tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44136579717330684992024-02-20T13:45:56.823-05:00Manly Meat SnacksWelcome to Manly Meat Snacks, I review beef jerky, meatsticks, general snackfoods and more. Due to personal reasons I am currently posting reviews monthly, though I hope to get it to every other week soon. Thanks for reading!
Also, if you represent a jerky or snack producer and would like to be reviewed just email me at: manlymeatsnacks@gmail.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-18451598179524605122012-10-04T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-14T16:28:19.576-04:00Whoops... Okay, not going to sugarcoat this, I screwed up. I should of had MULTIPLE reviews up by now (special apology to <a href="http://www.chemicalevolution.com/" target="_blank">Chemical Evolution</a>, if it helps I haven't even opened the <a href="http://www.chemicalevolution.com/product_info.php?products_id=240" target="_blank">jerky</a> yet because I'm still planning to review it, [I do "live" reviews]), I WILL have a review up soon, thanks for reading. Also, the blog is already approaching 2,000 pageviews, so thanks. Here's a funny picture for your trouble:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuLj_BjQpjCsnIfoQMJZSiJx_ETI01sM4UNNkqUa_wxjBK0feIad4-vowBv8AJ2oARM0M_XGbKL2I8UZoYYJyK4Zp5WZOgofRrmfUP7FHb0312Tou6Qqh1PFJBekGvsW_gl1934-cxg4/s1600/Wassermelone.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuLj_BjQpjCsnIfoQMJZSiJx_ETI01sM4UNNkqUa_wxjBK0feIad4-vowBv8AJ2oARM0M_XGbKL2I8UZoYYJyK4Zp5WZOgofRrmfUP7FHb0312Tou6Qqh1PFJBekGvsW_gl1934-cxg4/s1600/Wassermelone.jpeg" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-46714646999337158422012-07-12T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-14T16:27:41.922-04:00I'm Baaaack! (Plus Surprise Review)<br />
Okay, I know what your thinking and, yes, I AM awesome. But to answer the more pressing and obvious question, no, it's not that I can't even manage one review a month (that'd be pretty sad), I just had a lot of crap going on last month, I found out I have to have two surgeries (first one is in a few days actually), nothing big but they're still surgeries nonetheless. In addition to this I'm still looking for a <i>REAL</i> job (I earn a grand total of about 10¢ a month from the blog if I'm lucky), and I've been trying to get in shape (I've got two years before I'm old enough to do American Ninja Warrior), so yeah, I've been busy.<br />
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A few more straight-up blog related updates: First off, I found a new place to get some different jerky types, so the supply issue has been abated for now; Secondly, things will have settled down enough in a few months that I might even go back to posting reviews every other week (we'll have to wait and see though); Thirdly, I've got a bunch of new reviews I can write, such as <a href="http://www.babyruth.com/" target="_blank">BabyR<span id="goog_1750641304"></span><span id="goog_1750641305"></span>uths</a> and <a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/product/detail/01548.aspx" target="_blank">Jack Link's Maple Ham Nuggets</a>; and Lastly, I recently received an order from <a href="http://chemicalevolution.com/" target="_blank">ChemicalEvolution.com</a> (I ordered two things, <a href="http://www.chemicalevolution.com/product_info.php?products_id=65" target="_blank">Penguin Caffeinated Mints</a> [Review Below] and <a href="http://www.chemicalevolution.com/product_info.php?products_id=228" target="_blank">Energy Catalyst</a> energy shots [even though I liked it, it falls outside my jurisdiction so I will not be reviewing it, head over to <a href="http://addicted2energy.blogspot.com/2010/05/review-of-energy-catalyst.html" target="_blank">ADDICTED 2 ENERGY!</a> for a review of that fine product], and the wonderful people that they are put in a small (1.25 OZ. "Apocalypse Size") sample baggie of <a href="http://www.chemicalevolution.com/product_info.php?products_id=240" target="_blank">Harcos Laboratories "Zombie Jerky"</a> for the blog (which, if anyone from ChemEvo is reading, thanks for the gift) that will be next months review. Anyway, onto the review:<br />
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As stated before, I recently ordered some energy products from <a href="http://chemicalevolution.com/" target="_blank">ChemicalEvolution.com</a>, one of which was <a href="http://www.chemicalevolution.com/product_info.php?products_id=65" target="_blank">Penguin Caffeinated Chocolate Mints</a>, which are, obviously, energy boosting mints (or so they claim). "How are they though?", I hear you ask. Read on...<br />
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<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ylW4Jqn3L._SS400_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31ylW4Jqn3L._SS400_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Taste: Altoids has/had a line of mints that were chocolate covered, which basically made it candy with a breath mint built in, and while it was good the flavors didn't blend because it was in two layers, this mint, on the other hand, actually has chocolate in it which blends the flavors of the mint, chocolate & caffeine. "Well, Mr. Mint, that's great, but it still doesn't tell me how it tastes necessarily." Good point, let's put it like this: This is how those Altoids should of tasted, not only are the flavors blended, but they're blended perfectly, slightly sweet with the chocolate and caffeine playing with each other to bring out a really nice chocolate taste that itself is not too sweet. Now I must point out that they won't freshen your breath, the mint aspect is more about the flavor than anything but they taste great and have the added benefit of giving roughly 35 grams of caffeine in three mints. 8 out of 10.<br />
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Edibility: No real issue, you can suck these for a slow pick-up, or chew them for a quick boost, won't mess with your teeth at all. 10 out of 10.<br />
