Mantry is a bi-monthly subscription box that sends food for “the modern man’s pantry.” Boxes feature six artisan and small-batch food items from across the US.
The first box a subscriber receives will be sent in a wooden crate. Subsequent shipments will be sent in a mailer. After signing up, new subscribers receive a welcome packet. You can preview what’s inside the welcome pack here.
Mantry sent us this box at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
The Subscription Box: Mantry
The Cost: $49 every two months + free shipping
ACTIVE DEAL: Use code CRATE10 to get 10% off your first box
CODE: CRATE10
The Products: Artisan foods for the modern man’s pantry sent every other month.
Ships to: U.S. only
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Each box includes a note from Mantry’s curator. It sounds like matcha may be a focus this month.
This month’s theme is “Umami.” I don't know much about umami, but from what I've gathered in this booklet, the majority of the box's contents will have a savory, salty, or meaty taste.
Inside this high-quality fold-out card, the producers behind the food are detailed, including where in the U.S. they’re based. Now onto the food!
Laiki Rice Crackers, 3.53 oz. - Value $3.85 (buy an 8-pack for $30.80 on Jet.com)
These rice crackers are so good! They are made from three simple ingredients: black rice, oil, and salt. And you can detect all three in each bite. They are 100% whole grain, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. They are the perfect amount of saltiness that leaves me wanting to eat them by themselves.
Pure Provisions Turkey Jerky, 2.2 oz. - Value $6.19 (buy a 1 oz. bag for $3.75 on Amazon)
Next up is this all natural turkey jerky, made in the San Fancisco, CA. I am not a jerky fan, but my husband happily accepted this bag. Anise, cinnamon, fennel seed, black pepper, and clove accompany this lean jerky for an overwhelmingly sweet taste. It's much milder than traditional beef jerky and tastes healthier too. My husband really liked it, and wished the bag was larger! (there's enough jerky for two servings, aka one serving for him)
Vosges Super Dark Matcha Chocolate Bar, 3 oz. - Value $6.59
Finally, the matcha! This chocolate bar is really good, and apparently good for you too. In addition to 72% cacao and matcha, spirulina is also included. According to Mantry, spirulina has "five times as much protein as tofu." There's a nice blend of cacao and matcha and I couldn't stop eating this 8-square bar!
AG Standard Smoked Almonds, 4 oz. - Value $4.91 (get a 6-pack for $29.50 on AG Standard)
Another way umami comes through in food is by smokiness (I'm learning so much thanks to Mantry!). And that is very apparent with these almonds. Each almond is lightly coated with a nice balance of salt and pepper. After biting into the almonds, my taste buds were overwhelmed in a good way by a rich, smoky flavor.
New American Sauces Spicy Tangy Funky Sauce, 13 oz. - Value $9.99
This month's Mantry included two sauces. The first is this sauté and dipping fish sauce. I typically steer clear of fish and fishy tastes but was intrigued by the spicy, tangy, and funky potential of this sauce 🙂 Overall, I found this sauce to be really good. I could foresee using this as a pairing option with chilled shrimp. There is definite heat but it quickly subsides.
Bushwick Kitchen Weak Knees Gochujang Sriracha, 10.5 oz. - Value $9.95
Last up, Mantry brings us this sriracha sauce, handmade in Brooklyn, NY. I don't typically eat a lot of sriracha but every once awhile I get on a kick. And wow, this is a good one. It's a lot saltier than others I've tried and there's a perfect amount of spice. I have only eaten this in small increments and get the sense it would be too spicy for me in larger quantities. But perfect for those who love sriracha and a lot of heat!
Verdict: This was my first Mantry box and both my husband and I really enjoyed the contents! Mantry definitely delivered on the umami theme and sent a nice variety of products. In total, we received 6 full-size foods, valued at $41.48. This is a bit below the cost of the box, but I thought everything we received was high-quality and priced just right. Despite the lower value, I don't feel this box was lacking, but instead nicely curated with small-company artisan foods that we wouldn't know about otherwise.
Have you tried any of the products in this month’s Mantry?
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