Frustrated with what jerky was available in Quebec, Alex set out to create a 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 continuously researching ways to improve jerky and is a genuine, jerky aficionado that I have met. 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 as MTL Jerky.
This is the second review on MTL Jerky’s sweet and spicy beef jerky flavour. The ingredient list has since been tweaked, and they have a new bag design.
The next review for MTL Jerky will focus on a 2.5 ounce/70 gram bag of sweet and spicy flavoured beef jerky. This sweet and spicy flavour is described as combining the sweet flavour 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 founder, Alexander Halasz.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef (Eye of Round), Pineapple Juice Concentrate (Water, Concentrated Pineapple Juice, Vitamin C), Honey, Raw Sugar, Sea Salt, Chili Pepper.
Ingrédients: Boeuf (Noix de Ronde), Jus D’Ananas Fait De Concentré (Eau, Jus D’Ananas Concentré, Vitamine C), Miel, Sucre Brut, Sel De Mer, Piment
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have 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 pineapple juice concentrate and healthy local honey.
The sugar level is on the high side at 7 grams of sugar per 20 grams of jerky to lose a rating.
The level of sugar is on the high side at 7 grams of sugar per 20 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 5 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky for a sweet based flavour as we have here. The salt level is acceptable at 240mg of salt per 20 grams of jerky, which uses healthy minimally processed sea salt.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is sea salt. Commendably, there is no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
MTL JERKY – SWEET AND SPICY BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I smell absolutely nothing. Even when I take a piece out of the bag and smell it, I still don’t smell anything. The strips are medium in size, and they are sliced medium to thick. The jerky is relatively soft and chewy, and there is no oily residue left on your fingers.
The first flavours I encounter are the salt, sweet, garlic, onion, and the heat from the chili flakes. This is a favorable mixture, with all flavours coming through mostly evenly, with no flavour really taking the forefront, yet blending very nicely together to provide a supremely tasty melody of flavours.
I am enjoying this flavour and highly recommend it to anyone who wants to have their taste buds adequately massaged. I can’t see how a proper and well deserved 10/10 could be argued about here. Two thumbs way up!!👍👍 Gentlemen?
Here is what Mark had to say about this sweet and spicy beef jerky flavour from MTL Jerky: “Thanks Paul for the glowing taste review. I could not agree with you more here. The perfect amount of heat, the perfect amount of sweetness without going overboard, and a good deal of natural beef flavour. At times the spiciness hits a 2 out of 5 on a heat scale.
The only thing that I may disagree on is the texture, where I would not describe the texture as soft. More so dry, and does take some effort to chew being well worth it. This is a well-balanced flavor, no doubt, as espoused by Paul .”
Due to COVID-19, we are down to just three members from the Group of Seven for this taste review. It is unanimous; Mark M. is at a solid 10 rating as I. MTL Jerky is so good that I have since made and received an online order for two variety packs. Continuez ce bon travail Alex (Keep up the great work Alex)”
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 $50.
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 Beef)”. Some facts printed on this bag are “No Artificial Flavours”, “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. As per Canadian law, French and English translations are provided for everything.
Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating
Order their jerky online: www.mtljerky.com
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