Beef Jerky Flavors Guide
From savory classics to sweet, smoky and bold
Beef jerky flavors fall into a few easy families: savory classics, sweet, sweet and spicy, bold specialty flavors and hot. If you're new, start with Original or Black Pepper, then branch out. Here's a tour of our beef jerky flavors, family by family. Want the short list? See our picks for the best beef jerky, chosen from real reviews.
- Savory classic: All-Natural Beef Jerky - Original
- Sweet: All-Natural Beef Jerky - Teriyaki
- Sweet and spicy: All-Natural Beef Jerky - Chipotle Bourbon
- Try five: Beef Jerky Sampler Pack
What are the classic savory jerky flavors?
Savory flavors let the beef do the talking. They're the easiest place to start and the easiest to snack on every day.
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Black Pepper
Classic peppered beef with a bold, savory bite.
Shop now“I thought this jerky was good. It wasn't too tough and the pepper is really good.”
— Christopher, Judge.me review
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Hickory
Hickory smoked flavor in a slightly thinner cut, made from top round beef.
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All-Natural Beef Jerky - Montreal Style
Classic Montreal steak seasoning.
Shop now“The Montreal was exceptionally tender with an anticipated flavor that was way better than expected! My homemade is very similar,but I fine grind my spices so they don’t get wedged between my teeth.”
— Stewie M., Judge.me review
More savory picks: Au Jus, Pastrami, Lemon Pepper and Rosemary Garlic. Like a tougher chew? Try Old Fashioned Style Peppered. See Soft vs. Old-Fashioned Jerky.
Old Fashioned Style Beef Jerky - Peppered
Old-fashioned chew with peppered flavor.
Shop now“Very good spice and good chew”
— Todd F., Judge.me review
What are the sweet jerky flavors?
Sweet flavors get their taste from marinades like teriyaki, honey and maple. They carry more sugar than savory flavors, so if you're watching sugar, see How to Choose Low-Sugar Jerky.
Soft and Tender Style Beef Jerky - Honey Pepper
Soft and tender, with honey sweetness and a hint of pepper.
Shop now“This jerky has a wonderful taste and texture!”
— Stephanie E., Judge.me review
Soft and Tender Style Beef Jerky - Sweet BBQ
Soft and tender, sweet and slightly tangy BBQ.
Shop nowWhat jerky flavors are sweet and spicy?
Want both? These flavors balance sweetness with a kick.
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Chipotle Bourbon
Bourbon sweetness with smoky chipotle, 6 out of 10 on our heat scale.
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All-Natural Beef Jerky - Raspberry Jalapeno
Raspberry flavor with a sweet and spicy contrast.
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What are some bold or unusual jerky flavors?
Ready to branch out? These flavors are a little different from the usual.
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Black Truffle and Sea Salt
Black truffle and sea salt, sweet and savory.
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All-Natural Beef Jerky - Blackened Cajun
A dark, seared Cajun flavor, 6-7 out of 10 on our heat scale.
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Soft and Tender Style Beef Jerky - Tequila Lime
Soft and tender, with real tequila and lime.
Shop nowMore to explore: Green Chile, Whiskey Barbecue and soft and tender Fajita. Want different meats, too? See our exotic jerky guide.
What about hot jerky flavors?
We have a whole heat ladder, from Jalapeno to Carolina Reaper. Rather than repeat it here, see The Best Spicy Jerky, Ranked by Heat.
How can I try several flavors at once?
Samplers and combos let you taste a few families side by side.
Still deciding? Our What Jerky Is Right for You? guide breaks down meats, flavors and texture. More questions? Visit Beef Jerky Questions, Answered.
Frequently asked questions
What beef jerky flavors are there?
Flavors fall into a few families: savory classics like Original and Black Pepper, sweet flavors like Teriyaki and Maple Bourbon, sweet-and-spicy flavors like Chipotle Bourbon, bold specialty flavors like Black Truffle and Sea Salt, and hot flavors.
What is a good first beef jerky flavor?
Original or Black Pepper. They taste the most like the beef itself.
What sweet jerky flavors are there?
Try Teriyaki, Maple Bourbon or soft and tender Honey Pepper.
What jerky flavors are sweet and spicy?
What are some unusual jerky flavors?
What's the hottest jerky flavor?
See The Best Spicy Jerky, Ranked by Heat for every hot flavor, ranked by our heat scale.
How can I try several flavors at once?
The Beef Jerky Sampler Pack has five classic flavors in 1 oz. bags, and the Beef Jerky Combo has five classic flavors in 2.5 oz. bags.
How do I find my flavor?
Read our What Jerky Is Right for You? guide, or Take the Quiz, Get a Free Bag. More questions? Visit Beef Jerky Questions, Answered.
Find your jerky
Not sure where to start? Our What Jerky Is Right for You? guide breaks down meats, flavors, heat and texture.
Keep reading: The Best Spicy Jerky, Ranked by Heat · Soft vs. Old-Fashioned Jerky · Buying Jerky in Bulk