Whether you’re prepping for a road trip or just trying to keep the right snacks in your arsenal for when those afternoon cravings strike, there are a few things you need to prioritize:
- Nutrition
- Convenience and portability
- Taste and enjoyment
There are two snacks in particular that appear to check these boxes: beef jerky vs protein bar. But as you dig deeper you’ll realize just how different these two options are, and how one is far superior to the other.
Protein bars certainly have their place as a quick hit of protein, carbs, and energy. Some taste great (others not so much), and these are perfect for traveling with since they’re shelf-stable. But, they can be loaded with sketchy ingredients.
On the other hand, beef jerky is a bit more simple in its ingredients profile. It packs a ton of protein with minimal carbs and fat, and the satisfying texture has earned it a place in pantries worldwide. If we’re talking purely health and nutrition, it’s the better choice.
Not all beef jerky is created equal, though. Spoil yourself today at Mahogany Smoked Meats, where you’ll discover the best beef jerky for sale online. Or, learn more about the protein bar vs beef jerky debate below.
Background on Beef Jerky
First things first, what is beef jerky made from and why is it such a popular snack? This time-tested treat is made by curing and drying thin slices of beef, producing a shelf-stable snack that’s high in protein and low in carbs and fat.
The origins of beef jerky can be traced back centuries to when drying meat was one of the few reliable ways to preserve it without refrigeration. But even today as technology has advanced it’s still a staple for on-the-go or at-home alike.
But, the process for creating jerky has certainly evolved as well. Today, you’ll have access to a diverse range of flavors and cuts of meat. We use seasonings, salt, and sweeteners to form a delicious marinade that enhances both taste and texture, while naturally preserving the meat.
Then, the strips of meat are slowly dried or smoked at low temperatures to remove any remaining moisture while locking in flavor. The end result is a lightweight, long-lasting snack that packs a protein punch along with plenty of other nutrients.
From classic smoked or peppered varieties to bold and spicy options, there’s a gourmet flavor for every palate waiting to be discovered at Mahogany Smoked Meats. Beef jerky in general has a chewy texture, satisfying bite, and provides sustained energy without unnecessary fillers.
Because the main ingredient is meat, and brands can limit any other inputs if necessary, it aligns with a myriad of diets far better than other processed snacks. Whether you’re just trying to maximize protein intake or you’re on keto, beef jerky can work for you.
What Exactly Are Protein Bars?
Now let’s introduce the other half of the beef jerky vs protein bar comparison: what exactly is a protein bar made from? This convenient, nutrient-dense snack is much newer compared to jerky, but seeks to serve the same purpose: providing a quick protein and energy hit.
Protein bars are typically formulated from a blend of protein powders (such as whey, soy, or pea protein depending on the brand). That’s not so bad - the problem is, they’re also loaded with sweeteners, fiber sources, and additional ingredients like nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate.
Some of these can be problematic for anyone, let alone those following a strict diet - like keto, or anyone trying to avoid gluten. At any rate, the inputs are mixed into a batter, shaped into bars, and then coated with chocolate or yogurt for added taste and texture.
We totally understand the appeal of protein bars. They’re convenient and versatile. Because they offer a good source of carbs and fats they can often be used as meal replacements when you’re on the run. Or, you can use them as post-workout nutrition in favor of a protein shake.
There’s a much wider spectrum of quality with protein bars than there is with beef jerky. While some brands commit to clean, whole-food ingredients, that’s rarely the case. Most protein bars are packed with artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and processed fillers.
The macronutrient content will vary dramatically based on the formulation, so you need to be really careful about checking ingredient labels before buying a protein bar to ensure it aligns with your goals.
It’s also worth noting that you’ll probably go through some trial and error to find a protein bar that actually tastes good. Most are notorious for tasting like protein powder or leaving a lingering synthetic aftertaste.
Beef Jerky vs Protein Bar: Which is the Better Healthy, On-the-Go Snack?
You might be leaning towards one snack or the other already, but don’t rush to the grocery store just yet. We want to give you a much closer look at where each has an edge in the beef jerky vs protein bar debate below.
Nutritional Profile
If you’re like us, the nutritional profile between a protein bar vs beef jerky is what matters most. As we briefly touched on already, the beef jerky nutrition label is much more favorable than that of a protein bar - at least most of the time.
