The El Diablito fish jerky brand name was launched in 2016 in Tabasco, Mexico to transform the hated, feared, and invasive “pez diablo” or devil fish into a delicious and healthy snack. The devil fish is a severe problem in Mexico, where it now accounts for 70% of freshwater capture and has decimated the small-scale fishing industry.
Because of the fish’s mild flavor and firm texture, it tastes and feels just like beef, and is perfect for El Diablito jerky! Every batch is crafted without chemical preservatives to deliver the ideal snack for your next outdoor adventure, workout, or office munching. They know you’ll love it, and the ecosystem with thank you. This El Diablito jerky is distributed by Acari LLC, and they are located in Berkeley, California.
The first review on El Diablito will focus on a 1.06 ounce/30 gram bag of their Fuego flavored white fish jerky. This flavor is described as maintaining the original’s smokey flavor and adds a kick. The jerky was graciously submitted for review by CEO, Mike Mitchell.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Suckermouth Catfish, Golden Yellow Sugar, Sea Salt, Canola Oil, Yeast Extract, Black Pepper, Curry, Garlic, Natural Hardwood Smoke, Crushed Red Peppers.
The white fish used in this jerky is wild-caught Suckermouth Catfish from Mexico. Suckermouth Catfish is full of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, potassium, and loaded with the mineral selenium. As a result, the highest ingredient rating possible is Excellent (10/10).
The liquid marinade used here is just canola oil.
There are some healthy ingredients added, such as black pepper and garlic. The heat is achieved from the crushed red chile peppers, which are healthy if eaten in moderation.
The sugar level is a little high at 5 grams of sugar per 30 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 4 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams for a spicy based flavor. The salt level is high at 700mg of salt per 30 grams of jerky. However, the salt levels are ignored because healthy minimally processed sea salt is used.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium added, or any other similar preservatives. Instead, minimally processed sea salt is the main preservative used. Admirably, this jerky does qualify to have no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
EL DIABLITO – FUEGO WHITE FISH JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I smell intense fish. The pieces appear uniform in size and thickness. The texture of the jerky is hard and dry, and you need solid dentures in order to bite into the jerky. There is no oily residue.
Now, on to the taste of the fish jerky. In my own personal bias, I believe that fish does not belong in the jerky world. Now that I’ve mentioned that caveat let me address this particular jerky. To my surprise, and even more so to my relief, this fish jerky is quite tasty. It smells more like fish than it tastes.
I detect strong salt, minimal sweet (whew!), garlic, fish, and possibly slight onion in the background. The “Fuego” (heat) is at a very favorable level, maybe a 2/5 on the heat scale. The fact that I’m already munching on my 4th piece (the pieces are rather small) tells me that I am truly enjoying this flavor. On to piece number 5, and I’m not likely to stop there. Color me very duly impressed, not to mention incredibly surprised, I am very much convinced to rate this jerky a 10/10. Two thumbs way up!!!👍👍
Three 1.06 ounce/30 gram bags of Original jerky sells online for $12.50 CDN. That equates to $4.09 an ounce, which rates as an expensive price.
Excellent (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This non-resealable bag has everything imprinted on the bag itself, both on the front and back. The El Diablito logo depicts a picture of a fish with a red trident.
A slogan displayed on this bag is “1/10th The Carbon Footprint of Beef Jerky”. Some facts printed on this bag are “90 Calories”, “0g Fat”, “18g Protein”, “Nitrate Free”, “Gluten Free”, “Made in Canada From Imported Ingredients”, and “May Contain Small Bones”.
The only bag category missing is a transparent window to view the actual jerky to lose a rating. Handles are displayed for Facebook and Instagram. There is a great blurb printed on the back about Acari Fish. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided.
Order their jerky online: www.acarifish.com
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