Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a lean, dried meat snack made by marinating strips of beef in a seasoned mixture and then dehydrating them until chewy. It typically features beef, soy sauce, salt, sugar, and various spices like black pepper or garlic. Originating from ancient preservation techniques, it's now a popular portable snack worldwide.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Beef jerky is exceptionally high in protein, making it a favorite for muscle building and satiety, while being very low in carbohydrates and moderate in fat. A typical 1-ounce (28g) serving provides around 70-100 calories, along with key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	116 kcal
Protein	9.4 g
Carbs	3.1 g
Fat	7.3 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	2.7 g
Sodium	485 mg
Iron	1.1 mg
Zinc	2.3 mg
Potassium	170 mg
Phosphorus	100 mg
Niacin (B3)	3.2 mg
Vitamin B12	0.9 mcg
Selenium	11 mcg
Magnesium	12 mg

Per 1 oz (28 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, jerky has been a vital survival food for indigenous peoples, soldiers, and explorers for centuries due to its long shelf life without refrigeration. Nutritionally, it's unique as a dense, portable protein source that can be made with minimal processing, though commercial versions can be high in sodium.