So how much protein is in beef jerky? What about the beef jerky calories? You’ll typically get 9-12g of protein, less than 3g of carbs, and 1-3g of fat in a single serving of 1 ounce. This works out to roughly 80 to 100 calories per serving.
Of course, the specific nutrition facts vary. Some low-quality beef jerky contains a bunch of added sugars (likely to mask the low-quality meat or suboptimal dehydrating methods used). In general, though, this is an obvious advantage for beef jerky vs protein bar.
On the other hand, protein bars tend to contain far more carbs and fat - between 20-40g and 5-15g respectively. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you’re using these for post-workout nutrition or as a meal replacement, but it can be a bit much for a simple snack.
That being said you may get a bit more protein to make up for it, somewhere between 10-20g. Some protein bars will push the limits with 30-50g per bar, but as you can imagine, the caloric content will be much higher - sometimes between 150-400 calories.
Ingredient Quality
It’s not just about the ingredients and the nutritional value they bring, but the quality of those ingredients. The best cuts for beef jerky are top round, bottom round, and other lean varieties. Ideally, the meat would be sourced from farms that employ ethical practices.
Beyond the meat, which is the primary ingredient, beef jerky is minimally processed. It contains some seasonings like salt, pepper, and in our case, natural smoke. But you need to be careful to avoid brands that use excessive amounts of sugars, preservatives, or artificial flavors.
Protein bars, in contrast, are a bit trickier to discuss in general since they run the gamut. Some use whole food ingredients like nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. Rx Bars, for example, is a brand that does a great job of keeping ingredients minimal and focusing on quality.
However, most brands cut corners and use artificial flavors, sugar alcohols, and processed protein isolates. They even use preservatives and emulsifiers to extend shelf life and improve texture.
This may not make a huge difference to some people, but those who prioritize clean eating need to watch out for these inputs. Again, beef jerky has the obvious edge in most cases when it comes to ingredient quality.
Convenience and Portability
Technically both beef jerky and protein bars are convenient and portable, but this is where the narrative starts to turn a bit. So does beef jerky go bad? While it doesn’t require refrigeration, it can spoil once opened, typically within a few weeks or a few months at most.
Still, it’s a lightweight, mess-free snack that’s easy to carry in a bag, leave in a desk drawer, or take on a road trip. It won’t melt in the heat, but there does need to be an increased emphasis on food safety compared to protein bars. At the end of the day, spoiled meat is no joke.
That being said, protein bars are just as portable and easy to take on the go. The difference is they have a much longer shelf life - although some ingredients can melt and make a mess in warm settings, so they’re not always as travel-friendly as beef jerky.
Another advantage, which we’ll talk a bit more about below, is how much less chewing is necessary for enjoying a protein bar. This can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it.
Taste and Texture
To a certain extent taste and texture is entirely based on your own personal preferences. You might hate the synthetic, protein powder taste protein bars are notorious for - or you might find a specific brand and recipe you love.
Protein bars are available in countless flavors, from chocolate chip cookie dough to peanut butter crunch and even fruity varieties. They tend to cater to those who have a sweet tooth but don’t want to fill their body with empty calories.
Textures range from soft and chewy to dense and chalky, with some leaving an artificial aftertaste from sugar substitutes. This is dramatically different from the texture you’ll experience with beef jerky - which is chewy and slightly tough.
While some jerky can be overly dry and downright difficult to eat, the work that goes into eating beef jerky can be incredibly satisfying. It’s a good workout for your jaw, and because you have to take your time to chew through it, it’s harder to overeat beef jerky.
Taste is determined by the individual beef jerky recipe you choose, just like with protein bars. In general, it’s characterized by a rich, smoky, and savory flavor with a satisfying umami taste. You can find plain recipes or something more outside-of-the-box depending on your preferences.
Digestibility and Energy Release
We’ve talked a lot about nutritional differences between beef jerky vs protein bar, but we haven’t placed much emphasis on digestion or energy. These are really important things to consider in a snack.
Since it’s a pure protein source beef jerky digests much slower than carb-heavy protein bars, providing a steadier energy source without blood sugar spikes.
