365 is a brand name for the popular organic grocery store Whole Foods Market. This review will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their turkey jerky original flavor that was purchased at a Whole Foods Market store in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 2013.
The head office of Whole Foods Market is located in Austin, Texas, where it all started back in 1980. Today, they are the world leader in selling natural and organic foods. Much of the growth of their company has been accomplished through mergers and acquisitions. There are more than 350 retail and non-retail locations now. Whole Foods Market uses a private labeler to make their 365 brand of jerky, making this a stock recipe.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Organic Turkey, Organic Evaporated Cane Juice, Water, Organic Soy Sauce (Water, Organic Soybeans, Salt, Organic Alcohol), Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Salt, Organic Paprika, Natural Smoke Flavoring, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Garlic Powder, Organic Caramel Coloring. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The ingredient list does confirm that the turkeys used are certified organic.
The liquid marinade consists of organic evaporated cane juice, water, organic soy sauce, and the very healthy organic apple cider vinegar.
There are some healthy spices used such as organic paprika, organic black pepper, organic onion powder, and organic garlic powder.
Organic caramel coloring is used to give the turkey a more brownish color. Normally, caramel color is not considered healthy, but it is organic after all.
The sugar level is somewhat high at 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or under. The salt level is respectable at 270mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky has no sodium nitrite added, nor any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, salt is the main preservative, and organic apple cider vinegar to a lesser extent. Admirably, there is also no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These medium to small sized strips of jerky are rather thick. The texture is semi dry, which makes for easy chewing. There are no visible signs of fat, and no residue is left on your fingers while handling this jerky.
No taste really immediately stands out. The natural turkey flavor is the strongest taste, but at the same time, has a processed taste. The garlic taste is slightly detectable. This jerky is not that salty, nor is it that sweet tasting. The soy taste is light at best. The processed turkey taste dominates too much.
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag of jerky cost $7.29, which works out to $2.43 per ounce. That would rate as a slightly expensive price. This jerky is recommended for people who can get past the processed turkey taste.
Very Bad (2/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
Everything is imprinted directly on this resealable bag, both the front and back, with no label affixed.
Some slogans printed on this bag are “High Protein”, “Fat Free”, “Natural Smoke Flavoring Added”, and “Turkey Raised without Antibiotics or Growth Hormones”.
All bag categories are covered with this bag. There is a USDA Organic symbol, plus a Quality Assurance International certified organic symbol printed on this bag. One interesting note on this bag is “Federal Regulations Prohibit the use of Artificial Hormones in Poultry”.
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