Whilst the texture isn’t 100% perfect, being a little squishier than real jerky, I’m actually quite impressed with this overall.

Does it taste like Korean BBQ? Yes it does!

Does it look like beef jerky? It’s a bit lighter in colour like Jack Link’s, but the shapes are all very unique and look like random cuts of meat instead of processed goop.

The colour is lighter than real beef jerky and looks more like Jack Link’s. It reminds me a bit of the batter on honey chicken Chinese food mixed with sweet and sour pork.

The texture is slightly sticky and rubbery, which is totally fine.

If I were a vegetarian however, I would be pretty satisfied with this as a meaty-tasting plant-based substitute.

The Flavour Profile

The Korean BBQ flavour is where Unlimeat really nails it. There’s that unmistakable sweetness you get from proper Korean marinades, with hints of soy, garlic, and sesame coming through. It’s not trying to be subtle about its inspirations, and that’s a good thing. The marinade has penetrated the product well, so you’re getting consistent flavour throughout rather than just surface seasoning.

What surprised me most was the umami depth. Plant-based proteins can sometimes taste flat or one-dimensional, but Unlimeat has managed to layer in that savoury complexity you want from jerky. It’s genuinely moreish, which is the ultimate test really.

Texture Talk

Look, I’ll be honest: this isn’t going to fool hardcore jerky enthusiasts. Real beef jerky has that specific fibrous tear and chew that comes from actual muscle tissue. Unlimeat is softer, more uniform, and yes, a bit squishier. But here’s the thing: it’s not trying to be a perfect replica. It’s doing its own thing.

The slight stickiness reminds me of those really heavily marinated jerkies you sometimes get, where the sugar content makes everything a bit tacky. Some people love that. Others don’t. I’m neutral on it, but it definitely adds to the snack appeal if you’re into sweeter jerky varieties.

Visual Appeal

The piece shapes genuinely impressed me. Too many meat alternatives look like they’ve been extruded through industrial machinery and cut with precision lasers. Unlimeat has managed to create irregular, natural-looking pieces that actually resemble hand-cut meat strips. Sure, the colour is a dead giveaway that something’s different, but from a distance? You might not notice immediately.

That lighter, Jack Link’s-esque colouring works in its favour too. It looks appetising rather than trying too hard to replicate the dark mahogany of traditional jerky.

The Vegetarian Perspective

Here’s where I need to put myself in someone else’s shoes. As a meat-eater, I’m comparing this directly to beef jerky and finding it good but not identical. But if you’re vegetarian or vegan and you’ve been missing that jerky experience? This would absolutely hit the spot.

The protein content is solid, it’s portable, it satisfies that urge to chew on something savoury, and the flavour is genuinely delicious. You’re not making compromises here; you’re getting a legitimate snack that happens to be plant-based.

Practicality Points

The packaging is resealable, which is crucial for jerky. Nobody wants stale, dried-out snacks. Portion sizes are reasonable without being stingy. It travels well, doesn’t need refrigeration, and ticks all the boxes for a convenient protein snack.

Price-wise, it sits where you’d expect plant-based alternatives to sit: slightly premium compared to budget jerky brands, but competitive with quality meat jerkies. You’re paying for the R&D that went into making this taste good and the specific ingredients used in plant-based formulations.

Final Verdict

Unlimeat’s plant-based jerky is a winner in my book. It’s not perfect, and it’s not trying to be a carbon copy of beef jerky. Instead, it carves out its own identity as a tasty, satisfying snack that happens to be made from plants.

The Korean BBQ flavour is spot-on, the texture is more than acceptable, and the overall eating experience is enjoyable. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, flexitarian, or just curious about plant-based alternatives, this is worth trying.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to vegetarian mates? Without hesitation. Would I choose it over real beef jerky every single time? Probably not, but that’s okay. It doesn’t need to replace anything. It’s good enough to stand on its own merits.

Rating: 7.5/10

A solid effort that delivers on flavour and provides a genuinely satisfying alternative to traditional jerky. The texture could be firmer, but everything else is firing on all cylinders.