It all started out with Michael visiting family in Borneo, Malaysia in 2007. Little did Michael know that there was a recipe in his family for over 30 years. Michael’s family in Malaysia are vegetarian Buddhists, and found mushroom jerky to be the perfect alternative to meat, with its meaty like texture. Michael knew that his family had something special that had to be shared with the rest of the world. After a lot of testing, Pan’s Mushroom Jerky was officially launched in 2008. All current four flavors are vegan certified, gluten-free, and mostly use organic ingredients. Pan’s Mushroom Jerky is distributed by Panco Foods LLC, and they are located in Portland, Oregon.
The next review on Pan’s Mushroom Jerky will focus on a 2.2 ounce/62 gram bag of their Applewood BBQ flavored shiitake mushroom jerky. This Applewood BBQ flavor is described as sweet, smoky, and has that delicious BBQ flavor all can enjoy. The jerky bag was graciously submitted for review by the Owner, Michael Pan.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Organic Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Avocado Oil, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Applewood Seasonings (Water, Himalayan Sea Salt, * Coconut Sugar, * Smoked Paprika {* Paprika, Natural Smoke Flavor}, * Chili Pepper, * Vinegar Powder {* Tapioca Maltodextrin, * White Vinegar}, * Black Pepper, Citric Acid, * Garlic, * Onion, Tricalcium Phosphate , * Cayenne Pepper, * Sunflower Oil), Organic Chia Seeds. *Organic
These organic shiitake mushrooms are a good source of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and are cholesterol free. Mushrooms are a great source (other than the sun) for vitamin D, and are high on the minerals iron and selenium.
Super healthy avocado oil is used, which contains beneficial fats. Organic chia seeds are high in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and especially omega 3 fats.
Plenty of healthy ingredients are added such as organic smoked paprika, organic paprika, organic chili pepper, organic vinegar powder, organic black pepper, organic garlic, organic onion, organic cayenne pepper, and organic sunflower oil.
The sugar level is somewhat high at around 5 grams of sugar per 30 grams of jerky to lose a rating. In fairness, organic coconut sugar is the main sweetener used here. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. Mushrooms contain small amounts of healthy natural sugars. The salt level is respectable at around 250mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky qualifies to have no sodium nitrite, or any other similar unhealthy preservative. Instead, healthy Pink Himalayan sea salt is the main preservative used. With more kudos to Pan’s Mushroom Jerky, this jerky has no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
Mushrooms have a special place in my heart, I simply love them and I have them all the time.
The Pan’s Mushroom Jerky – Applewood BBQ Mushroom Jerky is the bomb; it is kicked up notches unknown to mankind. I have tried several of Pan’s Mushroom jerky flavors in the past and I’ve always enjoyed the flavor, the quality and ingenuity of their product. This mushroom jerky is no different and it lives up to Pan’s Mushroom Jerky’s excellent reputation.
The wonderful flavor of these Shitake mushrooms stand well without being overwhelmed by the seasoning. A light barbecue flavor, mild sweetness and saltiness along with the light garlic and acidity of the vinegar favorably complement this complex and multi-layered flavor profile. The smokiness of Applewood gently accentuates the overall flavor profile and it creates a truly memorable experience. I am really impressed with this flavor and my only issue with it is the fact that I can’t keep my hand out of the bag. This jerky is extremely addictive and it is a real treat at so many levels.
These strips of jerky are small and sliced thickly. The texture is rather soft, tender and easy to chew. This is very a very enjoyable texture without any fibrous feel to it. These tasty morsels leave a slight seasoning residue on the fingers. The aroma of this mushroom jerky is somewhat woodsy, as it is to be expected.
At the end of the day, Pan’s Mushroom Jerky – Applewood BBQ Mushroom Jerky is a special treat, it is very well developed with a lot of attention paid to every little detail. It is an absolute burst of umami flavor in the mouth and a joyous roller coaster for the taste buds. The quality of the ingredients and its tasty flavor profile is undeniable and confirmed with most ingredients being organic.
I’d highly recommend this mushroom jerky to anyone looking for a unique and special experience from mushroom aficionado alike to even less than non-mushroom enthusiasts. There is something here for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
At JerkyIngredients.com, we’ve all enjoyed this mushroom jerky very much … Sorry Lexi, she didn’t get any! and as expected I am the most favorable party.
Paul even said: “This flavor of mushroom jerky is a cut above the other mushroom jerky we have tried in the past”.
I personally awarded this beauty an Excellent (10/10) taste rating. I personally awarded this beauty an Excellent (10/10) taste rating… Sorry Mark and Paul, I am the Keyboard Jockey
A 2.2 ounce/62 gram bag sells online for $9.00. That works out to $4.09 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Excellent (10/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This resealable plastic bag has everything imprinted on the bag itself, both on the front and back. There are no labels affixed to this bag. Displayed is a graphic of mushrooms, where appropriately the transparent window is the shape of a mushroom.
Some slogans printed on this bag are “Made With Shiitake Mushrooms” and “No Meat. No Soy. Just ‘Shrooms”. Some facts printed on this bag are “Gluten Free”, “Rich In Vitamin D”, “High in Fiber”, and “Cholesterol Free”. There are a number of stamps printed such as “Certified Paleo”, “Cholesterol Free”, “High Fiber”, “Excellent Source of Vitamin D”, and “Certified Vegan”.
All bag categories are covered with this bag. There is a good blurb printed on the back about Pan’s Mushroom Jerky. You are encourage to follow Pan’s Mushroom Jerky on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, where their @mushroomjerky social media handle is provided.
Excellent (10/10) – Bag Rating
Order their jerky online: www.mushroomjerky.com
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