The next review for Topanga’s Finest will be on a 2 ounce/56 gram bag of their spicy sriracha style flavored bacon jerky. The bag was graciously submitted for review by the owner, Naomi Benghiat.
This Topanga’s Finest brand name is distributed by Topanga’s Finest. They are located in Woodland Hills, California, and this jerky brand was launched in May 2013. The brand is named after the nearby Topanga’s State Park, which includes Topanga’s Canyon. It all started with Naomi buying a certain brand of jerky from a local liquor store, but one day the store disappeared. She then bought a dehydrator, and her jerky eventually became a hit with family and friends as she tweaked her recipes. Their jerky is advertised to be all natural, and gluten-free for people afflicted with Celiac Disease.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Bacon (Water, Salt, Sugar, Smoke Flavoring, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Flavoring, Sodium Nitrate), White Sugar, Sriracha Chili Sauce (Chili, Sugar, Salt, Garlic, Distilled Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Bisulfite, and Xanthan Gum), Gluten Free Tamari Sauce (Water, Soybeans, Salt), Black Pepper, Red Wine Vinegar, Garlic, Cayenne Chili, Ground Ginger. Allergen Warnings: Soy
The pigs used are not guaranteed to have free range access to roam about as nature intended. Contrary to popular belief, fat from bacon is healthy for humans. As a result, the highest ingredient rating that can be awarded is a Good (8/10) rating.
The liquid marinade is comprised of a good gluten free tamari soy sauce, a decent sriracha sauce, and very healthy red wine vinegar. In the past 10 years or so, the popularity of sriracha sauce has soared. The red chili peppers in the sriracha sauce are healthy if eaten in moderation.
Some healthy ingredients used are cayenne pepper, garlic, and black pepper. Garlic is part of the allium family, and interestingly, aids people differently depending on their individual needs.
The sugar level is high at 6 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 3 grams or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is quite high also at 640mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less, although in fairness, bacon is known to be salty.
Apart from the preservatives used in the bacon, this jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These for the most part are regular sized strips of bacon, just a bit smaller. There is a great slightly crispy texture, where this jerky is simple to chew. A fair amount of visible fat adds to the overall flavor, and handling this jerky leaves an oily residue on your fingers.
You are greeted with the unmistakable taste of bacon. There is a persistent moderate level of sweetness, where you would not want it to be any sweeter tasting. At mild levels are the garlic, salt, and soy flavors, where garlic is a wonderful addition to bacon. A light level of black pepper fits in well.
As for the spiciness, it absolutely delivers. On a heat scale, it would rate a solid 3 out of 5 on the heat scale. The spiciness does an excellent job of enhancing the flavor. Overall, there is an exceptional amount of flavor here, where this is a treat to eat.
A 2 ounce/56 gram bag sell online for $8.00. That works out to $4.00 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. As bacon jerky goes, this spicy sriracha flavor is on the must try list, it is that good.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This plastic bag has a label on the front, and nothing on the back. The label features a photograph of bacon strips in the background.
Their slogan is “Try the original flavor of California!” Some facts printed on this bag are “Real Strips of Premium Bacon”, “Gourmet Bacon Jerky”, “Free Flosser Inside”, “Gluten Free”, “Made in the USA”, and “Natural Smoke Flavor Added”. Yes, it’s true, each bag of jerky comes with its own dental flosser.
The only bag categories missing are the jerky weight not stated in grams, and there is no blurb printed about this jerky or flavor.
Order their jerky online: www.topangasfinest.com
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