Dried Beef Flank Steak Nutritional Information

Humans have been eating dried meat, also known as jerky, since the Egyptian times, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. The drying process preserves the meat, making it shelf-stable. Lean cuts of meat work best when drying meat. Knowing the nutrition information for dried beef flank steak can help you determine how it fits into your diet.

Calories

A 1 oz. serving of dried beef flank steak contains 95 calories. By comparison a 1 oz. serving of regular cooked flank steak contains 65 calories. Dried beef is a more concentrated source of calories because of its lack of water. As a more concentrated source of calories, the dried flank steak may not fill you up and satisfy your appetite as well as the regular cooked steak.

Protein

In addition to being a concentrated source of calories, the dried beef flank steak is also a concentrated source of protein. A 1 oz. serving contains 12 g of protein. By comparison, the same size serving of the regular flank steak contains 7 g of protein. Most of the calories in the dried beef flank steak comes from its protein content. The protein in the flank steak provides your body with all of the essential amino acids, making it a complete source of protein.

Fat

While flank steak is a leaner cut of beef, more than 30 percent of the calories in the dried beef comes from fat. A 1 oz. serving of the dried meat contains 4 g of total fat and 25 mg of cholesterol. Fat is an essential nutrient that provides your body with energy and helps you absorb vitamins, but consuming too much can increase your risk of obesity and heart disease. You should try to keep your daily fat intake to less than 30 percent of your calorie intake. For example, on a 2,000-calorie diet, you should limit your daily grams of fat to less than 66 g a day.

Carbohydrates

Although not a significant source of carbohydrates, dried flank steak contains a small amount. A 1 oz. serving of the dried meat contains 1 g of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are also essential, providing your body with energy.

Sodium

The dried beef flank steak is also a more concentrated source of sodium when compared to the regular flank steak. A 1 oz. serving of dried flank steak contains 170 mg of sodium, versus 21 mg in a 1 oz. serving of regular cooked flank steak. High intakes of sodium increases your risk of high blood pressure. To reduce your risk, you should limit your daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg a day.