Buff consider themselves stewards of the land, as grassland restoration is a significant component of their farming. They work hand in hand with Mother Nature in growing native grasses on which their bison thrive. By diversifying their nutrition-based habits, they can contribute to the natural growth process beneficial to our animals. Spouses Mark and Heather Shouldice hold the key to more natural and sustainable growth.
Watch these two short videos to learn more about Buff.
At Buff, it is a privilege to foster a relationship with their valued customers and exclusive retailers based on the utmost trust. They are proactive at every step in getting us 100% grass-fed bison from gate to plate. Bison is rich in protein and chemical-free. To top it off, bison is so nutrient-dense (without being tough or gamey) you will be filled while eating less, as it almost doesn’t shrink during the cooking process. This Buff meat stick brand is distributed under the name of BUFF.ca, and it is based out of Shallow Lake, Ontario, Canada.
The first review on Buff will focus on a 1.76 ounce/50 gram bag of their original flavoured bison beef meat sticks. This bag was purchased at a Whole Foods store in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Bison, Beef, Water, Maple Syrup, Spices, Sea Salt, Alternate Cure (Cultured Celery Powder), Starter Culture, Natural Wood Smoke, Extra Virgin Oil.
The bison and cattle used are raised ethically, meaning no growth hormones or additional antibiotics were administered. These bison and cattle have free range access to graze on grass as mother nature intended. As a result, the ingredient rating starts at a Very Good (9/10) rating.
Not often mentioned is liquids used for meat sticks, but water, healthy maple syrup, and healthy extra virgin oil are added.
The only healthy ingredient added is spices.
The sugar level is low at 1 gram of sugar per 30 grams of meat stick. The salt level is reasonable at 280mg of salt per 30 grams of bison stick.
This meat stick does qualify to have no sodium nitrite. Instead, apart from sea salt, cultured celery powder is used as a preservative. Admirably, this meat stick does qualify to have no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
BUFF – ORIGINAL BISON BEEF STICKS
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell the vinegar. The meat stick looks very similar to other meat sticks, or “pepperettes”. The only difference is the casing. It looks more solid, more rigid than most others. And true to form, it is. This particular collagen casing has that rare “snap” to it. I love it.
I taste salt, pepper, garlic, vinegar, next to no sweet (a good thing), and natural beef. When I look at the ingredient list, I don’t see vinegar, is it possible the celery powder I’m tasting? Either way, this meat stick is going to vanish extremely quickly. It tastes spectacular.
Along with the “snap” of the collagen casing, this meat stick is clearly reading (and tasting) like a 10/10. I gave some to my wife and daughter, and they loved it as well. A very enthusiastic two thumbs up!!👍👍 Over to you, gentlemen.
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
This bison snack stick is lean and clean tasting. There is a beautiful smoky aroma, and it is very fragrant. One bite and the meaty flavour and smokiness permeate each and every taste bud. There is a generous acidity, and it is balanced with a very slight sweetness. The spices are very light, subtle, and tucked in the background, with the pepper taking the lead.
Overall, the Buff Bison Snack Stick is really flavourful, and it hits on all the right notes. I really enjoyed every bite down to the last one, and it certainly deserves a 10/10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this original bison beef meat stick flavour from Buff: “Thanks Stéphane and Paul for the great taste reviews. I am agreed with everything stated. True, this texture has a great snap present. True, the spices are light but well-balanced. True, there is a great smoked flavour in each bite. True, there is very little sweetness present. True, there is an acidic vinegary taste present, normally lactic acid with meat sticks, but neither vinegar nor lactic acid is a listed ingredient. True, these meat sticks have a clean taste. True, these meat sticks vanished quickly.”
“Also true is that these bison sticks are dense, which fills you up more compared to a sausage or pepperette. Take a bow Buff, a unanimous Excellent (10/10) taste rating will be awarded. Two thumbs up!!👍👍 “
This 1.76 ounce/50 gram bag was purchased for $4.99. That equates to $2.50 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This plastic bag has everything imprinted on the bag itself, both on the front and back. The bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep a product fresh tasting. The transparent window is in the shape of a bison. The barcode cleverly has a bison grazing on grass at the top.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed are “Dried Sausage”, Handcrafted”, “100% Canadian”, “No Nitrate of Nitrite Added”, “Paleo Friendly”, “Gluten Free”, “High Protein”, and “Made in Canada”.
The only missing bag category is that the weight of these meat sticks is not stated. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided. A good blurb about Buff is printed on the back. You are encouraged to follow Buff on Instagram and Facebook. To the credit of Buff, an email address is provided for customer inquiries.
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