The first review on Superior Meats will be on a 4.4 ounce/125 gram bag of their hot flavored pork jerky. This flavor is described as pork being the new white meat. An incredible meat flavor only to follow with simple, earthy undertones of Cajun hot pepper and smoke. If you love bacon, you must try this. The bag was purchased at a Canadian Tire gas station in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
This jerky is distributed under the same name of Superior Meats, who are located in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Superior Meats is a family owned company founded in 1994 by Mike DeMaria in Barrie. They specialize in top quality artisan style traditional European dry cured meat products, and imported cheeses. The DeMaria family carries on traditions passed down from generation to generation, started by Giuseppe (Joe) DeMaria in Siderno, Italy. Mike and his wife Krisztina’s mission is to provide you with specialty meats that are created by master artisans using traditional methods in modern facilities. They currently offer four flavors of pork jerky, and one flavor of beef jerky.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Pork Lean, Salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Spices, Garlic, Onion, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein, Sugar, Smoke Flavouring, Caramel Color, Tricalcium Phosphate. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The pork used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the pork is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to roam about outside. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
There is no liquid marinade used here. You could call this a dry rub, or old fashioned style jerky.
Super healthy garlic and onion are used, both being part of the allium family, which interestingly heals people differently depending on an individual’s needs. Healthy spices are also used, which would include black pepper.
The sugar level is great at under 1/2 gram of sugar per 35 grams of jerky. The salt level is reasonable at 390mg of salt per 35 grams of jerky.
This jerky qualifies to have no sodium nitrite as a preservative, or any other similar preservatives. Instead, salt is the main preservative. To a lesser extent, tricalcium phosphate is also used as a preservative. Plus being a flavor enhancer. Tricalcium phosphate is also an anti-caking agent, where there is debate if this is healthy or not.
This jerky certainly does not qualify to be MSG free, as the unhealthy flavor enhancer monosodium glutamate (MSG) is third on the ingredient list by weight. Worse, the highly processed flavor enhancer hydrolyzed plant protein is used.
Alright (6/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
This 4.4 ounce/125 gram bag consists of just two large slabs of jerky. The thickness in uneven, ranging from medium to thick. There is a wonderful texture, which is similar to bacon without the grease. No signs of fat are visible, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
A fine tasting natural pork flavor develops early. Light levels of garlic and onion are a great compliment. There is no sweetness detected, and a mild level of saltiness. In the background is a type of almost burnt smoked flavor.
As you consume more jerky, this flavor grows on you. The spiciness starts off slowly, and takes a while to become hot pork. On a heat scale, the spiciness would be a 2 out of 5. Overall, an excellent texture halfway between tender and tough, which leaves you wanting more.
This 4.4 ounce/125 gram bag of jerky cost $14.00. That works out to $3.18 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. On their web site the price is $11.99, and shipping is free if you order over $15. This jerky is recommended from a taste perspective, but not so much for the ingredient list.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This narrow clear plastic bag has labels affixed to both the front and back. The bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting.
Their slogan is “Just Really Good Stuff!”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Artisan”, “Hand Crafted”, “Premium”, “No Fillers”, “Naturally Smoked”, “No Trans Fat”, and “Gluten Free”.
The majority of bag categories are covered. Missing are slits to open the bag easily. the bag is not resealable, and no blurb printed about the brand or flavor. As per Canadian laws, there are some French translations provided. To Superior Meats credit, a toll free phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Do you produce air dried Angus beef? Please confirm whether OEM production is possible? Thank you!