Note: For a more current taste review on a tweaked bag design and tweaked ingredient list, open up MTL Jerky – Original Beef Jerky (Recipe #2).
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.
The next review for MTL Jerky will focus on a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of their Lemon Pepper (Citron Et Poivre) flavoured beef jerky. This flavor is described as combining the sweet flavor of pineapple juice and honey 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.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef (Eye of Round), Pineapple Juice Concentrate (Water, Concentrated Pineapple Juice, Vitamin C), Unpasteurized Honey, Raw Sugar, Sea Salt, Chili Pepper, Orange Extract, Vanilla Extract.
Ingrédients: Boeuf (Noix de Ronde), Jus D’Ananas Fait De Concentré (Eau, Jus D’Ananas Concentré, Vitamine C), Miel Non Pasteurisé, Sucre Brut, Miel Non Pasteurisé, Sel De Mer, Piment, Extrait D’Orange Pur, Naturel de Vanille
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 only of pineapple juice concentrate and healthy unpasteurized honey.
The heat is achieved from the chili peppers, which are healthy when eaten in moderation, because they flush toxins out of the body. Healthy orange extract and vanilla extract are used.
The level of sugar is high at around 10 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference for a sweet based flavor is 5 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. In fairness, much of the sweetness is from the pineapple juice concentrate and unpasteurized honey. The salt level is respectable at around 252mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is healthy minimally processed sea salt. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These strips of jerky are bite sized, and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is more so on the dry side, requiring a reasonable amount of effort to chew. There is not much of any aroma with these strips other than the smell of natural beef.
The first tastes detected are fruitiness from the pineapple, a light level of saltiness, and a light level of sweetness. For a sweet based flavor as we have here, the level of sweetness is not that high, a good thing in our books. Nor is this sweetness from sweet tasting sugar but sweetness from pineapple and honey.
Something fairly unique here is that the flavor finishes off with the peculiar taste of vanilla. Not that there is anything wrong with the flavor of vanilla, it’s just an unusual experience for jerky.
The heat level is not entirely consistent. At times on a heat scale, the heat level reaches a 2 out of 5. Other times there is barely any to no spiciness at all. Despite the sweetness, there is a decent level of natural beef flavor present.
Paul was on the same page with this to say: “The first flavors that I am detecting are salt, sweet, and natural beef. I am detecting a juice as well, my guess would be pineapple juice. As I consume more, I am finally detecting a slight kick, but not enough to actually label as ‘spicy’. Now, while I find this jerky to be quite tasty, I do not find it either sweet (thank goodness) not spicy enough (darn) to warrant the label. An 8/10 for me gentlemen…”
This interesting and unique flavor is not all that much spicy or sweet, but a pleasure to eat. We recommend this flavor to fans of fruity tasting jerky with slightly accelerated levels of sweetness and spiciness.
A 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag sells online for $8.49. That works out to $3.40 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. Free shipping is offered on orders over $50.
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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