We love to try new foods. Some are great. Some don’t measure up and some become staples in our kitchen. See what you think.
Once a staple only in convenience stores and truck stops, jerky sales, in 2015, should top $1.3 billion. According to Howard Riell, Associate Editor of Convenience Store Decisions, though the core users of jerky are still men aged 18 to 30, this product is growing in sales to women and seniors who are looking to increase protein intake. As the variety of flavors and types of jerky increases, jerky is going mainstream and expanded markets, such as traditional grocery stores, are now carrying more brands.
Fusion Jerky is woman-owned and run business. KaiYen Mai, President, with roots in Taiwan, where jerky is considered a delicacy, decided to merge Asian flavors with American jerky texture. The results are a varied product line made in the US with US raised animals. All varieties are high protein and low fat, with less sodium than most brands. All flavors are gluten free, nitrate free and contain no preservatives.Eight varieties of Fusion Jerky are available. We tasted seven and our tasters rated this product as moist with excellent flavors.
Artisan Chicken Jerky is available as Basil Citrus (80 calories, 11 grams of protein and 340 milligrams of sodium in 1 ounce) or Lemon Pepper (80 calories, 10 grams of protein and 210 milligrams of sodium in 1 ounce).
Artisan Turkey Jerky is available as Rosemary Citrus (70 calories, 10 grams of protein and 300 milligrams of sodium in 1 ounce) or Chili Basil (70 calories, 10 grams of protein and 390 milligrams of sodium in 1 ounce).
Artisan Pork Jerky is available as Island Teriyaki (70 calories, 9 grams of protein and 280 milligrams of sodium in 1 ounce) or Garlic Jalapeno (80 calories, 12 grams of protein and 300 milligrams of sodium in 1 ounce).
Artisan Beef Jerky is available as Chipotle Lime (90 calories, 10 grams of protein and 270 milligrams of sodium in 1 ounce) or Basil Citrus (which we did not taste).
