10 Best Healthy Jerkies in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)
In our research, we found that the best healthy jerkies can be made from a variety of meats, contain just a few whole food ingredients, and have a balanced macronutrient profile. Keeping these things in mind, we’ve handpicked some of our favorite healthy jerkies available online, with Ayoba taking first place. You can read more about our product choice criteria in our buying guide reviewed by a registered dietitian.
Quick List - Top Healthy Jerkies
One For Neptune
Made of Sustainably Caught White Fish
Rachel Binkley is a registered dietitian who helps individuals develop healthy habits that fit into their lifestyle. She recommends adequate intakes of all micronutrients to help prevent deficiency as well as chronic conditions that may arise. You can keep up with her recipes, lifestyle, and more on Instagram or her blog, S'more Satisfaction.
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How to Choose a Healthy Jerky – Buying Guide
Consider Flavor and Nutrition When Choosing a Meat
Beef, for instance, is high in protein but also quite high in fat. Venison or bison, on the other hand, are leaner and have a more unique gamey flavor. Fish jerky can sometimes be high in fat, but those fats are heart-healthy Omega-3s.
Another way to determine the nutrition of the meat that you’re eating is by looking for labeling that states the meat has been “grass-fed and finished” and is hormone- and antibiotic-free. Meats raised in conventional mass agriculture are often pumped full of chemicals and fed foods that lead to lower nutritional values.
Avoid Preservatives and Artificial Flavorings
However, the likelihood of nitrates and nitrites in food causing cancer is very low, so there is no need to completely cut them out of your diet. Note that many nitrate-free options still contain plant-based nitrites, so no matter what type of jerky you go for, eat in moderation.
As a general all-around good measure, look for jerkies that have ingredient lists that only include things you yourself might use in the kitchen. Particularly if you’re going for a flavored jerky, it’s important to carefully read the label.
Watch Out for Too Much Sodium, Sugar, and Saturated Fat
Too much of any one of these ingredients—sodium, sugar, and salt—can lead to heart and overall health issues in the future. That's why you should always eat in moderation, but also try to find the healthiest options.
Limit Sodium to 500 Milligrams
To ensure that you’re not consuming too much sodium, look for jerkies that have less than 500 milligrams of sodium per serving (though that’s still about 20% of your daily recommended amount!). Be sure to also check serving size.
Keep Sugar at Under 5 Grams
In addition, sugar is added in tandem with sodium to give jerkies their distinctive savory edge. Consumption of too much sugar can affect your blood sugar, is linked to heart disease, and relates to diabetes management. Try to look for jerky that uses natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, and with under 5 grams of sugar.
Lower Your Saturated Fat Intake
You may also want to be conscious of how much fat is in your jerky, as a high intake of fat can lead to cardiovascular disease. Jerkies with higher fat content can taste more succulent and soft, but you should aim to look for a low-fat jerky, as your general intake of saturated fat should be kept at 15.5 grams a day.
10 Best Healthy Jerkies
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Ayoba Biltong Grass Fed, Tender Beef Snack｜2 oz. | | Simple, Sun-dried, No-Fluff Beef Jerky | |
2 | Golden Island Korean BBQ Pork Jerky｜1.5 oz., 12 packs | | A Balance of Sweet, Spicy, and Pork | |
3 | One For Neptune Wild Caught White Fish Jerky, Fiery Cajun｜2.2 oz | | Made of Sustainably Caught White Fish | |
4 | Wild West Jerky Wood-Smoked Buffalo Jerky｜2 oz. | | All-Natural, Woodsmoked Buffalo Jerky | |
5 | People’s Choice Beef Jerky Old-Fashioned Original Beef Jerky｜16 oz. | | Buy Beef Jerky in Bulk | |
6 | Sogo Snacks Beef Sticks｜1 oz., 12 count | | Stick-Style for On-the-Go | |
7 | The New Primal Free-Range Chicken & Maple Meat Sticks for Kids｜5 sticks, 8 count | | Kids and Adults Can Enjoy This Snack | |
8 | FBomb Keto Meat Sticks, Salt and Pepper Pork｜12 pack | | Pork-Based, High-Fat, and Keto-Friendly | |
9 | Wild Zora Meat and Veggie Bars, Mediterranean Lamb｜1 oz., 10 count | | Fruit and Veggie-Infused Jerky | |
10 | Perky Jerky More Than Just Original Turkey Jerky｜14 oz. | | A Turkey Jerky That's Super Soft and Lean |
Simple, Sun-dried, No-Fluff Beef Jerky
Reviewers write that it’s well-spiced and tasty, despite the lack of sugar. The slices are on the thinner side, and many write that it’s as close as you can get to real African biltong without having to fly to Africa.
