16 Best Beef Jerky Brands - The Guide to Dried Meat Snacks

The King of Protein.

Beef jerky is PACKED with protein. One ounce of beef jerky (about 28 grams) generally provides about 14 grams of protein. Consider the average "high-protein bar" weighs about 80 g and only provides 20 g of protein. Beef jerky provides DOUBLE that protein-to-weight ratio. In short, beef jerky is one of the densest sources of protein.

Backpackers are all about lightweight nutrition which makes this snack a staple of the trail diet. Depending on what your nutritional needs are, beef jerky can be a great low fat and low carbohydrate snack as well.

History of Man Meeting Dried Meat.

It is believed that the consumption of dried meat dates as far back as the Neanderthals - notably eating "woolly mammoth jerky". Curing meat as a means of preservation was utilized in a variety of different methods in early civilizations. Some used salt or sugar to withdraw water moisture out of meat through the process of osmosis. Others smoked or dehydrated their meat.

Animal sources, preparation and flavorings evolved over centuries into countless varieties all over the world - Pemmican in North America, Kilishi in Nigeria, Ch'arki in South America, Biltong in South Africa and Bakkwa in China to name a few. 

How Beef Jerky is Made.

The fundamentals are pretty simple. Slice up some meat, marinade it and then dry it out. Note drying is not necessarily cooking. The main goal is only to eliminate moisture. The real delicacy and art of the process comes with the cut of meat, the preparation, the marinade, the spices, etc.

Know Your Jerky.

1. Tough or Soft: Some jerky is tough and chewy designed for a slow flavor absorbing experience. Others are soft to go down easy. Generally soft jerky has been tenderized or ground down and reformed.

2. Dry or Moist: You can go heavily spiced and crumbly or sticky to the touch and soaked in sweet syrups. 

3. Type of Meat: Beef is our American favorite. Deer (venison), chicken, pork, turkey, buffalo (bison) and duck are all popular as well. Everything from kangaroo to alligator are available though. 

4. Structure: Jerky strips, long and skinny sticks, rectangular bars and small bites are on the list. Take your pick.

CC BY 2.0 | Stephano A.

DUKE'S

Known for being chunky and chewy, Duke's beef jerky comes in thick strips of Angus beef. Founded by Justin "Duke" Havlick and his homemade recipes.

EPIC

Epic started off with dried meat bars, often with dried fruit blended in (like Bison Bacon Cranberry). They have branched out into all sorts of animal products - from pork rinds to venison strips.

CHEF'S CUT

Whipped up by an executive chef, Chef's Cut prioritizes flavor and spice above all else. The Sriracha is a personal favorite. Better for those who like it dry.

TANKA

Minimally processed and great tasting dried meat bars. Tanka also frequently partners and fund raises with Native American organizations.

PEMMICAN

Plain and simple beef jerky with three classic flavors - Teriyaki, Peppered and Original. Complete with an additional organic line.

KRAVE

Well crafted, artisanal jerky. Love the wide variety of flavors. They've got everything from Mango Jalapeno bars to Chili Lime beef jerky. MSG and nitrite free... and marinated for 48 hours.

TRUE JERKY

All locally sourced, pure Southern California cattle. Dry, well seasoned, thick strips of beef.

MINGUA

Thinly sliced and blackened. Great to let sit on your tongue and soak up the flavor. Tougher than most. See Mingua.

OBERTO

A large rival to Jack Links and found at virtually every gas station. Probably not the best in my opinion, particularly their smoked sausage sticks. Very popular though and stepping into some interesting Trail Mixes. See Oberto.

FIELD TRIP

Aimed at the outdoor and hiker crowd, Field Trip makes minimally processed beef, turkey and pork jerky and sticks. No preservatives, MSG or Nitrites either.

JACK LINKS

The commercial standard. Honestly, not a huge fan. Too chewy and somewhat bland. Make no mistake though. Jack Links is extremely popular.

SAVAGE

I'm not sure why this brand has not taken off to the massive level that Oberto and Jack Links has. Dry and super tasty. Try the Ghost Pepper Buffalo if you dare.

COUNTRY ARCHER

Three products - beef jerky, turkey jerky and 'frontier bars'. A little moister than some other jerky on the list.

THE NEW PRIMAL

The best jerky on the market in my opinion. Affordable, chew-able and simple seasonings. Ingredients: Grass fed beef, pineapple juice, coconut aminos, honey, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, paprika, ginger and black pepper.

THREE JERKS

One of the tastiest jerky profiles - well seasoned, high quality filet mignon cuts, dry and easy to chew. Comes at a high price though.

BRICKS

The organic brand of jerky bars. Three flavors with savory ingredients - beef/ bacon/ cranberry, turkey/ sweet potato/ pumpkin seed and beef/ carrot/ apple. Free shipping is nice too.