The first review for MTL Jerky will be on a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of their Ananas Fringant (Perky Pineapple) flavored beef jerky. This flavor is described as combining the sweet flavor of pineapples with the kick of chili peppers for the perfect mix of sweet and spicy. The jerky was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Alexander Halasz.
This MTL Jerky brand name is located in Montreal, Quebec, and is distributed under the same name of MTL Jerky. Frustrated with what jerky was available in Quebec, Alex set out to create jerky that was different from the status quo. The main focus is the quality of ingredients, and different flavor combinations as a healthy alternative source of protein. Alex claims to have 32 grams of protein per 70 gram bag, the highest percentage of protein when using the metric of cost of jerky/weight of jerky. Alex is constantly researching on ways to improve jerky, and is a true jerky aficionado. On June 1st, 2017, Alex officially launched this MTL Jerky brand name. Currently, they also sell Original and Citron Trippant (Lemon Zinger) beef jerky flavors.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Pineapple Juice From Concentrate (Water, Concentrated Pineapple Juice, Vitamin C), Apple Cider Vinegar, Filtered Water, Unpasteurized Honey, Olive Oil, Pomegranate Molasses (Concentrated Pomegranate Juice, Sugar), Red Sugar Cane Syrup, Dried Pineapple, Sea Salt, Chili Pepper.
Ingrédients: Boeuf, Jus D’Ananas Fait De Concentré (Eau, Jus D’Ananas Concentré, Vitamine C), Vinaigre De Cidre De Pomme, Eau Filtrée, Miel Non Pasteurisé, Huile D’Olive, Mélasse De Pommes De Grenade (Concentré De Jus De Pommes De Grenade, Sucre), Sirop De Canne À Sucre Rouge, Ananas Séché, Sel De Mer, Piment.
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least partial free range access to graze on grass. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
We have an interesting and unique liquid marinade used here comprised of healthy pineapple juice, extremely healthy apple cider vinegar, filtered water, very healthy unpasteurized honey, very healthy pomegranate juice concentrate, and healthy olive oil. Pineapples contain an enzyme named bromelain, which is used as a natural meat tenderizer in the food industry.
For a sweet based flavor, as we have here, the sugar level is borderline acceptable at around 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is a tad high at around 364mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky. Regardless, healthy minimally processed sea salt is used, where salt levels are therefore ignored.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to a lesser degree. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are small in size, and are sliced thick. The strips are cut against the grain to allow an easier chewing experience, The texture is in between dry and soft & tender, being moist, and easy to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves a slight oily residue on your fingers.
A strong level of pineapple develops quickly. There are other fruity flavors detected, giving a unique mixture of flavors. With the fruity flavors being so strong tasting, the natural beef flavor is muted to a certain extent.
There is a slight spicy kick to this flavor. On a heat scale, it would rate a 1.5 out of 5. The saltiness is at a mild level. Overall, this flavor absolutely delivers on providing the sweet flavor of pineapples with the kick of chili peppers for a great mix of sweet and spicy.
A 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag sells online for $8.00. That works out to $3.20 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Free shipping is offered on orders over $75. You cannot go wrong with this flavor if you enjoy the taste of pineapple accompanied with a light level of spiciness.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This clear, resealable bag has a label affixed to both the front and back. English translations are provided. This bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting. The logo has a cow on top of MTL Jerky. To the left is the Fleurdelisé (white cross) from the Quebec flag, and to the right is a maple leaf from the Canadian flag.
A slogan printed on this bag is “Le Boeuf Du Peuple (The People’s Beef)”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Sans Arômes Artifciels (No Artificial Flavours)”, “Faible en Gras (Low in Fat)”, “Bonnes Source de Protéines (Good Source of Protein)”, “Produit du Canada (Product of Canada)”, and “Aliments Préparés au Québec (Foods Prepared in Quebec)”.
All bag categories are covered here. There is a decent blurb printed on the bag about this jerky.
Order their jerky online: www.mtljerky.com
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