered with habanero. It also says its cure uses cultured celery juice powder and sea salt, with no synthetic sodium nitrite, red dyes or MSG.
The packets carry printed directions, a conversion chart for other batch sizes and a QR code that links to how-to videos. Skip this pack if you want a single flavor or a small batch, since three 10 lb packets is a lot of meat to start with.
Hi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic Kit
- Seasoning packet, cure packet and shaker bottle
- Bold, full-flavored blend
- Seasons up to 15 lb whole muscle
- Instructions included
A bold cracked pepper and garlic blend suits a batch that needs strong flavor. Hi Mountain says its kits also work in an oven or smoker.
Pros
- Bold flavor for a strong-taste batch
- Complete kit with cure and shaker
- Works for beef and wild game
Cons
- Its bold flavor is a poor fit for a sweet jerky fan
- One flavor per kit
Hi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic is the pick for a bold, full-flavored batch. The blend leans on cracked pepper and garlic, and the kit includes a seasoning packet, a cure packet and a shaker bottle.
It seasons up to 15 lb of whole-muscle meat or 10 lb of ground meat, the same coverage as the Original Blend. Hi Mountain says the blend suits beef, wild game, poultry and fish.
The printed instructions walk through the steps, and Hi Mountain says the kit works in an oven, smoker or dehydrator. The brand's line includes 18 varieties, so you can move up to another blend later.
It suits someone who likes a peppery, garlicky taste and wants a complete kit. Skip it if you want a sweet or mild batch, since this blend is bold by design.
Lucky Jerky Savory Kit
- Original, BBQ, Teriyaki and Sweet and Spicy packets
- Each packet seasons 5 lb, 20 lb total
- Cure included in each packet
- Works with venison, beef, goose, chicken and turkey
Four flavors, each in its own packet, let you try a range without buying four kits. Lucky Jerky says the kit covers 20 lb of meat in total.
Pros
- Four flavors in one box
- Each flavor packed on its own
- Works with venison, beef and poultry
Cons
- Four packets is more seasoning than you need to try one flavor
- Each packet covers 5 lb, so a larger single-flavor batch needs more than one
The Lucky Jerky Savory Kit is the pick for a cook who wants to try several flavors. It includes Original, BBQ, Teriyaki and Sweet and Spicy blends, each in its own packet.
Each packet seasons 5 lb of meat, for a total of 20 lb. Lucky Jerky says the kit works with venison, beef, wild game, goose, chicken and turkey.
The instructions cover slab-style jerky and ground-and-formed jerky. The seasoning and cure come together in each packet, and the kit works in a dehydrator, oven or smoker.
It suits a household that wants to compare flavors before picking a favorite. Skip it if you only want one flavor, since four packets is more seasoning than one batch needs.
Hi Mountain Hickory Kit
- Light hickory blend
- Seasoning packet, cure packet and shaker bottle
- Seasons up to 15 lb whole muscle or 10 lb ground
- Labeled for beef and venison
A light hickory blend gives a dehydrator batch a familiar smoking-wood flavor. Hi Mountain describes hickory as one of the most popular smoking woods.
Pros
- Light hickory flavor
- Complete kit with cure and shaker
- Labeled for beef and venison
Cons
- Hickory fans may want more smoke than a light blend gives
- One flavor per kit
Hi Mountain Hickory is the pick for a hickory flavor in a dehydrator batch. The blend is built on light hickory, which Hi Mountain describes as one of the most popular smoking woods.
The kit includes a seasoning packet, a cure packet and a shaker mixing bottle. It seasons up to 15 lb of whole-muscle meat or 10 lb of ground meat, and the instructions are included.
The title labels it for beef and venison, which makes it a direct choice for deer meat. It suits someone who likes a hickory taste and wants a complete kit.
Skip it if you want a heavy smoke flavor, since the blend is light by design.
Hi Mountain Mandarin Teriyaki Kit
- Teriyaki with a hint of mandarin orange
- Seasoning and cure packets with a shaker bottle
- Seasons up to 15 lb whole muscle or 10 lb ground
- Made for beef, venison, elk, deer and poultry
Teriyaki with a hint of mandarin orange gives a slightly sweet, citrus-tinged batch. Hi Mountain says the kit is designed for dehydrators, smokers and ovens.
