Tri-Cal jerky is known for producing a wide variety of jerky products under multiple brands, including the well-known MV Vargas line. Their diverse offerings feature different jerky styles like dry, soft, and brisket cuts, each available in various flavors such as garlic-pepper, teriyaki, and hot & spicy. Tri-Cal prides itself on providing traditional dry-style jerky, reminiscent of the Old West, and softer, chewier versions that appeal to modern tastes. Additionally, they offer high-quality brisket jerky and sausage sticks in various flavors.
Their products can be found in various stores across California, and their distribution continues to grow. This Tri-Cal jerky brand is distributed under the name of Tri-Cal Distributing, LLC, located in Folsom, California.
The first review on Tri-Cal will focus on a 10 ounce/283 gram bag of Teriyaki flavored beef jerky. This bag was purchased at a gas station in Pollock Pines, California.
Ingredient Review
Ingredients: Beef, Brown Sugar, Soy Sauce (Water, Wheat, Soybeans, Salt), Water, Contains 2% of less: Sea Salt, Pineapple Juice Concentrate, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Spices, Cultured Celery Powder Allergen Warnings: 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 at least 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 is comprised of a decent brand of soy sauce, water, healthy pineapple juice concentrate, and healthy lemon juice concentrate.
The sugar level is sky high at 9 grams of sugar per 28 grams of jerky to lose a rating. Our preference is 5 grams of sugar or under per 28 grams of jerky for a sweet based flavor as we have here. The salt level is high at 560mg of salt per 28 grams of jerky. However, the salt level is ignored because healthy, minimally processed sea salt is used.
This jerky does qualify to have no sodium nitrite or other similar unhealthy preservatives. Instead, the main preservative used is salt. Admirably, there is no MSG added.
Decent (7/10) – Ingredient Rating
Taste Review
TRI-CAL – TERIYAKI BEEF JERKY
Written by guest jerky reviewer Paul Rekker
When I open the bag I smell sweet, but not a strong smell. The pieces are medium in size, and they are sliced relatively thin. The jerky is soft and moist, leaving a slight oily residue on your fingers.
When I bite into the jerky the first flavor I encounter is sweet, but, again, it is not too intense. I also detect slight salt, light pepper, and possibly a hint of garlic, but I’m not sure, and not much else.
This jerky is a slight cut above your typical teriyaki flavor because it is not too intensely sweet, but it is still not a groundbreaking flavor. A well-deserved 8/10.
Here is what Mark had to say about this Teriyaki beef jerky flavor from Tri-Cal: “Thanks Paul for the concise taste review. I agree that for a teriyaki flavor, it is thankfully not overly sweet tasting. I found the garlic to taste mild tasting instead of just a hint. There is a moderate level of soy along with a slightly fruity flavor.”
“These jerky strips are heavily marinated, which are bursting with flavor. The pineapple juice sort of gives this teriyaki flavor an Asian flair. Overall, a well-balanced flavor that has a certain addictive quality, leaving you wanting more. With Paul at an 8 and myself at a 9, a Very Good (9/10) taste rating will be awarded.”
This 10 ounce/283 gram bag of jerky sells for $24.99, which equates to $2.50 an ounce. That rates as a cheap price.
Very Good (9/10) – Taste Rating
Bag Review
This clear, resealable bag has labels affixed to the front and back. The Tri-Cal logo displays what looks like a flower with three petals.
One slogan printed on this bag could be “Since 1982”. Some facts printed are “Naturally Smoked”, “Premium Select”, “No Added Nitrites or Nitrates”, and “No MSG Added”.
The only bag category missing is a blurb about Tri-Cal or this flavor. To the credit of Tri-Cal, a phone number is provided for customer inquiries.
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