How do you choose which one to buy?
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past few years, you would have noticed the rapid growth of the high-protein meat snack; beef jerky.
With us Australians having finally surpassed the US to claim the title of world's most voracious meat eaters, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise either.
In line with our increasing appetite for meat, the Australian beef jerky market is expanding too. And although we haven’t quite reached the consumer level height of the US and the UK as yet, beef jerky is most definitely a big growing trend on the rise.
Beef Jerky isn’t just a fad
We know what you may be thinking: “Is beef jerky just another fad?” It isn’t.
If you’re an avid meat lover like me, you’re bound to recognise the frustration of finding a healthy, easy grab-and-go, protein-rich meat snack that isn’t laden with fat, preservatives and hidden nasties.
This ensures that beef jerky isn’t ‘just another fad’.
Here are some of the reasons why:
- Long shelf life
The dehydration process used to make beef jerky preserves its protein content and extends its shelf life, making beef jerky super easy to grab-and-go!
- Protein
The protein in beef jerky aids muscle repair and provides an adequate number of electrolytes to replace those lost through sweat that reduces soreness and speeds recovery.
Nutritionists and health experts also recommend having protein in every meal.
- Nutrients
Beef jerky has a healthy amount of zinc, iron and B vitamins too.
We’ve always needed those vitamins and probably always will.
- Cooking
You can cook with beef jerky too.
Adding a few strips of beef jerky to your saucepan or pot, or tossing it over an already cooked meal, is an easy way to pump up both the protein and flavour, making it the perfect addition to breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Survival
Beef jerky is even a recommended survival food!
Yes, you read right. Beef jerky is also popular among survivalists because of its high protein and longevity qualities.
So, with all these reasons, you can see why beef jerky certainly isn’t ‘just a fad.’
How do you choose which beef jerky to buy?
Beef jerky is most definitely a growing trend on the rise, and with low prices and new flavours spurring demand, the beef jerky competition is bound to increase.
With so many types of beef jerky out there, the choice of buying your next packet of beef jerky isn’t always an easy one.
Here are our top tips for choosing the right beef jerky for you:
- Read the ingredients
Read the label and check the ingredients.
Some beef jerky brands are processed, full of preservatives, additives and more. Look for all-natural beef jerky with no preservatives or added nasties – The less ingredients, the better!
- Check nutritional value
What’s the real nutritional value of the beef jerky you’re looking at?
Be sure to check the sugar, fat and carbohydrate levels carefully, as these can be deceiving.
- Compare grams per bag
If you’re still undecided and are comparing a couple of different beef jerky options, check the grams per bag and compare price.
Some beef jerky is overpriced and looks too, can be deceiving.
- See where it’s made
I don’t know about you, but if I’m comparing between two products, I will always go for the one that’s made here in Australia.
Along with all this, texture, flavour and packaging may come into it too. After all, that’s what marketing is all about.
At JEEERKS, we make 100% natural beef jerky which is high in protein, low in carbs, lower in fat, Gluten free and full of flavour. And that’s not all, we deliver our beef jerky from our store, straight to your door!