Pros
- Slightly sweet, citrus-tinged flavor
- Complete kit with step-by-step instructions
- Designed for dehydrators, smokers and ovens
Cons
- The mandarin note won't suit everyone
- One flavor per kit
Hi Mountain Mandarin Teriyaki is the pick for a sweet-savory batch with a citrus note. The blend combines a smooth teriyaki flavor with a hint of mandarin orange.
The kit includes a seasoning packet, a cure packet, a shaker bottle and step-by-step instructions. It seasons up to 15 lb of whole muscle or 10 lb of ground meat, and Hi Mountain says it's crafted for beef and wild game.
Hi Mountain says the kit is designed for dehydrators, smokers and ovens. It calls the flavor slightly sweet and rich, so the mandarin note is the signature here.
It suits a cook who likes teriyaki and wants something a little different from a classic blend. Skip it if you want a plain savory batch, since the citrus note is noticeable.
Lucky Jerky Teriyaki Kit
- Four packets, each seasons 5 lb, 20 lb total
- Cure included in each packet
- Instructions for slab and ground-and-formed methods
- Works in a dehydrator, oven or smoker
A traditional teriyaki that isn't overly sweet or spicy suits a first batch with a familiar flavor. Lucky Jerky says each packet seasons 5 lb of meat.
Pros
- Balanced, familiar teriyaki flavor
- Covers 20 lb across four packets
- Instructions for slab and ground methods
Cons
- A plain teriyaki won't stand out for a bold-flavor fan
- Four packets for 20 lb is more meat than a first try needs
Lucky Jerky Teriyaki is the pick for a balanced teriyaki that isn't overly sweet or spicy. Lucky Jerky describes it as a traditional teriyaki blend with a balanced, classic flavor.
The kit has four packets, and each one seasons 5 lb of meat for 20 lb in total. The seasoning and cure come together in each packet, so there's no separate cure to measure.
The instructions cover slab-style jerky and ground-and-formed methods. Lucky Jerky says the kit works from a dehydrator to an oven or smoker.
It suits a first-time maker who wants a familiar teriyaki with a clear set of steps. Skip it if you want a bolder flavor, since the teriyaki stays classic and balanced.
Side by side: flavor, meat coverage and cure type
The seven kits split into single-flavor boxes and multi-flavor packs, with meat coverage from up to 15 lb per Hi Mountain kit to 30 lb for the Bearded Butchers pack. Flavor and coverage are the two numbers to compare first.
| Product | Best for | Flavor | Meat it seasons | Cure | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hi Mountain Original Blend Kit | a first batch | Original Blend | Up to 15 lb whole muscle | One cure packet | 9.0 |
| Bearded Butchers Variety 3-Pack | three flavors in one pack | Hickory BBQ, Bold and Hot | 10 lb per packet, 30 lb total | Cultured celery juice powder, pre-blended | 8.8 |
| Hi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic Kit | a bold pepper and garlic flavor | Cracked pepper and garlic | Up to 15 lb whole muscle | One cure packet | 8.6 |
| Lucky Jerky Savory Kit | sampling four flavors | Original, BBQ, Teriyaki, Sweet and Spicy | 5 lb per packet, 20 lb total | Cure in each packet | 8.4 |
| Hi Mountain Hickory Kit | a light hickory flavor | Light hickory | Up to 15 lb whole muscle | One cure packet | 8.2 |
| Hi Mountain Mandarin Teriyaki Kit | a sweet-savory teriyaki | Teriyaki with mandarin | Up to 15 lb whole muscle | One cure packet | 8.0 |
| Lucky Jerky Teriyaki Kit | a balanced, not-too-sweet teriyaki | Teriyaki | 5 lb per packet, 20 lb total | Cure in each packet | 7.7 |
Cure type matters next, since every kit here includes one and each maker prints its own directions. Read the cure line in the table, then check the directions on the packet before you mix.
How we picked these 7
We compared specs, features and buyer patterns for each kit. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.
