Louisville Vegan Jerky Co began by accident in 2012. Founder, Stanley Chase III, overcooked the BBQ soy protein for his vegan manapua and evidently enjoyed the results.

According to the website, each small batch of jerky is handmade with ingredients from their home state of Kentucky.

This three ounce bag came from Thrive Market for $5.99. The video that I shared below from 2014 claims that vegan jerky is sold in over 50 stores around the country; however, their website didn’t show their product sold in any stores near me.

When I opened up my bag of jerky, the smell that wafted out sparked my appetite. A sweet BBQ scent gave me a false sense of hope, so I reached in to grab a piece.

The slimy, somewhat sticky texture was an unpleasant surprise. Yet I forged ahead. I enjoyed the spicy flavor but thought it was a little too heavy on the mustard. I’m not a big fan of mustard, so this is likely just a personal problem. The texture still bothered me, though. I can’t quite put it into words, but it was chewy and grainy at the same time.

Oddly enough, my four-year-old claimed to love this jerky. She normally doesn’t enjoy anything that is spicy, but she ate quite a few pieces of jerky!

Though my husband thought it was pretty good compared to other vegan recipes, that’s not saying much for our meat-loving family.

My two-year-old said, “I can’t like it,” and I have to agree.

Louisville Vegan Jerky Co is a sponsor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana.

Stated on the website: "Our mission is to provide true artisan quality jerky while also contributing to our community, uplifting our allies, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

I have to applaud them for their creativity and business goals. I think vegan jerky is a great option for vegetarians and vegan fans, but it is not for me. I have to give this product a no, IMBHO.