Jerky vs. Meat Sticks
Strips or sticks? How to pick your snack
Jerky is seasoned, dried meat in strips or slabs, with more chew and more flavor choices. Meat sticks are seasoned meat shaped into a stick, with a softer, even bite that's easy to eat one-handed. Both are high-protein, grab-and-go snacks. The right one depends on how you snack.
- Best first jerky: All-Natural Beef Jerky - Original (from $8.99)
- Best first stick pack: 12 pc Meat Stick Variety Pack ($21.49)
- Try both: 26 pc. Meat and Cheese Sticks Sampler ($34.99)
- Keto Friendly pick: Snack Sticks Variety Pack - 8 Pieces ($14.99)
What is the difference between jerky and meat sticks?
The big difference is how the meat is prepared. Jerky starts as whole pieces of lean meat that are sliced, marinated and dried into strips or slabs. Every piece is a little different, and the texture can run from soft and tender to old-fashioned and tough.
Meat sticks start with seasoned meat that's shaped into a stick. That makes every bite the same, with a softer, even chew. Sticks are also individually wrapped for convenience, so you can toss one in a pocket and go.
How do jerky and meat sticks compare?
| Jerky | Meat sticks | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Strips or slabs | One stick |
| Packaging | Bagged | Individually wrapped for convenience |
| Chew | More chew; soft to old-fashioned | Softer, even bite |
| Flavor range | Huge: savory, sweet, hot, exotic | Classic flavors like beef, turkey, ham, hot |
| Easiest for | Sitting down, sharing a bag | Driving, desk drawer, trail |
| Starting price | $8.99 for a bag | Around $2-3 each |
When should I pick jerky?
Pick jerky when flavor is the point. You can go savory with All-Natural Beef Jerky - Black Pepper, sweet with teriyaki or honey flavors, or hot all the way up to Carolina Reaper. Jerky is also the better pick when you like a longer chew or want to try new meats like turkey, pork or exotic jerky.
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Original
From $8.99
Our best-selling jerky. Simple, savory and beefy.
Shop now“The jerky was good it was the best kind I ever had”
— Bryan M., Judge.me review
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Black Pepper
From $8.99
Like Original, but heavier on the peppercorn.
Shop now“This is possibly my favorite jerky of all time. The texture is exactly what I want with a little snap but a tender chew. Flavor wise it’s great and the pepper just gives the tiniest bit of heat. Highly recommend.”
— Elliott B., Judge.me review
When should I pick meat sticks?
Pick meat sticks when convenience is the point. They're individually wrapped, start around $2-3 each, and need just one hand, so they're the easy choice for the car, a desk drawer, a gym bag or a hike.
From $21.49
12 full-size sticks, including Cracked Pepper Turkey, Sriracha and Honey Ham.
Shop now“Perfect snack pack for work and road trips. Nice mix of beef and turkey sticks without getting boring.”
— James K., Judge.me review
Snack Sticks Variety Pack - 8 Pieces
From $14.99
Five flavors plus three meat and cheese packs.
Shop now“This stick is wonderfully delicious with the right amount of KICK!”
— Irene S., Judge.me review
Should I just get both?
Plenty of people do. Keep a bag of jerky for snacking at home and a few sticks for on the go. The 26 pc. Meat and Cheese Sticks Sampler is an easy way to stock up on sticks, and it pairs well with a bag of Original.
26 pc. Meat and Cheese Sticks Sampler
From $34.99
Meat sticks and meat and cheese sticks in one big sampler.
Shop nowHeading out? See our high-protein road-trip snacks. Curious how jerky gets its texture? Read How Is Beef Jerky Made? and Soft vs. Old-Fashioned Jerky.
Which is better for me, jerky or meat sticks?
Ask yourself three quick questions. Do you snack while doing something else, like driving, working or walking? Sticks win, because there's nothing to tear and nothing to share. Do you snack to enjoy the flavor, sitting down with a bag? Jerky wins, because the flavor range is so much bigger. Do you like a long chew? Jerky again, especially old-fashioned styles.
If you answered both ways, you're like most of our customers. Keep one of each around. A bag of jerky stays at home or at your desk for slow snacking, and a handful of sticks lives in the car, gym bag or backpack for quick bites. Sticks are also a good way to try meats you've never had, because the four-piece Adventure Packs mix exotic jerky with exotic meat sticks.
Flavor fans can stretch further with jerky. Sweet, smoky, peppered, hot or exotic, there's a strip for almost any craving, while sticks stick closer to the classics.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between jerky and meat sticks?
Jerky is seasoned, dried meat in strips or slabs. Meat sticks are seasoned meat shaped into a stick and individually wrapped, so every bite is the same size and texture.
Which is easier to eat on the go?
Meat sticks. They're individually wrapped for convenience, one-handed and mess-free, which makes them the easier grab for the car, desk or trail.
Which has more flavor variety?
Jerky, by a wide margin. Our beef jerky alone runs from Original to Carolina Reaper, and there's turkey, pork, bacon and exotic jerky too.
Which is chewier?
Jerky usually has more chew, and how much depends on the style. Meat sticks have a softer, more even bite.
Are meat sticks good for keto?
Our Snack Sticks Variety Pack - 8 Pieces is in our Keto Friendly collection, and its product page describes it as low in carbs and sugar.
Can I get jerky and meat sticks together?
Yes. The 26 pc. Meat and Cheese Sticks Sampler mixes meat and cheese sticks, and the Beef Jerky Sampler Pack lets you try five beef jerky flavors.
What's the best meat stick pack to start with?
The 12 pc Meat Stick Variety Pack ($21.49) has 12 full-size sticks in flavors like Cracked Pepper Turkey, Sriracha and Honey Ham.
What's the best jerky to start with?
All-Natural Beef Jerky - Original, our best-selling jerky, starting at $8.99.
How do I figure out which one I'll like?
Read our What Jerky Is Right for You? guide, or Take the Quiz, Get a Free Bag.
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: How Is Beef Jerky Made? · Soft vs. Old-Fashioned Jerky · High-Protein Road-Trip Snacks