Life is busy and schedules fill up fast. Meals are grabbed on the go or sometimes skipped altogether. We shouldn’t do it, but at one time or another, we all do. Snacks are a good way to fill in the gap, but many snacks are full of sugar and empty calories, or other unhealthy options.
From the time of the ancient Incas to the cowboys of the Old West, we still enjoy this simple fare today. Avoid the donut or the candy bar. Stock up on your favorite beef jerky so you’re supplied next time the urge to snack strikes.
Slow-cooked
Jack Link’s beef jerky is America’s number one selling jerky for a reason. This signature jerky is marinated in a special blend of herbs and spices before being slow-cooked over hardwood for a mild, smoky taste. This pick contains 20 multipack bags so you can keep a couple on hand wherever you go. Great for your lunchbox, backpack, or even your pockets, and no need for refrigeration. Jack Link’s jerky tastes great and provides the fuel you need until you get to your next meal.
Buy: Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, 20 Count Multipack Bags
Natural ingredients
Chomps jerky is one of the healthiest choices available among this line of snacks. Good for those on a diet, it has a long list of references, being keto-friendly, paleo compatible, non-GMO, gluten-free, and made from 100 percent grass-fed beef. Only natural ingredients are used so it is dairy-free, soy-free, nut-free, sugar-free, and contains no nitrites or nitrates. Chomps has focused on the health-conscious consumer since 2012 and boasts it has more diet certifications than any other brand.
Buy: CHOMPS Grass Fed Beef Jerky Meat Snack Sticks
Nothing artificial
The People’s Choice Old Fashioned Beef Jerky has not changed much in the past 85 years and we’re glad it hasn’t. The flavor is what you would expect from an authentic jerky, and the longer you chew it the more flavor you enjoy. People’s Choice offers a healthy snack free of nitrites, nitrates, MSG, preservatives, or any artificial ingredients. The great flavor comes from only meat, water, and natural spices. Just the jerky.
Buy: People’s Choice Beef Jerky
10 grams of protein
It’s made from 100 percent premium beef and seasoned with ingredients you can find in your own pantry – and you can pronounce all of them. Then they slow smoke it over real hardwood to achieve an authentic flavor you can only get from fire, smoke, and patience. They’ve been handcrafting this jerky for over four decades, and it still offers 10 grams of protein per serving to keep you satisfied and energized.
Buy: Tillamook Country Smoker Real Hardwood Smoked Beef Jerky
Variety of sizes
These beef jerky pieces are made with 100 percent pure beef cut into random size pieces, for a full one-pound package of hung-in-the-smokehouse beef jerky that is the signature product this company was founded upon. It’s made from a premium smoked top round with U.S.-raised beef. Bites vary from 1″ to 5″ in length and are thick and hearty. Take this Buffalo Bills beef jerky snack anywhere to satisfy your hunger in between meals.
Buy: Buffalo Bills 16oz Premium Hickory Beef Jerky Pieces
Keith Long is a contributing writer to Florida Travel & Life, an online brand that inspires active, affluent travelers, providing them with insider information on discovering the best of Florida. Informative and engaging, the website showcases travel destinations, arts and cultural venues, vibrant dining scenes, recreational activities, the great outdoors and the revitalized real-estate market. Keith loves sailing and exploring the islands of the Caribbean.