Meat snacks are a multi-billion dollar industry, and the name Jack Links is very famous in that industry. They are one of the market leaders, and there does not seem to be a company that can hope to become more popular and loved in the near future.
Jack Links even has retail stores in which fans can buy merchandise. That’s not something other companies can claim. But who owns Jack Link’s Protein Snacks Company in 2022?
Jack Link, who founded the company, still owns Jack Link’s Protein Snacks Company. His son Troy is the company’s CEO.
If you want to learn more about the company’s history, what they sell, and more, keep reading.
The Company’s History
It all began with Chris Link’s move to the “new world” in the 1880s. While he did not make any jerky, he made sausages and smoked meats, which were the town talk.
His son, Earl, also took meat seriously and opened a general store and butcher’s shop. His son, Wolf, grew up with meat and meat business talk all around him. Unsurprisingly, he kept the family tradition going and turned into a farmer raising excellent beef cows.
Wolf’s son is Jack Link. He also had a close connection to meat. One day, he went on one of many hunting trips with his sons (one of which would later turn into the CEO of Jack Links). They decided to make some jerky with Jack’s grandfather’s recipes.
First, only friends, family, and locals could enjoy the delicious beef jerky. Jack Link realized he was on to something – and in 1986, Jack Link started selling his product in stores in Wisconsin.
In the following years, the company became bigger and more popular. Today, Jack and his son Troy still work together to keep the company going.
Who Owns Jack Link’s Protein Snacks Company Today?
Jack Links is a privately owned company, which means that it is not publicly traded (you won’t find Jack Links shares on the stock market).
It might come as a surprise, but this company has always been owned and managed by the actual Link family. There are no plans to change this in the near future.
Who Is The CEO Of Jack Links?
Troy Link took over the role of CEO in 2013. He started working in Jack Link’s Protein Snack Company while in high school (1988).
While Troy Link is now the company’s CEO, his father, Jack Link, still works at his side, and decisions are made together.
What Makes Jack Links Different From Other Meat Snack Companies?
The strong family connections within the company are one thing that makes Jack Links stand out from the competition.
Take Slim Jim, for example. That company has nothing to do with its original founder and has changed hands many times. It’s just another company, while the Link family genuinely cares about the direction their company is taking.
Read Related: Jack Links vs Slim Jim | What’s the Difference?
Related Questions
What Jack Links Products Exist, And Where Can I Buy Them?
Jack Links products are easy to find (most supermarkets stock them). Use the official store finder to find your closest store. An even more convenient option is to shop online!
Real Jack Links lovers can also visit one of their retail stores filled with Jack Links products and merchandise.
The man who owns Jack Links made sure you can also buy the products on Amazon without being overcharged. Here are some options:
The original-sized Jack Links Beef Sticks are still one of the most popular products in the lineup. In addition to the original flavor, you can get plenty of different flavors, like Teriyaki.
If you are looking for snack-sized beef jerky, then the Original Flavor Multipack is an excellent option with 20 bags.
There’s also a spicy option; the Beef Jerky Snack Variety Pack offers three hot flavors: peppered beef jerky, Jalapeno Carne Seca Beef Jerky, and Sweet&Hot beef jerky.
The Jack Link’s Meat Bars are a satisfying option for a chunkier snack.
Are Jack Links Protein Snacks Good For You?
While Jack Links snacks are a better snack alternative than similar options you can find for sale, they are not considered a healthy food option.
The protein is good for you, but there is also a lot of sugar and sodium in a Jack Links beef stick or packet of beef jerky.
In addition, all Jack Links products are highly processed. Highly processed meats may be known to increase your risk for certain types of cancer – so you ideally want to limit your intake, i.e., do not make these a daily snack if you value your long-term health.
Final Thoughts About Who Own Jack Links
Jack Links is one of the few companies with a long history that still are connected to its roots. It is pretty impressive that the family has so far resisted offers to be bought by other companies. You can tell that they indeed love what they are doing.
If you care about the history of the companies you support by buying their products, you could do worse than buying Jack Link’s meat snacks
