Is beef jerky healthy

Eating Beef Jerky Healthy

A High Protein Snack – Is Beef Jerky Healthy

It almost goes without saying that beef jerky is a high-energy, healthy snack that can fuel you through a busy afternoon or a vigorous workout. Most of these snacks contain a hefty dose of protein, averaging about 9.0 grams per 1-ounce serving, and supplies certain key vitamins, fiber and minerals as well. Most jerky meat does have a downside.

Low Sodium Beef Jerky

In a word – SODIUM – Very few jerky makers can claim low sodium.  The FDA requires food products to have less than 140 mg. of sodium to be labeled (low sodium).  Always check the label, your nutrition panel on each package will give you the sodium level, protein and more.  I estimate that about 95% of USDA manufacturing facilities making beef jerky are not low sodium.

High Sodium Beef Jerky

It has been my experience in the past many years of checking labels that most beef jerky on the market in stores, gas stations and where ever you can purchase jerky that most are well above 500 mg. per 1 oz. serving and a lot are in the 600 to 800 mg. range.  sickening!  When you think about it the average healthy adult intake of sodium in day should not exceed 2300 mg. In just an average 3 oz. bag of jerky you can get over half of your daily allowance of sodium, in just one bag.  I can eat one bag in 30 minutes.  How about you.

Is Beef Jerky Healthy

Most Small Batch beef jerky companies are very mindful of having a healthy beef jerky. Today most people are looking for healthy alternatives to many foods that sometimes have a bad reputation of not being so healthy. The beef jerky industry as a whole are making more and more healthy conscious decision when choosing ingredients for their beef jerky.

Some Low Sodium Beef Jerky Companies

Healthy Jerky Company – Healthy Jerky specializes in gourmet beef jerky.

Jacked Jerky – Hand crafted all natural smoked beef jerky.