The 5 Best Beef Jerky Brands of 2024

If you’re a fan of beef jerky or meat sticks but have been underwhelmed in years past by the offerings (lookin’ at you, Slim Jims), we’ve got good news for you: this roundup of the best beef jerky brands are both healthy and delicious. 

We covered multiple forms of jerky, including meat sticks, jerky fish (yep, salmon jerky is a thing), and even plant-based jerky so that vegans don’t miss out on the fun. 

Let’s get chewin’! 

Best Beef Jerky And Meet Snack Brands

Best Overall: Country Archer

Summary: A+

Best Beef Meat Stick: CHOMPS

Review Summary: A+

Most Unique Jerky: EPIC Provisions

Review Summary: A

Best Chicken Meat Stick: The New Primal

Review Summary: A

Best Plant-Based Jerky: KRAVE

Review Summary: B+

Top 5 Best Jerky Brands: Reviews & Recommendations

We sat down and ranked the different types of jerky based on taste, ingredients, price per serving, usability, and accessibility of the packaging to determine exactly which jerky should wear what crown. 

Now, let’s get into the meat of the matter (pun intended) with our top five recommendations and reviews for the best beef jerky and meat stick brands

1. Country Archer: Best Overall

Country Archer is the best beef jerky brand we’ve encountered, earning an A+ for its high-quality ingredients, no preservatives, zero-sugar options, and great taste. 

Overall Rating: [A+]

Nutrition Facts & Ingredients

Country Archer has several different flavors and types of jerky, including turkey jerky and meat sticks, so we’ll highlight just a couple of their products’ ingredients. 

All of their beef jerky products are made with grass-fed and finished beef, and they use whole-food ingredients with no artificial ingredients. 

Here’s a look at the ingredients in the Original Beef Jerky: 

Grass-fed beef, gluten-free tamari soy sauce (water, soybeans, salt, may also contain alcohol and sugar), organic brown sugar (organic sugar, organic molasses), garlic powder, pineapple juice, liquid smoke (water, natural hickory smoke flavor), organic Worcestershire sauce (water, organic vinegar, organic gluten-free tamari, organic sugar, salt, organic garlic powder, organic onion powder, organic spices), black pepper. 

The Nutrition Facts are equally impressive, with each serving (1 ounce) containing: 

• 70 calories
• 0.5g fat
• 400mg sodium
• 6g carbohydrates
• 4g sugar
• 9g protein 

Although 4 grams of sugar is already impressively low for beef jerky, Country Archer also offers two jerkies with zero sugar (Mustard BBQ and Classic).

Here’s a look at the Zero Sugar Mustard BBQ—note the unique ingredients! 

Grass-fed beef, water, mustard (distilled vinegar, water, mustard seeds, salt, turmeric, paprika, spices), apple cider vinegar, mushrooms, sunflower oil, organic chickpea miso (organic rice koji [organic rice, koji spores], organic chickpeas, sea salt, water), onion powder, salt, garlic powder, liquid smoke (water, natural hickory smoke flavor), cayenne pepper. 

Nutrition Facts per 1-ounce serving:

• 70 calories
• 1.5g fat
• 340mg sodium
• 2g carbohydrates
• 0g sugar
• 12g protein 

Taste and Product Experience

Country Archer is one of the most delicious beef jerkys I’ve tried. I love the softer texture (even after it’s been refrigerated!), as I don’t enjoy beef jerky that feels like it might rip a filling out of my tooth.

The Original is my favorite flavor—even though it’s “original,” it’s still loaded with flavor. 

Zero Sugar Mustard BBQ is also a great option for getting in more protein and less sugar, although it’s definitely on the spicy side.

Price vs. Serving Size

Country Archer is pretty reasonably priced, at $7.99 per bag (2.5oz or 2.5 servings), coming out to $3.20 per serving.

Certifications and Transparency

Country Archer uses solely grass-fed, grass-finished, and pasture-raised beef, which they state comes mostly from Australia and a family farm in Northern California called Richards Grass-Fed Beef, a leader in regenerative agriculture.

They make their products at their manufacturing facility in Southern California. Country Archer is also Certified Gluten-Free and Certified Keto.

2. CHOMPS: Best Beef Sticks

I love CHOMPS meat sticks for their texture, variety of delicious flavors, positive accessibility for eating on the go, and affordable price point. 

Overall Rating: [A+]

Nutrition Facts & Ingredients

CHOMPS is committed to providing high-quality meat sticks. Even their tagline, “All stick without the ick,” boasts how they do not add any filler ingredients, preservatives, or artificial additives. 

