Snacks, beef sticks, smoked
Whole food · Snacks
Smoked beef sticks are a dense, savory snack of seasoned, ground beef that's been smoked to a firm, chewy texture. They deliver a potent punch of smoky, salty, and umami flavors with a satisfying, almost jerky-like bite. Nutritionally, they are a high-fat, high-protein energy source with virtually no carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 16% protein · 4% carbs · 81% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love them for their intense, savory flavor and incredible convenience as a no-mess, no-prep protein source. They are a staple in American convenience culture, often associated with road trips, hunting trips, and quick fuel.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The very high fat and sodium content can be a concern for heart health and blood pressure management. They are also highly processed and often contain common allergens like soy and gluten, plus nitrates used in curing. To counteract, practice strict portion control (stick to one or two), pair with a potassium-rich food like a banana or orange to help balance sodium, and choose brands with minimal additives.
Key benefits
- Excellent source of complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Provides a quick, calorie-dense energy boost.
- Contains no sugar or carbohydrates, making it keto-friendly.
- Shelf-stable and portable for on-the-go nutrition.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The modern, shelf-stable beef stick was popularized in the 1920s by a German immigrant in Wisconsin who adapted traditional European sausage-making techniques for American convenience.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 19.1 g |
| Energy | 550 kcal |
| Energy | 2301 kj |
| Protein | 21.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 49.6 g |
| Ash | 4.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 5.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 68.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 3.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 21.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 180 mg |
| Potassium, K | 257 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 1531 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.4 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.13 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.09 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 6.8 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.14 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.44 mg |
| Niacin | 4.5 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.33 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.20 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 13.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 150 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 250 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 20.8 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.33 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 1.4 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 11.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 7.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 20.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 2.3 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 17.9 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.25 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 4.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.0 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.38 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 133 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.18 g |
| Threonine | 0.83 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.82 g |
| Leucine | 1.5 g |
| Lysine | 1.5 g |
| Methionine | 0.45 g |
| Cystine | 0.29 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.80 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.60 g |
| Valine | 0.95 g |
| Arginine | 1.5 g |
| Histidine | 0.53 g |
| Alanine | 1.5 g |
| Aspartic acid | 2.0 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.0 g |
| Glycine | 2.2 g |
| Proline | 1.5 g |
| Serine | 0.89 g |
FAQ
Are beef sticks the same as beef jerky?
Not exactly. Jerky is typically made from whole muscle meat that's sliced, marinated, and dried. Beef sticks are made from ground meat that's mixed with spices, stuffed into casings, and then smoked or cooked, resulting in a softer, more uniform texture.
Why are they so high in fat?
The ground beef used often has a higher fat content (like 80/20) to ensure the final product is moist and flavorful after the drying and smoking process. The fat is a key carrier of the smoky flavor.
Can they be part of a healthy diet?
In moderation, yes. They can be a useful protein source for active individuals or those needing a portable, calorie-dense snack. The key is to account for their high sodium and saturated fat content within your overall daily intake.
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 5.50 kcal/g · 16% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 0.0 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: 5.96 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.