Nothing beats beef jerky when it comes to balancing convenience with flavor and nutrition. It’s the perfect snack for on the go, but if you’re like us, you love treating yourself when you’re just kicking it around the house too.
You might know it’s packed with protein, but the rest of the nutrition facts can be shrouded in misconceptions and uncertainty. Does beef jerky have carbs? More specifically, how many carbs in beef jerky are you eating in each serving?
We’ll cover all things beef jerky carbs in this guide, including where those carbs come from and whether they really pose a problem or not. You’ll also discover the best low carb beef jerky online, right here at Mahogany Smoked Meats.
Whether you want classic peppered beef jerky for sale or you like your beef jerky sweet and spicy, there’s something for you here in our collection. Taste the difference a century of tradition can make today!
The Basics of Beef Jerky
First things first, what is beef jerky? This tasty meaty treat has been around for centuries, and it’s no surprise that it’s still popular today. It checks every box for what makes a healthy snack great:
Taste ✅
Convenience ✅
Nutrition ✅
What more could you ask for? It’s made by curing and drying lean cuts of beef to remove moisture and preserve the meat’s flavor, texture, and safety. This process lends to its convenience, as it remains stable at room temperature for weeks or months in some cases.
Whether it’s smoked or dehydrated, beef jerky is a versatile addition to any snack arsenal. There are countless ways it can be prepared as we discuss in our beef jerky marinade recipe guide.
So is beef jerky good for you? We think so, as it aligns with most health goals. But let’s get more specific about what you’ll see on the beef jerky nutrition label, specifically, the beef jerky carbs.
Does Beef Jerky Have Carbs?
So does beef jerky have carbs? The short answer is yes, at least, most of the time. This can be surprising to some who assume that because beef itself is carb-free, jerky should be carb-free too. That’s not always the case.
Even though it’s low in carbs, certain diets call for strict elimination of all carbs. So how many carbs in beef jerky are you typically consuming, though?
How Many Carbs in Beef Jerky?
Be clear - not all beef jerky is created equal. Some brands use tons of additional ingredients to make up for the fact they use low-quality beef. In contrast, the best beef jerky brand prioritizes minimal additives, letting the quality of meat and the smoking process speak for itself.
That being said, traditional beef jerky with minimal additives might have anywhere from 0-3 grams of carbs per serving. Sweetened beef jerky can range from 5-10 grams of carbs per serving, while processed, high-sugar beef jerky can have more than 12g+ of carbs per serving.
A typical serving size of beef jerky is around one ounce (28g), and most plain or lightly seasoned jerky falls on the lower end of the carb spectrum. But why does beef jerky have carbs?
Why Does Beef Jerky Have Carbs?
It all comes down to taste. The curing and flavoring processes that are integral to bringing beef jerky to life can introduce carbohydrates in a number of ways, including:
- Marinades & Seasonings: Many recipes include marinades that use soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, or Worcestershire sauce, each of which contains some level of sugar and carbs.
- Sweeteners: Some brands add honey, brown sugar, or corn syrup to enhance flavor while creating a slightly caramelized texture on the jerky. It tastes great, we’ll admit - but if it comes at the cost of nutrition, it may not be worth it to you.
- Preservatives & Additives: Certain commercial jerkies include dextrose or maltodextrin as preservatives, both of which add to the carb count.
- Smoke & Glaze Effects: Some smoked or BBQ-flavored jerkies may have added sugars to help develop a sticky, flavorful crust.
There’s really only one way to know exactly how many carbs in beef jerky you’re getting, and where those carbs are coming from. Inspect the ingredients label closely.
After all, there’s too much variance from brand to brand, and even within a brand’s collection, different recipes will have a different amount of beef jerky carbs. But the carbs in beef jerky are just one piece of the puzzle…
Other Nutrition Facts for Beef Jerky
You may be wondering, how much protein is in beef jerky? What about the beef jerky calories? Here’s an overview of the basic nutrition panel you’ll find on beef jerky:
- Protein: 9-15g per serving, which is why it’s the perfect muscle-building snack. It also helps keep serving sizes in check since protein keeps you feeling full longer.
- Fat: 1-7g per serving depending on the cut and preparation method.
- Sodium: 300-600mg per serving. This is a necessary preservative but it’s still something to watch as sodium can be bloating.
- Iron & Zinc: Beef jerky is also high in iron and zinc, which support immune function and energy production.
- Calories: Typically 70-120 calories per serving, depending on fat content and additional seasonings.