Protein bars are harder to assess in this regard given how much variance there is in ingredients. Those with high sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners can cause bloating and digestive discomfort, and this is an issue some report with protein powders in general.
Speaking of sugar, much of the energy you get from a protein bar is going to come with a crash shortly after. The energy release is much quicker and short-lived, so while protein bars are great for post-workout recovery, maybe not so much for pushing through a mid-day lull at work.
Dietary Considerations
If you’re following a specific diet like keto or carnivore, or are simply trying to avoid gluten, you need to dig deeper into what you’re actually eating. So is beef jerky good for you?
Well, it’s naturally gluten-free and often keto-friendly - that’s a great start. No need to worry about consuming grains or excess sugars. But, some flavored varieties can introduce ingredients that you may not expect, so always check the label.
Protein bars will align with fewer dietary preferences since they contain hidden sugars, artificial sweeteners, and processed ingredients. They won’t meet the standards for keto, rarely will they work with a carnivore diet, and they’re not great for gluten intolerance either.
While there are clean, plant-based, and gluten-free options available, you’ll need to do your due diligence to find these. There’s no telling how they’ll taste, either.
Cost and Value
There’s one more thing to consider in comparing a protein bar vs beef jerky: the cost conversation. Be clear, this was put last for a reason. You should never choose your nutrition based on what’s “cheapest” as you get what you pay for.
That being said, why is beef jerky so expensive? Think about what you’re getting: real meat with minimal preservatives. That’s not cheap to source and manufacture! It’s a premium snack that delivers excellent nutritional value no matter where life takes you.
For what it’s worth, protein bars aren’t necessarily cheap either. At least, not the good ones. It’s common to pay anywhere between $3 to $6 per protein bar, and that’s a single serving.
For context, a 4oz bag of beef jerky costs $13 at Mahogany Smoked Meats, and that’s 4 servings. So at the end of the day, quality beef jerky and quality protein bars will cost roughly the same amount, with beef jerky sometimes being the better value.
So, is Beef Jerky Better Than Protein Bars?
Just like in comparing carne seca vs beef jerky or biltong vs jerky, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer as to which is “better” between a protein bar vs beef jerky. It comes down to your taste preferences and your nutritional needs.
Maybe you’re not quite as concerned about carbs and artificial ingredients. If that’s the case, protein bars might have a place in your snack rotation. But if you take your health seriously and aren’t willing to put anything but the best in your body, protein bars can be hit or miss.
Beef jerky is inherently cleaner with fewer ingredients and a more authentic protein source. Many agree the taste and texture is more satisfying than that of a protein bar, too. But again, it’s essential to get the right beef jerky to reap all the benefits it has to offer.
Fortunately, you won’t have to look far for the best beef jerky brand. Mahogany Smoked Meats brings more than 100 years of experience to the meat smoking game, and with a century of tradition under our belts, you can quite literally taste the difference in everything we sell.
From our cowboy jerky to habanero jerky, there’s something for everyone - even those who like their beef jerky sweet and spicy! We are the only smokehouse in the nation that uses mahogany as well, imparting a truly one-of-a-kind taste in every bite.
We have other types of jerky if beef isn’t your thing, too. From turkey jerky to elk jerky for sale, buffalo jerky for sale, and a whole lot more, the possibilities are endless at Mahogany Smoked Meats. You’ll never get bored!
Plus, your order is always backed by our satisfaction guarantee, because we take our craft seriously and rarely miss the mark. When we do, we are eager to make it right. Shop today and spoil yourself with the best jerky online for an upcoming adventure or just to have on hand!
Bringing Our Protein Bar vs Beef Jerky Comparison to a Close
We hope this comparison of beef jerky vs protein bar has left you with a clear understanding of where each has an edge and which is right for you. Keep in mind they aren’t mutually exclusive - you can certainly consider having both in your snack arsenal to keep things fresh.
That being said, protein bars fall short of beef jerky in a number of ways - most importantly, nutritionally. Beef jerky has cleaner ingredients, a more savory flavor, and provides long-lasting energy to help you push through the day. It aligns with more dietary restrictions, too.
Skip the artificial fillers and enjoy real, flavorful protein, right here at Mahogany Smoked Meats. Upgrade your snacking game with our premium, slow-smoked beef jerky today!
