Why does beef jerky contain sugar?

When looking at the ingredient list of Beef Jerky, one ingredient may stand out to you: Sugar. It is obvious that excessive sugar consumption can be associated with negative health effects. However, even the smallest amounts of sugar are increasingly being demonized.

But is a little sugar really concerning for your health? And why do the strips of dried meat contain sugar at all?

"Why does beef jerky even contain sugar?"

Depending on the manufacturer, beef jerky usually contains either sugar or another sweetener. In addition to white granulated sugar or brown sugar, glucose or natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup are used in the production of the dried beef. All these sweeteners contribute to different end results in flavor and texture due to their unique properties.

The sugar content in commercially produced jerky can vary between 0 and 10 grams per 50-gram package. The sugar present not only contributes to the characteristic beef jerky flavor but also affects its texture. While sugar-free products often have a hard texture, very sugary variants can be too soft. Sugar has what are known as hygroscopic properties: This means that it can bind moisture from the air, keeping the jerky tender for a longer period. Additionally, sugar in beef jerky can contribute to an increased shelf life. As a natural preservative, it, along with the salt present, allows for a longer-lasting freshness of the meat.

We are therefore convinced that the golden mean leads to a perfect end result and that jerky should contain neither too much nor too little sugar. When buying dried meat, you should take a look at the nutrients it contains. We recommend choosing a product with a moderate sugar content and a high protein content. Artificial preservatives, on the other hand, should be completely avoided.

How much sugar is safe?

"That the consumption of large amounts of sweets, soft drinks, and sugary convenience foods is unhealthy is now known to almost every adult. Undoubtedly, it is better for our health to limit daily sugar intake. However, many health-conscious people go a step further and eliminate sugar completely from their diet."

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies a daily sugar intake of no more than 50 grams for adults and 30 to 42 grams for children and adolescents as largely unproblematic. The recommended daily amount refers to "free sugars", meaning all types of sugar found in both foods and beverages. This includes not only the consumption of ice cream, chocolate, and similar products but also natural fruit juices and fruits. Accordingly, it is recommended to enjoy many healthy foods in moderation as well. A sugar amount of 50 grams would correspond to approximately 300 grams of grapes, a large glass of orange juice, two chocolate bars, or a small bottle of cola. 

How much sugar does beef jerky contain?

Simple Jerky contains, depending on the flavor, a few grams of sugar per pack. Our Smoky Original is particularly low in sugar with 3.7 grams of sugar per 50-gram pack or 1.85 grams per 25-gram pack. To exceed the WHO recommendations, you would need to consume 14 large packs per day. Some varieties like Hawaiian Teriyaki are a bit higher in sugar with a sugar content of 5 grams per 50-gram pack and 2.5 grams per 25-gram pack. Even from this, you could theoretically enjoy 10 large packs daily without consuming too much sugar. For comparison: An apple contains about 12 grams of sugar and is therefore a significantly higher sugar snack than a protein-rich pack of Beef Jerky.

To make Simple Jerky, we use small amounts of sugar. Thanks to the included ingredients, our jerky has a moisture content of 45 percent and is neither too dry nor too wet. Beef Jerky without sugar would not have the flavor and consistency we desire. Our recipes contain a bit of sugar to achieve the tender consistency, the perfect bite, and the delicious taste of the thin strips. We avoid a high sugar content and use only as much as we believe is necessary to provide you with a perfect taste experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Why does Beef Jerky contain sugar?

How much sugar does Simple Jerky contain?

The sugar content of Simple Jerky varies from flavor to flavor. However, all varieties have a low sugar content of at most 5 grams per 50-gram package or 2.5 grams per 25-gram package.

Is beef jerky with sugar unhealthy?

Beef Jerky contains large amounts of animal protein and numerous other nutrients that are very important for your health. Our Simple Jerky is also low in sugar, with a sugar content of no more than 5 grams per pack. According to the WHO, you should not consume more than 50 grams of sugar per day - a pack of Beef Jerky is therefore well below this amount.

Why is sugar important for beef jerky?

A small amount of sugar contributes to a pleasant consistency, a good taste, and a long shelf life of beef jerky.