Itsumo – Sweet Ahi Tuna Jerky (Review #2)

The second review done on Itsumo will focus on a 2.2 ounce/62 gram bag of their sweet flavored ahi tuna jerky. The bag design has since changed, and the quantity of ingredients has been slightly tweaked. Itsumo is a Japanese word that translates to always, where they are always trying to improve. This bag was graciously submitted for review by the Itsumo Foods team.

Itsumo is distributed by DML Venture, Inc., and are based out of Miami, Florida. The owner, David Leibowitz, has been living in the Tuna capital of the world, Tokyo, Japan for over 18 years. During that time, David has learned to create high quality, grade AAA #1 Japanese Sashimi Grade Ahi Tuna products. Itsumo is a world leader in Sashimi Ahi production with 15 tons processed daily. All of their products use hand line caught tuna from the Philippines, and they combine that with all natural ingredients. This tuna jerky product line was officially launched in 2015.

Ingredient Review

Ingredients: Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus Albacares), Cane Sugar, Tapioca Maltodextrin, Sorbitol, Soy Sauce Powder (Soybeans, Rice, Rock Salt), Sea Salt, Yeast Extract. Contains 2% or Less of Natural Flavor, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Onion Powder, Spice.    Allergen Warnings: Soy, Fish (Yellowfin Tuna)

As provided on the Itsumo blog, this video details 20 amazing health benefits of tuna. To see why Itsumo ahi tuna is a step above their competitors, watch the informative video of David explaining all things tuna, where his passion certainly comes across well. It is reported that David is one of the only foreigners to be accepted in Tsukiji, Japan’s largest fish market.

There is no liquid marinade used here. The soy sauce is in powder form, and it has an interesting ingredient list.

Healthy spices are used, in addition to onion powder.

The sugar level is acceptable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is respectable at 281mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.

This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, sea salt is the main preservative used, with its healthy minerals and trace minerals. To a lesser degree, ascorbic acid also acts as a preservative. Commendably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.

Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating

Taste Review

These jerky strips are mainly small in size, and are sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is dry, but still relatively easy to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.

No singular taste jumps out at first. The sweetness is present, but certainly does not go overboard. At light levels are black pepper, soy, onion, and garlic, which all blend in well.

While the smell of these jerky strips are fishy, the actual taste is not too fishy tasting. The saltiness is at a mild level. Overall, this is a very pleasant tasting flavor, which is not overly sweet tasting.

A 2.2 ounce/62 gram bag sells online for $8.99. That works out to $4.08 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. The price is cheaper if you buy a 3 pack or a 6 pack. If you prefer high quality tuna with a little sweetness, this Itsumo sweet flavor is a great choice.

Good (8/10) – Taste Rating

Bag Review

This resealable plastic bag has all of the graphics imprinted on it directly, both on the front and back. The Itsumo logo is an upside down black triangle with a tuna fish in the middle.

Their slogans are “The Best Snack!” and “Welcome to the best tuna on earth!”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Wild Caught”, “High Protein”, “Gluten Free”, “No Nitrites”, “Low Fat”, “Hand Caught Artisan Fishery”, and “Made from Sashimi raw material, Hand Crafted”.

There are a number of stamps printed such as “Fish Fresh”, “Bluefin Safe”, “Artisan Fishing”, “Minimally Processed”, “Friend of the Sea”, “Earth Safe”, “Dolphin Safe”, and “The Clean Protein”.

The only bag categories missing are a transparent window to view the jerky strips, and distributor address details. A small, good blurb is printed about Itsumo.

Very Good (9/10) – Bag Rating

Order their jerky online: www.itsumofoods.com