Oddly enough, the shiitake mushroom based Primal Strips sounded the most exciting, yet I uncharacteristically saved them for last.  After trialing both of the soy-based Primal Strip flavors, and the three seitan-based flavors, I was finally prepared to give this veggie based jerky a whirl. 

The Shiitake Mushroom only comes in one flavor at present, Hot & Spicy.  Before opening the package, I noticed that this jerky snack was a bit different from the others.  It was less “free-form,” as it seemed to have been shaped into an almost perfect rectangle.  Also, it was a very deep, coffee-like brown. 

Upon opening, I noticed that it also had a different texture.  The shiitake mushroom was thicker than the others (or than your average jerky for that matter) and seemed to pull apart more like a fruit bar, yet with some meat-like shreds evident.  As I bit in, it did have a more “meaty” taste than I expected.  I liked the flavor as I began to chew, slightly sweet with a touch of spice.  However, that “touch of spice” quickly magnified into the Hot & Spicy I was a bit fearful of.  It wasn’t run and grab water hot, but quite spicy nonetheless.  Since I prefer mild spice, this isn’t the first flavor I would grab.  I did like the shiitake mushroom base though, and hope to see more flavors out in this version

My Extra Notes & Tips:

• The ingredients are all natural, but it isn’t totally soy or gluten free.  Some wheat gluten seems to be added for texture and soy sauce for flavor.  It is still very respectable in calories (108), but has a bit less protein at 6g per jerky slab.
• My clumsy self found the primal strips quite difficult to open.  They seemed to require scissors, as each time I tried to peel one back (of course while driving) I could barely break into it.  That is some seriously strong plastic!
• Unfortunately, this stuff just wasn’t very picture worthy.  Tasty, yes … pretty, no.  But what jerky is really?
• One warning, unlike most meat jerky, this stuff is messy, worth it, but messy.  The natural nature of it makes for a caramelized coating of flavor that does leave your fingers a bit sticky.  Keep a napkin on hand or even a wet nap!

Where to Purchase: Primal Strips are sold in stores throughout the U.S. and Canada.  Though they do not have a store locator on the Primal Spirit website, I am sure if you contact them they will be happy to help you locate some!  If you search the web, it also seems to be available from a few vegan online vendors

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