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Packaging: You wouldn't know this normally but penguins are one of my favorite animals, so I am slightly biased toward it, however, despite the bias the tin is well done, everything is clearly written, has cool graphic work, the tin itself is nice and sturdy and the paper inside the tin has a pretty cool surprise too. +1 Point.<br />
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Conclusion: Tastes great, eats nicely, cool tin and has a good energy boost to boot. 19 out of 21 points.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-62441001751143120962012-05-27T14:41:00.003-04:002012-05-28T14:31:36.951-04:001000 Pageviews! As I sit here and write this, the pageview counter sitting at 970, and started thinking about the last 7 months since I though of and started this review blog, things like the inspiration; the raw idea I formed into a name, Manly Meat Snacks; and eventually finding Blogger and being able to do this free of charge (in fact, thanks to Google's AdSense, not only is this true but I can actually make some money from this), makes me feel more than a little happy that a 18 year-old can start something like this and make it work thanks to where we are technologically, if I had been born 10 years earlier I might not of been able to enact something like this when I inevitably had the idea, but I was born into the increasingly fast evolving era of technology that we are all living in today. As much as we like to joke that as soon as something hits the market like an iPhone or a new game console (remember when the 360 was new?) a new one is right around the corner to relieve us of our hard-earned money, it's really a beautiful thing when you think about it, everyone constantly innovating, competition creating some of the best products we've seen in our entire lives... Well, this is a story for another day.<br />
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What I sat down to say today was that I know it's a bit early to start reminiscing about when I started this blog, it <i>has</i> only been 7 months, far less than even a year, but I wanted to write this note of thanks for reading because without you, the reader, reaching 1000 pageviews would not be possible, nor would reaching the next thousand. Thanks.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-64289757994869565312012-05-11T09:00:00.000-04:002013-06-14T16:20:43.777-04:00Oberto BBQ Pork Jerky Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.obertosausagecompany.com/Image.aspx?img=825&w=300&h=300" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.obertosausagecompany.com/Image.aspx?img=825&w=300&h=300" width="289" /></a></div>
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Okay, it's been forever since I posted a review (in fact, it's been two months) and figured it was time for a new review. But, first things first, obviously trying to post a review a week is unrealistic at this point in my life, I'm going to switch to a monthly format for the time being, once I get to a point where I can write a post every other week I'll switch to that and maybe eventually I'll go back to every week, until then I'll be updating every month. Anyway on to May's review:<br />
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<a href="http://store.oberto.com/product/Southern_Style_BBQ_Pork_Jerky/985.aspx" target="_blank">This month I'm reviewing the Oberto BBQ Pork Jerky.</a><br />
I've recently run into a problem, the stores I go to for food don't have much in the way of jerky and I'm starting to run out of stuff to review (hence the lack of <i><b>jerky</b></i> reviews recently) so whenever I'm somewhere different I always look for new jerky and oh boy did I find a gem this time. I was in a Wal-Mart a while ago (which is odd for me, our Wal-marts at home suck) and I stumbled upon this in the checkout lane. Now naturally I only grabbed one bag, I figured this was a novelty jerky that only a few people would enjoy. Man was I wrong, but why? Read on my friend:<br />
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Taste: I'm going to be honest here, when I first opened the bag I almost puked, the jerky has a almost artificial sweet smell to it, one look at Oberto's website explains why though: pineapple juice. It's the smell of the regular sugar and pineapple juice mixing together, making a almost noxious scent. Once you get past that, though, the jerky is amazing, the sweetness of the sugar and pineapple, the bitter tang of the vinegar and the natural saltiness of the the pork blend perfectly without overpowering the actual pork taste. I think I have to knock a point off for the smell but other than that I find no fault with this meat-sterpeice. 9 out of 10.<br />
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Edibility: Okay, this is an area that needs improvement, it beaks apart easily enough, then as you chew it keeps breaking until it's a bunch of little tiny pieces stabbing your gums. It's actually not that bad but your gums do get sore after eating a bag of this. Otherwise it's pretty standard fare. 6 out of 10.<br />
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Packaging: The usual, everything's printed out nicely and the bag reseals, plus there's a freshness packet. +/- 0 Points.<br />
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Summary: Fantastically tasting, just need to get over the smell the first time, and you're going to be picking this out of your teeth for the rest of the day. 15 out of 21 PointsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-60788711757126018072012-03-10T09:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T14:30:07.713-04:00MUNCHIES - Sweet & Spicy Peanuts (2012) Review <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>NOTE: Frito has apparently discontinued these, however, this review still stands in the case you find some somewhere or they re-continue this snack unchanged from this recipe. If they release a new product with the same name I will review that separately.</b><br />
