8 Healthiest Jerky Sticks—and 3 To Avoid

collage of five healthy jerky sticks on a designed purple background

Originally published by Eat This, Not That!
By Sarah Garone, NDTR, CNC  |  Published on September 17, 2024
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Here's a fun fact about jerky: Though it's become a quintessentially American snack, its name derives from the Quechua language of Peru. The original word ch'arki means dried, salted meat. In the Andean region of South America, ch'arki was first made from the meat of alpacas and llamas.
Nowadays, of course, you can find jerky made with all sorts of meats (and even plants) in all kinds of formats, from shavings to sticks. In general, this dried snack is a healthy choice. It's typically packed with protein and doesn't require much besides meat and a few seasonings to make it savory and delicious. Individually packaged jerky sticks add an extra layer of convenience, making grab-and-go snacking a breeze.
Depending on the brand, though, it's not hard to find jerky sticks that overdo it on added sugars, sodium, and preservatives. Make a smart protein pick by choosing from among the best jerky sticks and avoiding the worst ones. And if you're more into traditional jerky, check out 11 Best & Worst Beef Jerky Brands, According to Dietitians.


How We Chose the Healthiest Jerky Sticks

  • Low added sugar: Save the sugar for actual sweets. We looked for jerky sticks with minimal added sweetener.
  • Short ingredient list: When choosing a healthy jerky, remember to keep it simple. A long ingredient list of additives and flavorings isn't usually necessary—and may only add calories and higher levels of processing.
  • Low sodium: Salt enhances meaty flavor, but that doesn't mean a jerky stick has to be loaded with sodium to taste good. Our picks lean on other seasonings to add flavor.

Best: The New Primal Classic Beef Meat Stick

The New Primal Classic Beef Meat Stick
Nutrition (Per 28g serving):
Calories: 90
Fat: 6 g (Saturated Fat: 2.5 g)
Sodium: 380 mg
Carbs: 1 g (Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 8 g

Zero added sugars and no artificial ingredients are a winning combo in The New Primal's Classic Beef Meat Stick. This jerky's beef also boasts some sustainability bonuses. The grass-fed beef is raised without hormones or antibiotics.

Read the full article here: Eat This, Not That!