i have tried various jerky spice premixes and i tend to like the the nesco brand best. i make jerky at least 1 or 2 times monthly. the spice mix comes in a two-package mix. one with the spices and the other with the cure (salt). the only thing that i have an issue with this brand (and with many the others also) is that i find the jerky has too much salt for me. so i only use a 1/2 - 3/4 bag of cure when making a batch. i feel that this is safe because i normally eat the jerky within three weeks. hence, i do not need the cure for a long-term consumption.