Is Beef Jerky Good for You? A Look at Nutrition and Why Roam Is Different

Beef jerky has long been a favourite among gym-goers, hikers, and snackers looking for a protein hit without the prep. But is beef jerky actually good for you, or is it just a salt-laden, heavily processed indulgence dressed up as health food?

In this article, we break down the nutritional pros and cons of traditional beef jerky, compare it with other meat-based snacks like biltong, and show you how Roam bites offer a smarter, cleaner protein alternative with no sugar, no preservatives, and a serious nutritional upgrade.

 

The Nutritional Case for (and Against) Beef Jerky

✅ The Pros:

• • High in protein – A typical 25g serving delivers 10–12g of protein
    
    
  • Convenient – Long shelf life, portable, and requires no refrigeration
    
    
  • Low in carbs – Popular with keto, paleo, and low-carb eaters

⚠️ The Cons:

• • Often high in sodium – Many jerky brands contain 500mg+ sodium per serving
    
    
  • Added sugars and flavourings – To improve taste and texture, some brands use brown sugar, maltodextrin, or corn syrup
    
    
  • Preservatives and nitrates – Some traditional jerkies use nitrites or chemical preservatives, which may raise health concerns with regular consumption
    
    
  • Tough texture and digestion – Jerky is often chewy, dry, and can be hard on digestion

So, is beef jerky good for you? It depends. If it’s made with quality meat and minimal ingredients, it can be a good high-protein snack. But many supermarket brands are heavily processed, undermining the benefits with added sugar, salt, and chemicals.

Biltong vs Jerky vs Roam: A Quick Comparison

Beef jerky, biltong, and Roam bites may all fall under the “meat snack” category, but they’re far from equal.

Traditional jerky is often heavily processed, tough in texture, and high in sugar and preservatives. 

Biltong offers a softer, air-dried alternative with fewer additives, though quality can vary.

Roam bites take things further, made from 100% grass-fed beef, gently dried, and free from sugar, gums, or preservatives. They deliver more protein per gram, better digestibility, and a clean ingredient list.

✅ Why Roam Is the Smarter Snack

Roam protein bites were designed to fix everything jerky got wrong, without compromising convenience.

What makes Roam different:

🥩 32g of protein per pack (16g per 35g portion) – one of the highest protein-to-calorie ratios available

🥩 Only 120 calories (per portion) – lean and efficient fuel for active lifestyles

🥩 Zero sugar, sweeteners or preservatives – nothing that doesn’t serve your health

🥩 Made with grass-fed EU beef – nutrient-rich, clean protein

🥩 Soft, satisfying texture – no jaw workout required

If you’re looking for a healthy meat snack in the UK that delivers clean protein without the artificial extras, Roam bites are unmatched.

Who Should Choose Roam Over Jerky?

• Fitness enthusiasts wanting fast-digesting, clean protein
  
  
• Busy professionals looking for real food without the crash
  
  
• Anyone avoiding processed sugars, gums, or chemicals
  
  
• Those on low-carb, paleo, or high-protein diets
  
  
• People who want their snacks to work for them, not against them

Final Thoughts

So, is beef jerky good for you? It can be, but not all jerky is created equal. If you’re eating it for protein, make sure the quality lives up to your goals. That means checking the ingredients, cutting the sugar, and prioritising clean, whole-food sources.

Roam bites take the best parts of jerky: protein, portability, flavour and leave behind the rest.

🔥 Roam. Real Fuel. Real Food.
 No sugar. No preservatives. Just clean, grass-fed protein.