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Is beef jerky good for you?
It’s an excellent question – and with the growing emphasis on nutrition and wellbeing, we understand why you’d want to know more about this popular dried meat snack and how it fits in with a healthy lifestyle.
So let’s take a closer look at beef jerky, its nutritional make-up and how it affects the human body so that we can give a qualified answer to the question of whether it’s good for you.
In this article, we’ll look at beef jerky in terms of its:
Before we cover the science behind the snack, it’s helpful to understand what beef jerky actually is and how it’s made.
Not much has changed in the centuries since beef jerky was first created as a survival food by South American tribes who lived in the Andes. They learned they could preserve meat by salting and drying it – and that they could rely on this dried food to provide suitable sustenance during long winters and extending hunting trips.
‘Char’qui’ as it was called by the Spanish conquistadors became known as ‘jerky’ and it soon became a staple food among the pioneers. As time went on, various spices were added to the mix and today, beef jerky is available in a variety of different meats, flavours and styles.
These days, beef jerky is made from marinating thin strips of lean meat in a blend of herbs, spices and sauces including soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. There are no hard and fast rules as to what ingredients and flavourings to use, and the process method varies from brand to brand. Marination helps to tenderise the meat and once completed (it can take anything from a couple of hours to days), the strips are dehydrated using either natural or artificial heat and/or smoke.
Beef jerky generally has a more complex flavour profile than its near neighbour, beef biltong, as a result of its more extensive list of ingredients. The mix varies from brand to brand – and this has an impact on the nutritional profile of the product. For example, some of the sauces used in the marinades can contain additional quantities of sugar and sodium and some producers (not DJays) may add brown sugar to the mix.
That said, beef jerky is made from lean meat, so it is a protein-rich and low-carb snack that’s full of essential minerals and vitamins. There’s lots of good stuff in it, but it is important to remember that it is a processed meat snack so it should be enjoyed in moderation.
As mentioned, it’s a good idea to check the package information to get peace-of-mind that you’re making the healthiest choice. At DJays Gourmet, we only use 100% premium grass-fed Australian beef, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and spices – with no added nasties like preservatives or MSG.
So whether you choose our traditional jerky, marbled jerky, chilli jerky, extra hot sriracha jerky, smoky jerky or mango chilli jerky – you can trust that every flavour of DJays beef jerky contains all natural ingredients and goodness.
100g of our DJays beef jerky contains:
A balanced diet is a key element of a healthy lifestyle – so while beef jerky is a snack food, it can also be a helpful source of some important nutrients.
Being a meat-forward product, beef jerky is packed with protein and is also good source of iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B12 and other essential nutrients. Protein is vital for repairing and building muscle, tissue and bone cells, maintaining energy levels and supporting a person’s overall health and wellness.
Zinc and iron are key to a strong immune system and healthy metabolism, with iron being a particularly important mineral because it’s necessary for the formation of red blood cells. Beef jerky is also lower in fat than many other processed snacks, so it’s a healthier choice when you crave something savoury.
One area to keep an eye on when it comes to snacking on beef jerky is the level of sodium in the product. Not all jerky is created equal and you will find that some products contain elevated amounts of sodium as well as other artificial ingredients and preservatives. It’s important to restrict your sodium intake – particularly if you are concerned about your heart health – and always look for high-quality products which contain all-natural ingredients.
Yes! Beef jerky is great for adults and kids alike. It’s an ideal on-the-go food which can be eaten anywhere anytime, and because the dehydrated meat doesn’t require refrigeration, it’s the perfect mess and fuss-free convenience snack for all ages. Everything in moderation though, so as tempting as it may be, flavoursome beef jerky should be an occasional snack treat, not a meaty meal!
We’re also often asked about beef jerky and how it fits into various eating plans. To put it simply, beef jerky consumed in moderation can play a key role in a healthy, balanced diet whereby nutrients are obtained from a number of different food sources. Its high-protein, low-carb composition means that followers of a variety of nutritional approaches including paleo, keto and Atkins can happily munch on a stick or two occasionally – and it’s also ideal as part of a general healthy eating plan.
There isn’t a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to the question of whether beef jerky is healthy as it depends on a number of factors – the most important of which is the specific nutrition profile of a particular product. You should always choose products which contain all natural ingredients, and which are made from grass-fed beef and which have lower sodium levels.
If you choose DJays beef jerky (which incidentally has been called the best beef jerky in Australia), you can trust that the ingredients and processing methods are of the highest quality. Our beef jerky will fuel your body and lift your spirits – and that sounds good to us!
Order your beef jerky online or contact us to discuss a customised order to suit your needs and budget. We’ve been delivering beef jerky to happy customers across Australia for over 25 years, and we look forward to serving you too!
Arron Zamel has been General Manager of DJays Gourmet since 2015 and under his expert leadership, the company has cemented its reputation as Australia’s leading supplier of packaged jerky and biltong.
His strong family connection to South Africa, his marketing and management degree from Monash University, his technical expertise plus his experience as a successful entrepreneur and import/export business owner made him the ideal candidate for the challenging position.
Additionally, Arron’s innovative approach to management, his proven brand-building credentials, his strong customer focus and youthful energy have ensured that DJays Gourmet’s high-quality biltong and jerky have become Australia's dried meat treats of choice.
He understands traditional South African flavours and the precision techniques required to create truly authentic biltong, jerky and droewors (dried sausage). Part of his job is overseeing operations at DJays' purpose-built facility in Perth, WA where tons of Australian beef goes into making premium dried meat products each month for distribution to retail and wholesale customers across Australia.
For more insights into Arron’s world, visit the DJays Gourmet website, check out their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram @djaysgourmet.
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