Separating fact from fiction: exploring the truth about fat in beef jerky and its impact on shelf life
Traditionally, beef jerky was made with the leanest and cheapest cuts of beef. The goal was to salvage certain cuts of beef and store meat for longer periods of time. It was ingenious. Fast forward to today, familiar beef jerky brands have taken this and created a monstrosity of a beef jerky by adding loads of sugar, additives, and preservatives. The resulting beef jerky is dry, leathery, and chewy… and, quite frankly, its not that great for you. We can’t forget about these new beef jerky companies either. Isn’t it odd that once you get past their fun marketing and taste the beef jerky inside their brightly coloured packages, it tastes the exact same as everyone else? Isn’t it also odd that when you read the ingredient list, it’s the same garbage ingredients you find in the big brands?
We were fed up with this – and the fact that you’re here, probably means you’re fed up too. To that, we challenged ourselves to create a beef jerky that tastes amazing, is clean and healthy, and uses high-quality beef. To be honest, it wasn’t that difficult. All we had to do was the exact opposite of what all the existing beef jerky brands were doing. We’d like to introduce the cleanest and healthiest beef jerky in the world – Better Bovine’s 100% grass-fed wagyu beef jerky made with the flank steak cut of beef. We found that increasing the fat content created a beef jerky that was much more tender and flavourful. Remember that old cooking adage: ‘fat is flavour’? Well, it’s not wrong! We found that using our carefully selected wagyu flank steak, our beef jerky exploded with flavour. Now we know what you might be thinking. Doesn’t fat make the beef jerky spoil? Isn’t fat bad for you? Not to worry. We’re here to debunk those misconceptions.
Key takeaways:
Using beef with higher fat content does not necessarily cause spoilage. The drying process removes most of the water content and renders the fat, and storing beef jerky in Mylar bags protects against moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants that can cause spoilage.
Saturated fats found in beef jerky, is an essential nutrient for the body, and moderate consumption can have health benefits.
Beef jerky made from high-quality, grass-fed beef is a healthy snack that is high in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, and can help keep you feeling full and satiated for longer periods of time.
Does fat make beef jerky spoil?
Beef jerky that contains fat won't spoil or go rancid quickly due to the preservation process used to make beef jerky. Fat in beef jerky can actually help preserve the meat by slowing down the oxidation process, which is what causes spoilage and rancidity. The drying process also removes most of the water in the meat and renders the fat, which makes it difficult for bacteria to grow and spoil the beef jerky.
The addition of salt in the beef jerky making process also helps to preserve the meat. Salt draws out moisture from the meat, making it inhospitable for bacteria and microorganisms to grow. This prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that could cause the meat to spoil.
At Better Bovine, we carefully select our 100% grass-fed wagyu beef to ensure there is an optimal amount of fat to balance flavour, while minimizing spoilage. This helps us create a tender and flavourful beef jerk that is shelf stable. We also use Mylar bags to package our beef jerky because it protects against moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants that can cause spoilage. Compared to ultra-lean beef, beef with fat could potentially spoil faster. However, storing in Mylar bags to protect against moisture, oxygen, and other contaminants levels the playing field. Big brands typically achieve their long shelf life by using a cocktail of preservatives and drying their beef jerky to a dusty crisp. Outside of salt, Better Bovine has zero preservatives and lasts for 5-6 months. But we've never seen it last in a pantry for that long.
Is fat bad for you? Is fat good for you?
Firstly, it's important to understand that not all fats are created equal. Saturated fats, which are found in higher amounts in beef jerky, have been wrongly demonized in the past. While it is true that excessive consumption of saturated fat can lead to weight gain and health problems, moderate consumption of this type of fat is essential for overall health.
The human body requires fat to function properly. Saturated fat is especially important as it helps with hormone production, brain function, and the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. In fact, a diet that includes moderate amounts of saturated fat has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer.
Beef jerky can be a good source of saturated fat, especially if it is made from high-quality beef that is naturally high in fat. The fat in beef jerky can provide the body with a slow, steady source of energy, making it an ideal snack for athletes or those engaging in physical activity. Additionally, the fat in beef jerky can help keep you feeling full and satiated for longer periods of time, reducing the likelihood of overeating and snacking on unhealthy foods.
Another benefit of the fat in beef jerky is that it can help with the absorption of other nutrients. Many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, are fat-soluble, which means they need fat to be absorbed by the body. By consuming beef jerky with its natural fat content, you can help ensure that your body is absorbing all the essential nutrients it needs to function properly.
It's important to note that not all beef jerky is created equal. Many commercial beef jerky brands use low-quality beef and additives to enhance flavor and texture. These brands often contain excessive amounts of unhealthy fats and sodium, which can be detrimental to your health if consumed in large quantities. It's important to read the labels and choose beef jerky made from high-quality, grass-fed beef with minimal added ingredients.
In addition to the benefits of saturated fat, grass-fed beef jerky also contains other important nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. Grass-fed beef is also higher in antioxidants and has a better balance of healthy fats than conventionally raised beef.
While it is important to consume saturated fat in moderation, the fat found in beef jerky can actually be beneficial for your health. By choosing high-quality beef jerky made from grass-fed beef with minimal added ingredients, you can reap the benefits of this nutrient-dense snack. The fat in beef jerky can provide a steady source of energy, help with nutrient absorption, and keep you feeling full and satiated. So next time you reach for a snack, consider grabbing a bag of high-quality beef jerky for a healthy and satisfying treat.