Each meat stick flavor is slightly different, but we’ll highlight our favorite, the Jalapeno Beef Stick. 

Jalapeno Beef Stick Ingredients: 

Grass-fed and finished beef, water, less than 2% of: encapsulated lactic acid, sea salt, jalapeno peppers, cultured celery powder, cherry powder, black pepper, red pepper, garlic powder, coriander, stuffed in a beef collagen casing. 

Nutrition Facts Per Stick (1.15oz):

• 100 calories
• 7g fat
• 380mg sodium
• 0g carbs
• 0g sugar
• 10g protein

If you’re wondering what that “encapsulated lactic acid” is, CHOMPS states that it’s derived from fermented non-GMO cane sugar that converts into an acid. This (along with sea salt and celery juice powder) helps give the meat sticks a longer shelf life of 13 months without preservatives. 

FYI, the beef meat sticks contain 10 grams of protein, but the turkey jerky meat sticks offer more with 12g per stick.

Taste and Product Experience

CHOMPS meat sticks are some of the best protein snacks I’ve had. I love the texture and the flavors, especially when you don’t want just plain beef (like Taco, Italian, Jalapeno, and Pepperoni).

CHOMPS also has a great “snap” when you bite it due to that beef collagen casing. 

I also like that they have turkey and venison options and “Chomplings” mini sticks for when I don’t want an entire stick. 

The packaging is also supremely easy to peel open and eat—you could probably even open it on the move. Meat sticks are easier to eat than jerky, making them more accessible for hiking, driving, or when your hands are full.

Price vs. Serving Size

CHOMPS meat sticks are reasonably priced at $24 for 10 sticks. This comes out to $2.40 per serving, providing 10-12g of protein. 

Certifications and Transparency

CHOMPS’ certifications include Whole30 Approved, Non-GMO Project Verified, and approval from the GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization). 

They are also transparent about where their meat is sourced. Their beef is sourced from Cape Grim Beef in the pastures of Tasmania, a network of farmers that provides high-quality and sustainable beef.

They get their turkey from domestic sources (primarily Indiana), where the turkeys are raised with no antibiotics, on a vegetarian diet, and with no animal byproducts.

Lastly, their venison is 100% grass-fed and finished, sourced from Silver Fern Farms in New Zealand, a source known for its environmental sustainability and humane treatment of animals.

Regarding manufacturing, all CHOMPS products are produced and distributed in the Midwest. 

3. EPIC Provisions: Most Unique Jerky

EPIC Provisions offers multiple types of dried meat snacks and varieties, ranging from salmon bites and beef jerky to Wagyu steak strips and beef liver bites. Unlike other traditional jerky snacks, their unique jerky comes in “bites” rather than strips. Overall, EPIC lives up to its name, providing delicious and unique dried meat snacks. 

Overall Rating: [A]

Nutrition Facts & Ingredients

EPIC has dozens of dried meat (and many other) products, all with minimal ingredients that do not include preservatives, artificial flavors, colors, or additives. 

Let’s take a look at the Wagyu Beef Snack Strip Ingredients:

Beef, honey, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder. 

It really couldn’t get simpler than that! Here are the nutrition facts for the Wagyu steak strip: 

• 90 calories
• 6g fat
• 350mg sodium
• 3g carbs
• 2g sugar
• 6g protein 

EPIC tends to have a higher sugar content than other meat snacks or jerky brands, typically at 5-6g per serving. 

Here’s the ingredient list and nutritional facts for the Salmon Bites (we know this is a beef jerky article, but we’ll be inclusive to our pescatarian friends!): 

Maple-Glazed & Smoked Salmon Bites:

Salmon, maple sugar, coconut oil, sea salt, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and dill weed. 

Nutrition per serving (6 pieces):

• 100 calories
• 5g fat
• 480mg sodium
• 6g carbs
• 6g sugar
• 9g protein 

Taste and Product Experience

I have loved the EPIC Maple-Glazed and Smoked Salmon Bites for years—they were a protein-rich savior back in my pescatarian days.

The salmon bites are sweet, savory, and have just the right texture. However, once the bag has been opened, you don’t have much time before the bites begin to harden. 

Now that I’m a full-fledged omnivore, I have been able to sample many more EPIC flavors. One that I really love is the Wagyu Beef Steak Strip—need I say more? 

