Beef for Jerky: Why Quality Matters

Beef jerky is often seen as the go-to high-protein snack—convenient, tasty, and long-lasting. But not all jerky is created equal. From the cut of meat to the way it's processed and preserved, the quality of beef you start with makes a big difference to the final product—both nutritionally and in terms of taste.

In this article, we’ll unpack what makes the best beef for jerky, explore the benefits of grass-fed beef, and reveal why Roam’s bars might just be the cleaner, more functional upgrade jerky lovers have been looking for.

 

What Makes the Best Beef for Jerky?

Great jerky starts with great beef. The quality of the meat determines everything—from protein content and flavour to chewiness and shelf life.

Lean Cuts are key, traditional jerky is made using lean cuts of meat like:

• Top round
  
• Bottom round
  
• Sirloin
• Flank steak

These cuts contain less fat, which helps jerky stay fresh longer and gives it that chewy texture people love.

Minimally Processed = Maximum Nutrition

The fewer steps between the cow and your snack, the better. High-quality jerky is made from whole muscle, not ground scraps, has minimal added sugar and salt & uses natural preservation methods like air drying or low-temperature dehydration

Grass-Fed vs. Grain-Fed Beef: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to beef for jerky, the animal’s diet plays a big role in nutritional quality.

Grass-Fed Beef Benefits:

✅ Higher in omega-3 fatty acids, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), and vitamin E

✅ Fewer antibiotics and hormones used in rearing

✅ More natural, earthy flavour and richer in micronutrients

Grain-Fed Beef:

❌ Often fattier, with lower nutrient density

❌ Can include GMOs, hormones, or chemical feed

❌ Lower in key fatty acids and antioxidants

Grass-fed beef is not only better for your body—it’s better for the environment and animal welfare too.

 

Beef Jerky vs. Meat Bars: Which is Better?

While jerky is a staple high-protein snack, meat bars are emerging as a cleaner, more complete alternative. Here's how they compare:

Feature	Jerky	ROAM grass-fed beef bar
Protein Content	10-15g per serving	20g per bar
Calories	Varies (often 150–250)	Between 105-137Kcal flavour dependant
Preservatives	Often includes nitrates/sugar	None - Never
Ingredients	Can be heavily processed or low quality	Whole-food ingredients, grass-fed beef
Portability	Dry, shelf-stable	Dry, shelf stable, smller
Flavour Profile	Savoury and chewy	Savoury, tender, natural

 

The Problem with Many Store-Bought Jerkies

Unfortunately, much of the jerky on the market today is far from “clean.” You’ll often find:

• Hidden sugars (brown sugar, glucose syrup)
  
  
• Artificial preservatives (sodium nitrite, MSG)
  
  
• Low-quality meat (mechanically separated or ground cuts)
  
  
• Over-processing that damages nutrient content

These additives can affect digestion, energy levels, and long-term health, especially if consumed regularly.

Roam: The Cleaner Alternative to Jerky

Roam meat bars were designed to offer all the things we love about jerky - with none of the compromises.

✅ Made with 100% grass-fed beef

✅ 20g of complete protein per bar

✅ Low Calorie

✅ No artificial preservatives or sweeteners

✅ Soft, natural flavouring and source of fibre

✅ Made with natural ingredients and nothing unnecessary

Whether you're out on a hike, post-gym, or need a clean snack between meetings - Roam delivers quality protein without the bloat, the sugar, or the sketchy ingredients.

💬 Final Thought

If you’re going to eat beef for jerky, choose quality. Start with the right cut, the right process, and ideally, the right source. Grass-fed beef not only tastes better, but it also fuels better.
But if you're looking for an upgrade on high-protein snacking, ROAM bars offer better portability, more nutrition, and none of the nonsense.

🔥 Roam. Real Fuel. Real Food.