

Is Beef Jerky a Good Source of Protein?
By: Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD
Of all the macronutrients, protein must have the best PR person in the world. Everyone (and we mean everybody) is incredibly concerned about their protein intake. Poor carbohydrates and fats are always the macronutrients left behind.
Don’t get me wrong, protein IS important. In fact, the word protein comes from the Greek word meaning “first” or “primary”. It is the only macronutrient our bodies truly cannot live without, as we need the nine essential amino acids it provides. We can’t make those ourselves.
Protein is also popular because it is an essential nutrient for building muscle, weight loss, metabolism, satiety, and healthy aging.
But many high protein foods, like meat, require cooking and proper storage. With our on-the-go lives, we need a source of protein that is portable and doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge.
Beef jerky is a great option for a portable protein. So, is beef jerky a good source of protein? How much protein is in beef jerky and how can you get the most benefits from including it in your daily routine?
Let’s find out.
How Much Protein is in Beef Jerky?
According to the USDA nutrition database, 100 grams of beef jerky has about 33 grams of protein. This translates to 1 ounce having about 9 grams of protein in beef jerky. This applies to your average beef jerky, it doesn’t take into account fat content or preparation methods, which can alter the nutrition content.
Our Chomps beef jerky has 10 grams of protein. So how much protein is in beef jerky? Here is a breakdown of our flavors at Chomps:

Original Beef
A classic flavor featuring grass-fed beef, seasoned with a blend of spices for a savory taste. Protein content: 10 grams per stick.

Jalapeño Beef
Combines grass-fed beef with real jalapeños and a hint of garlic for a spicy kick.Protein content: 10 grams per stick.

Sea Salt Beef
This stick keeps it simple by highlighting the flavor of grass-fed and finished beef with simple sea salt seasoning. Protein content: 10 grams per stick.

Taco Seasoned Beef
Seasoned with classic taco flavors like cumin, paprika, chili powder, and oregano. Protein content: 10 grams per stick.

Italian Style Beef
A blend of Italian-inspired herbs and spices for a savory flavor. Protein content: 10 grams per stick.

Smoky BBQ Beef
A smoky barbecue flavor with a blend of spices for a sweet and savory taste. Protein content: 10 grams per stick.

Salt & Pepper Venison
Our fresh-flavored venison sticks are made with sea salt and cracked black peppercorns. Protein content: 10 grams per stick
The Original, Italian style, Sea Salt, and Jalapeno flavors are also available in the smaller Chompling size, which all have 4 grams of protein per stick.
Our beef jerky is made from 100% grass-fed and finished beef. Every Chomps meat stick is free from added sugars, gluten, and artificial preservatives. This makes them a convenient and nutritious high-quality protein healthy protein-rich snack made with real ingredients.
Benefits of Protein in Beef Jerky
In addition to being an essential macronutrient, protein also has many important health benefits. Here are a few of the benefits of protein in beef jerky:
- Muscle repair and growth: Protein in beef jerky is crucial for post-workout recovery, as the body needs protein to build new muscle.
- Weight management: Protein in beef jerky increases satiety and helps keep you full longer, reducing cravings and supporting a healthy weight.
- Energy levels: Protein in beef jerky supports sustained energy throughout the day and helps reduce blood sugar spikes and crashes.
Although essential to consume, many high protein foods are not super portable. Chomps meat sticks are an easy, portable snack that provides high-quality protein in beef jerky without prep time.
Key Points About Beef Jerky and Protein
Beef jerky is a great option for a portable protein source. It can be left at room temperature and easily be tossed into a gym bag or lunchbox for a quick snack. Here’s a bit more about how protein in beef jerky can help you meet your needs.
Beef Jerky Protein Content
Beef jerky is a great source of protein. How much protein is in beef jerky like Chomps? Specifically, a single one of our meat sticks contains 10 grams of protein, while Chomplings provide 4 grams in a smaller serving. Compared to other popular protein snacks:
- Almonds (1 oz): 6g protein
- Greek yogurt (5 oz, plain, nonfat): 12-15g protein
- Hard-boiled egg (1 large): 6g protein
- Protein bar (varies by brand): 10-20g protein (often with added sugars)
Some of these snacks, while they do contain protein, are also difficult to transport or may have unwanted ingredients. With no fillers or artificial ingredients, our Chomps beef jerky provides a portable alternative with 0g sugar, no gluten, or no artificial preservatives.
Lean Protein Source
Is beef jerky a good source of protein that’s lean? Unlike other processed meat snacks, the answer is yes. Chomps’ beef sticks are made from 100% grass-fed and finished beef, which naturally contains less fat and more omega-3 fatty acids than conventionally raised beef. This makes it a nutritious protein option that is also not a significant source of saturated fat.
Low Carb Snack
Many people like to keep their carbohydrate intake in check by following a keto or low-carb diet. Beef jerky is an ideal snack for carb-watchers. Chomps' beef sticks contain 0g of sugar and 0g of carbs. This makes them a perfect fit for ketogenic and other low-carb lifestyles.
One thing to note is that many other beef jerky brands use sweetened marinades to make their products. This adds quite a bit of sugar. Chomps keeps it simple with real high-quality ingredients and seasonings. If you are watching your carbs, always check the label.
Convenient Snack
One of the biggest advantages of beef jerky is its convenience. Unlike fresh protein sources like chicken or eggs, jerky is:
- Shelf-stable: No refrigeration needed.
- Portable: Easy to carry in a bag, purse, or lunchbox.
- Mess-free: No prep, cooking, or cleanup required.
- Ready to eat: A quick protein option for any time of the day.
Whether you need a post-workout snack, travel-friendly bite, or an on-the-go meal replacement, beef jerky is a nutrient-dense option to meet your protein needs.
So Again, Is Beef Jerky a Good Source of Protein?
Yes, Chomps meat sticks are a good source of protein, with 10 grams per stick. Adding your favorite flavor to your daily routine will help support healthy muscles, provide the energy you need to make it through the day, and help you feel more satisfied with your meals. We created Chomps for this reason, we wanted a healthy high quality protein snack that could support our busy lifestyles.
From beef to venison, check out the variety of flavors and types of protein we use in our meat sticks. Find your favorite and add it to your snacking routine.
We like our jerky snacking to be simple and healthy — don’t you?