The Matador jerky brand name is distributed by the massive, family owned, and true American success story Link Snacks Inc. While the Jack Links jerky brand name is easily the world leader in jerky sales, this Matador jerky brand is targeted towards teenagers, with bolder flavors. Matador meat sticks are crafted using premium cuts of meat, expertly seasoned, and carefully crafted to deliver a satisfying and flavorful experience. The brand ensures that only the finest ingredients are used, and the production process adheres to stringent standards to maintain the product’s integrity and taste. Today, Jack Link’s sells more than 100 different meat snack products in more than 40 countries.
The brand Matador is distributed by Frito-Lay Inc., and it is located in Plano, Texas. This meat stick is manufactured by 2018 Link Snacks, Inc., and it is located in Minong, Wisconsin, and interestingly their address is 1 Snack Food Lane. Link Snacks Inc. was started way back in the 1880s.
The next review for Matador will be on a 1 ounce/28 gram bag of their Flaming’ Hot flavored beef, pork, mechanically separated chicken stick. The bag was purchased at a gas station in Marysville, Michigan.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef and Pork, Mechanically Separated Chicken, Water, Contains 2% Or Less Of Salt, Flavors, Salt, Salt, Soy Protein Isolate, Corn Syrup, Rice Bran, Dextrose, Fructose, Refiners Syrup, Smoke Flavor, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Molasses, Paprika, Paprika Extract, Lactic Acid Starter Culture, Sodium Nitrite, Safflower Oil, Casing (Caramel, Red 3, Annatto). Allergen Warnings: Soy
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have partial free range access to graze on grass. Pork is by law, growth hormone-free, and the chicken may or not be growth hormone-free. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The only healthy ingredients listed are paprika and paprika extract. The annoying vague term flavor is used, which could include both healthy and unhealthy foods. The source of heat is unknown.
The sugar level is low at 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of meat stick. The salt level is high at 420mg of salt per 28 grams of meat stick to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of meat stick.
The artificial color red 3 is used to lose a rating.
Unhealthy sodium nitrite is used as a preservative in this meat stick to lose a rating. This meat stick does not qualify to have no MSG added as the cheap, highly processed flavor enhancer hydrolyzed soy protein is used to lose another rating.
Fair (4/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
MATADOR – FLAMIN’ HOT MEAT STICK
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I peel back the wrapping I smell faint vinegar and nothing else. The meat stick is long, I believe longer than most meat sticks (pepperettes), but it is the same thickness and hue as most other meat sticks.
I noticed a distinct “pop” when I first bit into the meat stick, which means the collagen casing was bang on.
The first flavors that jump out at me are salt, pepper, and garlic. As I consume more, I am picking up onion in the background, as well as a decent meat flavor, even though it’s a big brand label.
And as I consume more, I am really picking up on a solid kick. The heat is prevalent to begin with but picks up noticeably as I continue through the meat stick. I am beginning to sweat, which isn’t hard for me to do, but I am picking up on the “Flamin’ Hot” as I get further and further into the meat stick. It is coming across as advertised for sure. I cannot find anything wrong with this meat stick, it is coming through in spades, and I am seriously enjoying it. A 10/10 in my opinion. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
The Matador – Flamin’ Hot Meat Stick is full of flavor, as is expected with this style of meat stick from a big meat stick maker. The meat stick has a reasonable spiciness without going overboard. The flavor profile is nicely balanced, and it is followed with decent smokiness.
The casing has a pleasant snap which seems to be lacking with many meat sticks these days. My only issue pertains to its texture. This meat stick has a mushy texture, and a significant amount of flavorless grease or oil permeates the meat and drips down my gums after each bite. This is rather unpleasant to me, and I can’t help questioning the quality of the product. I rate this Matador – Flamin’ Hot Meat Stick 8/10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Flamin’ Hot beef jerky flavor from Matador: “Thanks Stéphane and Paul for the informative taste reviews. I resonate with each of them. While not super hot, the heat level is respectable for a big brand. The heat reminds me of a tasty hot sauce. It is unanimous that the snap of the texture is arguably perfect.”
“As withStéphane, I too was initially put off by the sheer amount of greasiness. This is not what I would call a ‘clean’ eating experience. Overall, the flavor certainly is tasty and with a fairly complex taste profile. With Paul at a 10 rating, Stéphane and I at an 8, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 1 ounce/28 gram bag was purchased for $1.79, which rates as an expensive price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This bag has everything imprinted directly onto the bag with no labels affixed. The Matador logo displays an image of a black bull. This meat stick is vacuum sealed, the best way to keep a product fresh tasting.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed are “$1.49” and “Smoke Flavor Added”.
All bag categories are covered with this bag. Admirably, a toll-free phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
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