Hardy Buoys, founded in 1994, is a renowned producer of premium smoked salmon products. The company has earned a reputation for its high-quality, sustainably sourced seafood, offering a diverse range of products, including hot and cold smoked salmon, salmon jerky, and spreads. Committed to sustainability, Hardy Buoys collaborates with local fisheries to ensure responsible sourcing and implements eco-friendly processing practices.
By combining traditional smoking methods with modern technology, the company preserves its seafood’s natural flavors and textures, utilizing locally sourced wood and skilled smokers. Hardy Buoys is deeply embedded in its community, providing jobs and supporting local initiatives, which reflects its dedication to regional development and sustainability. Their products are widely available across Canada and are expanding into international markets, driven by a loyal customer base that values quality and environmental responsibility. This Hardy Buoys jerky brand name is distributed under the name of Reg. #0746, and it is located in Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada.
The first review for Hardy Buoys will focus on a 2.15 ounce/60 gram bag of their original flavoured Atlantic salmon jerky. This flavour is described as using time-honoured smoking methods using all natural Alder wood chips, creating their smooth signature flavor. The bag was purchased at a Metro grocery store in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Atlantic Salmon, Brown Sugar, Salt, Natural Alder Wood Smoke.
Of any jerky, wild salmon might rank the healthiest of them all. Salmon is known to be very healthy, and it is especially loaded with the fatty acid Omega 3. As a result, the ingredient rating starts at an Excellent (10/10) rating.
There is no marinade used. Some people would call this old fashioned jerky or a jerky rub.
There are no healthy ingredients added, with only salt, sugar, and smoke used.
The sugar level may or may not be high at 4 grams of sugar per 35 grams of jerky. The salt level is high at 650mg of salt per 35 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 350mg of salt or less per 28 grams of jerky.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite added or any other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, salt is the main preservative. Commendably, this jerky qualifies to have no MSG added.
Very Good (9/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
HARDY BUOYS – ORIGINAL SALMON JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell sweet. Very sweet. Hence the “candied” moniker I suppose. The pieces, or morsels, to be more accurate, are small in size, and are sliced to a medium thickness. The jerky is very oily, and it leaves an oily film on your fingers.
When I bite into the morsels I immediately taste the salt, it is quite intense, along with the sweet, it is also quite noticeable, but not quite as intense as the salt. I also taste pepper, at a decent level, along with light garlic in the background.
I have to admit that I am enjoying this taste experience much more than I originally thought I would.
Full disclosure, I am not a big fan of any jerky that is not officially termed “meat”, but this flavour is actually pretty tasty. All biases aside, I have to honestly rate this flavour of jerky as an 8/10. Gentlemen?
Written by guest jerky reviewer Stéphane Leclerc
I really enjoyed the Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. – Candied Salmon Jerky. The flavor profile is simple and very tasty. The smokiness is awesome, the sweetness and saltiness are on par with candied Salmon, as it brings great flavors and complements the salmon very well. The salmon is not overly fishy and it is slightly oily which further contributes to the pleasant texture and delectable taste of this product.
I also appreciate the clean taste and texture of this wonderful treat, it spells great quality and pays attention to detail, and we never get enough of that. I highly recommend this Hardy Buoys Smoked Fish Inc. – Candied Salmon Jerky and I rate it an easy and well deserved 10/10 Taste Rating.
Here is what Mark had to say about this original salmon jerky flavour from Hardy Buoys: “Thanks Paul and Stéphane for the favourable taste reviews. As a disclaimer, I am not a fan of seafood, which includes salmon, where salmon jerky is typically one of the fishier-tasting fish jerkies out there. Hardy Buoys is the least fishy tasting salmon jerky reviewed.
The taste profile is as simple as you can get with salt, sugar, and alder wood smoke. The sweetness is high, a little too much for my liking, but likely within reason. I can’t say I detected much of a candied effect in the texture. Otherwise, it is an enjoyable, clean delight. With Paul at an 8 rating, Stéphane at a 10 rating, and myself at a 9 taste rating, we feel that a Very Good (9/10) taste rating is warranted”.
This 2.15 ounce/60 gram bag cost $8.99 that equates to $4.18 an ounce, which rates as an average price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This black plastic resealable bag has labels attached to the front and back. The front has a high-resolution picture of this salmon jerky. The Hardy Buoys logo displays a buoy floating in water.
There are no slogans printed on this bag. Some facts printed on this bag are “Pure Alderwood Smoked”, “Candied”, “24g Protein”, “Gluten Free”, “Product of Canada”, “Omega-3’s”, “Source of Energy”, and “Sustainable Harvested”.
The only missing bag category is a transparent window where you can see the jerky. As per Canadian law, French translations are provided. There is a good blurb printed on the back about this flavour and Hardy Buoys.
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