Beef Jerky Nutrition: Get the Most Out of Your Snacks

Beef jerky is a great way to meet your daily protein goals, because its main ingredient is meat. It has a robust flavor and the ability to stay edible for long periods of time. But what is the nutritional content of this highly satisfying meat sneak?

Whatever kind of diet you’re following, we want to make it easy for you to choose the right meat snack. Here, we break down the nutrition facts about beef jerky and its macronutrients, or “macros.” 

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition facts for beef jerky will always vary by brand because of the different ingredients used. For instance, some brands may use sugar, some may use molasses and some may not use any sweetener at all. 

How they make the jerky will also impact the nutritional content due to the cut of meat used and the curing process. You’ll need to refer to the nutrition label to find out the precise ingredients used and the nutrition facts for each product.

That said, the USDA does provide some generic beef jerky nutrition facts. A 1oz piece of beef jerky may contain around nine grams of protein, about three grams of carbohydrates, and seven grams of fat. Protein, carbohydrates, and fats are macronutrients.

Our Best Sellers

Jack Links Original Jerky

These tender morsels are slow-roasted over hardwood smoke and made with a variety of appetizing spices. The beefy flavor is layered with pineapple powder, celery extract and beef stock.

To sweeten the jerky, sugar and brown sugar are used. Soy sauce and sea salt punctuate the savory flavors. If you’re gluten-free, remember that soy sauce is usually made with wheat and gluten. 

Let’s break down the nutrition facts per serving, which is one ounce:

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 1.5 grams
• Sodium: 520 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugars: 6 grams
• Protein: 10 grams

Original Beef and Cheese Combos

These delectable combos give you the benefits of eating meat snacks with the bonus of delicious American cheese from Wisconsin. One serving is a single beef stick paired with a cheese stick. 

Ingredients include salt, corn syrup, sugar, pasteurized milk, paprika and turmeric. To help you count your macros, here are the nutrition facts:

• Calories: 140
• Fat: 11 grams
• Sodium: 510 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugars: 1 gram
• Protein: 8 grams

Original Turkey Jerky

If you’re looking for another lean protein alternative to beef jerky, look no further than our turkey jerky. Made with white meat turkey breast, it’s slow-cooked over hardwood smoke and has no added MSG, nitrates or nitrites.

The recipe for turkey jerky includes sugar, brown sugar and molasses, which gives each bite a subtle sweet flavor. Sea salt, cultured celery extract and soy sauce (which contains gluten) are also added to compliment the natural turkey flavor.

Turkey jerky has even more protein than beef jerky per serving, with a serving size being one ounce. Here are the nutrition facts:

• Calories: 70
• Fat: 1 gram
• Sodium: 550 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugars: 4 grams
• Protein: 12 grams

Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky

Red chili and black pepper give this jerky a zesty kick. It’s also flavored with sweet ingredients such as sugar, brown sugar and pineapple powder. Beef stock, cultured celery and sea salt enhance the natural meaty taste.

Let’s examine the nutritional information for a single serving, which is one ounce:

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 1.5 grams
• Sodium: 280 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 8 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugars: 8 grams
• Protein: 9 grams

Wild® Original Sticks

These beef and pork sticks are seasoned with salt, molasses, and paprika, which creates a luscious smoky flavor. A single serving is one stick, which is 2.2 ounces. Due to the special blend of flavors, spices and meats, they can help power you up with a dose of calories and protein. 

Let’s take a look at the nutritional profile:

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 25 grams
• Sodium: 940 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams
• Fiber: 0.9 grams
• Sugars: 3 grams
• Protein: 14 grams

Barbecue Recipe Beef Steaks

Keep the summer vibes going all year long with these flavor-packed barbecue recipe beef steaks, made from tender strips of beef. Barbecue sauce, brown sugar and molasses make each piece subtly sweet, and dried onion and garlic highlight the natural hickory smoke flavor.

All you need is one steak strip for a single serving. Here are the nutrition facts:

• Calories: 70
• Fat: 1.5 grams
• Sodium: 480 milligrams
• Carbohydrates: 7 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugars: 7 grams
• Protein: 8 grams

FAQs on Beef Jerky Nutrition

Is Beef Jerky Low Carb?

Beef jerky does have some carbs, but that number depends on the flavor of the jerky. Some will use higher amounts of sweeteners, like sugar and molasses. This can elevate the number of carbs per serving, so read the label if you’re eating a low-carb diet.

Does Jack Link’s Have Gluten-free or Keto-Friendly Jerky?

Yes, we do! Gluten-free options include Barbecue Recipe Beef Steaks and Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky. The label will always inform you whether our meat snacks contain wheat ingredients, where gluten can be found.

Keto friendly foods are considered to be high in protein and fats, and low in carbs and sugar. One possible keto option could be our Original Turkey Jerky, which has only four grams of sugar and a heaping 12 grams of protein. 

What Part of the Cow Is Beef Jerky Made From?

Most jerky is made from top rounds and bottom rounds, which have just enough marbling for flavor without being too rubbery from the fat. They provide lean cuts of beef that are perfect for the slow-smoking process.

Get the Nutrients You Need With Jack Link’s Tasty Meat Snacks

Whether you’re counting your macros or simply want to find the right meat snack for you, we’ve got you covered. From delicious beef sticks to lean protein turkey jerky, we have delicious smoked meats to help keep you satisfied. Find your favorite by checking out our meat snack options today.