Salmon Jerky Nutrition

Salmon is typically a leaner meat than beef and provides a healthier source of protein than high-fat cuts of red meat. The majority of the fat that does exist in salmon is healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that can help reduce cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. Salmon and beef jerky are dried and smoked in a similar fashion, and can vary in nutritional value depending on the spices. Jerky is stripped of its fat in the preparation process, so all forms of jerky can help reduce fat from your diet.

Calories

A 1-oz. serving of a typical brand of salmon jerky contains 90 calories. A similar-sized serving of beef jerky, however, contains over 107 calories. One serving of a typical brand of salmon jerky represents about 5 percent of the total daily calories of a standard 2,000-calorie diet.

Fat and Cholesterol

A 1-oz. serving of a typical brand of salmon jerky contains 2.5 g of fat. Fat should comprise about 30 percent of your total calories, and adults who consume a 2,000-calorie diet generally need 65 to 70 g of fat each day. A serving of salmon jerky represents about 3 percent of this amount. Salmon jerky is low in cholesterol as well, with 10 mg per serving. The American Heart Association advises limiting cholesterol intake to 300 mg daily.

Sodium

All jerky tends to be high in sodium due to the salty seasoning blends used in the preparation process. A serving of salmon jerky has slightly more sodium than other jerky meats, with 560 mg per 1-oz. serving. According to the American Heart Association, you should aim to limit your intake of sodium to less than 1,500 mg daily.

Protein and Carbs

Salmon jerky is high in protein with 15 g per 1-oz. serving. Adults generally need about 50 g of protein each day, while more active individuals may need up to 175 to 200 g. Meat does not usually supply a sufficient amount of carbs to the diet, although a serving of salmon jerky contains 2 g of this macronutrient. Adults typically need between 225 and 325 g of carbs each day.