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Since I'm reviewing two snacks in the Frito's Munchies line of snackfoods in the same amount of days, so I thought I'd just quote my opening thoughts from yesterday:<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"I noticed these a few weeks ago and they got my attention, but I didn't want to try it right <br />
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away because I didn't want to be disappointed but I decided to bite the peanut (get it?) and try it anyway..."</blockquote>
So what are these like anyway?<br />
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Taste: Just like I said yesterday, "When you first put a few in your mouth they actually taste a little fizzy, like weak pop-rocks, but after a few you realize that it's just a trick your brain is playing on you". The biggest taste is the peanut and the second biggest is the bland multipurpose starchy mixture that they coat the peanuts with. I kinda liked the flavoring they add, but it's like the BBQ one, it's biggest difference is that it's just a little less sweet and mostly spicy instead. Besides that the peanuts are actually really good (and the biggest flavor) but again, I have to deduct 2 points for the bland coating they use. 5 out of 10.<br />
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Edibility: Peanuts don't get jammed anywhere and the coating is super brittle. So edibility isn't an issue. 10 out of 10.<br />
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Packaging: Same issue as yesterday, colors are good, text is clear and it's just nicely done except for (again) the name. As I said yesterday: "Unless you've been living under a rock your whole life, you know what the word munchies usually implies, stoners (usually people that smoke marijuana) getting hungary after getting high (though it actually generally refers to being hungry after taking any drug, illegal or not), and I think that it was a really poor marketing decision to insinuate something like that." -1 Point.<br />
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Summary: Pretty much the same as yesterday, taste needs a little work, good edibility, bad choice of name. 14 out of 21 overall.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-45539990031367985772012-03-09T09:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T14:34:07.916-04:00MUNCHIES - BBQ Peanuts (2012) Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>NOTE: Frito has apparently discontinued these, however, this review still stands in the case you find some somewhere or they re-continue this snack unchanged from this recipe. If they release a new product with the same name I will review that separately.</b><br />
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Okay, I know I haven't reviewed any actual <i>MEAT </i>snacks in a while and I will post one next week, but first, this week I have a special double-header. Both today and tomorrow I will be posting a new review from the Frito's Munchies line of snacks. Anyway, on to the review.<br />
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I noticed these a few weeks ago and they got my attention, but I didn't want to try it right away <br />
because I didn't want to be disappointed but I decided to bite the peanut (get it?) and try it anyway and for at least one I wasn't disappointed (I can't give too much away). So how does it stack up?<br />
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<a href="http://media.fooducate.com/products/images/180x180/5050F1B2-6AF7-BB7D-4C3D-974DC2D6EC01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://media.fooducate.com/products/images/180x180/5050F1B2-6AF7-BB7D-4C3D-974DC2D6EC01.jpeg" width="200" /></a> Taste: When you first put a few in your mouth they actually taste a little fizzy, like weak pop-rocks, but after a few you realize that it's just a trick your brain is playing on you. Well, what does it taste like once you get over that? It's slightly sweet and a tad smokey because of the BBQ flavoring, the peanut is the overwhelming taste and besides that the biggest taste is the bland multipurpose starchy mixture that they coat the peanuts with. I actually like the taste they add and the peanuts are actually really good but I have to deduct 2 points for the bland coating they use. 6 out of 10.<br />
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Edibility: Peanuts don't get stuck anywhere and the coating is really brittle (think <i>really</i> old paper). So edibility isn't an issue. 10 out of 10.<br />
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Packaging: I am actually <b style="text-decoration: underline;">not</b> a fan of the packaging, the colors are really good, the text is clear and it's just overall nicely done <u><b>EXCEPT</b></u> for the name. Unless you've been living under a rock your whole life (no offense to people who actually live in rock-like structures), you know what the word munchies usually implies, stoners (usually people that smoke marijuana) getting hungary after getting high (though it actually generally refers to being hungry after taking any drug, illegal or not), and I think that it was a really poor marketing decision to insinuate something like that. -1 Point.<br />
