Lean meats have been preserved by salting and drying for most of human history. While beef jerky gets all the headlines, popular jerky varieties also include bacon, turkey, bison, venison, elk, and pork. Which cuts make the best meat for beef jerky, and is there such a thing as healthy jerky?
Why does quality meat make a difference for beef jerky?
Like anything else you do when pursuing excellence, the aggregate benefit is the sum of all inputs. Making quality beef jerky is no different, hence why quality meat is our foundation and ensures our customers are consuming jerky that not only tastes amazing but is also nutritious. We pride ourselves on using 100% USDA approved meats from locally sourced farms, which gives us the opportunity to choose the best meat for beef jerky and provide nutrient dense products for any diet plan.
Beef Jerky Benefits
Many people who are turning to high-protein lifestyles have questions about beef jerky as a healthy snack. The benefits of jerky for active people include:
- A source of high-quality protein that doesn’t require refrigeration
- Made from very lean meats, so low in fat
- A good source of iron
- Satisfying and full of nutrition
- Promotes muscle building and recovery
A Healthy Substitute for Active Lifestyles
There are a number of diets that focus on high-quality proteins. Healthy beef jerky and other jerked meats can help individuals lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you’re following a strict diet plan, especially on the go, adventuring in the wilderness, or performing your favorite athletic endeavors, our team and products have your back. Some of these diets include:
The Carnivore Diet
This approach may be closest to the “beef jerky diet,” as carnivores focus on meeting their nutritional needs from an all-meat diet. Focused on reducing carbohydrates, these dieters may choose any jerky variety that is low in sugar and gluten. Many find out the hard way that healthy jerky doesn’t taste good. The truth is great taste doesn’t have to be jeopardized when consuming beef jerky that’s more nutritious. If you’re looking for something low in sugar and sodium that tastes awesome and align with your diet, below you’ll find some of the tasty jerky products we recommend!
- Smoked Paprika Steak Tapas
- Old Fashioned Beef Jerky
- Jalapeno Carne Asada Beef Jerky
- Jamaican Jerk Beef Jerky
- Orange-A-Peel Beef Jerky
- BBQ Beef Jerky
- Carolina Reaper Beef Jerky
The Paleo Diet
Based on the diet of early humans in Paleolithic times, the Paleo diet includes vegetables, nuts, berries, and lean meats. This historically accurate diet, which includes beef jerky, has health benefits resulting from avoiding highly processed foods and additives. During say, a camping trip, a long distance biking adventure or up on the ski slopes, it’s hard to come by high quality vegetables, meat, and nuts. Making our original beef jerky an almost crucial snack to a clean Paleo diet when on the go.
Choosing the Best Jerky for Your Diet
Premium jerky companies choose lean meats that have a low fat content to create all-natural, traditional, gluten-free, and low-sodium jerky. While turkey, wild game, and pork jerky offer alternative taste and texture options, beef jerky remains the most popular choice.
The best beef jerky is typically made from round steak, flank steak, or sirloin. At Jeff’s Famous Jerky, we also offer a beef brisket jerky that has an amazingly tender texture. There is an amazing selection available to choose from that will fit any dietary preferences and requirements.
Low-Sodium Beef Jerky
If there are any concerns about this lean protein, they usually center around the sodium content. Because the meat is often marinated in soy sauce and dried with salt, old-fashioned beef jerky was very high in sodium. However, there are healthy beef jerky with low-sodium varieties available in seven delicious flavors, and turkey jerky is often a low-sodium option for those watching their salt intake.
Gluten-Free Beef Jerky
Typically, beef jerky does contain some gluten, which comes from the soy sauce and flavorings. Many diets don’t prohibit these small levels of gluten, which do contribute to the signature taste of our original beef jerky. However, by making creative changes in our recipes, Jeff’s has an entire line of gluten-free options with great taste and texture.
Low-Sugar Beef Jerky
Traditional beef jerky is sometimes naturally low in sugar, but gourmet varieties and exceptional flavors may contain more sugar than expected. Most of the time, sweet flavors contain more sugar than your diet allows, but Jeff’s Famous has a BIG LIST of Keto Low Carb beef jerky and meat snacks that will surprise you. Two flavors in particular are extremely popular and you cannot tell that these are low sugar, low carb, keto-friendly beef jerky flavors at all. Jeff’s Famous Sweet Teriyaki and Cranberry Jalapeno beef jerky flavors are best sellers because they are mouth-watering, delicious. These are perfect for any diet and the Teriyaki flavor is a popular way for kids to get more lean protein in their diet too.
Treat Yourself to Delicious Jerky for Every Healthy Lifestyle
Even if you aren’t on a high-protein diet, jerky is a great snack on the go. For those who are involved in strength training, weight lifting, or other active exercise, jerky is a power-packed protein that curbs hunger with satisfying nutrition. Hikers and campers rely on the small size and long-term storage ability of well prepared jerky.
All jerky is not created equal. Jeff’s Famous Jerky uses only the best 100% American beef or other USDA-inspected meats raised on American ranches with ethical farming practices. All of our products are fresh and delicious, with fast shipping and our guarantee of satisfaction. No matter your dietary goals, get powered up with healthy jerky from Jeff’s Famous Jerky!
