These days, jerky is available in a wide array of options, ranging from beef, chicken and pork to elk and bison, to salmon and even mushroom jerky
Most types of jerky can be an easy way to boost protein intake, whether we’re traveling, keeping a snack in our desk drawer or looking for a convenient post-workout option. The challenge? Many traditional jerky products are loaded with added sugar, artificial ingredients and highly processed meats
When choosing jerky, look for:
At least 8-10 grams of protein per serving; little or no added sugar
Minimal ingredients; no nitrites, artificial sweeteners or synthetic food dyes
Five jerky brands to try
(Note: Nutrition facts are approximate; vary slightly by flavor and variety)
Varieties include beef, chicken and venison pork
Flavors: Original, Jalapeno, Garlic Summer Sausage, Teriyaki and Summer Sausage
Approximately 70 calories, 0 grams of carbohydrates, 0 sugar and 6 grams of protein
Ingredients include 100% grass-fed meat, sea salt, organic spices and natural fermentation cultures
Why we love it: Grass-fed meat, naturally fermented, no artificial preservatives, and one of the cleanest ingredient lists
Contains naturally occurring probiotics from the fermentation process
Carnivore Crisps
Varieties include beef ribeye, beef brisket, top sirloin, chicken breast, pork loin, lamb and elk
Approximately 70-100 calories, 0-1 grams of carbohydrates, 0 sugar and 10-11 grams of protein
Ingredients include meat and salt
Why we love it: About as simple as it gets
Kalahari Biltong
Flavors: Original, Garlic, Peri Peri, Cracked Pepper and Chili Lime
Approximately 80 calories, 1 gram of carbohydrate, 0 sugar and 16 grams of protein
Ingredients include air-dried beef, vinegar, spices and seasonings
Why we love it: Traditional South African-style biltong is air-dried rather than cooked, resulting in a tender texture and high protein content with very little sugar
Chomps
Varieties include beef, turkey, chicken and venison
Flavors: Original Beef, Jalapeno Beef, Sea Salt, Turkey, Italian Style Beef and Taco Beef
Approximately 90-100 calories, 0-2 grams of carbohydrates, 0 sugar, 9-10 grams of protein
Ingredients include grass-fed beef or turkey, spices and natural seasonings
Why we love it: Widely available, made without added sugar, artificial preservatives or nitrates
Wicked Cutz
Flavors: Original, Teriyaki, Sweet Heat, Peppered and Hot
Approximately 70-90 calories, 2-5 grams of carbohydrates, 0-3 grams of sugar and 10-12 grams of protein
Ingredients include meat, seasonings and spices
Why we love it: Cleaner ingredients than many traditional convenience-store jerkys
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Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD is a registered dietitian and nutrition journalist in New Orleans, and founder of the Ochsner Eat Fit nonprofit restaurant initiative
Tune in to her podcast, FUELED | Wellness + Nutrition, and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @MollyKimballRD. Download the Eat Fit mobile app to stay in the know about Eat Fit partners, new dishes, festivals, and more
To schedule a nutrition consult with Molly’s <a href="https://healthylife7.com/equity-lifestyle-properties-inc-nyseels-plans-0-54-quarterly-dividend/” title=”Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. (NYSE:ELS) Plans $0.54 Quarterly Dividend”>Lifestyle Nutrition team, email nutrition@ochsner.org
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