Maui~Licious was founded in 2000 by the founder, Dr. Charles R. Medeiros (Dr. Chuck). Maui~Licious, Inc. was contacted by a jerky maker seeking to purchase a 5 gallon bucket of their trademark Teri~Licious sauce created 75 years ago. Instead, Dr. Chuck started making his jerky using this Teri~Licious sauce as the base marinade for all four flavors (Original, Sweet N Spicy, Teriyaki, Hot).
In 2019, Dr. Chuck and decided it was time to retire at age 85. Maui~Licious, Inc. contacted Smokehouse Jerky Co. to take over the tradition of still manufacturing Maui~Licious. After some negotiation, the terms were reached. Smokehouse Jerky Co. officially took over the Maui~Licious jerky brand in late 2019, and Dr. Chuck and his wife retired formally. Smokehouse Jerky Co. is located in Beaumont, California.
The next review on Maui~Licious beef jerky will focus on a 3 ounce/85 gram bag of their hot flavored beef jerky. We previously reviewed this hot flavor back in 2014, where bag is not vacuum-sealed anymore. This jerky was kindly submitted for review by co-owner Patti Fonseca from Smokehouse Jerky Co.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Teriyaki Sauce (Soy Sauce, (Water, Wheat, Soybeans and Salt) Granulated Sugar, Garlic, Ginger, Sesame Seed Oil, Minced Onion, Lavender Spice, Bourbon Flavor (Propylene Glycol, Alcohol, Carmel Color, Water, Artificial Flavors, contains Sulfites), Chili Peppers, Spices. Allergen Warnings: Sesame, Soy, Wheat
The beef used is not guaranteed to be free of growth hormones or additional antibiotics. Also, the beef is not guaranteed to have 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 consists of a decent brand of soy sauce, an average brand of teriyaki sauce, very healthy sesame seed oil, and an awful bourbon flavor. The bourbon flavor contains the oil derivative propylene glycol to lose a rating, which has no business being in the food chain. The bourbon flavor also uses artificial flavors to lose another rating.
The trifecta of healthy vegetables is achieved with minced onion, garlic and ginger, and spices. The heat is achieved from the chili peppers, which are healthy if eaten in moderation.
The most exciting ingredient is lavender spice. The scent of lavender, a flower, is said to be soothing to the human spirit and used as a culinary herb for centuries. No other spice smells like lavender, and it has multiple health benefits.
The sugar level is extremely high, at 13 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 3 grams of sugar or less per 28 grams of jerky. The salt level is right at our upper limit of 350mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky.
Admirably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added. Also commendable in that this jerky also qualifies to have no sodium nitrite added. Apart from salt, there are no unhealthy preservatives used in this jerky.
Average (5/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
Maui~Licious – Hot Beef Jerky (Review #2)
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag, I smell soy. The strips of jerky are mainly large, and they are sliced medium to thick. The jerky is soft and tender, and it leaves no oily residue on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky, I am met with a host of flavors. I taste salt, sweet, garlic, onion, soy, a juice (not sure which one), along with a solid level of heat.
I prefer this jerky texture to be drier, but that’s just a personal preference.
As for the flavor, the heat is at a very decent level, and the taste is quite distinct, it is hitting on all cylinders.
I can find no faults with this flavor. It is as advertised. I would say a 10/10 is an accurate assessment. Gentlemen?
Stéphane said: “The Maui-Licious Hot Beef Jerky has a great aroma and texture; it is fragrant and it carries the flavor well. The flavor profile is wonderful, there are a lot of great flavors, and none are overpowering. The sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness, the soya and other aromatics are nicely balanced.”
“Maui-Licious Hot Beef Jerky is fantastic, and I enjoyed this mélange of great flavors. This tasty jerky surely deserves a 10/10 taste rating. Two thumbs way up!!!👍👍”
Here is what Mark had to say about this hot beef jerky flavor from Maui~Licious: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the great taste reviews. To be honest, I am a little surprised here. Don’t get me wrong. This flavor tastes very good with a solid heat level. While it teeters on the ‘wow’ factor it does not quite get there. Plus, for me, this hot flavor is a bit too sweet tasting for my liking”.
“Due to COVID-19, we are down to three people from the Group of Seven. Paul and I have since discussed his taste review, where he agrees about the slight lack of ‘wow’ factor, and considered changing this taste rating to a 9. With myself at a 9, and Stéphane at a 10, we feel that a Very Good (9/10) taste rating is warranted.”
This 3 ounce/85 gram bag sells online for $7.99, which works out to $2.66 an ounce. That would rate as an average price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This bag certainly has some color. There are no labels affixed to this bag, where everything is imprinted directly on the bag. There are colorful plants and flowers, with a body of water in the background, presumably the ocean. Above the water, the sky in the background gradually gets bluer, the higher it gets. This bag is vacuum-sealed, the best way to keep a jerky flavor fresh tasting.
The only slogan is their trademark name Teri-Licious™ printed on both the front and back. Some facts printed on this bag are “Gourmet”, “Tender & Juicy”, and “Deliciously Flavorful”.
Almost all bag categories are covered. Missing are soy/wheat/sesame allergen alerts, and the jerky weight is not stated in grams. There is a good blurb about Maui~Licious printed on the back of this bag. To the credit of Maui~Licious, they provide a toll-free number for any customer inquiries.
Order their jerky online: www.smokehousejerky.com
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