Snacks, beef jerky, chopped and formed
Whole food · Snacks
Photo: Wikipedia
This is a shelf-stable, savory snack made from lean beef that's been ground, seasoned, shaped, and dehydrated. It delivers a chewy, fibrous texture with a concentrated, smoky, and often spicy or sweet-savory flavor profile. Nutritionally, it's a protein powerhouse, packing over 33 grams per 100 grams with a moderate calorie count.
Calorie split: 33% protein · 11% carbs · 57% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People adore it for its intense, savory umami punch and satisfying chew that curbs hunger effectively. It's a beloved trail snack, gym bag staple, and a taste of Western American or Australian outback culture.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sodium content can be a concern for blood pressure, and some brands contain added sugars or nitrates. To counteract sodium, pair it with potassium-rich foods like a banana or orange, and always check labels for lower-sodium options. The dense texture can also be tough on dental work.
Key benefits
- Extremely high in complete protein for muscle maintenance
- Convenient, portable, no-refrigeration-required snack
- Long shelf life makes it ideal for travel and emergencies
- Low in carbohydrates, suitable for many low-carb diets
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The word 'jerky' comes from the Quechua word 'ch'arki,' meaning 'dried meat,' a preservation technique used by Andean cultures for thousands of years.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 23.4 g |
| Energy | 410 kcal |
| Energy | 1715 kj |
| Protein | 33.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 25.6 g |
| Ash | 6.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 11.0 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 20.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 5.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 51.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 407 mg |
| Potassium, K | 597 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1785 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 8.1 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.23 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.11 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 10.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.15 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.14 mg |
| Niacin | 1.7 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.16 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.18 mg |
| Folate, total | 134 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 134 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 134 ug |
| Choline, total | 109 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.99 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 0.00 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.49 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 11.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 2.3 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 10.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.82 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 5.7 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 3.9 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 11.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 1.1 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 10.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.81 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.18 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 48.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
Estimated from Snacks, corn-based, extruded, chips, plain — USDA does not publish this profile for Snacks.
| Tryptophan | 0.05 g |
| Threonine | 0.25 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.23 g |
| Leucine | 0.80 g |
| Lysine | 0.18 g |
| Methionine | 0.14 g |
| Cystine | 0.12 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.32 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.27 g |
| Valine | 0.33 g |
| Arginine | 0.33 g |
| Histidine | 0.20 g |
| Alanine | 0.49 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.46 g |
| Glutamic acid | 1.2 g |
| Glycine | 0.27 g |
| Proline | 0.57 g |
| Serine | 0.31 g |
FAQ
Is chopped and formed beef jerky less healthy than whole-muscle jerky?
Not necessarily. 'Chopped and formed' refers to the manufacturing process where smaller pieces are bound together. The nutritional value depends on the cut of beef used, the seasoning, and the drying process. It can be just as protein-dense as whole-muscle jerky.
Why is the sugar content listed if it's a meat snack?
Many commercial beef jerky recipes include sugar, brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup in the marinade to balance the salt, aid in browning, and create a caramelized flavor. The 9g per 100g is a common amount for sweet-and-savory varieties.
How should I store it after opening?
Once the seal is broken, it's best to consume it within a few days for optimal texture. If you need to store it longer, place it in an airtight container or resealable bag in a cool, dark place. Refrigeration can extend freshness but may make it harder.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 4.10 kcal/g · 32% calories from protein · 1.8 g fiber · 9.0 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.99 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.