Skip the protein bars. Function Jerky contains 14 g of protein per bag for extended lasting fuel. Function Jerky was created to mimic the brain’s psychological response to eating meat. Using leading plant based technology, they are able to trigger the same neural receptors without any animal products. Simple natural ingredients like non-GMO plant protein and spices are used. Their jerky is currently sold in the USA, Canada, and Australia. This Function Jerky brand name is distributed by Urbani Foods Inc., and they are based out of Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
The first review on Function Jerky will focus on a 2.47 ounce/70 gram bag of their Sweet BBQ flavored vegan jerky. This bag was purchased at a Winners store in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Soy Protein (non-GMO), Tomato Paste, Brown Sugar, Spices, Garlic, Sea Salt, Rice Vinegar, Canola Oil (non-GMO), Natural Smoke Flavor. Allergen Warnings: Soy (Packed In A Facility That Processes: Tree Nuts, Peanuts, Mustard, Sesame)
Non-GMO soy protein is a controversial food concerning health benefits. Non-GMO soy protein contains all of the essential amino acids that your body cannot make. Some concerns about non-GMO soy protein are that they contain phytates, are isoflavones that can interfere with thyroid function, and phytoestrogen that can disrupt natural hormone levels in the body. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The liquid marinade consists of non-GMO canola oil, healthy tomato paste, and healthy rice vinegar.
The sugar level is quite high at around 13 grams of sugar per 35 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 5 grams of sugar or less for a sweet based flavor. The salt level is acceptable at around 420mg of salt per 35 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or any other similar unhealthy preservative. Admirably, this jerky does qualify to be MSG free.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
FUNCTION JERKY – SWEET BBQ VEGAN JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell both sweet and vinegar. The strips are small to medium in size, medium to thick in thickness, and moist to the touch. The hue of the jerky is also somewhat lighter than usual, and it leaves a slight oily residue on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky I definitely taste the BBQ flavour, which is quite intense, and oceans of sweet, to the point where I cannot discern any other flavours. Way too sweet, way too BBQY, way too fake beef.
“Wow!!!” is commonly a positive statement, but this “Wow” is for all the wrong reasons. This jerky is not scoring with me on any level.
With apologies, I cannot find any redeeming qualities in this jerky. Colour me deeply unimpressed. This jerky belongs in the organics bin. A 3/10, and I’m being quite generous. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I was waiting to read Paul’s feedback, as I didn’t know what to make of it. I can’t call it “jerky” in good conscience cause I feel it is about anything but that. The texture and taste are much closer to the sticky and gummy crap that dries up around the lid of a ketchup bottle.
At the end of the day, I can only conclude one thing, and this simple thought is: I can live the rest of my life without it, no problem.
For that reason, I don’t really know how to rate this, but Paul’s assessment is more than fair. I would also agree with Paul, 3/10 is quite generous.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Sweet BBQ vegan jerky flavor from Function Jerky: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the honest taste reviews. I suspected that neither of you would enjoy this vegan jerky but not that much. I thought the barbecue aspect of the flavour came across reasonably well, albeit too sweet tasting to the point where true, as Paul stated, the sweetness drowns out the other flavors. The BBQ flavor is reminiscent of eating ketchup flavoured potato chips. With Paul and Stéphane at a 3 rating and myself at a 6 rating, a Fair (4/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 2.47 ounce/70 gram bag was purchased for $4.99, which works out to $2.02 an ounce. That rates as an average price.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted directly on the bag itself, both on the front and back. The front has a high resolution picture of some people at a beach. There is a white label on the back affixed over a USA nutrition facts table, and the sticker price tag.
One slogan printed on this bag could be “Plant Based”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Plant Based Jerky”, “Vegan”, “All Natural”, “Dried Soya Snack”, and “Non GMO”.
Some bag categories missing are a blurb printed about Function Jerky or this Sweet BBQ flavor and a website address. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided.
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