Are you looking for a protein-packed snack that’s low-carb, filling, and convenient? Read on to discover the best beef jerky for weight loss.
Beef jerky has gained a lot of attention for being an efficient source of protein. One that also happens to be low-carb and super convenient.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite beef jerky brands and how to choose weight-loss-friendly and healthier beef jerky options. Read on further to see which ones check all the boxes of my clean-eating criteria!
Is Beef Jerky Good For Weight Loss?
Beef jerky is known for being a high-protein snack that helps keep you full, making it an excellent choice for weight loss. No wonder it made the cut in my list of Fave High Protein Snacks for Weight Loss!
When enjoyed in moderation, beef jerky is a convenient, healthy snack that delivers a solid dose of protein.
If you’re picking out beef jerky, look for options that are low in added sugars and sodium. This ensures you’re getting the protein benefits without the unwanted extras that can work against your health and weight-loss goals. For more on why jerky could be your next go-to snack, check out my post: Is Beef Jerky Good For You?
Need a little more motivation to cut out processed foods? Learn What Happens When You Stop Eating Processed Food | 10 Things You’ll Notice
What Is The Healthiest Beef Jerky?
There’s a wide array of brands online and available in stores that can make your selection a bit overwhelming. So allow me to share some helpful criteria.
Here's what to look for when choosing a healthy beef jerky brand:
- Avoid high-sodium options: Look for brands that contain less than 300 mg of sodium per serving to keep your sodium intake in check.
- Opt for low-sugar brands or ones that use healthy sweetener alternatives: There are many brands that contain low or zero sugar options (I’ve linked one in my list below). Some brands contain sugar but minimally and that’s okay, especially ones that use healthy sugar alternatives.
- Choose ones with minimal ingredients: The fewer ingredients the better.
- Check the protein content: Lastly, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting some protein bang for your buck. Good quality brands have at least 10 grams of protein per serving. I’ve also included them below on my list.
What Brand Is The Best?
I’ve narrowed it down to 6 of my fave beef jerky brands for the best store-bought beef jerky.
1. The New Primal Sea Salt & Pepper 100% Grass-Fed Beef Thins
Overall, this makes my number one pick hands down. I love that the brand uses 100% grass-fed beef raised without hormones and antibiotics. It’s also crucial to note that it’s purely “one-hundred percent” grass-fed.
This product is gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and packs 11 grams of protein (with only 70 calories per serving). Their beef is also free of nitrates or added nitrates, except for those in the sea salt. It's also preservative-free.
2. Prevail Beef Jerkey
Prevail is second on my list because they also use 100% grass-fed beef! Another bonus is that they use coconut sugar, and it’s gluten-free, hormone-free, added nitrates-free, and preservative-free! It was also just the right amount of chewy.
3. Country Archer Provisions Grass-fed Beef Jerkey
There’s a more natural garlicky spice to Country Archer, which I like. And it's more on the dry and stringy side if this is your sorta thing. Overall, it’s pretty good and I like how they have a variety of zero-sugar versions (with no MSG or nitrates).
Also from grass-fed beef so they're keeping up with the competition!
4. Tillamook Country Smoker Zero Sugar Original Beef Jerkey
Tillamook Country is perfect for anyone looking to cut down on calories, lose weight, or avoid added sugars. This brand has a variety of zero-sugar options with several flavors. Perfect if you’re also looking for some variety!
They range from original jerky to teriyaki, and black pepper selections. It’s also packed with 14 grams of protein per serving! Highly recommended as a zero-sugar, zero-carb option.
5. Chomps Original Beef Stick
So these aren’t your normal Slim Jim… they're MUCH better! These wonderfully portable beef sticks score high in the convenience factor. You can even use them as a sub for highly processed meat on your healthy meat and cheese platter!
Again, I love that they use 100% grass-fed beef with a bunch of flavors ranging from sea salt to jalapeño. They also carry turkey and venison sticks. Keto, paleo, sugar, and carb-free.
6. Brooklyn Biltong Original Air Dried Beef
If you’re looking to indulge a bit more on the gourmet side, this brand boasts a super clean and super simple ingredient list. It's also great for paleo and keto diets because it contains 15 grams of protein per serving (making it one of the highest).
The Biltong meat is cured in a South African style of marinating them in vinegar, salt, and air-dried instead of using heat. The textures you’ll get are moist and tender. A must-try if you are a beef jerky connoisseur.
More Best Of Brand Posts
You know I love shopping around to find the best products available for purchase! Check out these other posts.
- 6 Best Store-Bought Breads | How To Find The Best Brands
- Top 10 Best Packaged Deli Meats (And Which Ones To Avoid!)
- 7 Best Kombucha Brands | And Why They’re So Good
- 7 Best Protein Bars + What Makes a Protein Bar Healthy
- Top 7 Best Pasta Sauces You Can Buy (That Are Actually Healthy!)
This post contains affiliate links for products I use regularly and highly recommend.
Ryan
Your best bet is to get beef jerky from your local butcher. This way you’re supporting your local economy, most likely getting a LOT less sodium and a whole lot better flavour. Take this advice and enjoy what your own neighbours are making for you!!!
Jen Moderator
Very good idea. Thank, Ryan! -Jen