The Differences Between Chicken Jerky and Beef Jerky

‍Beef jerky has long been the preferred protein snack for any outdoor enthusiast. However, in recent years chicken jerky has become just as common as beef jerky.

Chicken jerky is often cheaper than beef jerky and it can also be a good way to reduce your red meat intake when eating jerky as a snack.

In this article, we will take a look at the differences between chicken and beef jerky — what makes them different, which one is healthier, and how you can use these two types of jerky differently in your diet.

Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a dried meat made from lean meat, usually from an animal’s top or bottom round. There are many different types of beef jerky, from pepper or teriyaki-flavoured to even sweet and spicy flavours. Most beef jerky is made from sliced meat that has been marinated, then dried and smoked.

This process can take up to 24 hours to complete, including the time needed to marinate the meat. Most commercially-made beef jerky uses chemicals to get the meat to dry out faster, but you can also make your own at home with a dehydrator and natural ingredients.

Chicken Jerky

Chicken jerky is made from sliced, dried chicken breast. It is often seasoned and ready to eat right out of the bag. Chicken jerky is a great protein source for people on the go or those who are always active.

It is often a good way to get your protein when you don’t have access to a kitchen or don’t have enough time to prepare a whole meal.

Chicken jerky can come in a variety of flavours, and even heat levels, making it a great snack for almost anyone. Not all chicken jerky is created equal, though.

Some brands use additives and preservatives that aren’t that good for you. Make sure to read the ingredients list to avoid these when possible.

What’s the Difference?

There are a few major differences between beef and chicken jerky. First off, the calorie and fat content in each type of jerky is different.

Beef jerky, on average, has 210 calories per 1 ounce serving. It also has around 16 grams of fat per serving. On the other hand, chicken jerky has 140 calories per 1 ounce serving.

It also has around 3 grams of fat per serving. The main minerals found in both types of jerky are iron, sodium, and magnesium.

Differences in these minerals can be seen when comparing the average values for each type of jerky. Beef jerky has about 1.4 mg of iron per serving.

Chicken jerky, however, has 4 mg of iron per serving. Sodium is a mineral found in most foods, and in larger amounts in both types of jerky.

The average amount of sodium found in beef jerky is 40 mg per serving. Chicken jerky has a little less, with an average of 30 mg per serving.

Bottom line

Chicken jerky is a convenient protein source that is great for when you are on the go. It is often cheaper than beef jerky, making it a good choice for those on a budget.

While it is not as high in iron as beef jerky, chicken jerky is still a great source of protein and other essential nutrients.

Beef jerky, on the other hand, is a more traditional snack. It is often more flavourful thanks to its higher fat content.

However, it is also higher in sodium, so you should be careful when snacking on too much beef jerky. While each type of jerky has its advantages, you can use both in your diet.