Ed Eaton is vegan and along with his wife Katie, launched Detroit Jerky in September 2020. Detroit Jerky dreams of a glorious world where everyone can enjoy delicious meaty snacks without all the crazy animal cruelty and potential health risks! They wanted to create healthier jerky that is genuinely sustainable, has less of an environmental footprint, doesn’t hurt anyone or anything, and can be enjoyed by meat eaters and vegans alike! They knew it had to be good. In fact, it had to be REALLY good because they don’t just want vegans or vegetarians to love it.
They want to show the meat eating world that they can have something more delicious than they could ever have imagined! Their protein packed plant-based jerky is sure to surprise you! Detroit Jerky is distributed under the name of Detroit Jerky LLC, and it is located in Livonia, Michigan. The jerky is manufactured in Plymouth, Michigan.
The next review on Detroit Jerky will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their Sweet Mesquite flavored vegan jerky. This jerky was graciously submitted for review by cofounder Katie Eatmon.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Non-GMO Textured Soy Protein (Whole Bean), Coconut Aminos (Organic Coconut Nectar, Organic Pure Coconut Blossom Sap, Sea Salt [Less Than 2%]), Apple Cider Vinegar, Organic Blue Agave Nectar, Water, Liquid Smoke, Vegetable Glycerin, Chili Pepper, Paprika, Red Bell Pepper, Vegan Sugar, Natural Flavor (Mesquite Smoke), Cornstarch, Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Citric Acid. Allergen Warnings: Soy
Non-GMO soy protein is a controversial food with respect to 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, isoflavones that can interfere with thyroid function, and phytoestrogen, which 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 water, super healthy apple cider vinegar, healthy organic blue agave nectar, and liquid smoke.
Some healthy ingredients added are chili peppers, paprika, red bell pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
The sugar level is acceptable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 430mg 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 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
DETROIT JERKY – SWEET MESQUITE VEGAN JERKY
When I open the bag, I pick up on the smell of mesquite smoke. These strips of ‘jerky’ are medium to small in size and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is somewhat soft and tender. Handling these ‘jerky’ strips leaves a tiny bit of oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavors I detect are mild levels of sweetness, saltiness, and soy. After chewing more, the mesquite taste slowly becomes more prominent. There is a foreign taste present, which I am assuming is the coconut. The paprika, garlic, and onion are at faint to light levels. A tiny hint of spiciness starts to build slowly.
This textured soy protein (vegan jerky) is not my cup of tea, but I have tried much worse vegan jerky before. The taste profile is interesting and works well together, other than I think the coconut. Thankfully, the sweetness does not go overboard. Mesquite smoke is a beautiful flavor, but the taste does not quite match the fragrance.
Our mascot Lexi ate a small strip and then walked away but came back for more after about 15 minutes. I am inclined to award a Good (8/10) taste rating.
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag of jerky sells for $6.99. That works out to $2.33 an ounce, which rates as an average price.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has no labels affixed to the front or back. There are some mountains printed on the back and front.
There are no slogans printed. Some facts printed are “Plant Based”, “Cruelly Free”, “Delicious”, “Savory And Peppery Kick”, “Scan Us. Find Us. Follow Us.”, and “Made In Michigan”.
The only missing bag categories are a transparent window to view the jerky and a blurb about this jerky or brand. A QR code is displayed on the back linking to the Detroit Jerky website.
Order their jerky online: www.detroitjerkyllc.com
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