Design your own custom-made beef jerky

Rather than list all the products we’ve seen offered in customized form over the years, it’s getting to the point now where we might be better off listing the ones we *haven’t* seen served up in personalized versions. One example? Beef jerky — until recently, that is. New Jersey-based Slant Shack Jerky is a small, artisan company that hand-crafts beef jerky to suit each individual consumer’s tastes. Available in quantities of a quarter pound, half pound or a full pound even, Slant Shack’s jerky offers customers numerous choices. First, for example, is whether to use traditional USDA choice or organic grass-fed beef, which adds an extra charge. Next, buyers must decide whether they’d prefer an original or a “hot & smoky” marinade. From there, it’s the rub that must be selected, with four tantalizing options or—alternatively—the “naked” approach. Last but not least, consumers can choose a brown sugar or spicy pepper glaze, or none at all. For those having trouble deciding, there’s also an assortment of chef’s choices to choose among. Pricing starts at USD 10 per quarter pound. The customization trend is still going strong! (Related: Design your own pet food — Design-your-own protein shakes — Custom-made energy bars.) Spotted by: Chris Turner Photos by: Liz Vidyarthi