Zaks is known for its high-quality, handcrafted jerky products that deliver a satisfying and flavourful snacking experience. They take pride in using premium cuts of beef and carefully selected ingredients to create their signature jerky. One of the standout features of Zaks is its commitment to traditional jerky-making methods. The brand employs a meticulous process that involves marinating the beef in a blend of seasonings and spices to enhance the flavour. The meat is then slowly dried or smoked to achieve the perfect texture and preserve its natural taste.
Zaks offers a variety of flavours to cater to different preferences. From classic flavors like Original and Teriyaki to more adventurous options like Spicy Sriracha and Maple Glaze, there is something to satisfy every jerky lover’s palate. Each flavor is thoughtfully crafted to provide a balance of savory, sweet, and sometimes spicy notes, ensuring a memorable snacking experience. In addition to its commitment to taste, Zaks places importance on using high-quality ingredients. The brand strives to source locally and sustainably whenever possible, supporting local farmers and ensuring the best possible product for its customers. The Zaks jerky brand name is distributed by Zaks Foods ULC, and it is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
The first review on Zaks will focus on a 4.2 ounce/120 gram bag of their Original flavoured beef jerky. This bag was purchased at a gas station in Cutler, Ontario, Canada.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Seasoning (Sugar, Garlic, Onion, Salt, Spices), Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Water, Liquid Smoke, Sodium Nitrite Allergen Warnings: Soy, Wheat
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 consists of a decent brand of soy sauce and liquid smoke.
Some healthy ingredients added are garlic, onion, and spices.
The sugar level is acceptable at 3 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is also acceptable at 280mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does not qualify to have no sodium nitrite added as sodium nitrite is used outright as a preservative to lose a rating. Admirably, this jerky does qualify to have no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
ZAKS – ORIGINAL BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell vinegar and soy. The strips of jerky are more like sheets of jerky. They are very large yet paper thin. The jerky is rather soft and somewhat rigid, not to mention stringy, and there is no oily residue left on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky I am met with salt, sweet (a bit too sweet for my liking), pepper, garlic to a lesser degree, along with soy and vinegar.
You can actually see the pepper flakes on the jerky. I am thoroughly enjoying the peppered flavour, it’s just that the sweet is too prominent, it is overtaking most other flavours.
The marinade for this jerky would be so much better if it were not so sweet.
Overall, a pleasant taste experience. It does pass as an original flavour, with compliments on the pepper level, but concerns over the sweet level. An 8/10 in my opinion. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
Zaks – Original Beef Jerky is a rather interesting jerky. I’ve tasted this jerky several times over the weekend, and here’s my favorite way to enjoy this little gem. The strips are large and thinly sliced, I appreciate how the texture of this jerky interacts closely with its flavor profile.
As I slip a small piece in my mouth; I am immediately met with what seems to be too much sweetness at first. I then close my eyes and focus on the nuance of the current experience and what is happening as it unfolds in real time. The thin strip of jerky releases an abundant flavor of garlic and onion, a nice amount of meaty and cracked black pepper goodness topped with a hint of smokiness and sourness. While there is a lot happening in the background, this rich and complex flavor profile pops and hits my taste buds in all directions. The flavors are released in succession due to the dry and leathery texture of this jerky, and the whole flavor profile balances itself to perfection.
The flavor profile of Zaks – Original Beef Jerky and its texture are awesome. I highly recommend this jerky to anyone longing for a different experience. This jerky is flavorful, it has a great “Wow” factor and it is highly addictive.
This special little meaty treat is interesting, it is certainly a very pleasant and unusual experience and I highly recommend giving it a Go! I rate this 10/10 Taste Rating. Godspeed!
Here is what Mark had to say about this Original beef jerky flavour from Zaks: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the great taste reviews. I lean toward both of you. Yes, initially the sweetness is sort of overwhelming. But as you chew more, the sweetness tends to grow on you. The combination of black pepper, garlic, and onion put this flavour over the top. These slabs of jerky are wafer thin, dry, and addictive.”
“Paul mentioned this being a pleasant flavour, which is exactly what I was thinking. I do agree with Stéphane that the overall taste profile is well balanced, the sweetness not withstanding. I too would love to try this flavour with the sweetness dialed down. With Stéphane at a 10 rating, Paul at an 8 rating, and myself at a 9 rating, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 4.2 ounce/120 gram bag of jerky cost $14.99. That works out to $3.54 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable clear plastic bag has a label affixed to the front and nothing on the back. The Zaks logo depicts some type of wild cat.
There are no slogans printed. Some facts printed on this bag are “Slab Jerky”, “Big Bag”, “Premium Slab Jerky”, “Only $14.99”, “Liquid Smoke Added”, and “Product of The USA”.
The only missing bag category is a blurb about this jerky and flavor. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided.
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