You might’ve caught yourself wandering past one of our Jerky Co kiosks, happily eyeing off the Beef Jerky… only to spot this thing called Biltong sitting nearby and think “Hang on, what’s that all about then?”
While Beef Jerky has been doing the rounds in Australia for years, Biltong is still a bit of a hidden gem for plenty of snack lovers. But one bite in, and it’s easy to see why this South African air-dried meat has built such a loyal following around the world.
Grab a snack and settle in. We’re covering everything you need to know before your first bite.
So... what is Biltong exactly?
Biltong is a traditional South African cured meat snack that’s typically made using premium cuts of beef, seasoned with spices, marinated in vinegar, and slowly air-dried until perfectly tender and flavour-packed. It’s been a staple in South Africa for generations and has built a cult following thanks to its rich savoury flavour and satisfying texture.
One of the biggest things that sets Biltong apart is its texture. Because it’s air-dried instead of heat-cooked, it tends to be softer, thicker, and a little more tender than other dried meat snacks.
At The Jerky Co, we make our Biltong using premium MSA-grade Australian beef, traditional-inspired methods, and quality ingredients with no shortcuts. The result is proper Aussie-made Biltong that stays true to its South African roots while delivering bold flavour in every bite.
Where did Biltong come from?
Biltong traces its roots back to South Africa, where drying and curing meat became an essential way to preserve food long before fridges were a thing. Early Dutch settlers combined European curing techniques with local South African spices and conditions, creating the Biltong we know today.
Thanks to the country’s warm, dry climate, air drying became the perfect way to preserve meat while locking in flavour. Over time, Biltong evolved from a practical food source into a South African staple enjoyed everywhere from road trips and rugby games to family gatherings and everyday snacking.
Want the full story behind this iconic snack? Check out our blog on The Origin of Biltong for a deeper dive into its history and heritage.
How is Biltong made?
Traditional Biltong starts with quality cuts of lean beef that are trimmed, seasoned, and cured before being slowly air-dried over several days. The meat is typically marinated in vinegar and coated with simple spices (or none at all), giving Biltong its signature savoury flavour.
Unlike other dried meat snacks that are sliced first and cooked with heat, Biltong is usually prepared in whole cuts and hung to dry naturally. This slower drying process helps the meat retain more tenderness and gives it that thicker, softer texture Biltong is known for.
The air drying process also plays a massive role in flavour. As the meat slowly dries, the seasoning settles deeper into the beef, creating a rich, balanced taste without needing loads of sugar, artificial flavouring, or heavy processing.
At The Jerky Co, we stick to traditional-inspired methods using premium Aussie beef because good Biltong starts with good ingredients.
What does Biltong taste like?
Traditional South African Biltong has a rich savoury flavour with a slight tang from the vinegar cure and a deep, meaty taste that comes through thanks to the slow air-dried process. Depending on the flavour, you might get anything from smoky and garlicky notes to a bit of chilli heat or classic traditional seasoning.
Texture-wise, Biltong is usually softer and thicker than beef jerky, with less chew and a more natural meat bite. It’s also typically less sugary than jerky, which lets the quality of the beef and seasoning stand out a whole lot more.
Is Biltong healthy?
If you’re after a snack that keeps you going, Biltong punches well above its weight!
Because it’s made from quality cuts of air-dried beef, Biltong is naturally high in protein and typically low in sugar compared to a lot of everyday snack foods. At The Jerky Co, our Biltong is also made without preservatives or artificial nasties, so you’re getting real flavour from real ingredients.
Also, it’s the kind of snack that fits just about anywhere. Toss it in your gym bag for a post-workout protein hit, keep a pack in the car for road trips, stash some in your desk drawer for busy workdays, or throw it into the kids’ lunchboxes when you’re over packing the same old snacks.
Biltong vs Beef Jerky: What’s the difference?
At first glance, Biltong and beef jerky might look pretty similar, but the drying process is what really separates the two.
Biltong is traditionally air-dried in whole cuts of meat after being cured in vinegar and spices, giving it a softer texture and richer natural flavour. Beef Jerky, on the other hand, is usually sliced first, marinated in sweeter seasonings, and then cooked or heat-dried for a firmer, chewier bite.
That difference in preparation also changes the overall eating experience. Biltong tends to be thicker, more tender, and less sugary, while jerky often leans smokier and sweeter.
Want the full breakdown? Check out our guide on Biltong vs Beef Jerky: The Real Differences.
Meet The Jerky Co’s Biltong range
Now that you know what Biltong is, the next challenge is figuring out which flavour to try first.
At The Jerky Co, we’ve taken traditional South African-inspired Biltong and packed it with bold flavours using premium Aussie beef and proper air-dried methods.
Our range includes favourites such as Traditional, Sweet BBQ, Garlic, Smokey, Chilli, Extra Hot, and Texan Fatty, alongside customer favourites like Chilli Fatty, Fatty Biltong and Exotic Truffle Fatty for those chasing a richer bite. We’ve even got Lamb Biltong in Mint & Rosemary if you’re looking to mix things up.
Fair warning though, picking a favourite probably won’t happen on the first try.
That’s exactly why our Jerky Co Subscription Box exists. It’s one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to work your way through the range, discover new favourites, and keep your smack stash sorted without having to think twice about it.
Time to try Biltong for yourself
Explore our full range of premium Biltong online and discover why more Aussies are making the switch to air-dried meat snacks packed with proper flavour. You can also use our store locator to find your nearest Jerky Co kiosk and grab a fresh pack in person.