This 100% grass-fed Wagyu steak snack strip is just what it sounds like: a rich and delicious strip of dried steak. Although it’s lower in protein than the others (6 grams per strip), it’s a tasty snack that could hold you over for a bit. 

However, one significant downside to this Wagyu snack is that it’s extremely hard to open—scissors were required! If I were on a long hike or in the car and couldn’t get this open, I’d be disappointed. 

Price vs. Serving Size

EPIC is also reasonably priced: 

• Bites: $6.88/bag ($2.75 per 2.5oz serving)
• Snack Strips: $2.15/bar ($2.15 per 0.8oz serving)
• Bars: $2.66/bar ($2.66 per 1.3oz serving)

Certifications and Transparency

One of EPIC’s most prominent certifications is that it is Ecological Outcome Verified through the Savory Institute’s Land to Market program.

This program supports meat production that creates a net positive return on the environment, including cows raised with practices to reduce carbon emissions. They practice holistic land management, which includes rotational grazing to prevent the loss of nutrient-dense topsoil and support biodiversity. 

EPIC is also transparent with its meat sourcing: 

• Beef: 100% grass-fed beef from the United States, New Zealand, and Australia. One of their primary US suppliers is certified by the Ecological Outcome Verification program, which certifies suppliers for positive outcomes in soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function as verified through outcome-based measurements.
• Pork: All pigs are sourced from the United States and Canada without the use of hormones and antibiotics.
• Bison: 100% grass-fed bison from the US
• Chicken: Sourced from free-range farms in the U.S. without the use of antibiotics.
• Venison: All venison is 100% grass-fed, grass-finished, and sourced from New Zealand. The deer are raised on farms without antibiotics and hormones and are not confined to pens or barns. 
• Salmon: 100% wild-caught from the waters of Alaska and is Marine Stewardship Council Certified.

Lastly, EPIC is Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization and The Gluten Intolerance Group.

4. The New Primal: Best Chicken Meat Stick

The New Primal is another great meat stick option. While they also carry beef sticks, we love the addition of all-natural chicken and turkey meat sticks to mix things up. However, we didn’t love that the meat sourcing is unavailable on their site like the other brands.

Overall Rating: [A]

Nutrition Facts & Ingredients

Similar to CHOMPS, The New Primal meat sticks have zero sugar and similar protein (9 grams to CHOMPS’ 10 grams). Their leg up over the competition is their lower calorie count (60 compared to 100 in CHOMPS). 

Let’s take a look at The New Primal Buffalo Style Chicken Meat Stick:

Ingredients:

All-natural chicken raised without added hormones or antibiotics, sea salt, chicken broth, encapsulated citric acid, white vinegar, paprika, cultured celery juice powder, ground red pepper, red pepper flakes, cherry juice powder, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley flakes, black pepper, chili powder, beef collagen casing.

Nutrition Facts per 1oz stick:

• 60 calories
• 2g fat
• 410mg sodium
• 1g carbs
• 0g sugar
• 9g protein  

Taste and Product Experience

I enjoyed the Buffalo Style Chicken Meat Stick a lot. I’m not a huge fan of spice, and this was just the right level for me. 

I also like the “snap” of the casing on the chicken stick and appreciate that it doesn’t have any sugar in it. 

With just 60 calories, this is definitely considered a snack. However, the 9 grams of protein should provide some satiety until your next meal. 

Price vs. Serving Size

The New Primal sells its chicken meat sticks in 20-pack boxes for $44.95, which comes out to $2.24 per 1oz stick.

Certifications and Transparency

While The New Primal has plenty of certifications, they are less transparent than the other jerky brands regarding meat sourcing transparency. 

However, we do know that their chicken and turkey are free of antibiotics and hormones and their beef is 100% grass-fed. 

However, they do have several certifications, including Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Keto, and Whole30 Approved.

5. KRAVE: Best Vegan Jerky

For all of our vegans out there, KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky is a great option. It uses pea protein to get up to 8 grams of protein per serving and comes in two flavors, but the texture might be a little off-putting for some.

Overall Rating: [B+]

Nutrition Facts & Ingredients

KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky is made of pea protein and seasonings. While it is gluten-free, it’s not soy-free, thanks to the soy sauce in the flavorings. 

Here’s the Smoke Chipotle Plant-Based Jerky:

Ingredients:

Pea protein, yeast, gluten-free soy sauce, spices (chipotle pepper), sea salt, dehydrated onion and garlic, smoked paprika, yeast extract, citric acid, and natural flavor. 

