At Baja Vida, being bold is a way of life. They are explorers, adventurers, and out-of-the-box creators that believe in shattering limits and embracing whatever journey lies ahead. They created Baja Vida to share their sense of wonder for magical places, incredible experiences, and one-of-a-kind flavors that excite the senses and feed our craving for adventure.
Their snacks and seasonings are crafted by their Michelin-star chef, pushing boundaries with bold, Baja-inspired flavors created with only authentic, preservative-free ingredients. All Baja Vida products were thoughtfully made with quality in mind. Chef Brandon captures the authentic flavors of Baja that excite your palate and keep you coming back for more using fresh ingredients and unique spice blends. This Baja Jerky brand is distributed under the same name as Baja Jerky, and it is located in Buena Park, California. This Baja Jerky brand is manufactured by the private label company Boyd Specialties, located in Colton, California.
The first review on Baja Jerky will focus on a 2.5 ounce/71 gram bag of Lime & Serrano Pepper flavored beef jerky. This flavor is described as using tender beef jerky packing heat with a blend of peppers and a splash of fresh lime juice. The bag was purchased at a gas station in Marysville, Michigan.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Tamari Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt, Sugar), Brown Sugar, Lime Juice, Honey, Serrano Peppers, Sea Salt, Granulated Garlic, Paprika, Ground Pepper, Cayenne, Granulated Onion, Citric Acid, Salt, New Mexico Chili, Turmeric, Tamarind, Cardamom, Avocado Powder. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The beef used is ethically raised, meaning it is guaranteed to be free of growth hormones and additional antibiotics. The cattle are not guaranteed to have free range access to roam about and graze on grass the way nature intended. Their beef is always 100% feedlot/CAFO free. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Very Good (9/10) rating.
The liquid marinade consists of a good brand of gluten free tamari sauce, healthy lime juice, and healthy honey.
Some healthy ingredients added are granulated garlic, paprika, black pepper, granulated onion, turmeric, tamarind, cardamom, and avocado powder. The heat is achieved from serrano peppers, cayenne pepper, and New Mexico chili peppers.
The sugar level is acceptable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is also acceptable at 300mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Admirably, this flavor does qualify to have no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
BAJA JERKY – LIME SERRANO PEPPER BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I most definitely smell lime. No other distinctive smells emanate from the jerky. The strips are medium in size and are sliced to a medium thickness. It leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
When I bite into the strips I detect various ingredients, including salt, sweet, pepper, garlic, onion, and a reasonable kick, which seems to ramp up as I consume more. I googled the word Serrano, and it states that it is “a small chili pepper of a very hot variety that is used fresh or dried in Mexican cooking”.
While I find this jerky to have a kick, it is not blowing me away with the heat, which is likely a good thing because heat tolerance varies from consumer to consumer, and I have a high tolerance for heat, and they don’t want to scare anyone away.
As I consume more, the heat intensifies but still maintains a level that most consumers should be able to withstand.
The pepper is noticeable but not overly prevalent. I am enjoying this flavor, but it is lacking in the “wow” factor. Therefore, in conclusion, I can only award an 8.5/10, which rounded up would be a 9/10. Gentlemen?
Here is what Mark had to say about this Lime Serrano Pepper beef jerky flavor from Baja Jerky: “Thanks Paul for the candid taste review. I found the heat level to be at an acceptable level. Not overly hot tasting but spicy enough to appeal to the masses. The lime flavor is at a mild but acceptable level. The overall taste profile is a complex blend of spices that works well together.”
“I have no issues with this flavor and found it enjoyable and addictive. I am fairly certain that brisket was used, which has a softer texture. With myself at a 10 rating and Paul at an 8.5 rating, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 2.5 ounce/72 gram bag of jerky sells for $6.19, which equates to $2.48 an ounce. That rates at a cheap price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on the bag, both on the front and back. The front has a picture of a cow’s head wearing sunglasses. On the back are pictures of a man doing various sporting activities.
Some slogans may be “Fresh. Flavorful. Exciting.” and “Flavors For Every Experience In Life”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Light, Tangy, Heat With A Zest”, “Gluten Free”, “No Nitrates or Nitrates Added”, “Beef Used Has No Added Hormones”, “No Added MSG”, 11G Protein Per Serving”, “Sweet – 2. Heat – 7”, “Minimally Processed, No Artificial Ingredients”, and “Made With 100% Natural Beef”.
The only missing bag category is a transparent window to view the jerky. A blurb about Baja Jerky is printed on the back. To the credit of Baja Jerky, a toll-free phone is provided for customer inquiries.
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