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Summary: Taste is okay, coating needs flavor and eats well enough but that name is a deal-breaker in my book but I'm only going to deduct a point for that because the food is pretty good. 15 out of 21 overall.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-86798120804088290732012-02-12T09:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T16:16:03.897-04:00Yorkie Bar Review<div class="separator tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm beginning to think that a weekly format for this site is a bit unreasonable given how busy I am, I'm going to try this for about two more months and then decide if I'm going to switch to bi-weekly reviews. Now, on to the review.<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/02/Yorkie-Wrapper-Small.jpg/800px-Yorkie-Wrapper-Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/02/Yorkie-Wrapper-Small.jpg/800px-Yorkie-Wrapper-Small.jpg" width="400" /></a> This week I am reviewing something different again, it's actually a candy bar made by Nestlé for the UK (there's an international section at my local grocery store) and it caught my eye a while ago because of it's tagline "<i>It's <u>Not</u> For Girls</i>", which obviously means it's targeted toward men. After researching the bar I actually found its history quite interesting, the following info is from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yorkie_(chocolate_bar)" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>:<br />
<blockquote>
<span class="mw-headline" id="History"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> History:</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> The Yorkie bar, a chunkier alternative to</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadbury_plc" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Cadbury plc"><span style="color: orange;">Cadbury</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">'s</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadbury_Dairy_Milk" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Cadbury Dairy Milk"><span style="color: orange;">Dairy Milk</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">, was aimed at men. In the 1980s for example, toy</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorries" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Lorries"><span style="color: orange;">lorries</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">with the Yorkie bar logo were manufactured by</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corgi_Cars" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Corgi Cars"><span style="color: orange;">Corgi</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">, and television advertisements for the Yorkie bar featured truck drivers. In 2001, the advertisement campaign made this more explicit with the slogan and wrapper tagline</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">It's not for girls</i><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">, which caused controversy. Nestlé also received complaints about this campaign from Norwegian and UK people,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 13px; white-space: nowrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">who found it sexist and distasteful. Special versions for use in</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ministry_of_Defence_(United_Kingdom)" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Ministry of <span style="line-height: 24px;">Defense</span></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">ration packs read</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">It's not for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civilian" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Civilian"><span style="color: orange;">civvies</span></a></i><span style="color: orange; font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">In 2006 a special edition that</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><i style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">was</i><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.5em;">for girls was sold, wrapped in pink. Aside from the original milk chocolate bar, several variants are available, such as "raisin and biscuit" flavour, "honeycomb" flavour, and Yorkie Ice Cream.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> In 1976, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Nicoli" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Eric Nicoli"><span style="color: orange;">Eric Nicoli</span></a> spotted a gap in the confectionery market and used the cheap cocoa from Rowntree's favourable futures market position to launch Yorkie. Production was at York and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norwich" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Norwich"><span style="color: orange;">Norwich</span></a> (until 1994).</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> For a time, trains arriving at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/York_railway_station" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="York railway station"><span style="color: orange;">York railway station</span></a> would pass a billboard which read "Welcome to" and then a picture of a Yorkie bar, with the end bitten off, so it read "Welcome to York" (and beneath it, the slogan "Where the men are hunky and the chocolate's chunky").</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Yorkie was originally composed of seven chunks of chocolate, which was reduced in the 1990s to six with each chunk featuring one letter from the Yorkie name. At the same time, the packaging was changed from the original foil wrapping with paper surround to the current style, which projects at the ends giving it the appearance of being the same length as the original on the shelf. More recently, in an effort to further reduce cost, the number of chunks has been reduced to five, with "Yorkie" written in full on each chunk.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In 2002, Yorkie bars were 70 grammes. This had been reduced to 64.5 grammes by 2010, and was reduced further to 61 grammes in 2011 and then 55 grammes later that year. Yorkie King size bars have also reduced in size. In 2011, standard Yorkie bars became available in 3 packs.</span></blockquote>
So obviously the Yorkie is supposedly a more "manly" version of a regular chocolate bar. But, how does it stack against other manly snacks? Let's find out...<br />
