Lee’s Market was founded in 1962 to provide quality products conveniently to customers in their Newport, Michigan area. Since then, they have grown to a staple in Southeastern Michigan for jerky, as many of their customers believe to be “The Best Jerky Around”. All their artisan jerky is 100% USDA approved, hand sliced, house-brined, and wood smoked. For over 30 years, Lee’s Market have been testing and perfecting their various jerky flavors and types to ensure that every bite is as satisfying as the first.
Lee’s Market is one of Southeastern Michigan’s best kept secrets. Husband and wife Danny and Carrie Bergmoser own Lee’s Market. The jerky choices are beef, poultry, elk, or venison, with about a dozen flavors available. This Lee’s Market jerky brand is distributed under the same name as Lee’s Market, and it is located in Newport, Michigan, USA.
The next review on Lee’s Market will focus on an 8 ounce/226.8 gram bag of their Original flavored beef jerky. This flavor is described as a rustic blend of seasonings that will bring you southern Louisiana Cajun spices at a manageable level. The jerky was graciously submitted for review by the co-owner, Carrie Bergmoser.
Ingredient Review
Beef, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Molasses, Caramel Color, Sugar, Spices (Including Red Pepper, Black Pepper and White Pepper), Anchovies, Hydrolyzed Soya Protein, Garlic Powder, Sodium Erythorbate (1.47%), Onion Powder, Spice Extractives, Oleoresin Paprika, Less Than 2% Hydrolyzed Soy Protein and Silicon Dioxide, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Natural Flavors, Sodium Nitrite, Propylene Glycol, Tamarind Extract, Citric Acid. Allergen Warnings: Soy, Anchovies
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have at least 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 is comprised of water and healthy distilled vinegar.
Some healthy ingredients are added, such as anchovies and spices, garlic powder, red pepper, black pepper, and white pepper.
The oil derivative propylene glycol is used to lose a rating.
The sugar level is very low at less than 1 gram of sugar per 28g grams of jerky. The salt level is very high at 600mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. We prefer 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite added as similar preservatives potassium sorbate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium benzoate, are used to lose a rating. This jerky does not qualify to have no MSG added as the highly processed, cheap flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein is used to lose rating.
Fair (4/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
LEE’S MARKET – CAJUN BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I immediately detect the smell of vinegar. The strips are very long and quite thick. The jerky is softish and relatively easy to chew. There is some oily residue left on your fingers after handling the jerky.
The first flavors that jump right out at me are the salt, at a pretty high level (a good thing), next to no sweet (another bonus), pepper, garlic, natural beef, and the unmistakable Cajun flavor. The jerky is quite juicy, which I very much like.
You were right that this Cajun flavor is very addictive. I am thoroughly enjoying this jerky. This Cajun flavor is exactly as advertised. Color me very impressed. A no-brainer 10/10 for this flavor. Two thumbs way up!!!👍👍 Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
Lee’s Market – Cajun Beef Jerky checks all the boxes. My secret is out, I’ve used a combination of Red, Black, and White pepper in my dishes for as long as I can remember, and Lee’s Market has also figured out the magic. I find mixing all three generates amazing results where they complement each other to perfection, and Lee’s Market knows it too.
The aroma and texture are amazing. I absolutely love this tender and chewy texture, as it contributes beautifully to deliver maximum flavor. The beef, the saltiness, and some sourness are at the forefront. The flavor profile is rich and has a great depth of flavor. There are so many great and well balanced flavors, such as garlic, onion, smokiness et al. I can also lightly taste the anchovies, which bring much umami flavor without being fishy.
Lee’s Market – Cajun Beef Jerky has a pleasant spiciness. However, this beautiful jerky focuses on flavor and not on the burns. I am absolutely in love with this amazing jerky, it is incredibly addictive, and this is by far, my favorite Cajun Beef Jerky to date.
This is without a doubt a solid 10\10 Taste Rating. Godspeed!
Here is what Mark had to say about this Cajun beef jerky flavor from Lee’s Market: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the enthusiastic taste reviews. Wow guys, not much else that I can add. This Cajun flavor was advertised as not being that hot. To my surprise and pleasure, there was a respectable kick from the delicious flavor of cajun, which is at the forefront.
My portion was gone in no time, a surefire sign that I loved this jerky. Perhaps most impressive about Lee’s Market is the hand sliced jerky strips’ masterfully marinated texture. It is unanimous with a slam dunk Excellent (10/10) taste rating awarded. Take a bow Lee’s Market. You are a diamond in the rough. Two thumbs way up!!!👍👍”
This 8 ounce/226.8 gram bag of beef jerky sells for $16.79. That works out to $2.10 an ounce, which rates as a cheap price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This clear nonresealable plastic bag has a label affixed to the front and nothing on the back except a batch number sticker. There is an illustration of a pig holding two knives on the front. The bag is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep jerky fresh tasting.
A slogan printed is “Hand Crafted And Michigan Made”. There are no facts printed on this bag.
Some missing bag categories are a blurb about this jerky or flavor, slits to open the bag easily, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stamp, and a best before date. However, there is a batch number provided that could translate to a best before date. To the credit of Lee’s Market, a phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: https://leesmarketjerky.com
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