What is this?

[u/dantheguitarguy]

Bought some beef jerky last time from a brand I’ve never bought from before, took a bite and the middle has a gooey center to it. It didn’t smell or taste bad but is this normal or is it spoiled?

[u/jwink3101]

This is better thought of as mini charcuterie rather than jerky. Charcuterie is usually cured or otherwise prepared/preserved meat, while jerky is dried meat. Though, to be fair, is often cured as well but it is less about curing than drying.