The next review on Itsumo will focus on a 2.2 ounce/60 gram bag of their spicy 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 kindly submitted for review by the Itsumo Foods team.
Itsumo is distributed by DML Venture, Inc., and they 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), Soy Sauce Powder (Soybeans, Rice, Rock Salt), Sorbitol, Cane Sugar, Contains 2% or Less of Natural Flavor, Salt, Yeast Extract, Spice, Onion Powder, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Spice, Paprika. Allergen Warnings: Fish (Yellowfin Tuna), Soy
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 of 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 with an interesting ingredient list.
Healthy spices are used, in addition to onion powder and paprika.
The sugar level is acceptable at 2 grams of sugar per 30 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 509mg of salt per 30 grams of jerky. However, that is negated because minimally processed rock salt is used.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, rock 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 small to medium in size, and are sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is sort of dry, and reasonably easy to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavor detected is the ahi tuna. While not overly fishy tasting, there is a pronounced fish flavor. At mild levels are the soy and saltiness.
There is a light spiciness present. On a heat scale, the spiciness would rate around a 2 out of 5 at most. The onion powder, black pepper, and paprika round off the flavor nicely. Overall, a pleasant, enjoyable flavor with a reasonable kick to it.
A 2.2 ounce/60 gram bag sells online for $8.99. That works out to $4.08 an ounce, which rates as an average price. The price is cheaper if you buy a 3 or 6 pack. This flavor is surely recommended to all tuna fans out there, where it does not get much healthier than this.
Very Good (9/10) – 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.
Order their jerky online: www.itsumofoods.com
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