I wanted to know if beef jerky is ok to eat, since it is dried and marinated? – Jeff
Yes, beef jerky is okay to eat! The drying and marinating of meat keeps it from decaying, so it is beneficial. It does however deplete the moisture and raise the sodium level quite a bit. These concerns can be mitigated with a diet strong in produce and with adequate water.
Did you know? The drying and curing of meat has been used for hundreds of years. It enabled the long-term storage and portability of meat that native populations needed to prevent spoilage.
Some people are concerned about preservatives like monosodium glutamate or sodium nitrate. Just look for one that is all natural – basically with beef, salt, flavoring/spices, sugar and perhaps vinegar. It’s also possible to find jerky made from grass-fed beef or cattle raised without hormones or antibiotics.
Since the meats are very well-trimmed prior to preservation, they are quite lean. Most are 97% fat-free. Per ounce, jerky counts as one of the highest protein sources!
What is a good source of protein for me to snack on that doesn’t require refrigeration?
Like all food choices, a single item should be a part of a varied diet. So beef jerky shouldn’t be your only source of meat/protein intake but complimented by eggs, dairy, fish, fowl and other meats. Also you’ll need a bit of water to wash it down. One can take only so much smoky toughness anyway!
– Debbie J., MS, RD
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