Beef has been the topic of many health conversations throughout the decades, portrayed by some as a downfall to a healthy lifestyle and regarded by others as a nutritious addition to a well-balanced diet. Despite being a red meat-derived product, beef jerky has not received the same attention. Beef jerky is made from beef that has been dried. It has many of the same nutrients as beef, but also contains other ingredients.
Calories
Though it is easy to overindulge with beef jerky, if you monitor your portion size, it can be a great snack that keeps you within your daily calorie needs. Beef jerky contains about 90 calories per ounce. As calories among brands can vary, be sure to check food labels to select the leanest product.
Protein
Protein is required for growth and preservation of lean body mass. Because beef jerky is made from beef extracted of its water content, it is a highly concentrated source of protein. Per ounce, beef jerky provides about 12 g of protein.
Fat
The fat found in beef is primarily saturated and, in turn, less heart-healthy than other fats. However, beef jerky is fairly low in fat. Beef jerky can range from as much as 7 g to as little as 0.5 g of fat per ounce serving.
Carbohydrate
Beef is virtually free of carbohydrates, but beef jerky contains a small amount of carbohydrates, namely in the form of sugar that is used to flavor the meat. On average, beef jerky contains less than 4 g of carbohydrates.
Sodium
Beef jerky is generally high in sodium, which acts both as a preservative and a flavoring agent. Because of its sodium content, you should consume beef jerky in moderation. Certain brands contain as much as 25 percent of the daily value of sodium, based on a typical 2,000-calorie diet. Read the food labels of various brands and choose a product that provides no more than 20 percent.
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