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Winning pepperoni is a cut above

By KATHY SAUNDERS
Published December 13, 2006

Pepperoni, according to our panelists, should taste like fireworks in your mouth.

That being the test, Taster's Choice tried eight brands of the popular pizza topping and holiday finger food.

All of the meaty bites we sampled were presliced. And they all looked incredibly appetizing to our judges.

The winning pepperoni was from Oscar Mayer and sold in 6-ounce packages on sale for three for $5 at Publix. Judges awarded the brand 69 out of 100 points. They liked the chunky texture and the flecks of pink color.

The Oscar Mayer pepperoni bites were a bit smaller than the others. Judges said that made them more suitable for pizza topping and child-friendly meals.

"They are salty, somewhat chewy and they have a nice kick at the end," said one.

Another panelist said they would be great for her homemade pepperoni rolls.

"These are gentle, with a nice Italian backbeat," said a judge who gave the brand high marks.

Their second choice was another familiar brand, Hormel ($1.69 for a 3.5-ounce package at Publix). They gave the Hormel pepperoni 67 points.

The Hormel bites had a smokey flavor that appealed to most panelists and a "nice marbling," the judges said.

"These would be perfect with some crusty bread, hard cheese and fresh lemonade," said one.

Two brands tied for third place with 54 points: Old Wisconsin ($3.99 for 8 ounces at Publix) and Mama Mary's ($1.50 for a 4-ounce package at Wal-Mart).

Judges liked the plump texture of the two brands and said they would consider putting either on a holiday tray with cheese and crackers. The two pepperoni choices tasted a bit milder than the others, but they still packed enough punch to please the panelists.

One judge, who was particularly fond of the Mama Mary's pepperoni, said he thought it would mix nicely with scrambled eggs.

Also sampled were pepperoni slices by: Hillshire Farms ($1.49 for 3 ounces at Publix); Bridgeford ($3.69 for 6 ounces at Publix); Armour ($2.99 for 6 ounces at Sweetbay); and Gordon Food Service ($10.99 for a 5-pound bag at GFS Marketplace).

Panelists were: Nan Jensen, registered dietitian with Pinellas County Cooperative Extension; Bob Devin Jones, artistic director of Studio@620 Personal Chef Julie Overton; office manager and father of four, Kevin McAuliffe; and registered nurse Julie Pica. All foods were tasted blind.

Send suggestions for product tasting to Taste section, St. Petersburg Times, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731 or e-mail them to krieta@sptimes.com Please put TEST SUGGESTION in the subject line. To read past Taster's Choice columns, go to www.sptimes.com/food.

Fast facts

Pepperoni ranking

1. Oscar Mayer

2. Hormel

3. (tie) Old Wisconsin

Mama Mary's

[Last modified December 12, 2006, 12:10:02]