Note: For a more current taste review on a tweaked bag design, open up MTL Jerky – Original Beef Jerky (Recipe #2).
The next review for MTL Jerky will be on a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of their original flavoured beef jerky. The flavour is described as combining the bold taste of apple cider vinegar with the heat of freshly ground black pepper, which will leave your taste buds wanting more. 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 flavour 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 Citron Trippant (Lemon Zinger) and Annas Fringant (Perky Pineapple) beef jerky flavours.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Apple Cider Vinegar, Filtered Water, Pineapple Juice From Concentrate (Water, Concentrated Pineapple Juice, Vitamin C), Unpasteurized Honey, Olive Oil, Pomegranate Molasses (Concentrated Pomegranate Juice, Sugar), Red Sugar Cane Syrup, Sea Salt, Pepper.
Ingrédients: Boeuf, Vinaigre De Cidre De Pomme, Eau Filtrée, Jus D’Ananas Fait De Concentré (Eau, Jus D’Ananas Concentré, Vitamine C), 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, Sel De Mer, Poivre.
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.
The level of sugar is acceptable at 2 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at around 448mg of salt 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 mainly small in size, and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is sort of dry, and it is reasonable easy to chew. There are no visible signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first taste detected is a moderately strong level of apple cider vinegar. Soon the other flavours of fruit start to blend in, where pineapple is the most noticeable other fruit taste. The cracked black pepper flavour of course is wonderful tasting, but inconsistent.
With this original flavour being so bold tasting, the taste of natural beef flavour is muted to a certain extent. Not much sweetness is present, and the saltiness is at a mild level. Overall, a very rich and flavorful flavour, as advertised with a bold level of apple cider vinegar.
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. This original flavour is surely recommended to anybody who would enjoy a fruity based flavour.
Very Good (9/10) – 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. Their @mtljerky social media handle is provided.
Order their jerky online: www.mtljerky.com
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