Benefits of Jerky

Health Advantages
Is Jerky good for you? Yes! Because moisture and fat are removed from the meat during the preparation process, it is an excellent source of protein (as much as 15g of protein per serving size) and is generally 97% Fat-Free.

Keep in mind though that all jerky meat-types are somewhat different when it comes to calories, fat, and protein per serving size. For example, Ostrich Jerky is a very lean red meat and is typically among the lowest in fat content, while Buffalo Jerky is rich in protein. Jerky.com has gone the extra mile to provide each customer with the best shopping experience possible by highlighting all the products on the site, which are either Low-Calorie or Low-Carb. So if you're on an Atkins Diet or simply recommended by your doctor to cut back on calorie intake then we have the right products for you.

We have also included a section for foods that don't contain MSG. Some manufacturers use additives to help preserve the flavor of the meat, whereas others pride themselves and make an effort to make a beef jerky as natural as humanly possible. Some common preservatives added include MSG and Sodium Nitrite. MSG is an ingredient inherent in most soy sauces; it acts as a flavor enhancer in jerky products (see our No-MSG page for products without it). This is important to know for those shopping for low-sodium jerky products and who are on a low-salt diet. Anything less than 300mg of sodium per serving is generally considered low. Keep in mind that salt is a natural preservative for jerky, so it typically comes with the territory.

Sodium Nitrite is a preservative added to some jerky products that help the shelf life of the meat and helps to counter-act discoloration of the product. On the brighter side though, it does help to prevent bacteria. Its health benefits are evident in the fact that many athletes, weightlifters, and dieters are repeat consumers. Askmen.com recently ranked beef jerky as the #1 protein snack on the market today, even above protein bars sold at general nutrition centers. Loved by all, beef jerky is widely considered the healthiest snack food out there!

Convenience
Most consumers of jerky products not only love its health advantages, but they also enjoy its convenience and portability. A nutrient-dense snack is one benefit, however, it's convenience and shelf life is another benefit that keeps many coming back for more. The fact that it has a long shelf life (several months) and that it can be repackaged for later use after being opened makes jerky a great value. This is something that some manufacturers make an effort to address, things such as vacuum sealed packaging and oxygen absorbers or a combination of the two are things to look for when choosing the right jerky.

Another item you might want to keep in mind is how thick the packaging is, the truth is there are many bags of jerky that lose their valuable seal due to "cheap" packaging and/or the texture of the spices on the jerky. For example, black peppered beef jerky tends to puncture bags easier than most other flavors of jerky. So, whether you're a hiker, a camper, or simply a person on the go, you can surely start to appreciate a healthy and convenient snack...at least now you have a better idea of what to look for as far as convenience goes.