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Taste: Well, the original idea of using cheap cocoa is still in effect here, not the best chocolate I've ever had but definitely not the worst either and considering that it's <i>just</i> chocolate I think it's still pretty good. 7.5 out of 10 Points.<br />
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Edibility: Pretty good, a little hard to chew each chunk at first but if you let it melt in your mouth a little it's perfectly fine. 7 out of 10.<br />
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Packaging: Straightforward candy bar wrapper, love the design and <strike>tagline.</strike> (<b><span style="color: red;">Update</span></b>: According to Wikipedia they have removed the tagline, however I'm leaving that info in but crossed out to reflect the fact that it was reviewed with it on the wrapper and I thought it was cool.) +1 Point.<br />
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Summary: Tastes pretty good, easy to eat and nice wrapper. Plus it has an interesting backstory. 15.5 out of 21 points overall.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-53821320623760660952012-01-28T09:00:00.000-05:002012-02-11T22:37:23.720-05:00Jack Link's Sweet & HOT Jerky Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/mainstreet/get_image.aspx?domain=jacklinks.com&image_guid=f0f91b63-a55b-4764-a5f2-07f22157155c&size=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://shop.jacklinks.com/mainstreet/get_image.aspx?domain=jacklinks.com&image_guid=f0f91b63-a55b-4764-a5f2-07f22157155c&size=2" width="245" /></a></div>
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This week I am reviewing <a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/product/detail/47458.aspx">Jack Link's Sweet & HOT Beef Jerky</a>, and I want to start by saying I am not a wimpy person. I will attempt to eat something if I know I like no matter how much hot sauce has been dumped on it (within reason). I've willingly drank Tabasco multiple time because "I felt like it" and I thought it'd clear out my stuffed-up nose. Why am I telling you this? Because when I tell you this is HOT jerky, I want you to know that this is not just "a little" hot, it's "turn your face red and make you sweat" hot (ok, not that hot, but close). But how is it otherwise? Read on.<br />
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<strike>Taste</strike> Spiciness: Let's be honest, you don't eat something like this for taste. About the sweet part, I could only find a few hints of sweetness after searching for it specifically. Now the spiciness, on the other hand, I didn't need to search for, after two small bites I was already getting a little hot and after two more I needed a couple of pieces of plain jerky to cool off. Fantastic spiciness, but not really sweet. 8 out of 10 Points.<br />
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Edibility: Not too chewy, not too tough, just a few inedible bits. Very good edibility. +8 Points.<br />
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Packaging: Standard Jack Link's fare, not amazing enough to get a point but above average nonetheless. +/- 0 Points.<br />
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Summary: Like I said "Fantastic spiciness, but not really sweet" and edibility isn't really a issue. 16 out of 21 Overall.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-22649424000548656002012-01-21T09:00:00.000-05:002012-01-21T09:00:10.240-05:00Jack Link's "Jack Pack" (Original) Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/App_Themes/jacklinks.com/images/products/89209_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://shop.jacklinks.com/App_Themes/jacklinks.com/images/products/89209_2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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This week I am reviewing <a href="http://%28original%29/">Jack Link's "Jack Pack"- Original Flavor </a>. So far I've only tried one meatstick by Jack Link's and I wasn't impressed (to put it nicely, <a href="http://manlymeatsnacks.blogspot.com/2011/11/jack-links-classics-original-beef-stick.html">check out what I had to say here</a>). Let's see how the Jack Pack does. <br />
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Taste: Seeing as this is a snack pack I can start with what's in it, 2 of each of the following: cheese, pretzel and beef sticks. The pretzel sticks were stale and just okay, the cheese was Velveeta-like and the meat was almost like the other JL's meat stick I reviewed, just with flavor. However, the flavor doesn't help as it actually tastes really, really bad anyway, I can't even describe the flavor. The pretzels would have been really good if they weren't stale, as it is the cheese and pretzels do help save the score a little bit. 4 out of 10 Points.<br />
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Edibility: Actually eats really well, aside from some of the meat getting stuck in-between my teeth. +5 Points. <br />
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Packaging: Really simple Lunchables style peel-to-eat pack, straightforward package design. +/- 0 Points.<br />
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Summary: Everything but the meat tastes good, just don't do this to yourself, Jack Link's is 0 for 2 on meatsticks so far. 9 out of 21 Points Overall.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-86709689469544016592012-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T15:53:44.550-04:00Turkey Perky Jerky Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.perkyjerky.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/265x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/o/2oz-turkey.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.perkyjerky.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/265x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/2/o/2oz-turkey.png" /></a> This week I am reviewing <a href="http://www.perkyjerky.com/index.php/turkey-perky-jerky-2-2-oz-bag.html" target="_blank">Turkey Perky Jerky "Ultra Premium Turkey Jerky"</a> produced by the same people that make Perky Jerky (duh) which, as you may recall, got high marks from me on this blog for taste, but not much else <a href="http://manlymeatsnacks.blogspot.com/2011/10/perky-jerky-review.html" target="_blank">(click here for that review).</a> So, how does it stack up against it's beef big brother? Let's find out.<br />
