Beef jerky can be a convenient snack option for people trying to lose weight because it is high in protein and low in calories and fat. Beef jerky, like any snack food, can be a good snack choice in moderation.
Before we go on, we have to say: Nothing we say here should be mistaken for expert medical advice. We're experts in making the world's best beef jerky and bacon jerky. Before you take on any weight-loss program, you should check with your doctor or healthcare provider.
Now, back to the question, "Is beef jerky good for weight loss ..."
Calories In Beef Jerky
If you're on a weight-loss routine, get used to reading nutrition labels. Reading the small print on food labels is how you take control of your calories, carbs, fat, protein and other nutrients.
Pay attention to the ingredients and nutrition labels when choosing beef jerky, as some brands may be high in sodium or additives. Look for brands that use lean cuts of meat and minimal ingredients (Savage Jerky checks both of those boxes), and try to limit your intake of jerky to a few ounces per day.
Our beef jerky packages are portioned in roughly 2-ounce resealable bags with at least 2 servings per bag. Did you catch that? Our bags are resealable. They're intended to be enjoyed in moderation.
How many calories are in beef jerky?
Savage Jerky's beef jerky ranges from 40 calories per 1-ounce serving (Rosemary Garlic) to 90 calories per 1-ounce serving (Tangy Habanero).
Each product on our site includes nutrition information and ingredients. You'll notice that our jerky treats contain ingredients you'll find in your own kitchens, not hard-to-pronounce preservatives and additives. Here is a closeup of our Jalapeno Mojo beef jerky:
Nothing but whole ingredients here, friends! No hard-to-pronounce additives or chemicals.
Because of the low-calorie count in our beef jerky servings, it makes a great addition to sandwiches, wraps and salads. Or, enjoy it on the go, thanks to the resealable pouches.
Weight loss and healthy eating are about more than merely counting calories. Many weight-loss programs help you learn about healthy combinations of protein, carbs and fat that make up those calories, so let’s unpack those in beef jerky.
Protein In Beef Jerky
We need a good balance of nutrients from a variety of sources, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet are important factors in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Your healthcare provider will help you understand the best sources of protein, and for those who eat an omnivorous diet, beef jerky can be a good addition.
How much protein is in beef jerky?
Savage Jerky's beef jerky protein per serving ranges from 8 grams to 13 grams. Our Rosemary Garlic has about 6 grams of protein, while our Bold Teriyaki has about 13 grams. You’ll find our protein grams front and center on all Savage Jerky’s beef and bacon jerky.
Carbs In Beef Jerky
Carbs get a bad rap, thanks to misinformation and highly processed sugary foods. Some weight-loss programs minimize or eliminate "bad" carbs, which are found in sugary sodas, baked goods, and desserts. Good carbs are those found in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
How many carbs are in beef jerky?
Again, our Rosemary Garlic beef jerky is a winner if you're looking for a snack that's high in protein and low in carbs. It has only 2 grams of carbohydrates. Our Bold Teriyaki beef jerky has the highest carbs per serving, still with only 7 grams of carbs.
Is beef jerky ketogenic?
"Ketogenic" in dietary terms typically refers to foods and diets that are higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, especially refined sugar found in candy, baked goods, cereals, and soda. If you are looking for snack food or a protein source that is higher in protein and lower in carbs, may we suggest:
- Ghost Pepper* beef jerky: 1g carb + 8g protein per serving
- Rosemary Garlic beef jerky: 2g carb + 6g protein
- Lime & Garlic Mojo beef jerky: 3g carb + 10g protein
- Reaper* beef jerky: 4g carb + 9g protein
- Original beef jerky: 3g carb + 12g protein
*Not for the faint of heart. These are spicy varieties.
By definition, a diet that contains less than 50 grams of carbs a day is considered to be ketogenic. Again, we're not here to educate or advocate for or against any type of diet. But if you're considering a ketogenic diet, beef jerky can be a good source of protein, which is also lower in carbs.
Fat In Beef Jerky
Savage Jerky uses lean cuts of meat for our beef jerky. Leaner cuts of meat are typically 5 to 10% fat. For comparison, 3 ounces of ground beef that's labeled 70% lean has about 15 grams of fat. The same portion of 90% lean has only about 10 grams of fat, according to VeryWellFit. So, how much fat does beef jerky have?
How many grams of fat are in beef jerky?
You'll find 1 gram to about 2.5 grams of fat per serving of our beef jerky. On the low end are Rosemary Garlic, Habanero Mojo, and Jalapeno Mojo, all with only 1 gram of fat per serving. On the higher end — but still very low — is our Bold Teriyaki with only 2.5 grams of fat per serving.
Beef Jerky For Pre-Post Workout
A good weight-loss plan includes some sort of exercise. Although most of your weight loss comes from controlling your calories, you'll also find that you can boost your metabolism and build muscle by incorporating exercise into your routine.
Once again, we remind you that we at Savage Jerky are not experts in fitness and weight loss. We know what we know — beef and bacon jerky. Research suggests that the best things to eat or drink after a workout include these, in moderation:
- Yogurt and fruit
- Smoothie
- Meat protein on whole-grain bread
- Hard-boiled egg
- Trail mix
Drink plenty of water before, during and after your workouts!
For more delicious ways to incorporate beef jerky into your meals, check out our jerky-inspired recipes. You'll find a variety of recipes that are kid-friendly, perfect for on-the-go, as well as supportive of your weight-loss goals.