Coconut jerky serves up plant-based protein in snack form
The certified organic, preservative-free jerky comes in three flavours – Japanese-inspired teriyaki; spicy BBQ, which the company says is “reminiscent of smoked Spanish charcuterie” and a chocolate and hazelnut version which is “of course, inspired by Ferrero Rocher”.
The company’s CEO and co-founder Ice Min told us: “Meat jerky is getting increasingly popular in the UK due to customers' demand for protein snacks,” “Our coconut jerky is ideal for those who looks for a vegetarian or flexitarian option.”
“There are medium chain fatty acids and natural plant protein in coconut, which is what makes it the best meat alternative option for vegans and vegetarians alike.”
“We dehydrated and marinated young coconut to make it chewy, meaty, and jerky-like,” Min said, and each vegan jerky packs in a protein content of between 7 – 9 g per 100 g serving.
Production is currently based in the UK but the company has plans to start producing in Asia. Min said this was currently in process and so would not share further details on the reasons behind this or whether the production would be certified fair trade.
What's on the ingredient list?
Teriyaki: coconut meat, dates, tamari, coconut sugar, brown rice vinegar, garlic, ginger
Chocolate and hazelnut: coconut meat, water, hazelnut, dates, coconut sugar, raw cacao, cashew, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutritional yeast
The coconut jerky products can be found in Whole Foods Market, Ocado, Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harrods. On Mighty Bee’s e-commerce platform, it sells for £34 (€38) for 12 packs.
They are also exported to the Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, the Middle East and Canada.
Mighty Bee also sells coconut water and coconut ‘meat’ (the jelly-like flesh of young coconuts) and recently launched Bananito, a “solar-dried” chocolate-coated banana bar, made with Kluai Namwa-variety bananas that are dried in electricity-free greenhouses.
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