Always feeling peckish not long after a meal? You’re not alone. From mid-arvo snack cravings to the kids asking for food every hour, staying full can feel like a challenge. The problem often isn’t how much you’re eating, but what you’re eating.
That’s where protein comes in.
It’s one of the reasons we’re so obsessed with crafting high-protein snacks that actually satisfy your taste buds and hunger. At The Jerky Co, we know that when you fuel up with the good stuff you’re not just enjoying a tasty bite, you’re doing your body a favour too. Turns out, that bag of jerky might be working harder than you think.
The science behind fullness: How protein works in your body
Protein affects your hunger hormones
After you eat a protein rich food, your body releases hormones that help you feel full. These include:
- Peptide YY (PYY) and GLP-1, which signal fullness
- Ghrelin, your main hunger hormone, which drops after a high protein meal
This shift in hormones is what helps control your appetite and reduce cravings (especially compared to high-sugar, low-protein snacks).
Protein digests slower than carbohydrates and fat
One of the key reasons high protein diets are linked to better satiety is digestion time. Dietary protein breaks down slower in the gut, which:
- Keeps your stomach feeling full for longer
- Helps maintain steady energy levels
- Reduces the urge to snack between meals
That slow breakdown means your body stays satisfied for longer after a protein-rich meal or snack. Which means no sugar crashes and no second lunch needed!
Protein burns more energy to digest
Here's a bonus benefit: your body actually uses more energy to digest protein than it does for carbs or fat. This is called the thermic effect of food.
To put it simply:
- Protein burns 20–30% of its calories during digestion
- Carbs burn 5–10%
- Fats burn 0–3%
So not only does it help you eat less, but it also takes more effort to process, which can support weight loss and weight management goals over time.
Who benefits most from feeling fuller?
Adults trying to lose weight
If you're working on losing weight or managing body weight, increasing protein is one of the easiest (and most effective) strategies, since:
- It keeps you feeling full, so you naturally eat less
- It supports fat loss without sacrificing muscle mass
- It helps control cravings and late-night snacking
Busy families & growing kids
[IMAGE & ALT TEXT: Two young boys running outdoors on a sunny day, representing active kids with high energy supported by a protein-rich diet.]
Kids, teens, and adults on the go need fuel that lasts. Swapping out sugary snacks for protein rich foods can help:
- Keep energy levels steady
- Improve concentration
- Prevent the constant “I’m hungry” complaints
Active Aussies & fitness lovers
Anyone hitting the gym or staying active needs protein to support increased muscle mass and recovery. It also:
- Helps with maintaining muscle during fat loss
- Aids recovery after training
- Keeps you feeling full without heavy meals
Older adults
As we age, we naturally lose muscle. Getting enough protein becomes even more important to:
- Support strength and mobility
- Reduce the risk of injury
- Maintain a healthy body weight and independence
Protein-packed foods to keep you going
Everyday sources of protein
If you're looking to eat more protein rich foods, start by introducing the basics into your meals. Such as:
- Lean meats like beef, chicken and turkey
- Eggs, Greek yoghurt and other high-protein dairy
- Lentils, chickpeas and other plant-based options
- Protein powder if you're in a rush or want something on the go
The Jerky Co’s high-protein heroes
If you want a quick, tasty way to increase your protein intake, our range of air dried meat snacks is built for the job. Each product is made from premium Australian meat, air dried to lock in flavour and naturally high in protein without the need for heavy processing or weird additives.
- Beef Jerky – Chewy, lean and marinated for over 24 hours to pack in serious flavour.
- Biltong – Soft, rich slices of air dried beef that melt in your mouth. Available sliced or chunked.
- Droëwors – Traditional-style beef sticks that are salty, savoury, and seriously satisfying.
- Snap Sticks – Thin and crunchy with big flavour in every bite.
- Beef Bites – Bite-sized chunks of beef with a bold taste. Handy for snacking or adding to meals.
- Pork Crackle – Light, crispy, and packed with protein. A crunchy alternative without the carbs.
Each one is an easy way to stay full, cut down on mindless snacking and keep your body properly fuelled throughout the day.
Fuel up with purpose
Snacking doesn’t have to mean empty calories and constant hunger. When your snack’s got proper protein in it, you stay full, keep your energy up, and get on with your day without the second lunch.
Browse our range online or find your closest Jerky Co kiosk to stock up on all your favourites. Get the benefits of protein and a snack you’ll actually look forward to.
