What We Do & Why It Matters

Authentic Texas Jerky

We specialize in premium, small-batch beef jerky, built on three principles:

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Respect the Beef

We use only whole-muscle cuts — top round, eye of round, or other grain-forward cuts. That means real beef texture, visible grain, and a chew that feels honest.

Respect the Craft.

Each batch is hand-cut, hand-trimmed, marinated with care, smoked over real wood, and dried slow and steady. No shortcuts. No fillers. No artificial gloss.

Respect the Flavor. 

Our seasoning balances smokiness, bold spice, savory umami, and clean beef flavor. Whether it’s heat-first, sweet-then-spicy, classic cowboy chew or BBQ-smoke tang — every profile is designed with intention.

Address Plano, Texas
COWBOY
approved

ONE COWBOY. ONE LUCKY ROLL.

One darn good batch of jerky.

Hard 8 Jerky Co. was born from a simple belief: jerky should taste like real beef, not sugar or shortcuts. We come from the heart of Texas — where cattle, campfires, and grit run deep. We started this brand because we were tired of jerky that looked good, but tasted like processed snacks. We wanted something real: bold, honest, smoky, and built with respect for the meat.

From the first cut to the final package, we trusted the old-school, cowboy-style way. Hand-cut muscle cuts. Real wood smoke. Slow, steady drying. No pressed meat, no sugar-glazed illusions. Just rugged, full-flavor jerky — the kind you’d pack for the trail, the rodeo, or a long haul.

Today, Hard 8 Jerky Co. carries that tradition forward. Every bag is a tribute to those roots — made the way jerky was meant to be made.

What makes Hard 8 Jerky different from other jerky brands?

Hard 8 Jerky is made with whole-muscle beef, real wood smoke, small-batch craftsmanship, and clean seasoning. We never use pressed meat, artificial softeners, or sugary glazes. Every batch is hand-cut, hand-trimmed, marinated with intention, and dried the traditional Texas way for a bold, honest flavor you can’t fake.

Is Hard 8 Jerky really made in Texas?

Yes. Hard 8 Jerky Co. is Texas born and Texas made. Our techniques, flavors, and cuts are rooted in Texas food culture — bold smoke, real heat, and respect for the beef. When we say Texas-style jerky, it’s the real deal.

Does Hard 8 Jerky ship nationwide?

Absolutely. We ship directly from Texas to your doorstep anywhere in the U.S. Each batch is sealed fresh and built to travel — so you get authentic Texas craft jerky delivered fast, flavorful, and ready to tear into.

Signature Jerky Flavors

Hard 8’s full flavor lineup provides a diverse and satisfying experience tailored to meet the preferences of every jerky enthusiast. Here’s a closer look at the five distinct flavors:

1. Bullseye Blaze — This variety delivers an immediate punch of intense heat combined with a robust smoky flavor. It’s designed for those who crave a fiery kick that lingers, making it the perfect companion for anyone seeking a bold culinary adventure.

2. Sweet Heat Stampede — This unique blend starts with a delightful sweetness that greets your taste buds, followed by a gradual build-up of Texas-style heat. It skillfully balances flavors, ensuring that each bite offers a harmonious experience that evolves from sweet to spicy, capturing the essence of Texas.

3. Texas BBQ — Immerse yourself in the rich tastes of the backyard with this smoky and tangy flavor. It embodies the spirit of classic Texas BBQ, evoking memories of cookouts and gatherings with its inviting, back-porch vibe.

4. The Bold Kick — A flavor that stands out with its cracked-pepper prominence, offering a clean and invigorating spice bite. This jerky is for those who appreciate a peppery punch that excites the palate without overwhelming it, creating an exhilarating snacking experience.

5. The Straight Shooter — This traditional jerky features a classic trail-style profile, providing a pure beef chew that is both satisfying and hearty. Perfect for those who prefer a straightforward, authentic jerky experience, it’s crafted to highlight the quality of the beef with minimal distractions.

With five distinct flavor journeys to explore, Hard 8 is grounded in one unwavering standard: delivering real jerky done right. Each flavor is carefully crafted to ensure that every bite reflects true quality and authenticity.

Hard 8 Jerky Company I Plano, Texas

Our Promise to You

  • Premium beef — no processed meat, no fillers.
  • Transparent ingredients. Clean, honest flavor.
  • Small-batch production — crafted for consistency, never mass-produced.
  • Real smoke, real cuts, real jerky.
  • Nationwide shipping — bringing Texas craft jerky to your door.

Whether you’re hitting the trail, packing for a road trip, or just craving something real — Hard 8 Jerky Co. delivers jerky that honors the cow, the craft, and your appetite.

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“Hard 8” — the name, the roll, the spirit. It stands for living bold, making hard cuts, and committing to excellence. In jerky, as in life — sometimes you’ve got to roll for it all.

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Join the Pack

Explore our full lineup. Try a bag. Taste the difference. For real beef. Real smoke. Real jerky.