As a marine scientist, Nick Mendoza sailed several trans-Pacific research expeditions. On the eve of journey’s-end, the captain makes a ritual toast to Neptune—the protector who grants safe passage across his realm. OneForNeptune maintains tradition by paying homage to our most valuable resource, the Ocean. Nick’s passion is finding ways of directly impacting food system sustainability and food waste.
Nick had recently left a career in marine science and sustainable aquaculture research, and worked tirelessly to create a fish jerky that would address the seafood sustainability challenges that he had been seeking to solve for years, while delivering a healthy product for snack lovers. Co-founders James Coop and Garrett Delgado joined the crew full-time to help bring the vision to reality. Cooking has always been another passion of Nick’s, and the OneForNeptune jerky brand was officially launched in November 2018. This jerky is distributed under the same name of OneForNeptune, and they are based out of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The next review on OneForNeptune will focus on a 2.2 ounce/62 gram bag of their Smoked Sea Salt & Juniper white fish jerky. This flavor is described as their Original flavor blends smoky sea salt with cracked pepper and juniper berries leaving your mouth watering for more. The jerky was graciously submitted for review by Founder & CEO, Nick Mendoza.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Pacific Rockfish, Liquid Aminos (Vegetable Protein from Non GMO Soybeans), Natural Hickory Liquid Smoke (Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Vinegar, Molasses, and Caramel Color), Juniper Berry, Garlic, Sea Salt, Honey, Citric Acid, Ginger, Black Pepper. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The white fish used in this jerky is wild-caught Pacific Rockfish from the USA west coast. Pacific Rockfish is full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, potassium, and loaded with the mineral selenium. As a result, the highest ingredient rating possible is Excellent (10/10).
The liquid marinade used here is comprised of liquid aminos, natural hickory liquid smoke, and healthy local honey.
There are some healthy ingredients added such as ginger, garlic, black pepper, and juniper berries.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium added, or any other similar preservatives. Instead, minimally processed sea salt is the main preservative, and to a lesser degree the citric acid. Admirably, this jerky does qualify to have no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I smell fish. The pieces are tiny in size, and are sliced rather thick. For the most part, the jerky consists of tiny thick morsels of fish jerky. The jerky is soft and dry, and relatively easy to chew. Their is no oily residue left on your fingers.
As I review the jerky, I taste strong salt, pepper, light garlic, onion, and the unmistakable taste of fish. I am personally a big fan of fish, and this particular fish is hitting the right notes for me, but it is not blowing me away.
I can see why this fish jerky is popular, but it is heavy on the fish taste, which is tasty and enjoyable, but it does not possess the ‘wow’ factor I am looking for. Hence, I presume Stephane will be doing this review, because it is by no means blowing me away. Take it away Stephane…
Here is what Stéphane had to say: “Hey Paul, you seem to have read my mind, as I share the same opinion. I can’t really add much to what you’ve already said. I find the taste is fairly strong fish and salt with light garlic and smoke. The flavors are actually quite “muddied” by the fish and salt. Cheers.”
Here is what Mark had to say about this Smoked Sea Salt & Juniper white fish jerky flavor from OneForNeptune : “Stéphane was originally going to write this review. While the fish flavor is prominent, this is the first fish jerky reviewed to date where the taste of fish is not overpowering and overwhelming. As a non-seafood fan, I can actually tolerate this fish jerky flavor. Not necessarily desire, but want fish in my diet. I only detect a light smokiness, and nothing really in the way of Juniper berries.
This jerky was shared between 9 different people, where nobody was blown away with this Smoked Sea Salt & Juniper flavor from OneForNeptune. Here are the official ratings between the Group of Seven (Mark – 9, Paul – 8, Stéphane – 8, Nolan – 8, Mark M. – N/A, Sid – 8, Ava – 7).”
This Smoked Sea Salt & Juniper 2.2 ounce/62 gram bag of jerky sells online for 8.99. That equates to $4.09 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Bag Review
This professional looking resalable plastic bag has everything printed directly on the bag itself, both on the front and back. There are no labels affixed to this bag. On the back it states “Made With 100% Sustainable Wild-Caught Rockfish From The US West Coast”. The logo has a trident in the middle of ONE FOR NEPTUNE.
Slogans printed on the bag are “A wave of change is on its way. Welcome aboard.”, and “One•For Neptune”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Gluten Free”, “Nitrate Free”, “Dairy Free”, “Non GMO”, “High Selenium”, “Omega 3”, “20g Protein Per Bag”, “USA Wild-Caught Rockfish”, and “Sweet Savory”.
All bag categories are covered. There are great blurbs printed on the back describing OneForNeptune, and this Smoked Sea Salt & Juniper flavor. A ‘Find My Fish’ QR code is displayed on the back, redirecting to the OneForNeptune web site. The @oneforneptune social media handle is displayed for Instagram and Facebook.
Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating
Order their jerky online: www.oneforneptune.com
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