Of all the different snacks you have at your disposal, few offer the balance of flavor and health benefits that beef jerky does. It’s a nutritious snack that tastes great, and it’s easy to take on-the-go.
But is beef jerky processed meat? This is a common question asked by those who are considering making it a part of their regular dietary regimen, and for good reason. The last thing you want is to do more harm than good in your snack habits.
In order to understand whether or not beef jerky is considered processed meat, it’s important that you know what “processed” means in the first place. We’ll get into this below along with the perils of eating processed foods, and where beef jerky falls on the spectrum.
Just know this - beef jerky is technically processed, as it undergoes a dehydration process to preserve it in the perfect taste and texture. However, this may not actually be the issue you think it is. You can find the healthiest jerky right here at Mahogany Smoked Meats, where the best beef jerky online is just a few clicks away!
What is a “Processed Food”?
We need to start by explaining what processed food actually is to determine if beef jerky falls under this umbrella. A “processed food” refers to any food that has been altered from its natural state, typically for preservation, flavor enhancement, or convenience.
This can range from simple processes like freezing, canning, and drying to more complex methods involving the addition of ingredients such as preservatives, flavorings, and colorings.
The spectrum of processed foods ranges from minimally processed items, like washed and cut vegetables, to heavily processed goods, like ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and sodas.
Minimally processed foods retain most of their inherent nutritional properties and are often considered close to their natural state.
In contrast, ultra-processed foods are significantly altered with many added ingredients that are not typically found in a home kitchen, and these are the ones that nutritional experts often suggest limiting in a healthy diet. Why, though - what’s the problem with processed foods?
Why Processed Foods Should Be Avoided if Possible
You’ve probably heard that processed foods should be avoided in favor of their more natural counterparts…but why? The problem is primarily with heavily processed foods that have added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
These can contribute to a variety of health issues, including an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. Processed foods are also high in calories, let low in nutrient density. They often lack essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
The excessive sugars and fats found in these foods can lead to weight gain and metabolic disorders. Moreover, the high sodium content in many processed products can raise blood pressure levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Processed foods also tend to contain artificial additives, including preservatives, colorants, and flavor enhancers. While these additives are generally recognized as safe in regulated quantities, there is ongoing debate and research about their long-term effects on health, particularly concerning potential links to allergies, gut health disturbances, and even some forms of cancer.
There’s also the inherent convenience of processed foods that could lead to overeating and replacing whole, nutrient-rich foods in the diet. Thus, generally, experts recommend avoiding processed foods where you can. This begs the question, is beef jerky processed meat?
So is Beef Jerky Processed Meat?
Beef jerky is an interesting snack in that it must be processed by definition. So let’s take a quick step back - what is beef jerky, exactly? How is beef jerky made?
Simply put, it’s thin slices of meat that have been marinated for flavor and then dried to remove moisture. This preservation method is one of the oldest and simplest forms of processing meat.
But, yes through this definition we can see that beef jerky is in fact processed. The question is, just how processed is it - and is it something you should really be concerned about?
In its most basic form, homemade or artisanal beef jerky that uses natural ingredients and avoids added preservatives can be considered minimally processed. This type of jerky retains the nutritional value of the meat and uses the drying process mainly to extend shelf life and enhance flavor.
However, commercial beef jerky products often undergo more extensive processing. They may include the addition of preservatives, flavor enhancers, and artificial colors to increase shelf life, improve taste, and make the jerky more visually appealing. Such additives push beef jerky into the category of more heavily processed meats.
So, what’s the big takeaway here - is jerky good for you? It all comes down to the ingredients and methods used in preparing the jerky. Minimally processed jerky made with clean, simple ingredients and without unnecessary additives offers a healthier choice compared to heavily processed options.
While it can feel overwhelming trying to find minimally processed jerky amidst a sea of options, we’ll help you uncover the quality jerky you deserve below.
