Premium Dried Meat: Beef Jerky, Pork Jerky & Vegan Jerky

What is dried meat?

Dried meats can be seen as protein-rich foods with considerable nutritional value. They are prepared in many regions around the world, so it’s worth understanding their importance and uses. Preparation varies by meat (beef jerky, biltong, salmon jerky...) and by region. Drying meat preserves it and can also reduce its fat content. Lighter to carry, it becomes a handy snack for travellers and hikers, or a way to top up your energy.

What types of meat are used?

The quality of dried meat depends on the type of meat and how it was produced. It can come from different animals, most often beef, mutton or turkey. Beef contains high levels of protein and iron, both essential for good health. Other meats also offer a range of nutrients that support good health. Whatever the animal, the key to good dried meat is choosing a lean, low-fat cut, such as beef fillet.

What do they contain?

To help you find something you enjoy, we offer a range of certified, quality dried meats to suit your tastes and preferences. Check the packaging to see whether the production standards and ingredients meet your needs. On average, 50 g of 100% natural Beef Jerky dried meat provides 32 g of protein, 2.4 g of salt, 2.1 g of fat and 0.14 g of iron and calcium, with no carbohydrates, sugar or fibre. That amounts to an average energy content of 622 kJ. These figures are not standard, but they show the potential nutritional value.

How do you prepare it?

There’s no standard way to prepare it, so buying ready-made dried meat may be the easiest option. If you make your own, there are several things to do before you begin. Choose a lean cut of meat and prepare your workspace and equipment (a clean tea towel, a tray, salt, seasonings and so on). Drying meat involves three main steps, with room for your own approach: salting, seasoning and finally drying. The process takes time and resources.

Salting

As the name suggests, this step involves salting the meat. Place it on a board and apply as much salt as you need. The amount depends on the size or weight of the meat and how long you intend to salt it (2 days for 250 g and 5 days for 1 kg). Turn the meat over and salt the other side. You can then cut it to your preferred size before the next step, or leave it whole.

Seasoning

You can season your meat to taste and add your own twist. Prepare your chosen ingredients in advance (chilli, pepper, herbes de Provence, ginger, mustard, pecans and so on). Lay the fillet on a board or tray and gently sprinkle it with your ingredients. Turn it over and repeat. Marinate the meat so the spices can penetrate deeply. Finally, wrap it in a tea towel and tie it up to limit contact with the air without sealing it completely.

Drying

To dry the meat, make small holes, thread string through them and hang it up in your cellar. Drying time depends on the meat’s weight and quality. Allow at least 10 days to dry 250 g of meat. If you have a fridge rather than a cellar, dry the meat in the vegetable drawer. Place it on a small rack and keep it away from vegetables to prevent mould. You won’t need to turn or check the meat regularly. It is ready when it changes colour and becomes firm. It can remain in the fridge for over a month before you eat it.

Benefits for hikers and mountaineers

Hiking and mountaineering use a lot of energy, even though they help you stay fit. They often involve covering long distances over several days. Eating well is important to replenish your energy without slowing your metabolism. Dried meat and dehydrated starchy foods are a great way to meet your energy needs, alongside energy bars and protein bars.

It makes an easy lunch. Pre-exercise nutrition is easy to carry, takes up little space and needs no preparation. The food will keep throughout your activity as long as the packaging remains unopened. It’s low in fat and useful for your muscles. Dried meat and a little water can leave you feeling ready for the next stretch of your route. Avoid eating too much, though.

Benefits for bikepackers

Bikepacking involves covering distances by bike and makes considerable demands on your leg muscles. Pedalling long distances without a break is hard on them. Drinking water now and then can help you feel refreshed, but it won’t replace the energy you’ve used. 

You can take a few portions of dried meat without weighing yourself down. This snack helps bikepackers fight fatigue and fuel their muscles.

An everyday snack

Serve it as a nibble with fruit juice when entertaining or meeting friends. At the office, on a coffee break or at a picnic, it’s easy to consume a lot of fat by eating all kinds of sweets. Over time, eating this way can harm your health. Eating dried meat eliminates the risk of consuming too much fat each day.

In short, dried meat is a quality choice if you want to replace erratic eating habits that offer little nutritional value. It’s useful in all sorts of situations and preferable to energy drinks or other products.

Want to know more about dried meat? Read our article "Dried meat: protein for sport, flavour for sharing!"

Beef jerky: the most popular choice

Of our dried meat products, beef jerky is by far the most popular choice. Brands such as Jack Link’s, Bullseye Meats, Ember and The Meat Makers offer beef jerky in a range of flavours: plain, spicy or with a kick.

With around 32 g of protein per 50 g and virtually no sugar or carbohydrates, beef jerky is one of the most protein-rich snacks you can buy.

Ready-to-eat dried meat

All our dried meat products, from beef and pork jerky to vegan jerky, are made as food for people, not as dog treats. High in protein and low in fat and sugar, they make a healthy snack for a quick lunch, a hike or a day at the office, or as an alternative to traditional sweets.

FAQ

❓ Where can you buy dried meat online?

Choose from a wide range of jerky from Jack Link's, Bullseye Meats, Kanyon, Indiana, Spil Jerky and Vegun, with secure payment and fast delivery.

❓ What’s the difference between beef jerky and other types of jerky?

Beef jerky is the classic choice, but we also offer pork jerky and vegan jerky. Choose from plain, spicy and other flavours to find one that suits you.

❓ Is dried meat suitable for people on a diet?

Yes. Dried meat contains an average of 32 g of protein per 50 g, with little fat and virtually no sugar or carbohydrates. This makes it a suitable snack for a high-protein or low-carbohydrate diet.

❓ How long does dried meat keep?

The drying process gives dried meat a long shelf life without refrigeration, making it ideal to take hiking or keep in reserve at home or in the office.

❓ Is dried meat a healthy snack?

Dried meat is high in protein and low in excess fat and sugar, making it a healthy alternative to traditional sweets at lunchtime or on the go.