It hits hard, doesn’t it? One minute you're powering through the day, the next you're blankly staring at your screen, fidgeting in your chair, and wondering if it's socially acceptable to have your third coffee before knock-off. Welcome to the 3pm slump.
And look, you're not broken. This dip in energy happens to just about everyone. But reaching for something sugary or smashing a quick caffeine hit usually backfires, leaving you more wrecked by 5pm than you were before.
Instead, here's what you should be reaching for to stay sharp, satisfied, and smugly alert while everyone else is sleep-scrolling.
Why you crash mid-arvo (and what your body’s really up to)
Every day, your internal clock (known as your circadian rhythm) runs through a natural cycle that affects everything from your mood to your energy levels. And mid-afternoon is when it slows things down. Your body temperature drops, blood flow reduces, and your brain starts releasing melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep. So even if you’re doing everything right, your body still wants to hit pause around this time.
The problem is, most of us unknowingly make it worse. You eat a heavy lunch full of fast-digesting carbs. You sit for hours staring at a screen. You forget to stay hydrated. You don’t move, and you’re probably not getting much natural light either.
Then comes the crash. Your blood sugar tanks, and your brain starts craving sugar or another hit of caffeine. Coffee gives you a quick spike, sure, but it fades fast (and often makes you feel even more drained once it wears off).
But the good news is, you can work with it instead of against it.
Why air-dried snacks are the MVP of the 3pm slump
That 3pm crash thrives on sugar spikes and empty carbs. What actually helps is protein, the kind that digests slowly, keeps you full, and avoids those wild swings in blood sugar. That’s where air-dried snacks like beef jerky, biltong, droëwors, and snap sticks come into their own.
They're naturally high in protein, low in sugar, and are easy to store in your desk, gym bag or car if you're planning to eat them the same day.
Unlike most “healthy” snacks, ours aren’t pumped full of preservatives or artificial flavours either. They’re made with MSA-grade Australian beef, marinated for over 24 hours, and air-dried the proper way. That means you get real nutrition, bold flavour, and nothing your body doesn’t need.
And for when you want something sweet without the crash? That’s where our fruit jerky steps in. It’s just real Aussie fruit, air-dried to lock in the flavour, fibre and natural sweetness. Pair it with a protein-rich snack and you’ve got a combo that’ll keep your energy steady through to dinner.
Power combos: The best snacks to beat the 3pm slump
Biltong + cheese cubes
Rich in protein and healthy fats, this combo keeps you full for longer and fights off sugar cravings before they start. It’s a solid option for anyone who’s parked at a desk or stuck in traffic. Just portion it out ahead of time and you’re good to go.
The flavour we recommend: Texan Fatty – a bold and smoky flavour made for grazing.
Snap sticks + handful of almonds
Lean protein meets healthy fats. Our snap sticks bring the chew and the muscle-fuelling protein, while almonds add that slow-burning energy from good fats. It’s dry, clean, and easy to eat one-handed, making it perfect for gym bags, toolboxes or glove boxes.
The flavour we recommend: Chilli – just enough heat to wake you up.
Beef jerky + sliced apple
The classic sweet-and-savoury duo. Jerky gives you the chew, the protein and the flavour hit, while the apple adds crunch, fibre and a bit of natural sugar to keep you ticking over. A smart move when you're feeling tired but not starving.
The flavour we recommend: Sweet BBQ – perfect balance of savoury and sweet.
Fruit jerky + Greek yogurt
This one’s for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to blow your energy levels. The fruit jerky gives you natural sugars and fibre, while Greek yoghurt delivers a creamy protein boost. Great for that fridge-friendly snack drawer at work.
Try it with: Air Dried Mango – chewy, fruity, and no added sugar.
Snap sticks + raw veggie sticks
Crunch meets crunch. Pair our snap sticks with sliced carrots or cucumber for a light, clean snack that’s big on texture and low on fuss. Add a little hummus if you're feeling fancy.
The flavour we recommend: Lime and Pepper – zesty and refreshing with every bite.
Biltong + boiled egg
Packed with protein, iron, and zero fluff. This is a serious no-nonsense combo for busy gym-goers, tradies, or anyone who doesn’t have time to cook big meals every time they’re hungry. Keeps blood sugar stable and hunger in check.
The flavour we recommend: Garlic – a subtle garlic beef taste.
Droëwors + cherry tomatoes
Droëwors delivers dense, savoury protein and spice, while cherry tomatoes add hydration and a little acidity to cleanse the palate. Great for breaking up screen time with something that actually tastes like food.
The flavour we recommend: Traditional – hearty, punchy, and properly satisfying.
Snack smart and feel better
Ditch the sugar crash and grab something that actually fuels you. From protein-packed jerky to naturally sweet fruit snacks, we’ve got what you need to boost your afternoon energy.
Order online for delivery, or find your nearest kiosk and stock up in person. And if you want to make it even easier, try our subscription box, delivered on your schedule: monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly, so you’re always stocked and ready to beat the 3pm slump.
