Finding healthy and tasty snacks you can take on the go is easier said than done. Really, there’s only one that checks all these boxes: beef jerky. It’s a staple that helps manage cravings without compromising on flavor or convenience.
But, is beef jerky the same as beef sticks? Not quite. Though they share some similarities and are often viewed as interchangeable, there are a few nuances between beef sticks vs beef jerky you should be aware of.
We’ll compare and contrast beef jerky vs beef sticks below to leave you with a clear understanding of where each has an edge and which is more in line with your preferences. You really can’t go wrong either way, though.
What matters most is you’re doing your due diligence and finding the best beef jerky brand or beef sticks brand. Your search ends here at Mahogany Smoked Meats, where you gain access to premium jerky crafted with care and guaranteed to delight your senses. Order yours today!
Is Beef Jerky the Same as Beef Sticks?
Let’s make one thing clear right away before we get into our guide on beef jerky vs beef sticks - while they seem like two different forms of the exact same thing, beef jerky and beef sticks are distinct snacks.
Sure, they’re both made from beef (as the name suggests) and perfect for on-the-go nutrition. That’s where the similarities end, though.
While beef jerky is typically thinly sliced and dried for a chewy texture, beef sticks are ground, seasoned, and encased for a softer, more snackable bite. These sound like marginal differences, but they lead to very unique culinary experiences.
Differences Between Beef Jerky and Beef Sticks
Before we compare and contrast beef jerky vs beef sticks side by side we want to provide a bit more context on each separately. This will allow for a better understanding of which is more up your alley.
What is Beef Jerky?
So, what is beef jerky? More specifically, how is beef jerky made? It’s crafted by slicing whole cuts of lean meat, such as top round or sirloin, into thin strips. It’s imperative that the best cut of beef for jerky is used, as it influences everything from nutrition to taste and texture.
The meat is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and seasonings, then dried or smoked to achieve its characteristic chewy texture. Our blog has more resources on the optimal beef jerky dehydrator temp, how long to marinate jerky, how to tell when jerky is done, and more.
Unlike other snacks, jerky focuses on preserving the natural integrity of the meat while infusing bold, concentrated flavors. It’s known for its high protein and low fat, which is why it’s so popular for health-conscious individuals and those seeking a satisfying snack on the go.
The defining feature of jerky, though, is that unmistakable texture. It’s dense, chewy, and satisfying. Learn more about the history of beef jerky in our blog if you’re interested. In the meantime, we’ll introduce the other half of the beef sticks vs beef jerky comparison.
What are Beef Sticks?
Beef sticks are typically made from a different type of meat, which is why these two snacks should not be looked at as interchangeable. These are typically crafted from ground beef rather than whole cuts.
The meat is then blended with spices, herbs, and often curing agents before being packed into a casing. In this sense, beef sticks more closely resemble the different types of sausages than jerky! The mixture is then cooked, smoked, or dried to create a soft, easy-to-eat snack.
The end result is a really versatile snack available in flavors ranging from spicy to sweet. The sticks are often pre-portioned for even more convenience. Their softer texture makes them more appealing to those who are looking for an easier, quicker snack.
Beef Sticks vs Beef Jerky: Which is Better?
You might be leaning towards one snack or the other already just based on the insights above. But if you’re still not sure which is better between beef jerky vs beef sticks, don’t worry. We’ll compare and contrast the two side by side below to leave you with complete clarity!
Taste and Flavor Profile
They both have a beefy flavor profile, but you’ll notice nuances in tasting the two snacks separately. Beef jerky delivers bold, concentrated flavors as a result of the beef jerky marinade recipe paired with a smoking or drying process.
The leaner meat does a better job absorbing spices to create intense taste notes in every bite, whether it’s classic teriyaki, peppered, or smoky barbecue. But for most people, it’s the chewiness of beef jerky that really wins them over.
On the other hand, beef sticks often feature a milder and more blended flavor. Seasonings are still added to the ground meat but the overall taste tends to be more subtle. The texture is much softer, too.
However, beef sticks can be more versatile in featuring chunks of cheese, peppers, or jalapenos in the stick since the actual process involves blending ground beef together. You won’t find this in beef jerky.
Convenience and Portability
It’s tough to say one is more convenient or portable than the other in examining beef sticks vs beef jerky. This is more or less a toss-up.
That being said, some feel that beef sticks have an edge because their compact, pre-portioned sizes and softer texture make them easier to snack on quickly. They may be better suited for a road trip, hike, or work break.
That’s not to say that jerky doesn’t have a place in your on-the-go snacking arsenal, though. It can be just as portable and convenient. The only difference here is that it takes a bit longer to eat since it’s so much chewier.
That can be a good thing, though, depending on your goals. It forces you to slow down and really savor each bite, making it much harder to overconsume.