Golden IslandKorean BBQ Pork Jerky ｜ 1.5 oz., 12 packs
A Balance of Sweet, Spicy, and Pork
Reviewers rave about its addictive flavoring that’s neither too sweet nor too salty. They write that the texture is moist and not at all stringy as some jerkies can be.
One For NeptuneWild Caught White Fish Jerky, Fiery Cajun ｜ 2.2 oz
Made of Sustainably Caught White Fish
Reviewers love the healthier nutrient profile compared to beef and though it has a very similar texture to beef. It has just the vaguest fish scent but hardly tastes fishy, which makes it great for those averse to seafood.
All-Natural, Woodsmoked Buffalo Jerky
Reviewers liken eating this jerky to snacking on filet mignon and absolutely love the meaty flavor and texture. However, it is a bit pricey for the amount that you get, so you may want to consider this a treat jerky.
People’s Choice Beef JerkyOld-Fashioned Original Beef Jerky ｜ 16 oz.
Buy Beef Jerky in Bulk
Reviewers write that this jerky is lean, simply flavored, and requires a bit of chewing. Despite its lack of preservatives, it is good for up to a year unrefrigerated, which shows you that it’s properly preserved.
Stick-Style for On-the-Go
Reviewers love the flavor and texture and write that these are much less greasy than conventional beef jerky sticks. However, do note that this particular listing might arrive close to the expiration date, so be sure to double-check your package before eating.
The New PrimalFree-Range Chicken & Maple Meat Sticks for Kids ｜ 5 sticks, 8 count
Kids and Adults Can Enjoy This Snack
Reviewers (and their kids) love the flavor and appreciate that it’s a balanced alternative to sugar-laden snacks. Though it comes in eight packages, each stick is wrapped individually, making it easy to grab on the go.
Pork-Based, High-Fat, and Keto-Friendly
Reviewers write that these sticks really curb your hunger. They’re softer than some other stick-style jerkies and the skin breaks down easily with the meat, but some reviewers report that the texture can be a little grainy.
Wild ZoraMeat and Veggie Bars, Mediterranean Lamb ｜ 1 oz., 10 count
Fruit and Veggie-Infused Jerky
Reviewers write that these bars are soft, rich, and moist. The flavor is delicate, and the taste of lamb isn’t overpowering. However, they aren’t very large, and you may find that they’re a bit expensive for the amount you get.
Perky JerkyMore Than Just Original Turkey Jerky ｜ 14 oz.
A Turkey Jerky That's Super Soft and Lean
Reviewers write that it’s extremely tender–which may not be what you’re looking for, admittedly. It comes in large pieces, which is great if you don’t want to keep sticking your hand in the bag.
Find More Healthy Snacks
Jerkies are great for the occasional snack, but sometimes they aren't satisfying enough. For more variety in your healthy snacking routine, why not try one of the options below?
Top 5 Healthy Jerkies
No. 1: Ayoba｜Biltong Grass Fed, Tender Beef Snack｜2 oz.
No. 2: Golden Island｜Korean BBQ Pork Jerky｜1.5 oz., 12 packs
No. 3: One For Neptune｜Wild Caught White Fish Jerky, Fiery Cajun｜2.2 oz
No. 4: Wild West Jerky｜Wood-Smoked Buffalo Jerky｜2 oz.
No. 5: People’s Choice Beef Jerky｜Old-Fashioned Original Beef Jerky｜16 oz.
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.