All that being said, is beef jerky good for weight loss? It certainly can be if you choose the right type and enjoy it in moderation.
Now, is beef jerky keto friendly? Technically, any beef jerky carbs are going to take you out of ketosis. You’ll need to be careful about how and when you eat beef jerky for this reason.
We’ll discuss the concept of zero-carb beef jerky in just a moment, as this can be really intriguing to those on keto or anyone trying to limit carbs. First, is beef jerky low carb all things considered?
Is Beef Jerky Low Carb All Things Considered?
It depends on what you consider “low carb” and the specific variety, of course. But in general yes, beef jerky is low-carb. Traditional, minimally processed beef jerky with no added sugars or high-carb marinades will generally fit into a low-carb or keto diet.
But what if you could get your hands on zero-carb beef jerky?
Is There Zero Carb Beef Jerky?
While it’s few and far between, yes - you can definitely get your hands on zero-carb beef jerky. You just need to know where to look! But since beef itself contains no carbohydrates, pure beef jerky made with only salt and spices can be entirely carb-free.
The problem is, most commercial brands introduce carbs through marinades, seasonings, and preservatives, as we explained above. To truly qualify as carb-free, beef jerky must:
- Be free of sugar: No honey, brown sugar, or high-carb sauces.
- Avoid carb-heavy preservatives: Dextrose and maltodextrin are hidden sources of carbs that we see brands use all the time.
- Use clean, simple ingredients: Salt, pepper, and natural spices without fillers or binders - these ingredients are all fair game in zero-carb beef jerky.
- Rely on natural drying methods: Some commercial jerkies contain starch-based coatings for texture.
You probably won’t find jerky that checks these boxes at your local gas station or even grocery store. Look at specialty food stores or shop online. Or, consider learning how to make beef jerky yourself for complete control over the ingredients!
It’s really not that difficult, as we explain in our blog. We have resources on air fryer jerky and how to make beef jerky in the oven. Learn more if you’re interested in taking the next steps, or see how you can make beef jerky fit your macro goals below.
Making Beef Jerky Fit Your Macro Goals
Even if you’re on keto or a low-carb diet, you can find a way to make beef jerky a part of your snacking arsenal. It’s just a matter of finding the right beef jerky, which we covered above, and understanding portion control.
Technically, anything containing less than 2 grams of carbs per serving aligns with the principles of keto - so most beef jerky should check that box. Still, check the nutrition facts to be sure.
Maybe you’re not so worried about carbs, though. You want something that helps you meet your protein goals without overdoing it on calories. Beef jerky checks that box, too! It’s low in fact since most beef jerky is made from lean cuts of meat. Eat to your heart’s content.
The point is, anyone can enjoy beef jerky regardless of dietary restrictions. It’s just a matter of making this snack work for you knowing how many carbs in beef jerky you’re eating.
So, why not add it to your regular rotation today?
Treat Yourself to Low Carb Beef Jerky at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Here at Mahogany Smoked Meat, we take great pride in creating jerky that tastes as good as it is good for you. We use minimal processing and abide by age-old traditions of smoking our meats in small batches using a deep pit log method.
Since 1922 we’ve been the only smokehouse in the nation to use fallen mahogany logs, which imparts a truly one-of-a-kind taste you won’t get anywhere else. We always use the best cuts for beef jerky so you’re getting a low-fat, protein-packed treat.
Browse our catalog and see which flavors catch your eye. From cowboy jerky to habanero jerky, there’s something for every palate. Your order is backed by our satisfaction guarantee, too. That’s how confident we are you’ll be back for more!
Final Words on Beef Jerky Carbs
So, does beef jerky have carbs? Most of the time, yes - you’re going to be getting some amount of beef jerky carbs. It’s just a question of how many carbs in beef jerky you’re consuming. That’s something that we can’t give you a one-size-fits-all answer for.
In general, though, expect between 0-10 grams of carbs, with more mass-produced varieties falling at the higher end of that spectrum since they rely on sugar and other ingredients for flavor.
However, our beef jerky here at Mahogany Smoked Meats is minimally processed so you aren’t getting nearly as many beef jerky carbs. Make no mistake, though - it still tastes absolutely amazing!
Whether you want a clean, simple protein source or a sweet and savory treat, there’s a jerky here for you. Browse our collection and spoil yourself. Ditch the sugary, chemical-laden jerky in favor of something rooted in tradition at Mahogany Smoked Meats.