Nutrition facts per 1oz serving: 

• 50 calories
• 0g fat
• 370mg sodium
• 4g carbs
• 0g sugar
• 8g protein 

For a vegan protein, 8 grams of protein is not bad. Plus, it’s still low in carbohydrates and has zero sugar. 

They also have a Korean BBQ flavor and real beef and pork jerky!

Taste and Product Experience

Although I liked the KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky well enough, I didn’t love it. The texture is a little strange, and the jerky comes in these long matchstick shapes that don’t look too appetizing.

The Smoked Chipotle flavor was pretty good, and I can imagine that vegans would be pleased to find this plant-based jerky.

However, I could tell that it was made of pea protein. It had that protein powder-esque mouthfeel that is so common in protein shakes, bars, and the like. 

Many reviewers of this jerky also complained about inconsistencies with its texture, stating that some bags were rock-hard and others mushy. In contrast, the bag I sampled was neither—it was right in the middle. 

Price vs. Serving Size

At $6.79 per 2-serving bag, KRAVE Plant-Based Jerky comes out to $3.40 per serving. This is the most expensive jerky on the list—even more so than the grass-fed and finished beef jerky. 

However, if you’re a vegan and looking for a high(ish)-protein snack, it would be well worth it.

Certifications and Transparency

KRAVE does not appear to have any information regarding ingredient sourcing or transparency (both for their vegan jerky and meat-based products). 

They are gluten-free, but it’s unclear if they are certified or not.

The Nutrition Insider Methodology

While looking for the best beef jerky brands, we don’t just select the first results that show up on Google or the first thing we see on the grocery store shelf. 

Here at The Nutrition Insider, we utilize bespoke selection and testing criteria to help us find products that we believe are the best the market has to offer.

Some of these products are from our Trusted Brands, which we have reviewed in the past and can subsequently count on to offer high-quality products.

Others we’ve found in an extensive search using good old-fashioned search engine sleuthing, perusing internet forums, and consulting consumer reviews.

Here’s a breakdown of what this selection and testing process looks like.

Our Selection Criteria

When it comes to jerky, there’s a lot more to consider than simply how it tastes. Although taste is undoubtedly essential, we also want to know what kind of meat is being used (grass-fed and finished is ideal), the price, other ingredients used, and any certifications that they may carry. 

Ingredients

For jerky or meat sticks, we are looking for grass-fed beef (grass-fed and finished is ideal), pasture-raised poultry, wild-caught salmon, or pasture-raised pork.

We don’t want to see artificial ingredients (like artificial colors or sweeteners), preservatives, corn syrup, or high amounts of added sugar. 

Essentially, the jerky should consist of meat, some flavor additions made from whole foods, and seasonings. 

Price vs. Serving Size

This one is pretty straightforward—we’re simply checking to make sure that the price is not astronomical compared to what you’re getting. We also consider the quality of the product (i.e., we understand that grass-fed beef is more expensive than conventional).

Certifications

Although not required, certifications like Certified Gluten-Free, Certified Keto, Non-GMO Project Verified, or USDA Organic are welcomed and encouraged. 

Our Testing Methods

Taste Test

Of course, taste is important for a snack! However, we also understand that taste is highly subjective, so we didn’t ding too hard on anyone unless it was straight-up gross.

Usability and Accessibility

Jerky has a reputation for being hard to eat—you know, that kind of ripping with your teeth that makes you feel like a caveman? We don’t love that. But we also don’t want a mushy jerky. Ideally, the jerky should land somewhere in the middle. 

We also looked at how accessible the packaging was (i.e., would an 8-year-old or an 88-year-old have trouble opening it?). 

Why Trust Our Reviews?

Even after reading through our testing methodology, you might still be left wondering why you should trust our product reviews.

The Nutrition Insider prides itself on being a neutral third party that only reviews products we believe in.

Our team consists of doctors, registered dietitians, and food experts (such as yours truly) who are dedicated to providing you with the best science-backed takes on the latest food and nutrition trends and health products.

Beyond providing you with research-driven product reviews, our goal is to educate and inform you–our health-conscious audience–of the best practices across the health and wellness spaces, including dieting principles, supplement buying guides, trends, and new developments in the industry, etc.

Our content dives deeper than surface-level branding and marketing claims, providing value-added “industry insider” information.

For more information about how The Nutrition Insider conducts its reviews and other aspects of our business, please feel free to read our Editorial Policy.

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