10 Best Healthy Jerkies in 2022 (Registered Dietitian-Reviewed)

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.

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.

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.