Assessing How Processed Beef Jerky is When Shopping
Finding the best place to buy beef jerky is important if you want to leverage the health benefits of jerky as a high-protein, low-carb snack. Not all jerky is created equal as you now know.
So, here are a few things you can consider when doing your own shopping to rest assured you’re buying minimally processed beef jerky:
- Read the Ingredients List: Look into the beef jerky marinade recipe for a short list of recognizable ingredients. Minimally processed jerky will typically contain just meat, natural seasonings (like salt, pepper, herbs, and spices), and perhaps a natural preservative like vinegar. Avoid products with a long list of ingredients, especially those that are hard to pronounce or sound chemical-like, such as sodium nitrite, monosodium glutamate (MSG), or artificial flavorings and colorings.
- Avoid Added Sugars and Artificial Flavors: Excess sugars and artificial flavors are common in heavily processed foods. Look for jerky that relies on the natural taste of the meat and simple seasonings for flavor.
- Consider the Brand and Production Practices: Research the brand and their production practices. Many artisanal and smaller-scale producers focus on creating high-quality, minimally processed jerky in small batches. These products tend to be as minimally processed as possible.
- Nutritional Profile: Check the beef jerky nutrition facts label. Minimally processed jerky should be high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. A high sodium content is common due to salt being a natural preservative, but extremely high levels might indicate added artificial preservatives or flavor enhancers.
- Transparency of the Manufacturer: Companies that are transparent about their sourcing and processing methods are often more reliable when it comes to offering minimally processed products. Look for information on the packaging or company website about how and where the jerky is made.
Whether you’re looking for the best beef jerky or the best buffalo jerky, the best fish jerky, or anything in between, you can use these tips to navigate your options and feel confident choosing the right snack.
But if you want a quick recommendation on where to find minimally processed beef jerky, look no further than Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Get Your Hands on the Tastiest, Minimally Processed Beef Jerky at Mahogany Smoked Meats!
Mahogany Smoked Meats is your trusted source for the tastiest, minimally processed beef jerky on the market. Our legacy dates back over a century, during which we've honed the art of jerky making, combining traditional techniques with small-batch processes to ensure unparalleled quality and flavor.
We believe in the integrity of our products, which is why we use only the best cut for beef jerky and season it with all-natural ingredients, avoiding artificial preservatives, flavors, and unnecessary additives.
Our unique approach to smoking jerky involves mahogany wood, which imparts a distinctive taste that sets our jerky apart from the rest. This method, along with our commitment to small-batch production, ensures every piece of Mahogany Smoked Meats jerky retains its rich, authentic flavor and superior texture.
At the end of the day, we’re in the jerky business for the love of it - so you can rest assured we never do anything that compromises the quality of our products or your experience. In fact, your order is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. That includes not just our beef jerky but also our elk jerky, fish jerky, wild boar jerky, and buffalo jerky.
So, discover the difference of minimally processed, small-batch beef jerky and savor the genuine flavors that await you at Mahogany Smoked Meats today!
Closing Thoughts on the Processing of Beef Jerky
So, is beef jerky processed meat? As you now know, the processing of this snack varies widely, from minimally processed artisanal varieties to those laden with additives. Understanding the differences is key to choosing healthier, flavor-rich options.
Minimally processed jerky, like that offered by Mahogany Smoked Meats, provides a premium snacking experience, prioritizing natural ingredients and traditional smoking methods.
Want to learn more about the world of jerky? Explore our blog for resources like how long to dehydrate jerky, air fryer jerky, dehydrator temp for jerky, does beef jerky go bad, biltong vs jerky, how to store beef jerky, and more.
Whether you prefer the classic jerky snack or want to try one of our unique beef jerky alternatives, you can trust that our products are as minimally processed as possible, from the traditional smoking methods we employ to our all-natural ingredients.
So, indulge in delicious snacks with peace of mind knowing you’re prioritizing your wellbeing while treating yourself to the tastiest jerky online!