Nutrition and Health Considerations
Again, beef sticks and beef jerky are both much healthier on-the-go snacks than the rest of the field - like chips, cookies, and even many protein bars, which are laden in sugar and other additives.
So, is beef jerky good for you? Absolutely! The beef jerky calories are fairly low since the meat it’s made from is so much leaner. This means you’re not getting nearly as much fat, either. But how much protein in beef jerky? It can be as high as 8-10 grams of protein per 1oz serving!
In this sense, is beef jerky good for weight loss? It sure is. It can help you keep cravings at bay without compromising on your goals.
The beef jerky nutritional value is much better than that of beef sticks, which are fattier and often loaded with preservatives. The curing agents used can increase both calories and sodium content.
Just keep in mind, not all beef jerky or beef sticks are created equal. You need to do a bit of research to make sure you’re getting actually healthy beef jerky or beef sticks. Don’t worry, though, your search ends here at Mahogany Smoked Meats. More on that in a moment.
Versatility and Uses
We know what you’re thinking, what could you possibly use beef jerky or sticks for beyond snacking? The answer might surprise you! Jerky can be enjoyed on its own, of course, but it works really well as part of a trail mix or charcuterie board as well.
In contrast, beef sticks are typically just going to provide a quick bite without any additional frills. While we have seen many enjoy them paired with crackers and cheese, we prefer to use more artisan deli meats for this purpose. Beef sticks are a bit underwhelming in this arena.
Price and Accessibility
Keep in mind that you ultimately get what you pay for, and you shouldn’t make this decision based on cost alone. That being said, why is jerky so expensive? It all comes down to the fact that it’s sourced from higher-quality cuts of meat and slow-smoked to perfection.
The work that goes into bringing premium jerky to life is much more extensive than that of beef sticks, which is why you’ll pay more. If you’re willing to settle for a lower-quality snack, then you might be drawn towards the cheap appeal of beef sticks.
Either of these snacks can be easily found at local supermarkets, gas stations, or even online storefronts in this day and age. As we’ve said throughout this guide, though, you need to keep in mind that quality meat snacks are harder to find.
We’ll show you what sets ours apart shortly. In the meantime, let’s give you our verdict on comparing beef sticks vs beef jerky.
Is One Really Better Than the Other?
Just as with choosing between turkey jerky vs beef jerky, or even one of the jerky alternatives like biltong vs jerky, there’s no right or wrong answer. If you prefer something softer, cheaper, and easier to eat, beef sticks are likely a better choice.
But if you’re more focused on nutrition and crave a satisfying, chewy meat treat, beef jerky takes the cake. Its flavor, nutrition, and texture are far superior to that of beef sticks. Don’t just take our word for it, though - taste the difference yourself at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Spoil Yourself With the Best Beef Jerky Online at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Our brand was born more than a century ago, and while a lot has changed over that span, our commitment to providing customers with the finest smoked meats is stronger than ever.
We still do things the old-fashioned way, slow-smoking meats in a deep pit using fallen mahogany logs. We’re the only smokehouse that uses this lumber, and it imparts a one-of-a-kind flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
So, why is beef jerky so good at Mahogany Smoked Meats? Simple - we combine the best wood for smoking jerky with age-old practices and refuse to cut corners at any step of the process.
From our pork jerky recipe to our elk jerky recipe, buffalo jerky recipe, and everything in between, we only use the finest ingredients and the best cuts of meat. This is what keeps our customers coming back for more, as it shows in the final product.
Speaking of which, we don’t just have premium beef jerky for sale. You can find all the other types of jerky you might be interested in trying as well. That includes elk jerky for sale, buffalo jerky for sale, wild boar jerky for sale, fish jerky for sale, and more.
So, take a look around and see what catches your eye. From classic flavors like Original and Teriyaki to bold options like Sweet and Spicy or Western BBQ, there’s something for everyone. We’re confident you won’t go home empty-handed!
Wrapping Up Our Beef Jerky vs Beef Sticks Comparison
That does it for our comparison of beef sticks vs beef jerky. While you may have initially thought these were two different ways to enjoy the same thing, you know now they’re very different. It all comes down to the meat they’re prepared from.
Each has its place, but the rich, chewy textures, the authentic craft flavors, and the lean, protein-packed nutrition facts make beef jerky a better choice for most people.
Our blog has additional resources on beef jerky and pregnancy, how long does beef jerky last, does beef jerky go bad, air fryer beef jerky, how to smoke beef jerky, can you rehydrate beef jerky, is beef jerky cooked, how thick to cut jerky, oven beef jerky, can you freeze beef jerky, is beef jerky processed meat, how to store beef jerky, and so many others.
But from the best beef jerky to the best fish jerky, the best buffalo jerky, and much, much more, remember that Mahogany Smoked Meats is your one-stop shop for meat treats that satisfy cravings without compromising on nutrition. Take your taste buds on a flavorful journey today!