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Taste: I have to admit, the only other turkey jerky I've ever had is Jack Link's Turkey Jerky, which has a fantastic salty taste but not much else <a href="http://manlymeatsnacks.blogspot.com/2011/11/jack-links-original-turkey-jerky-review.html" target="_blank">(read more about that here)</a>, so I was expecting something similar for the TPJ. Was I right? Oh, heck no, it seems like they tried to replicate the taste of the regular jerky but in the process created an overly sweet monster instead. I couldn't taste any spice and couldn't even finish the bag it was so bad. Really disappointing. 4 out of 10 Points.<br />
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Edibility: Well, this is one area that they faithfully replicated the beef jerky, instead of keeping the fiber-like nature of turkey meat they managed to make it stringy and chewy just like it's beef counterpart. I didn't choke this time though so I'll only leave it at 0 points. +/- 0 Points.<br />
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Packaging: Same issue as the beef jerky, bag doesn't reseal and that's a big no-no. -1 Point.<br />
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Summary: Tries too hard to be something it's not and runs into the same problems as the jerky it tries to copy. 3 out of 21 Points.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-56929790851149946492012-01-07T12:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T15:38:59.232-04:00Archer Farms Caramel Cashew Trail Mix Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/12/94/12942709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img3.targetimg3.com/wcsstore/TargetSAS//img/p/12/94/12942709.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Yeah I missed a few weeks again, but we're both here now so leave me alone and just read the review already.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> But first, I would like to take this opportunity to announce that I am changing my scoring system a little bit, scores are now the following sum of numbers: Taste on a scale of 10, edibility accounting for up to another 10 points (in either direction) and packaging making up one point (also in either direction). So packaging will now require a fair amount effort to get that point from me. If I need to clarify more just ask in the comments. (Also, I will NOT be revising/updating old reviews with the new scoring system.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Anyway, on to the review...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> This week I am reviewing something a little different than the norm, it's Archer Farms Caramel Cashew Trail Mix. Not seemingly a "manly" snack until you realize trail mix is a great snack to bring while doing something outdoors like hiking, camping or bear-wrestling. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> But first, a little about the brand and why you won't see it outside of a Target: Archer Farms is Target Corporation's in-store grocery brand, available at every Target store, just like Wal-Mart and Walgreens have their own brand (or brands). Also, in the spirit of full disclosure, I should state that Carmel Cashew is actually my favorite trail mix, ever, and has been for quite some time. But why do I hold it in such high regard? Read on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Taste: Where to begin? Well this is a trail-mix so I can start by listing what's in it: unsalted peanuts and cashews, M&M's and chocolate covered caramels. And that's it, nothing else, not a raisin in sight (thank god). How does it taste? Separately, everything tastes good. All together, it's AWESOME, it's sweet and nutty, and not at all oily. I really can't stress how good this is over a printed article, honestly you just have to try it yourself. My only complaint is that the cashews and peanuts aren't salted or honey roasted, but that's really a small complaint in the end. 9 out of 10 Points.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Edibility: Aside from the chewiness of the carmel and the occasional piece of nut getting stuck, very easy to eat. 7 out of 10 Points.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Packaging: Nice big bag, easy to read, reseals, not fancy but it works well. +/- 1 Points.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> In Summary: Tastes awesome, eats well and has good packaging, plus the bag it comes in is </span>pretty<span style="font-family: inherit;"> big. 17 out of 21 points.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: red;"><u><b>Note: It also comes in a tub that's twice the size of the regular bag, there's no </b></u></span></span><span style="color: red;"><u><b>discernible<span style="font-family: inherit;"> difference between the two and so this also acts as the review for that as well.</span></b></u></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-77144220908793985032011-12-16T12:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T15:31:20.186-04:00Jack Link's KC Masterpiece Jerky<a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/mainstreet/get_image.aspx?domain=jacklinks.com&image_guid=441a6ad4-a293-46d4-8b8b-4b2abaf90b35&size=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://shop.jacklinks.com/mainstreet/get_image.aspx?domain=jacklinks.com&image_guid=441a6ad4-a293-46d4-8b8b-4b2abaf90b35&size=2" width="245" /></a> I took the last two weeks off, I should've said something at the end of my last review but I didn't, sorry. Anyway, this week I am reviewing <a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/product/detail/47456.aspx">Jack Link's KC Masterpiece Beef Jerky</a>, it's made with the KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce (duh), which I happen to like, so I have high expectations for it. On to the review.<br />