For a first batch, we weighted clear contents and a complete kit above flavor range. Kits with more flavors or more coverage got a small lift, since they give you more to try.
Which seasoning flavor fits beef and venison jerky?
Original, Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic and Hickory suit a plain savory batch, while the two teriyaki kits fit a sweeter, familiar taste.
Best jerky seasoning for venison
The Original Blend, Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic and Hickory kits all name venison or wild game in their details. Original is the most general, Cracked Pepper is the boldest, and Hickory brings a light hickory taste.
Teriyaki and sweet kits for a familiar taste
The Mandarin Teriyaki kit leans slightly sweet with a citrus note, while the Lucky Jerky Teriyaki is balanced and not overly sweet or spicy. Choose one of these if you want a familiar flavor for a first batch.
Which flavors do the kits give you?
The flavors here fall into five families: traditional and garlic, hickory, teriyaki, spicy and BBQ. This is where each one sits:
- Traditional: Hi Mountain Original Blend
- Peppery and garlicky: Hi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic, plus the garlic-forward Bold packet in the Bearded Butchers pack
- Hickory: Hi Mountain Hickory (light), plus the smoky Hickory BBQ packet in the Bearded Butchers pack
- Teriyaki: Hi Mountain Mandarin Teriyaki (slightly sweet, with orange), Lucky Jerky Teriyaki (not overly sweet or spicy) and a teriyaki packet in the Lucky Jerky Savory Kit
- Spicy: the Hot packet in the Bearded Butchers pack (cayenne and habanero) and the Sweet and Spicy packet in the Lucky Jerky Savory Kit
- BBQ: the BBQ packet in the Lucky Jerky Savory Kit
If you're not sure what you like, a multi-flavor box gives you the widest sample from one order.
How much meat does each kit season?
The Hi Mountain kits season up to 15 lb of whole-muscle meat, the Lucky Jerky packs cover 20 lb in total, and the Bearded Butchers pack covers 30 lb. Match the total to the amount of meat you plan to dry.
Single kits for up to 15 lb
Each Hi Mountain kit seasons up to 15 lb of whole muscle or 10 lb of ground meat. Those are upper limits, so check the packet directions for a smaller batch.
Multi-packet kits for larger totals
The Lucky Jerky packs give 5 lb per packet, and the Bearded Butchers packs give 10 lb per packet. Each packet covers its own share, so a multi-packet kit makes the most sense when you plan more than one batch.
Which kits cover whole-muscle strips and ground meat?
Lucky Jerky, Bearded Butchers and Hi Mountain all cover both styles, so none of the seven locks you into one cut. The difference is in how each maker words it.
Lucky Jerky's instructions cover slab-style and ground-and-formed jerky. Bearded Butchers says its blend suits whole muscle cut into strips and ground meat pressed and formed.
Hi Mountain's kits state two coverage numbers, 15 lb of whole muscle or 10 lb of ground meat. The Mandarin Teriyaki kit calls the ground version jerky sticks.
What does each kit include besides seasoning?
The Hi Mountain kits come with a shaker bottle, while the Bearded Butchers pack and the Lucky Jerky boxes come as portioned packets. Here is what comes in each:
- Hi Mountain kits: one seasoning packet, one cure packet, a shaker mixing bottle and instructions
- Bearded Butchers Variety 3-Pack: three pre-blended packets, directions printed on the back, a conversion chart and a QR code for videos
- Lucky Jerky Savory Kit: four packets with seasoning and cure, each portioned for 5 lb
- Lucky Jerky Teriyaki Kit: four teriyaki packets with seasoning and cure, each portioned for 5 lb
How do the three brands differ?
Hi Mountain sells single-flavor kits with a separate cure, Lucky Jerky sells four-packet boxes, and Bearded Butchers sells a three-flavor pack with a celery-juice cure.
Hi Mountain Seasonings says it was established in 1991 and is based in Riverton, Wyoming, and its line includes 18 varieties. That range makes it easy to move on from a first kit to a new flavor.
Lucky Jerky's boxes hold four portioned packets, so you can run several small batches. Bearded Butchers' pack gives you three bigger batches of 10 lb each.
