Beef jerky has come a long way from its origins as a simple, dried meat snack to a culinary delight that caters to diverse palates and dietary needs. Today, beef jerky brands experiment with flavors, textures, and ingredients, offering everything from classic smoky varieties to gourmet options with global-inspired tastes. If you’re on the hunt for the best beef jerky out there, here’s a list to get you started.
Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky
Flavor Profile: Classic smoky and slightly sweet with a satisfying chew.
Best For: Traditionalists who enjoy a consistent, widely available snack.
Nutrition: Approximately 80 calories per serving with 11 grams of protein.
Notes: This is the go-to jerky for many, offering a balance of flavor and texture that’s not too tough or tender.
Krave Black Cherry Barbecue Beef Jerky
Flavor Profile: Sweet and tangy with a touch of spice.
Best For: Those who love a twist on classic BBQ flavors.
Nutrition: Around 90 calories and 9 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: Known for its soft texture, Krave’s jerky is easy to chew and feels more like a gourmet treat than a rugged snack.
Country Archer Grass-Fed Beef Jerky – Teriyaki
Flavor Profile: Mild teriyaki with a hint of sweetness from pineapple juice.
Best For: Health-conscious eaters who prefer grass-fed beef.
Nutrition: Contains about 70 calories per serving with 10 grams of protein.
Notes: Made with premium ingredients and without added hormones, this jerky has a cleaner, lighter taste and is low in preservatives.
Epic Bison & Beef Jerky – Sweet & Spicy Sriracha
Flavor Profile: Sweet and spicy with a bison-meat twist.
Best For: Adventurous eaters looking for alternative proteins.
Nutrition: Roughly 80 calories and 8 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: This bison-and-beef blend offers a unique flavor and texture, with the sriracha adding a touch of heat without overpowering the natural taste.
Think Jerky – Free Range Beef Jerky, Sriracha Honey
Flavor Profile: A balance of spicy sriracha and natural honey sweetness.
Best For: Those who prefer a well-balanced sweet-spicy combo with fewer additives.
Nutrition: About 70 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: Think Jerky uses chef-inspired flavors and avoids artificial ingredients, making this a high-quality choice for a flavor-packed, healthier snack.
Brooklyn Biltong – Air Dried Beef, Original
Flavor Profile: Mildly spiced with a tender, air-dried texture.
Best For: Fans of softer, air-dried jerky with less salt.
Nutrition: 80 calories and around 16 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: Biltong is popular for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Brooklyn Biltong is made without sugar, making it an excellent option for low-carb diets.
Tillamook Country Smoker – Sea Salt & Pepper Beef Jerky
Flavor Profile: Classic sea salt and black pepper, providing a clean, peppery flavor.
Best For: Those who like simplicity and traditional jerky taste.
Nutrition: Approximately 90 calories and 11 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: Tillamook jerky is known for its quality and natural flavors, with this variety bringing out the richness of the beef without overpowering spices.
Stryve Original Beef Biltong
Flavor Profile: Slightly gamey and earthy with a natural taste.
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts and keto dieters.
Nutrition: 90 calories and a high protein content of 16 grams per serving.
Notes: Biltong is air-dried, not smoked, giving it a more delicate flavor and tender texture, with no sugar or additives.
How to Choose the Best Beef Jerky for You
Flavor Preferences: Whether you love a hint of sweetness, a touch of spice, or something smoky, there’s a jerky out there to match your taste.
Dietary Needs: Many jerky options now cater to keto, paleo, and low-sugar diets. Look for options without added sugar if you’re watching carbs, or opt for grass-fed, organic jerky for a cleaner choice.
Texture and Protein Content: Jerky ranges from tough and chewy to soft and easy-to-bite.
Higher protein content often correlates with denser jerky, so pick what satisfies your texture preference.
Whether you’re gearing up for a road trip, need a midday snack, or just love exploring new flavors, beef jerky offers something for everyone. With brands experimenting with everything from unique global flavors to grass-fed sourcing, there’s never been a better time to enjoy this classic snack in a modern, gourmet way.
Field Trip Beef Jerky – Cracked Pepper
Flavor Profile: Sharp black pepper with a mild smoky undertone.
Best For: Pepper lovers who enjoy a straightforward, savory flavor.
Nutrition: 80 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: Field Trip focuses on natural ingredients, providing jerky without nitrates or preservatives. The cracked pepper variety has a bold, robust flavor that pairs well with the meat’s natural taste.
Perky Jerky – Original Beef
Flavor Profile: Slightly sweet with a mild spice.
Best For: Those who prefer a softer jerky with a well-rounded taste.
Nutrition: About 70 calories and 11 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: This tender jerky is marinated for extra flavor and moisture, making it one of the most tender options. It’s free from artificial additives and preservatives, creating a wholesome snack.
Oberto – Spicy Sweet Beef Jerky
Flavor Profile: A balance of heat and sweetness with hints of soy sauce.
Best For: Fans of sweet and spicy combos.
Nutrition: 90 calories with around 9 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: This variety offers a bold flavor profile for those who enjoy a more intense taste. It’s also readily available, making it a convenient choice for spice lovers on the go.
Savage Jerky Co. – Mojo Jalapeño
Flavor Profile: Zesty and spicy with citrus notes.
Best For: Heat seekers and citrus flavor fans.
Nutrition: 80 calories and 10 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: This jerky is unique for its combination of jalapeño heat and citrusy flavors. Savage Jerky uses natural ingredients and is free from high fructose corn syrup, offering a spicier yet clean option.
Buffalo Bob’s – Exotic Jerky Sampler
Flavor Profile: Includes buffalo, venison, alligator, and more exotic meat flavors.
Best For: Adventurous eaters eager to explore unique proteins.
Nutrition: Varies by type, with a general range of 80-100 calories and around 10 grams of protein per serving.
Notes: Buffalo Bob’s sampler pack is ideal for those looking to taste something different. With a range of exotic meats, this jerky is more than just a snack—it’s an experience.
Tips for Storing and Enjoying Beef Jerky
To get the best flavor and texture, store jerky in a cool, dry place. Once opened, seal it tightly to keep it fresh or refrigerate if you plan to store it longer. For those who want a softer texture, allowing it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating can make a difference.
DIY Beef Jerky: Make Your Own!
If you’re inspired by all the options and want to create a custom flavor, making your own beef jerky is simpler than it sounds. Here’s a quick guide:
Choose Your Meat: Opt for lean cuts like eye of round or flank steak.
Prepare a Marinade: For a basic recipe, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a touch of brown sugar.
Marinate and Dry: Marinate your meat strips for at least 4 hours, then dry in a dehydrator or a low-temperature oven (around 160°F) for 4-6 hours.
Experiment with spices, marinades, and techniques to create a snack that’s truly your own!
Choosing Your Beef Jerky Adventure
The beauty of beef jerky lies in its versatility. From classic options like Jack Link’s to gourmet offerings from Savage Jerky Co. and Krave, there’s a jerky for every preference. Try sampling a few different brands and flavors to discover your favorites—whether you crave spicy, sweet, or classic smoky tastes. Beef jerky isn’t just a snack; it’s a journey into flavors and textures crafted from one of the most beloved treats for meat lovers around the world.
