Best High-Protein Beef Jerky 2026
⚡ Quick Picks — Our Top 3
Why Beef Jerky Is the Ultimate Protein Snack
Beef jerky is the OG protein snack — portable, shelf-stable, zero-prep, and packed with complete protein. A single serving delivers 10-15g of protein with minimal carbs, making it perfect for keto, paleo, carnivore, and anyone who wants real food protein on the go.
But not all jerky is created equal. Some brands load their products with sugar, sodium, and preservatives. We tested over 30 brands to find the ones that deliver the best protein with the cleanest ingredients.
Top Picks Compared
| Brand | Protein/oz | Sugar | Sodium | Grass-Fed | Price/oz |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chomps | 10g | 0g | 390mg | ✅ | ~$2.50 |
| Country Archer | 10g | 2g | 460mg | ❌ | ~$2.00 |
| Jack Links | 10g | 5g | 540mg | ❌ | ~$1.50 |
| Epic | 7g | 0g | 310mg | ✅ | ~$2.75 |
| Tillamook | 13g | 5g | 580mg | ❌ | ~$2.00 |
🥇 Best Overall: Chomps Beef Sticks
Chomps are the gold standard for clean meat snacks. Every stick is made from 100% grass-fed beef with zero sugar, no preservatives, and Whole30 approved. At 10g of protein per stick, they're the perfect grab-and-go snack.
- 100% grass-fed beef — no hormones, no antibiotics
- Zero sugar — one of the only brands with literally 0g
- Whole30, Paleo, Keto approved
- Snap stick format — less messy than traditional jerky
- Multiple flavors: Original, Jalapeno, Italian Style, Cranberry Habanero
🥈 Best Value: Jack Links
Jack Links is the most widely available and affordable jerky brand. You'll find it in every gas station, grocery store, and Costco in America. While not as clean as Chomps, it delivers solid protein at a fraction of the price.
- 10g protein per serving at the lowest price point
- Available everywhere — convenience factor is unmatched
- Huge variety: Original, Teriyaki, Peppered, Sweet & Hot
- Bulk bags at Costco are a great deal
🥉 Best Craft Quality: Country Archer
Country Archer bridges the gap between premium and mainstream. Made in small batches with no nitrates or preservatives, it delivers craft-quality jerky without the craft-quality price tag.
How to Choose Beef Jerky for Protein
- Check protein per ounce: Aim for 9-15g per oz. Below 7g means too much filler.
- Watch the sugar: Many jerky brands use sugar-heavy marinades. Teriyaki flavors are usually the worst offenders.
- Sodium awareness: Jerky is inherently high in sodium (needed for preservation). If you're watching sodium, Chomps and Epic have the lowest.
- Ingredient list: Shorter is better. Beef, salt, spices. If you see corn syrup, MSG, or nitrites — it's lower quality.
FAQ
Is beef jerky good for building muscle?
Yes. It's pure animal protein with a complete amino acid profile. It's not a replacement for protein powder post-workout, but it's an excellent high-protein snack throughout the day.
Is beef jerky keto-friendly?
Most brands, yes. Stick to original or peppered flavors (0-2g sugar). Avoid teriyaki and sweet flavors which can have 6-10g sugar per serving.
Why is beef jerky so expensive?
It takes approximately 3 lbs of raw beef to make 1 lb of jerky (water weight loss during drying). You're paying for concentrated protein.