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Taste: Great flavor, just like I expected. Sweet and a little tangy. 8 out of 10.<br />
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Edibility: This is another good point, not only did I find the jerky nice and moist, but it also managed to be stiff enough to be satisfying. +1 Point.<br />
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Packaging: This is standard Jack Link's design, reseals and has a freshness packet. Standard is the best way to describe it, but in a good way. +1 Point.<br />
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In Conclusion: It's generally awesome unless your a jerky-bag collector (which is kinda weird but I won't judge you for it). 10 out of 10 overall.<br />
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<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"> <b>NOTE:</b> I actually had to review two bags, the first one was either a really old or defective bag, I re-tried this jerky and got a different result. I recommend making sure the shipment is relatively new, and if you get a bad bag contact Jack Link's and get a coupon for free bag like I did (just say the bag was bad).</span></u>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-82518027783242426892011-11-25T12:00:00.001-05:002013-06-14T15:29:16.475-04:00Jack Link's Original Turkey Jerky Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/mainstreet/get_image.aspx?domain=jacklinks.com&image_guid=e88dd6b4-cb52-4d53-acdc-88c5da0ebff3&size=2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://shop.jacklinks.com/mainstreet/get_image.aspx?domain=jacklinks.com&image_guid=e88dd6b4-cb52-4d53-acdc-88c5da0ebff3&size=2" width="245" /></a></div>
This week I am reviewing <a href="http://www.jacklinks.com/" target="_blank">Jack Link's</a> Original Turkey Jerky, which are strips of lean turkey breast seasoned and smoked to create this snackfood (which is supposedly a better alternative to beef jerky, you might want to <a href="http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/beef-jerky-vs-turkey-jerky-whats-better.html" target="_blank"><b>read this</b></a> though). It would seem that the turkey is provided by Master Ridge Farms, however I think this is a marketing trick by Jack Link's as the only thing that comes up when I search for "Master Ridge Farms" is that the name was registered by "Link Snacks Inc.", needless to say I'm a little disappointed in Jack Link's. Anyway, on to the review.<br />
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Taste: I can't really taste the turkey, the biggest reason I eat it is for the fantastic salty taste. Think of the dried out, over-cooked meat you inevitably get when you bake a whole turkey, just super-salted. While I like it, it doesn't have much taste otherwise. 6 out of 10.<br />
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Edibility: This is an area where the jerky falls on its face. It's really tough and can actually cut up your mouth. In addition to that, the fibrous nature of turkey meat also means that if you have a gap in your mouth, you're gonna be picking turkey jerky out of it later. -2 Points.<br />
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Packaging: Standard Jack Link's design, resealable bag and freshness packet. +1 Point.<br />
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In Conclusion: Salty and tough, try it if you like that kind of thing (like me). 5 out of 10 overall.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-80167326308859453772011-11-18T12:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T15:22:11.932-04:00Review of Matador Original Jerky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fritolay.com/assets/images/blue/matador-original-jerky.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fritolay.com/assets/images/blue/matador-original-jerky.gif" /></a></div>
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This week I will be reviewing <a href="http://matadorsnacks.com/" target="_blank">Matador</a> Original Jerky, which is produced by the universally known Jack Link's brand. It tries to sell itself as a "extreme" brand (probably targeted toward young bachelors), but more on that later.<br />
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Taste: While it has a very good and simple peppery and sweet flavor it is certainly not "POWERFULLY <b>BOLD</b>" as the package promises. As much as I like the flavor, it definitely is not the boldest I've had, needs some more spice. 5 out of 10 points.<br />
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Edibility: Now this is an area I feel that the jerky excels. It's not just slices of beef, the pieces are bite sized little machine processed bits & I personally liked that. Plus it gets the most meat for their money, smart move Jack Link's. +1 point.<br />
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Packaging: Like I said before, this is obviously geared toward young men: gigantic (and admittedly cool) bull on the front, bold lettering everywhere and an unmistakably "manly" back with a lot going on and a tiny "Nutrition Facts" panel. Bag does have a freshness packet and it does reseal (and that is really the biggest necessity). +1 point.<br />
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Conclusion: Needs better (bolder) taste, eats awesomely and has nicely done packaging. 7 out of 10 points.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-40787954517824593422011-11-11T12:00:00.000-05:002013-06-14T15:16:22.218-04:00SlimJim Giant Slim: Original<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.slimjim.com/assets/img/products/main/giant_meat_sticks_main_201212.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.slimjim.com/assets/img/products/main/giant_meat_sticks_main_201212.png" /></a></div>
