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 Mojito Inferno flavored vegan jerky. This flavor is described as being a heat that builds up and hits you at the end, whereas mojito inferno is NOT for the weak. The jerky was kindly submitted for review by cofounder Katie Eatmon.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Non-GMO Textured Soy Protein (Whole Bean), Water, Tamari (Alcohol to preserve freshness), Natural Smoke Flavor, Mojito Lime Seasoning (Sea Salt, Demerara Sugar, Chili Pepper, Spearmint, Green Bell Pepper, Onion, Orange Peel, Lime Peel, Natural Flavor), Salt, Vegetable Glycerin, Cayenne Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Citric Acid, Smoked Paprika. Allergen Warnings: Soy
Non-GMO soy protein is a controversial food with respect to health benefits. Non-GMO soy protein contains all the essential amino acids 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 cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. The mojito lime seasoning includes red hot chili peppers, spearmint, green bell peppers, onion, orange peel, and lime peel.
The sugar level is acceptable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is sky high at 870mg 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 – MOJITO INFERNO VEGAN JERKY
When I open the bag, the strongest fragrance is the textured soy protein. These strips are generally small in size and sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is fairly soft and tender and leaves a tiny bit of oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavors I detect are a strong level of saltiness, a mild level of sweetness, and light levels of onion and garlic. The heat is light at first and builds as you chew more. In the background is an omnipresent smoked flavor. The lime flavor, however, is weak tasting.
The mojito lime seasoning lime has an interesting blend of flavors that is well balanced, except that the lime flavor does not shine through. The heat does get to an acceptable level eventually. With this jerky being too salty and lacking in the lime flavor, a Good (8/10) taste rating will be awarded.
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 limes illustrated with flames in the background on the front and back.
There are no slogans printed. Some facts printed are “Plant Based”, “Cruelly Free”, “Delicious”, “Not For The Weak. You’ve Been Warned…”, “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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