When eating paleo, protein is a priority. Jerky makes a great protein snack for post-workout fuel, to satisfy hunger between meals or for healthy, on-the-go snacking just about any time! As jerky’s popularity has grown, so have the flavors and types of meat. Besides beef, look for chicken, pork, bison, elk, venison, turkey, salmon and more.
Jerky gives you more nutritional bang for your buck. It’s made with lean cuts of meat so it will dry out properly. This makes it a healthy protein choice because it’s low in saturated fat. Paleo jerky has many nutritional benefits over conventional jerky—without sacrificing taste. For example, the sugar content of paleo jerky is usually 2 grams or less, whereas conventional jerky ranges from 5–9 grams of sugar per ounce.
Benefits of choosing paleo jerky over conventional jerky
- Lower in sugar
- Lower in sodium
- All-natural ingredients
- No artificial colors or flavors
- Higher meat quality standards (grass-fed, organic, hormone-free)
How do you know which jerky to choose?
Here’s what to look for on the nutrition facts label:
- Serving size: 1 oz. (about 28 grams)
- Less than 400 mg. of sodium
- Less than 5 g. of sugar
- 9 g. of protein or more
- Nitrate- and MSG-free; no artificial flavors or colors (i.e. caramel color)
- Paleo or Paleo Friendly certification logos
This article was brought to you by our friend, Jill West, RDN, at Caveman Foods.
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