Is Beef Jerky a Healthy Snack?

If you’re constantly on the go, snacking might be the way you get in the extra nutrients your body needs each day. This means selecting good-for-you snacks that help fuel you up. Some busy bees choose beef jerky or meat strips as their snack of choice. But, is beef jerky a healthy snack? Let’s find out.

Beef Jerky: Nutrition Facts You Should Know

To determine how “healthy” a snack is, turn it over and look at the label. The facts don’t lie. Instead, they give you all the insight you need to make informed decisions about what you eat.

According to the USDA, a single ounce of beef jerky may contain:

• 116 calories
• 9.41g of protein
• 3.12 carbs
• 7.26g of fat
• 2.55g of sugar
• 0.51g of fiber
• 505mg of sodium

As you can see, beef jerky is a good source of protein. Plus, jerky includes many other nutrients your body needs, including Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12.

It’s important to note that this is the nutritional information on an average bag of jerky in the marketplace. Every brand and flavor can vary, so be sure to read the label to make sure it’s the right option for you.

The Benefits of Snacking on Beef Jerky

1. Jerky Is Full of Protein

Jerky is a good source of protein, including almost 10 grams in each one-ounce serving. Most health experts will agree that men need somewhere around 56 grams of protein per day while women need around 46 grams per day. And when jerky offers 10 grams of protein, it’s a great way to help ensure your body gets what it needs on busy days.

2. Jerky Is Lower in Fat

If you love meat, choosing beef jerky will help you avoid the fat associated with many types of meat. That’s because jerky cuts are traditionally sourced from leaner cuts of beef that are trimmed for the optimum texture.

3. Jerky Includes a Variety of Vitamins & Minerals

Beyond protein, jerky also includes many great vitamins and minerals. Some of these nutrients include:

• Vitamin B-12: Vitamin B-12 is essential for processes such as red blood cell formation and healthy nerve function. It’s one of the most common vitamins found in meat.
• Iron: Iron is one of the most critical nutrients for full-body health. It does many things from making hemoglobin to playing a role in delivering oxygen to your muscles.
• Potassium: Potassium helps your nerves function properly and even keeps your heartbeat regular. It’s also used in moving waste products out of your cells.

4. Jerky Is Made to Last

Unopened, jerky can last in your pantry up to the best-by date printed on the package, typically up to a year from the day it was packaged. And when opened, you can place jerky in your fridge for 3 days. Be sure to check your package for optimum storage times and methods, as it can vary by protein type, brand, and flavor. Lorissa’s Kitchen meat snacks, for example, can stay in your fridge when opened for 3 days before needing to be replaced.

Are There Downsides to Eating Jerky?

Jerky is a great way to add nutrients to a balanced diet but there are things to be aware of when you’re looking for the right Jerky for you. Check the labels, and when you do, keep an eye on…

Sodium

Beef jerky is typically high in sodium. Almost every kind of jerky will have increased sodium when compared with fresh meat and other snack foods. Too much sodium can raise your blood pressure which can lead to health complications. If you’re concerned about the amount of sodium in your diet, consult your doctor to advise what is right for you.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day and moving toward an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults.

Check the labels to find meat snacks that are lower in sodium. For example, Lorissa’s Kitchen beef steak strips include 270mg of sodium compared to the 505mg estimate for most meat snacks.

A note about salt: Salt is a critical component in the curing and drying process of beef jerky. It’s a naturally-occurring preservative that ensures your jerky lasts and is dried properly.

So, is beef jerky a healthy snack? While jerky isn’t necessarily a “health food,” it is a great snack for when you need something quick with wholesome protein. Just make sure you eat a balanced diet and enjoy your favorite jerky snack in moderation.

Enjoy Yummy Beef Steak Strips Without the Preservatives

Lorissa’s kitchen beef steak strips are made using 100% grass-fed beef. Plus, none of our strips include any preservatives, and they’re lower in sodium than traditional jerky. In other words, they’re a meat snack you can feel good about. To learn more, shop our products today!