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. This MTL Jerky brand name is located in Montreal, Quebec, and is distributed under the same name of MTL Jerky.
This will be the second review for this MTL Jerky a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of their original flavoured beef jerky. The ingredient list has since been tweaked, with less emphasis on being a fruity flavor. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Alexander Halasz.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef (Eye Of Round), Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil, Unpasteurized Honey, Sea Salt, Pepper, Granulated Garlic, Raw Sugar.
Ingrédients: Boeuf (Noix de Ronde), Vinaigre De Cidre De Pomme, Huile D’Olive, Miel Non Pasteurisé, Sel De Mer, Poivre, Ail Granulé, Sucre Brut.
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.
The liquid marinade used here is comprised of healthy apple cider vinegar, a commendable unpasteurized honey, and healthy olive oil.
The level of sugar is acceptable at 2 grams of sugar per 20 grams of jerky. The salt level is sort of high at 340mg of salt per 20 grams of jerky. However, the salt level is ignored because healthy minimally processed sea salt is used.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used are sea salt, and apple cider vinegar to a lesser degree. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Good (8/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
What a gem! This MTL Jerky Original Beef Jerky has all the right flavors and it really hits in all the right spots. The flavor profile opens with a good punch of nice raw garlic followed with black pepper, salt and a good splash of acidity and fruitiness from the apple cider vinegar. These flavors are surprisingly noticeable and very good pairings at just the perfect level. This is by no means a boring tasting Original flavor.
The sweetness is at a mild and enjoyable level, it is more of a refined taste of honey. There is a good amount of natural beef flavor present.
These strips of jerky are small and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is in between dry and moist and it requires a reasonable amount of chewing action to extract this entire beautiful flavor The garlicky aroma is subtle with hints of fruitiness.
Paul said: “For an original flavor, I am detecting more flavors than usual. I am duly impressed with this flavor and have no issues whatsoever in rating this flavor a tidy 10/10”.
Mark exclaimed: “I personally could not get enough of this flavor, being a massive fan of garlic and black pepper on jerky I highly recommend this Original flavor to any fan of beef, where Quebecer’s are fortunate to have this MTL Jerky brand around”.
This may not be a Pepsi and MayWest but you can still have it for breakfast in spades on your way to Church.
We were absolutely unanimous where this is a delectable snack and we’d highly recommend this great Canadian delicacy to any and all beef jerky aficionado. This beef jerky is addictive as heck and it is a real treat. A well deserved 10/10 taste rating.
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.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This black, resealable bag has everything imprinted directly on the bag, both on the front and back. The skyline of Montreal is displayed.
The MTL Jerky slogan is “Le Boeuf Du Peuple (The People’s Jerky)”. Some facts printed on this bag are “No Artificial Flavors”, “Low In Fat”, “Good Source of Protein”, and “Made in Canada”. Two stamps are displayed for “Gluten-Free” and “Ailments Préparés Au Québec (Quebec Grown Garlic)”
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 for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. English translations are provided for everything.
Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating
Order their jerky online: www.mtljerky.com
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