I know I was late last week and I am trying to make sure that doesn't happen again. Onto the review:<br />
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This week I am reviewing the <a href="http://amzn.com/B000CQID1A" target="_blank">SlimJim Giant Slim - Original </a>flavor. On opening I get that spicy SlimJim smell, kinda like how pepperoni smells but better.<br />
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Taste: Tastes like a SlimJim, general pepperoni/meat taste and grease (not like last week) with a small spicy kick for aftertaste. Not the best I've tasted (could be spicier), but tastes really good nonetheless. 8 out of 10.<br />
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Edibility: Not too chewy but gets stuck in-between teeth and braces, gonna have to deduct a point for that. -1 Point.<br />
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Packaging: Easy to open, can eat it like a banana (peal as you eat). Not ingenious, but it works. +1 Point.<br />
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In Conclusion: Tastes and eats like a SlimJim and if you've managed to not have one yet, you're missing out. 8 out of 10 overall.<br />
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Oh, and I think it's cool that it's 11/11/11.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-55053463040575847252011-11-06T14:08:00.000-05:002013-06-14T15:08:00.828-04:00Jack Link's Classics: Original Beef Stick<a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/App_Themes/jacklinks.com/images/products/89374_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://shop.jacklinks.com/App_Themes/jacklinks.com/images/products/89374_1.png" /></a> First off I want to apologize for the lateness of this review, I was going to post a review on thursday, but plans got changed and I missed a grocery run so I ended up posting it today. I am sorry, I will try harder not to miss a week in the future.<br />
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Anyway, on to the review. This week I am reviewing <a href="http://shop.jacklinks.com/product/detail/89374.aspx" target="_blank">Jack Link's Classics: Original Beef Stick</a>. Basically, it looks like a giant SlimJim, let's see if it tastes the same. On opening it, I notice a nice pepperoni/SlimJim-ish smell.<br />
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Taste: There is no spice at all, and there is way too much neutral grease (flavorless grease). There's not even any salt to it, that could of saved it some points. Worst meat snack I've ever tasted, even thinking about eating it sickens me. 0 out of 10.<br />
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Packaging: Pretty standerd meat stick packaging with plain white, red and black for a "classic" look. Can't add or subtract points. -/+ 0 points.<br />
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Edibility: Eats like a SlimJim, +1 point.<br />
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In Summary: Eats like a SlimJim, tastes like crap. Eat at your own risk. 1 Point.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-16231419129422220942011-10-29T12:00:00.000-04:002013-06-14T14:56:53.216-04:00Perky Jerky Review This week I will be reviewing <a href="http://www.perkyjerky.com/" target="_blank">Perky Jerky "Ultra Premium Beef Jerky"</a> Despite almost killing me, I still enjoy this jerky.<br />
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<a href="http://www.perkyjerky.com/media//PJ_SiteConcept_WhatIsPJ_bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.perkyjerky.com/media//PJ_SiteConcept_WhatIsPJ_bag.jpg" width="210" /></a> Before I get to that, I want to talk about the taste, What does it taste like? I've never tasted jerky like this before, it's sweet and peppery with hints of spicy and tangy, all at the same time. It's not surprising when you look at the ingredients, no preservatives (besides salt), no nitrates and no added MSG. No artificial ingredients, some are organic as well. Very good taste overall. 8 out of 10.<br />
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Onto the packaging, this bag contains 2 servings however this bag doesn't reseal like other jerky bags. <br />
That means you have to either eat it all or have a Ziploc baggie on hand. It looks really cool, has cool colors, but no resealing? Serious oversight in my book. -1 point.<br />
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Now, onto the "almost killing me" thing. I also rate edibility and this rates fairly low to begin with, even for jerky it's super stringy and way two chewy. In addition to this I do have braces and it DID get caught on them so even though I choked on a piece I figure it's not entirely the jerky's fault and I'll only deduct two points (if I didn't have braces I'd cut it in halve instead). -2 points.<br />
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So, in conclusion, it tastes good, you have to eat it in one shot & it almost killed me. I'll still recommend it but eat it in small bites. Plus I'll give it a extra .5 points for the awesome ingredients. Overall 5.5 out of 10.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0North Syracuse, NY, USA43.2252766 -76.166780743.1766406 -76.2394467 43.2739126 -76.0941147tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413657971733068499.post-87651633160283242542011-10-28T23:23:00.001-04:002011-10-28T23:23:49.520-04:00Welcome to Manly Meat SnacksWell, welcome to Manly Meat Snacks and I just want to say thanks for reading, this will be a weekly endeavor (give or take a week), usually posted on Friday or Saturday (next week Thursday). I will review jerky (like todays review), meat sticks (like SlimJims) and other snack foods (not just meat snacks either). Anyway, thanks again for reading.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08834876427053528249noreply@blogger.com0