Is biltong healthier than jerky?

Usually, if protein and a clean label are what you are after. Biltong is air-dried and unsweetened, so it tends to run higher in protein and lower in sugar than jerky, which is often cooked and marinated with sugar. Brands vary, so compare the two labels.

Why does biltong have no sugar when jerky does?

Because of how each is made. Biltong is cured with vinegar, salt and spices then air-dried, so it needs no sugar. Jerky is often marinated with sugar, honey or soy to flavour and tenderise it. Chief's biltong has 0.8 grams of sugar in a 30 gram bag.

How much protein is in biltong?

A lot for its size. Chief's traditional biltong packs 13.6 grams of protein into a 30 gram bag, because drying concentrates the beef. That is one reason it is a favourite portable, high-protein snack.

Does grass-fed beef make a difference in a snack?

A modest one. Grass-fed beef carries more omega-3 and CLA than grain-fed, so it is a quality signal, and for many people it is also about how the animal was raised. In a 30 gram snack the nutritional gap is small, so weigh it alongside the ingredient list and the sugar.

What is coconut aminos, and why use it?

It is a savoury sauce made from coconut sap, used in place of soy sauce. It gives biltong a clean, umami flavour without soy or gluten, which is why Chief reaches for it. If you have a coconut allergy, check the label.

Is biltong high in salt?

Yes, like all dried meats. Salt is part of the cure, so biltong is naturally salty. It works fine as a snack, but if you are watching your sodium, stick to a serve rather than eating a whole bag.

Can kids eat biltong?

Many parents use it as a clean, high-protein snack, and Chief's biltong is free from added sugar, gluten, dairy and nuts. As with any firm dried food, supervise young children, and check the ingredients for allergies.

Biltong vs Jerky and What to Look For in a Clean Beef Snack

Line them up in the servo fridge and biltong and jerky look like the same thing: dark strips of dried beef in a resealable bag, sold as protein for people on the move. They are made in almost opposite ways. One is air-dried and cured, cool and slow, with little more than vinegar, salt and spices. The other is usually cooked at heat and sweetened, with sugar and soy stirred through the marinade. That single difference runs through everything that follows, from the label to the numbers to how the two even taste.

The short answer

Biltong vs jerky: how they are made

What that means for nutrition

Why grass-fed matters for a beef snack

What to look for in a clean beef snack

Who this is not for

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer

The information on this page is written to help you make informed decisions about your health and nutrition. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Health decisions should always involve a conversation with your healthcare provider, especially before starting a new supplement or making changes to your routine.

Chief Nutrition supplements are intended to support everyday health and wellbeing. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.