The next review on The Fresh Market will focus on a 3 ounce/85.7 gram bag of their teriyaki flavored buffalo jerky. This bag was purchased at a The Fresh Market store in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
This Fresh Food Market jerky brand name is distributed under the same name of The Fresh Market. They are based out of Greensboro, North Carolina. The Fresh Market does not consider themselves as a store, but as neighbors serving neighbors. As their brand name states, there is an emphasis on eating fresh foods. While not confirmed, this jerky is likely made by a private labeler, making this a stock recipe.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Buffalo, Water, Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Apple Cider Vinegar, Natural Flavorings, Paprika, Smoke Flavoring Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The buffalo used is guaranteed to be ethically raised, meaning not administered growth hormones or additional antibiotics. While not confirmed, the buffalo almost certainly had free range access to graze on grass, and roam about. As a general rule, buffalo meat is healthier and leaner compared to beef.
The liquid marinade is comprised of water, an alright soy sauce, very healthy apple cider vinegar, and healthy pineapple juice concentrate.
Healthy paprika is used, which is a type of hot pepper. The vague term flavorings is used here. That could contain both good and bad ingredients, but more likely good ingredients in this case.
For a sweet based flavor, as we have here, the sugar level is at the upper limit of our acceptable limit with 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is also respectable at 280mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. To a lesser degree apple cider vinegar also acts as a preservative. Also, admirably, there is no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips are mainly medium in size, and sliced to a medium, almost thin thickness. The texture is more soft and tender than dry, but not quite tender enough to qualify as having a classic soft and tender texture. There are some visible signs of fat, which adds to the overall flavor. Handling this jerky leaves a tiny bit of oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is the sweetness, where you would not want it to be any sweeter tasting. As for the bison flavor, it has a slightly richer flavor compared to beef. There is a light soy level, and the saltiness is at a light level also.
There is a light tanginess from the apple cider vinegar. The pineapple juice does a decent job of complimenting the overall flavor. All along, there is a light smoky taste that finishes the flavor. Overall, it manages to capture some of a classic teriyaki taste.
This 3 ounce/85.7 gram bag cost $6.49, which works out to $2.16 an ounce. That rates as an average price. Given that this jerky has a healthy ingredient list, tastes decent, and also sells for a decent price, this jerky is recommended as worth your money.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has a label affixed to both the front and back. There are some graphics, but not much.
Slogans printed on this bag appear to be “Quality Without Compromise!” and Yum!”. Some facts printed on this bag are “All Natural”, “No artificial ingredients and minimally processed”, “Smoke Flavoring Added”, “No preservatives”, “Premium Grade”, “No Added Nitrates”, High Protein”, and “Low-Fat Snack”.
All bag categories are covered with this bag. On the back, there is a great blurb printed about this jerky and the meat used. Admirably, a phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Leave a Comment