Manuel P. Vargas and his family traveled across the Atlantic to settle in the rich valleys of Livermore, California, over 100 years ago. They saw themselves only as poor immigrant cattle ranchers doing what they could to support their families and start a new life. Looking back now, they define wholesome, humble origins and the true American dream. As the years pass, the Vargas family name continues to represent this period – a time when a man’s word and a handshake meant something.
Tri-Cal launched in 1982 and is known for producing a wide variety of jerky products under multiple brands. Their diverse offerings feature different jerky styles like dry, soft, and brisket cuts, each available in various flavors such as garlic-pepper, teriyaki, and hot & spicy. Tri-Cal prides itself on providing traditional dry-style jerky, reminiscent of the Old West, and softer, chewier versions that appeal to modern tastes. Additionally, they offer high-quality brisket jerky and sausage sticks in various flavors. This MV Vargas jerky brand is distributed under the name of Tri-Cal Distributing, LLC, located in Folsom, California.
The first review on MV Vargas will focus on a 9 ounce/198.45 gram bag of Original flavored beef jerky. This bag was purchased at a gas station in Pollock Pines, California.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Water, Cure with Maple Sugar (Salt, Cane and Maple Sugars, Dextrose, Sodium Nitrite [0.75%]), Dextrose, Spices, Garlic, Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Nitrite.
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 only plain old water.
The sugar level is excellent at only 1 gram of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is a little high at 380mg 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 not qualify to have no sodium nitrite added as sodium nitrite is used outright as a preservative to lose a rating. This jerky does not qualify to have no MSG added, as monosodium glutamate is used outright to lose another rating.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
MV VARGAS – ORIGINAL BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell soy. My wife agrees (I asked her to smell it too). The pieces are medium to large in size, and they are predominantly sliced rather thin. The jerky is dry, rigid, and difficult to chew, which is EXACTLY what our forefathers intended. We’re off to a very good start.
When I bite into the jerky I immediately taste intense salt, score#2. I taste next to no sweet, score#3. I also taste both garlic and onion, both at decent levels. This is one VERY tasty flavor of jerky, I am thoroughly enjoying it. Sorry my furry friends (my two dogs), but there will be nothing left of this jerky when I’m finished with it, I will be consuming it all.
Therefore, per my taste review, it is writing as a 10/10, and it will be receiving a 10/10. Very well deserved. 😋👍
Here is what Mark had to say about this Original beef jerky flavor from MV Vargas: “Thanks Paul for the positive taste review. I was not surprised one bit with Paul’s 10 rating. The texture is dry and tough, the jerky is very salty, and there is minimal sweetness. I believe that a strong level of black pepper is also mixed in with the saltiness. There is not much to add here that is not covered by Paul. While I highly enjoyed this flavor also, I will deduct one rating for a lack of ‘wow’ factor. With Paul’s 10 rating and my 9 rating, an Excellent (10/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 9 ounce/198.45 gram bag of jerky sells for $16.99, which equates to $1.89 an ounce. That rates as a very cheap price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This clear, resealable bag has labels affixed to the front and back. A black and white picture is displayed with some of the Vargas family members. The letters M and V underlined is a registered trademark.
There are no slogans printed. Some facts printed are “Tri-Cal Since 1982” and “California Dry”.
There are no missing bag categories. A great blurb about MV Vargas is printed on the back. To the credit of MV Vargas, a phone is displayed for customer inquiries.
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