What the cure means for your batch
Every kit here includes a cure, either as its own packet or mixed into the seasoning. Read the printed directions and USDA's jerky guidance before you mix, and don't guess at amounts.
Separate cure packets from Hi Mountain
Hi Mountain kits come with a separate seasoning packet and cure packet, so you keep the two apart until the instructions say to combine them. Follow the order on the printed sheet.
A celery-juice cure from Bearded Butchers
Bearded Butchers says its cure uses cultured celery juice powder and sea salt. Its packets come pre-blended, so the seasoning and cure arrive together.
USDA's jerky and food safety guidance is the place to check before you start. It covers the heating and drying steps that apply to any seasoning kit.
Using a seasoning kit in a dehydrator
Hi Mountain, Lucky Jerky and Bearded Butchers all say their kits work in a dehydrator, oven or smoker, so the kit doesn't lock you into one method. The method you pick decides which settings you need.
Set the dehydrator from USDA and its manual
USDA says to heat meat to 160°F (poultry to 165°F) before the dehydrating step, checked with a food thermometer, then hold the dehydrator at 130 to 140°F while it dries. The seasoning doesn't change that, so use your machine's manual alongside the kit's instructions.
For a machine to pair with a kit, see best dehydrators for jerky. If you still need one, read how to choose a food dehydrator for the trays, wattage and range to check.
Start with one small batch
Try one kit on a small batch first, so you learn how the flavor suits your meat. The how to make jerky in a dehydrator guide covers the steps in order.
Can you use these kits for deer and venison?
Yes, all seven kits name venison or wild game as a use, so each one fits a venison batch. Follow USDA's jerky guidance for meat, since it applies to venison jerky too.
Kits that name venison in the title
The Hi Mountain Original Blend and Hi Mountain Hickory are both labeled for beef and venison. Bearded Butchers' Variety 3-Pack names beef, venison and wild game in its details as well.
Slice thin and even before you season
Thin, even strips dry faster and more evenly, so slice the meat thin and even before you season it. For the full venison method, see deer jerky in a dehydrator and best dehydrators for deer and venison jerky.
Which jerky seasoning kit to buy for your dehydrator
Pick Hi Mountain Original Blend if you want the best jerky seasoning kit for a first batch of beef or venison.
Pick Bearded Butchers' Variety 3-Pack if you want three flavors and a cure the brand makes from celery juice powder.
Pick Hi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic if you want a bold pepper and garlic flavor.
Pick Lucky Jerky Savory Kit if you want four flavors in one box.
Pick Hi Mountain Hickory if you want a light hickory flavor.
Pick Hi Mountain Mandarin Teriyaki if you want a sweet, citrus-tinged batch.
Pick Lucky Jerky Teriyaki if you want a balanced teriyaki that isn't overly sweet.
For the next step, read can you make jerky in a dehydrator. Browse the brands and accessories guides for more gear.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for three flavors in one pack
Bearded Butchers Variety 3-Pack
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for a bold pepper and garlic flavor
Hi Mountain Cracked Pepper 'N Garlic Kit
8.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best jerky seasoning kit for a dehydrator?
Hi Mountain Original Blend is our top pick, because it has a traditional flavor, a complete kit with a shaker bottle and enough seasoning for up to 15 lb of whole-muscle meat. Bearded Butchers' Variety 3-Pack suits anyone who wants three flavors in one order.
Do jerky seasoning kits include cure?
Yes, every kit in this roundup includes a cure, either as its own packet or mixed into the seasoning. Read the packet directions and USDA's jerky guidance before you mix, and follow the kit's printed steps rather than guessing at amounts.
Can you use a jerky seasoning kit with venison?
Yes, all seven kits here name venison or wild game as a use. Follow USDA's jerky guidance for meat, since it applies to venison jerky too, and note that Hi Mountain's Original Blend and Hickory kits are labeled for beef and venison.
Can you use a seasoning kit in an oven instead of a dehydrator?
Yes, Hi Mountain and Lucky Jerky both say their kits work in an oven, smoker or dehydrator. Use your machine's manual for settings, follow the kit's directions for the seasoning and cure, and check USDA's jerky guidance for the heating step.
