Venison/deer jerky
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
Venison jerky is a lean, intensely flavored dried meat snack with a satisfyingly tough, chewy texture. It delivers a potent punch of protein with a sweet-savory profile, often accented by smoky or spicy notes. This nutrient-dense food is a powerhouse for sustained energy, offering a significant protein boost with minimal carbohydrates.
Calorie split: 33% protein · 15% carbs · 52% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love venison jerky for its deep, gamey flavor and satisfying chew, which offers a more complex taste than standard beef jerky. Its portability and high protein make it a favorite for hikers, athletes, and anyone needing a quick, nutrient-dense snack.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sodium content in many commercial brands can be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure, and the tough texture may be challenging for some. To mitigate, choose low-sodium varieties, pair with water, and consume in moderation (about 1 oz/28g per serving).
Key benefits
- High protein content for muscle maintenance and satiety
- Low in carbohydrates compared to many other snacks
- Rich in iron and B vitamins, especially B12
- Long shelf life without refrigeration
- A lean alternative to traditional beef jerky
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Venison jerky was a crucial survival food for Native Americans and early European settlers, often dried over open fires and carried on long journeys as a lightweight, non-perishable protein source.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 23.4 g |
| Energy | 398 kcal |
| Protein | 32.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 22.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.00 g |
| Total Sugars | 14.8 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 18.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 4.3 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 26.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 253 mg |
| Potassium, K | 391 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 2955 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 6.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.21 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 14.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.45 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.41 mg |
| Niacin | 6.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.34 mg |
| Folate, total | 6.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 6.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 123 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.9 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 |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.74 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.30 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 1.8 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 9.6 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 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.47 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 4.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 4.0 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 7.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.48 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 6.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.12 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.9 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.5 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.27 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.10 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 | 129 mg |
FAQ
Is venison jerky healthier than beef jerky?
Generally yes, as venison is leaner and lower in fat than most beef cuts, providing more protein per calorie. However, both can be high in sodium, so checking labels is important.
How should I store venison jerky?
Store in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. For longer shelf life, refrigerate or freeze it, especially if homemade or opened.
Can I make venison jerky at home?
Yes, you can slice venison into thin strips, marinate, and dehydrate using a food dehydrator or oven. Ensure proper food safety by cooking to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) before drying.
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 3.98 kcal/g · 32% calories from protein · 0.0 g fiber · 14.8 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: 7.56 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.