The next review on Itsumo will focus on a 2.5 ounce/70.8 gram bag of their spicy flavored ahi tuna jerky. Itsumo is a Japanese word that translates to always, where they are always trying to improve. This bag was graciously submitted for review by the Itsumo Foods team.
Itsumo is distributed by DML Venture, Inc., and are based out of Miami, Florida. The owner, David Leibowitz, has been living in the Tuna capital of the world, Tokyo, Japan for over 18 years. During that time, David has learned to create high quality, grade AAA #1 Japanese Sashimi Grade Ahi Tuna products. Itsumo is a world leader in Sashimi Ahi production with 15 tons processed daily. All of their products use hand line caught tuna from the Philippines, and they combine that with all natural ingredients. This tuna jerky product line was officially launched in 2015.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus Albacares), Soy Sauce Powder (Soybeans, Rice, Rock Salt), Sorbitol, Cane Sugar, Contains 2% or Less of Natural Flavor, Salt, Yeast Extract, Spice, Onion Powder, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Spice, Paprika. Allergen Warnings: Fish (Yellowfin Tuna), Soy
As provided on the Itsumo blog, this video details 20 amazing health benefits of tuna. To see why Itsumo ahi tuna is a step above their competitors, watch the informative video of David explaining all things tuna, where his passion certainly comes across well. It is reported that David is one of the only foreigners to be accepted in Tsukiji, Japan’s largest fish market.
There is no liquid marinade used here. The soy sauce is in powder form with an interesting ingredient list.
Healthy spices are used, in addition to onion powder and paprika.
The sugar level is acceptable at 2 grams of sugar per 30 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 509mg of salt per 30 grams of jerky. However, that is negated because minimally processed rock salt is used.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, rock salt is the main preservative used, with its healthy minerals and trace minerals. To a lesser degree, ascorbic acid also acts as a preservative. Commendably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Excellent (10/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
These jerky strips are small in size, and are sliced to a medium thickness. The texture is fairly dry, which has “raggedy” feeling to it while chewing, and is still relatively easy to chew. There are no signs of fat, and handling this jerky leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
The first flavor detected is a moderate level of saltiness. At light to faint levels are the garlic, onion, and black pepper. More than anything, it is the natural flavor of tuna that stands out the most. While there is a pronounced fishy taste, it is not overly fishy tasting.
For a spicy flavor, there is almost no heat. The spiciness barely registers on a heat scale. Overall, a pleasant, mild blend of seasoning.
A 2.5 ounce/70.8 gram bag sells online for $8.99. That works out to $3.60 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price. The price is cheaper if you buy a 4 pack. This flavor is recommended if you would enjoy the taste of tuna with a light level of spiciness.
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on it directly, both on the front and back. A plate of Ahi Tuna is displayed on the front.
Their slogans are “Always The Highest Quality Tuna, Naturally” and “The Healthy Snack!” Some facts printed on this bag are “Made From Japanese Sashimi Grade Ahi Tuna”, “Naturally High Protein | High in DHA (Omega 3) | Low in Fat”, “Minimally Processed”, “No Artificial Ingredients” and “All Hand Line Caught”.
A Dolphin Safe Product label is displayed, a Fish Fresh custom stamp created by David, and a Japanese “Hokojo” stamp, which means top / best quality.
The only bag category missing is a transparent window to view the jerky strips. A great, detailed blurb about Itsumo and tuna is printed on the back.
Order their jerky online: www.itsumofoods.com
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