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 Fiery Cajun white fish jerky. This flavor is described as being inspired by the Louisiana Bayou and Creole chefs’ age-old traditions of preserving meat, and adding a powerful spice combo of cayenne, paprika, garlic, thyme, salt, and peppers. The jerky was kindly 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), Arbol Peppers, Organic Smoked Paprika, Spices, Tomato Powder, Dried Garlic, Sea Salt, Cayenne 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, and natural hickory liquid smoke.
There are some healthy ingredients added such as organic smoked paprika, spices, tomato powder, dried garlic. The spiciness is achieved from arbol peppers, and cayenne pepper. Hot peppers are healthy if eaten in moderation, which flush toxins out of the body.
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. Not overpowering, but it’s definitely there. I would not call these strips of jerky, they are more like morsels of jerky. Morsels and shavings. The morsels are (obviously) small, but they are rather thick. The jerky is dry and easy to chew. It leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
As I chew this jerky, I am met with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, soy and the unmistakable (but quite tasty) fish. I am also immediately picking up on the Cajun kick, it is at a very favorable level. This is a unique flavor, but a delicious flavor. I feel like the different flavors are melting together quite nicely, to create a very enjoyable taste experience.
OneForNeptune, great job, you have created a scrumptious jerky treat here. While the ‘old school’ in me is saying fish should not be considered jerky, you are effectively changing my mind here.
I’m quite duly impressed, and am going to award a 10/10 taste rating. I personally have no issues with this flavor, I’m sold. Two thumbs way up!!!👍👍”
Here is what Stéphane had to say about this Fiery Cajun white fish jerky flavor from OneForNeptune: “Great review Paul and here is my little sound bite”.
“OneForNeptune Fiery Cajun White Fish Jerky is super flavorful. It may be a little salty for some and personally, I think it simply adds to its character. I find this flavor profile to be a great representation of what Cajun flavor is and should be. This product has a little bite at first and the heat builds up with every bite while delivering tons of delicious flavors.”
“I believe the spiciness in Cajun foods should be experienced and enjoyed like a guilty pleasure. It shouldn’t be a form of punishment for a carnal sin, as if you’ve just got out of confession in Church and the priest is now administering a good whipping to expiate your sins. Well! As long as this is not your thing!”
“This gem certainly deserves 10/10 taste rating.”
This Fiery Cajun 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.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This professional looking resealable 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 ONEFORNEPTUNE.
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 Fiery Cajun 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
Leave a Comment