Jax Snax Foods Inc. is a family owned business that launched in 2011. Things are done a little differently with Jax Snax Foods Inc., where there is no fooling around. They sell a whopping 15 ounce bag of jerky, which is 425.24 grams. Only this year did Jax Beef Jerky introduce a 1 ounce/ 28 gram bag, and also debuted a hot flavour.
Jax Beef Jerky is advertised to use 100% high grade whole muscle beef, and is currently sold in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and Ontario. Jax Beef Jerky is distributed by Jax Snax Food Inc., and they are located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The next review on Jax Beef Jerky will focus on a 1 ounce/28 gram bag of their original flavored beef jerky. This original flavor is advertised as a great tasting combination of spices and beef with a hickory smoked flavor. We had previously reviewed this flavor, where a smaller bag size is now offered, and the ingredient quantities may have been tweaked. The bag was kindly submitted for review by the owner, Mak.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Sugar, Water, Pineapple Juice, Vinegar, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soy Beans, Salt, Sodium Benzoate), Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Liquid Smoke, Sodium Nitrite. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
The beef used is guaranteed to have been raised ethically, meaning not administered growth hormones or additional antibiotics. This beef is also guaranteed to have at least partial free range to roam about as nature intended. As a result, the highest ingredient rating possible is Very Good (9/10).
The liquid marinade is comprised of water, healthy pineapple juice, super healthy vinegar, an average soy sauce, and liquid smoke.
There are some healthy ingredients added such as garlic powder and black pepper.
The sugar level is very low at less than 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is quite high at 600mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite, as sodium nitrite is used outright as a preservative to lose a rating. Commendably, this jerky has no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
JAX BEEF JERKY – ORIGINAL BEEF JERKY (REVIEW #2)
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I impatiently cut open the vacuum sealed bag, I believe I smell soy. It is one giant slab of beef, albeit paper thin. The jerky is rigid and chewy, as well as sharp. You could easily cut your mouth open with this jerky if you are not careful. There is no oily residue left on your fingers handling this jerky.
When I bite into the jerky, I immediately taste the sweet, above all else. The ingredient list states that sugar was used, but I would have guessed honey. My mistake. I also, to a lesser degree, taste salt, pepper, garlic, a juice (the ingredient list states pineapple juice), soy. I don’t really taste the vinegar though.
Nothing really jumps out at me. I’m not being ‘wowed’ at all, it’s just okay, as well as being a little too sweet tasting for me. Sorry gentlemen, I must be honest, I can go no higher than a 7/10.
Here is Stéphane’s review: “JAX Original Beef Jerky is a work of art in its own right and it’s almost too beautiful to eat. This large single piece of jerky is a perfect square and the grain of the meat is nicely displayed through a clear plastic bag. The jerky is sliced thinly; the texture is leathery and quite enjoyable.”
“The taste of JAX Original Beef Jerky is money and really addictive. Although most flavors are subtle, the sweetness of the pineapple juice, paired with the smokiness and the beef flavor is outstanding. I simply can’t stop eating this little gem. It truly deserves an Excellent 10/10 taste rating in my own opinion.”
Here is what Mark had to say about this original beef jerky flavor from Jax Beef Jerky: “Thanks Stéphane and Paul. There is definitely some division between us here on this original flavor, as was the exact case the last time we reviewed this flavor in 2018. I am actually somewhere between Paul and Stéphane’s opinion here. My initial reaction to this flavor was an 8 rating. I too agree with Paul that this flavor has no ‘wow factor’, but this original flavor is tasty, and well balanced nonetheless accentuated by a light smokiness.”
“Unlike Paul, I do not think that the sweetness level is too sweet tasting, which would have been a deal breaker for me. With that said, as I consumed more of the strip, this flavor started to grow on me more. I could be swayed either way on an 8 or 9 taste rating, and settled with a Very Good (9/10) taste rating.”
“Note about the jerky strip photograph displayed in this review. About 1/3 of the strip had an added strip attached, which I viewed as a bonus find. Jax Snax Foods Inc. kindly submitted five 1 oz bags, and by chance, this photographed bag was was the only bag with an added bonus of more jerky.”
This 1 ounce/28 gram bag of jerky sells for $2.99, which rates as an expensive price. The price is cheaper if ordered in larger quantities.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This clear non-resealable plastic bag has a label on the front, and nothing on the back. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided. This bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. The only facts printed on this bag are “Smoke Flavor Added”, and “Product of U.S.A.”
Some missing bag categories are no soy/wheat allergen alerts are printed, and a blurb not printed about Jax Beef Jerky or this original flavor. Admirably, a toll free number is provided for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.jaxbeefjerky.com
When will this be available again
I emailed the owner but no response.