At a glance
- 9.3 g protein and 115 calories per 1 oz (28 g).
- 8.1 g protein per 100 calories: #180 of 536 foods in our USDA list, #6 of 60 in snacks & other.
- 0.5 g fiber and 500 mg sodium per serving.
What is beef jerky like to eat?
Beef jerky is lean beef that has been seasoned and dried until chewy and shelf-stable. It travels well, keeps without a fridge and works as a savory snack for busy days, hikes and long trips.
How can you eat more beef jerky?
Try this
Pack a small bag for travel or a long day outPair with cheese and fruit for a snack plateChop and add to trail mixEat alongside a piece of fruit as a mini mealIs beef jerky good on a GLP-1?
Jerky is chewy and dry, so on low-appetite days softer options may be easier, and small pieces with water work better than a big handful. Protein density matters more when your appetite is small: see protein on a GLP-1.
How does beef jerky compare?
| Food | Serving | Protein | Calories | Protein per 100 kcal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef jerky | 1 oz | 9.3 g | 115 | 8.1 g |
| Roast beef | 2 oz | 10.4 g | 64 | 16.2 g |
| Peanuts | 1 oz | 6.8 g | 164 | 4.2 g |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 oz | 6.5 g | 114 | 5.7 g |
Close to beef jerky per calorie: kale (8.3 g), eggs (8.1 g), part-skim mozzarella (8 g), turkey bacon (8 g).
Compare more foods with the protein finder, or see protein in every food we cover.
What should you look for when you buy it?
Jerky can be high in sodium and added sugar, so compare labels and look for a short ingredient list.
What's the full nutrition for beef jerky?
| Nutrient | Per 1 oz (28 g) | Per 100 g | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 115 | 410 | |
| Protein | 9.3 g | 33.2 g | 19% |
| Fat | 7.2 g | 25.6 g | |
| Saturated fat | 3 g | 10.8 g | 15% |
| Carbohydrate | 3.1 g | 11 g | |
| Fiber | 0.5 g | 1.8 g | 2% |
| Sugar | 2.5 g | 9 g | |
| Sodium | 500 mg | 1785 mg | 22% |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 20 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 5.42 mg | 8% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 mcg | 0.99 mcg | 13% |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0.3 mcg | 1% |
USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy: "Snacks, beef jerky, chopped and formed". % Daily Value uses the FDA's values for adults (protein 50 g, fiber 28 g, sodium 2,300 mg). "Not listed" means USDA didn't measure it for this food, not that it's zero. Brands differ, so check your label.
