The Truth About Beef Jerky: Is It Actually Healthy or Just Another Processed Snack?
The truth is, the gas station stereotype exists for a reason. At some point recently, most beef jerky companies began to focus on making a product that is perceived as cheap, and adequate.
They've engineered jerky to artificially satisfy taste buds by loading it with sugar, and artificial flavours. They pack it full of nitrates so that it'll last 100 years. They use low quality meat because "it's jerky so who cares".
While beef jerky has all the potential to be an incredibly healthy snack, you're right to question whether beef jerky is bad for you. We'll explore some of the things to look out for when determining whether the beef jerky you're looking at is unhealthy or healthy.
Key takeaways:
The "gas station" stereotype exists for a reason. Most of what's out there tastes the same, looks the same and is unhealthy.
When thinking about whether the beef jerky you're eating is unhealthy, consider 1) meat quality 2) sodium 3) sugar and 4) preservatives
Beef jerky can be a healthy addition to your diet as long as you're diligent about where you get it.
The source of meat in your beef jerky
The source of meat used for your beef jerky is the first important consideration. Unfortunately, because jerky is often so processed, producers get away with using low quality meat. Look out for grass fed beef if you're searching for a healthier jerky. But the thing is even grass fed beef can be tricky. You have to find out whether it is 100% grass fed beef.
The reason for this is that many companies claim that they are using grass fed beef, when, in fact, they are using cows that were partially raised on grass, and on open pastures, however, at the end of their life in order to fatten them up, they decide to feed them grain and other things this drastically negatively impact the quality of protein and fat that you're eating. With beef that is 100% grass fed you get a higher proportion of Omega 3s, CLA (conjugated lipoic acid), vitamin A and E, antioxidants, minerals and the list goes on.
Most beef jerky is loaded with sugar
Here's one of the nasty tricks that most jerky companies play: next time you pick up a bag of jerky take a look at how many grams of sugar are in the bag. If you pick if you pick up a bag of jerky that's 70 g and it has 20 g of sugar in it are you really getting 70g of meat? The answer is of course a resounding no. Many jerky companies load up their product with sugar for a few reasons. The first is that it tricks your tastebuds into liking the taste, and wanting more. The second is that sugar is way cheaper than beef. By putting tons of sugar in the beef jerky they are able to lower the cost.
Preservatives like nitrates are used to save cost (at the expense of your health)
The use of preservatives is another thing to look out for when considering whether the beef jerky you're eating is healthy or unhealthy. Look out for nitrates in particular. Many studies show that nitrates have a number of negative health effects. Found in many processed foods, especially in cured meats, nitrates have become a hot topic for anyone striving for a healthier lifestyle. When nitrates are converted into nitrites in the body, they can further transform into nitrosamines, compounds that have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Nitrates can even interfere with the body's natural ability to transport oxygen, impacting energy levels and overall vitality. High-quality, responsibly sourced meats don't need the crutch of nitrates to taste good or extend shelf life. Better Bovine beef jerky contains absolutely no nitrates.
Most beef jerky has way too much sodium
Some beef jerky can be very high in sodium, with levels reaching as high as 800-1400 milligrams per 50g serving, it is crucial to select brands with lower sodium content if you're being conscious of your health. Better Bovine beef jerky contains a low sodium content of 480mg per 50g serving.
The number of ingredients in beef jerky
Beef jerky seems straightforward enough right? Dry out beef, add some seasoning and package it. That's why we were surprised to see most beef jerky has 15+ different ingredients that aren't beef. We firmly believe simplicity and transparency is the way to go. That's why our beef jerky has 3 ingredients: 100% grassfed beef, salt and pepper. That's it.
There is some healthy beef jerky out there - here's what to look for
Next time you pick up a bag of beef jerky, check for sodium content, a 100% grassfed label, the amount of sugar and number of ingredients. Unfortunately most of the jerky out there won't be considered healthy.
The fact is, not all beef jerky products are created equal. Opting for high-quality, grass-fed beef jerky from trusted sources like Better Bovine ensures you enjoy the benefits of a high-protein, nutritious snack without the drawbacks of added preservatives, sugar, and excessive sodium.
Beef jerky, when chosen carefully, can be a healthy addition to any diet.