Jack Link started the company in 1986 using old family recipes for beef jerky. Is Jack Link’s beef jerky healthy? Possibly not, as it is processed meat, but there is more to it than that as the company has many facilities across the Midwest, and processed meat is different now that we are all aware of our health needs. In addition to beef jerky, the company also made bacon jerky, using salt and sugar cured meat.
Is Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Healthy?
Jack Link’s is the world’s largest meatpacker called JBS and now employs a nutritionist, to explain the dietary value of protein. Also, guide the content so that the buyers and manufacturers better understand healthy choices. So as you can see the company is becoming much healthier.
Once processed meat was all salt sugar and a bit of smoking in a smokehouse, things have changed to improve the product’s nutrients the whole process has become healthier.
Is Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Gluten Free?
You would think that beef Jerky would be gluten-free as it is just dried out or dehydrated meat. But, because a lot of spicy flavors are added to the product the consumer should read the label carefully. The GlutenFriendly Brothers site says that most JBS products are gluten-free, but not all of them, so check the label before you purchase them, to avoid disappointment. Krave jerky now claims to be gluten-free.
Is Jack Links Good for You?

According to the US Department of Agriculture, a 1 oz portion provides 116 calories, 7 grams of fat, 9 grams of protein, and 3 grams of carbohydrate. It also contains 15% of the minerals for immune support (zinc). As it is a non-perishable source of protein it can be stored for a while, and it is actually a very healthy choice. The salt content is quite high, with one ounce containing 20% of an adult’s daily sodium intake. Overconsumption of sodium leads to fluid retention and weight gain, so it is important not to eat more than a couple of ounces. If you are already on a low sodium diet, you can’t eat it at all. For everyone else, it is an excellent food to have at lunchtime or for an after-school snack.
Beef jerky is a form of red meat that has been processed. and recent research shows that overconsuming processed meats may lead to cancer or type 2 diabetes, and suggest that healthy people eat it no more than three times a week. they also say that an adult can consume up to 12 oz at once, I would limit this to eight ounces just to be safe. Protein is essential to cell growth and renewal, and beef jerky is a good source of protein for most people.
Jack Link’s beef jerky nutritional facts
Nutrition facts | Original Beef Jerky | Teriyaki Beef Jerky | Peppered Beef Jerky |
---|---|---|---|
Units | 1 oz | 1 oz | 1 oz |
Calories | 80 | 80 | 80 |
Total Fat | 1.5g | 1.5g | 1.5g |
Sodium | 520mg | 520mg | 480mg |
Carbohydrates | 6g | 6g | 8g |
Protein | 10g | 10g | 9g |
Sugars | 6g | 6g | 7g |
Dietary Fiber | 0g | 0g | 0g |
Calcium | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Iron | 6% | 6% | 6% |
Jack Link’s beef jerky ingredients
If we take the data displayed in their official website, the Original beef jerky contains:
- Beef
- Water
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Contains 2% or less of sea salt
- Salt
- Soy sauce
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Salt
- Hydrolyzed corn protein
- Yeast extract
- Flavors
- Maltodextrin
- Cultured celery extract
- Beef stock
- Pineapple powder
- Citric acid
- Contains:
- Soy
- Wheat
Is Jack Links Beef Jerky Halal?
The meaning of Halal is that the meat was slaughtered and processed in accordance with Islamic Law. Taking that in mind and also the fact that the beef used is not halal either then Jack Links Beef Jerky is NOT HALAL.
When you require Halal cooking it is often better to purchase it online and to read all the fine print to ensure a Halal product is delivered.
Are jack Links Beef Sticks Gluten-Free?
This can be a bit confusing, so once again it is important to read the labels. Matador Jerky and snack sticks are gluten-free. If you need help working out what to look for on the labels there are various guides to help you. Gluten is present in most beef jerky, and soy sauce contained in beef jerky marinades contains gluten, a fact that many don’t realize.
Are Jack Links Beef Sticks Healthy?
The average serving of Beef Sticks is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy snack, In an average bag of Beef Jerky sticks there are only 80 to 100 calories. The beef is dehydrated and dried taking about 2.5 lbs of quality beef to make 1 lb of jerky. When you ask is Jack Link’s Beef Jerky healthy, yes, it makes a good energy snack for children to have after school before playing sports where they will need that extra energy that beef sticks provide.
Where to Buy Jack Link’s Beef Jerky?
Purchase Beef Jerky in all major food outlets, or alternately place an order online in any marketplace as Amazon or even their official website. There are so many varieties that buying online is an easy way to check out new products and get a variety shipped to your house. Families always look for choices so this will enable you to get new products quickly.
Jack Link’s History
In 2014 Jack Link’s company bought Unilever’s meat snack division in an attempt to expand throughout Europe. This included acquisitions in several European countries. The company also manufactured bacon jerky, popular with many people.
In 2019 the company bought Golden Island Brand from Tyson Foods. By 2013 the company continued to grow and signed a sponsorship deal with the Seattle Mariners. By April 2015 it changed its Beef Jerky Logo to represent its ‘Feed Your Wild Side’ slogan.
By 2017 the company extended its advertising campaign to feature Karl-Anthony Towns a famous NBA player.
Consequently, Jack Links Beef Jerky is well known all over the world and people want to know, is Jack Links beef jerky gluten free? So they can eat it as a snack for the whole family, and even the dogs love it and come running when a packet is opened.
Conclusion
With the company continuing to grow, people will be able to continue to enjoy their favorite snack, and as it is natural beef or pork, there is no problem with allowing children to have it, as it makes the perfect energy boost with the high amount of protein contained in the snack.
The different seasonings used, make the products much more appealing as there is a snack to cater to everyone’s needs. Now that the company employs a nutritionist we know that the Beef Jerky is high in dietary value.