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Craving beef jerky? You're not the only one. Delicious and nutritious, beef jerky is dehydrated for long-lasting use, making it suitable for people who like to have occasional snacks with added health benefits. Whether you’re trying to achieve your daily protein intake or change your eating habits, jerky can work like a charm.

So stock up on beef jerky now! After plenty of taste testing, we've found the best beef jerky products you can purchase online. The Righteous Felon Beef Jerky is our favorite pick, but the others follow closely behind!

Buying Guide to Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a snacking option that encourages people to munch on it without going overboard with the fat and carb content. This product is created with varying ingredients, artificial and natural, which determines its quality and type. In this section, you will find a detailed buyer’s guide that contains all the valuable information necessary to buy a pack of the best beef jerky of 2024. 

What to Remember When Buying Beef Jerky

The following things are important to remember when buying beef jerky:

Flavor

From barbecue to teriyaki and honey mustard, there are so many flavors of beef jerky available. The flavors you choose depend on personal preference along with dietary needs. Remember that some brands might add artificial flavorings to get a particular taste. 

Size

The second most essential factor is the packet size you’re considering buying. Frequent eaters who take care of their health can use it as a regular replacement for unhealthy snacks. An occasional snacker might need small quantities. You should pick a pack size based on your dietary needs. We recommend buying a product with sealable airtight packing in an adequate size, so you can choose one without wasting the product.

Ingredients

Are you okay with artificial additives, or do you need a natural product with no preservatives? Although a personal choice, the ingredients you pick determine the shelf life and quality of the product. Beef jerky with preservatives is long-lasting and has more exciting flavors than your natural ones. However, it might not fit different diet plans like keto.

The Most Common Uses of Beef Jerky

You don't have to pick up a slice of beef jerky and put it in your mouth. There are various methods to make a simple beef jerky more exciting.

Salads

Oh yes! The dreaded salads are not dull anymore. You can top off your favorite salads with a handful of beef jerky to increase the protein content and enhance flavors. Look out for ingredients to confirm compatibility with your diet plan.

Sandwiches and burgers

Slices of bacon between bread are always considered a hit, but it is possible to tweak some changes by adding beef jerky. Layer off your favorite bread with sauces, and add some beef jerky, vegetables, and cheese.

Eggs

Eggs are one of the most diverse ingredients in every kitchen. There is no limit to how you can prepare eggs. So, rather than trying out unexpected flavor combinations, saute some beef jerky to make it crispy and toss in your eggs.

Side snack

You can toss some beef jerky in oil to make it crispy and then toss it with all kinds of meals. People also enjoy it on its own with several different sauces.

Top Picks

  • Best Overall: Righteous Felon Beef Jerky
  • Most Variety: Jack Link's Beef Jerky
  • Great Gifts For Men: Bunny James Beef Jerky
  • Low Calories: Cattleman's Beef Jerky
  • Top Flavoring: Tillamook Beef Jerky
  • Premium Packaging: Old Trapper Beef Jerky
  • Rich Flavor: Hard Times Beef Jerky

Reviews

Best Overall
righteous felon beef jerky

Righteous Felon Beef Jerky

Pros Cons
  • Great taste
  • Variety of flavors
  • Gluten-free recipes
  • Spicy flavors can be overwhelming
Most Variety
jack link's beef jerky

Jack Link's Beef Jerky

Pros Cons
  • Made in multiple flavors
  • Doesn’t contain any extra fat
  • Comes with natural preservatives
  • Might contain nut extract
Great Gifts For Men
bunny james beef jerky

Bunny James Beef Jerky

Pros Cons
  • Made with gluten-free ingredients
  • High in proteins for keeping energy level up
  • Keto-friendly and comes in different flavors
  • Texture might be chewy for some
Low Calories
cattleman's beef jerky

Cattleman's Beef Jerky

Pros Cons
  • Comes in a high-quality bag
  • Fulfills cravings without excessive calories
  • Available in different sizes
  • Contains gluten and soy
Top Flavoring
tillamook beef jerky

Tillamook Beef Jerky

Pros Cons
  • Adds to your daily protein needs
  • Concentrated flavor with no chemicals
  • Suitable for all kinds of meat-based diets
  • No artificial preservatives mean the product can deteriorate
Premium Packaging
old trapper beef jerky

Old Trapper Beef Jerky

Pros Cons
  • Jar packing for better quality
  • Does not contain any carbs
  • Has a dense flavor
  • Not a suitable option for diabetics
Rich Flavor
hard times beef jerky

Hard Times Beef Jerky

Pros Cons
  • Does not contain extra carbs
  • Easy to store without hampering product quality
  • Cooked with the right texture
  • Not many flavor options

FAQs

What is the average shelf life of beef jerky?
Beef jerky with natural ingredients can last around three months if kept under refrigeration. On the other hand, any product with preservatives has more shelf life and will last over a year in airtight conditions. They also do not have any meaty texture.
Is beef jerky safe in the car?
Since it is a meat preservation technique, you can leave beef jerky inside a car. Excessive heat exposure might turn its texture a little complicated and chewy.
Why is my beef jerky molding?
A key reason that beef jerky starts to mold is the presence of moisture inside the meat. A product must be dehydrated to 95 to 98% for maximum shelf life.