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Real Jerky Vs Candy Jerky - Why The Real Deal is Superior
Have you ever bought a packet of beef jerky and just been disappointed by what you've found inside? Well, the chances are you bought a packet of candy jerky. Unfortunately this is the most common style when it comes to store bought jerky, which dominate Australian supermarket shelves. While candy jerky and real jerky are both technically called ‘beef jerky’, that's about all they share in common. So, let us run you through some of the key differences between the real stuff and the candied stuff so you can make a more informed choice next time you've got a hankering for some quality beef jerky. The process Traditional jerky Traditional jerky is made from 100% meat. It is cut into pieces or strips and left overnight to marinade in a selection of sauces, herbs and spices, according to the desired flavour. The meat is then laid out on racks which are placed in a drying oven for around six hours. Homemade jerky If you want to try making your own jerky at home but don't have a drying oven, simply set your standard oven to around 60 degrees celsius and lay the marinaded strips on an oven tray, or hang them on the oven racks. Prop open the oven door to ensure proper airflow and start checking on the meat in roughly four hours. Of course, not everybody has the means or the willingness to prepare and marinade meat overnight, let alone supervise such a lengthy drying time. So, when we spend decent money on packeted jerky, we should expect quality that reflects the price. Jerky by The Jerky Co The higher the quality of the cut of meat, the better the results. The Jerky Co uses premium MSA grade topside Australian beef and quality ingredients to make the best beef jerky. High quality jerky will have the desired moisture content, a good chew, and the flavours added in the marinade should complement the meat perfectly. Candy jerky Unlike real jerky, candy jerky is made from cheaper cuts of meat, even offcuts. It is then minced into a paste and mixed with artificial flavours and sugar. This is why candy jerky tends to be soft and textureless, and tastes only of the flavours that have been added to it rather than the meat itself. It's also why each piece looks about the same as the last—because the paste is squirted out as large uniform sheets which are then cut into pieces after dehydration. Sliced and dried meat should not look like this. Nor should it be translucent. When you hold candy jerky up to a light source you will notice it is somewhat see-through. Meanwhile, the muscle fibres have been broken down so much in the mincing process that there is no 'grain'. While real jerky can be torn along the direction of the meat's muscle fibres, candy jerky simply pulls apart in chunks. What this all adds up to is a less than satisfactory snacking experience made worse in the knowledge that your dried meat paste cost about as much as the real deal. But it's not just the taste and texture that matters. Many of us choose to snack on jerky because it rates nice and low on the guilt index. With its low fat content, low carb content and high protein content, it is a popular choice for people who don't wish to feel that they need to run a few laps around the block to offset a tasty nibble. So let's take a quick look at the nutritional component of both real jerky vs candy jerky. Nutrition Real jerky is generally lower in fat and carbs. This can vary depending on the brand and what flavour you like most, but generally, the sugar content of real jerky is low (between 2-8g per 100g). Similarly, you are unlikely to see fat content reach 10g or more per 100g, instead it is usually just a couple of grams. The major nutritional component of real jerky is protein - which is fantastic for providing energy and building healthy muscle. Candy jerky has a similar fat content but it's the sugar that is the real killer. Some of the sweeter jerkies can have nearly 30g of sugar per 100g. In combination with the questionable process through which the meat is produced, candy jerky is often no better than junk food. Summary Real jerky is superior to candy jerky in every way. They simply do not compare, and really shouldn't be considered in the same food category. Real jerky is natural, high in protein and made from slices of fresh premium quality beef. Candy jerky, however, is so processed that it barely even resembles meat. Mixed with all sorts of additives, flavours and sugar, it's probably closer to a piece of candy than it is a premium meat snack for humans. To put it straight — candy jerky is simply a cheap alternative, and its low quality ingredients reflect this. So next time you're in the snacks aisle, just remember that the few dollars that you may save by opting for candy jerky will not be worth it. Always go for the real deal.
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Last Minute Secret Santa Gifts You'll Want To Keep For Yourself
Christmas is coming. It is a frenzied time of year for most - from trying to get all your Christmas pressies bought, to stocking your fridge and prepping your house to have all the extended family members over. Amongst the chaos, it is easy to forget that Secret Santa present for your coworker or family member. But never fear — we have some great ideas for every price range which are sure to impress. Read on to ensure you don't turn up to your Secret Santa gift exchange empty handed! Novelty inflatable Inflatables are a fun gift as they are generally things people don't buy for themselves. There are heaps of cool ones for sale, even ones which serve as drink holders, so they can sink a cold one whilst cooling off in the pool over summer. Party socks The sock version of 'the party shirt', bound to spice up any office attire. There are literally so many prints available to cater for any niche interest... for a more unique gift you can even buy personalised socks with an image of their pet's face on them. Just saying. Portable bluetooth speaker If they haven't got one already, a waterproof portable speaker is the ultimate gift. By getting your Secret Santa one of these they can crank the tunes anywhere... by the pool, while they shower... you name it. Let the good times roll. Luxe coffee with a novelty mug Every office has a resident coffee snob. Grab some fancy looking coffee beans from your local coffee shop and wrap them up with a nice mug. Hey, it may even stop your coworker using your mug and it will keep them caffeinated as well. Win win! Cold-brew jug While we are on the topic of coffee, a cold-brew jug is also a wonderful gift for coffee lovers. You can pick up a good one from between $30-$50 and it will make delicious cold brew coffee all summer long. To-go wine glass tumbler Allow your gift recipient to enjoy their favourite vino at their Christmas picnics and beach side BBQ's with a to-go wine glass tumbler. They won't have to worry about spillages or broken glass and their wine will remain cold. For out of office use only... drink responsibly. House plant House plants are generally a universal hit, especially for those with a bit of a green thumb. An easy-care plant in a colourful pot is a super thoughtful gift and will be a nice addition for anyone's home or desk. (Psst — if you are concerned your gift recipient is a plant murderer, succulents or devil's ivy are almost impossible to kill). Gift cards Look, we had to mention it. Sometimes a person is simply tricky to buy for. Rather than going for a generic gift card, opt for something more unique. A movie gift card or restaurant voucher are always much appreciated, and will provide your giftee with an all-paid experience. Craft beer The hoppy version of the 'office coffee snob' is the 'distant relative beer enthusiast'. If you've been tasked with purchasing for that guy who only drinks craft beer — it’s simple. Buy them some. We have teamed up with Running With Thieves to create our delicious 'Topside Lager', which you can find in our gift hampers — along with our mouth-watering jerky. Our hampers are a great choice for foodies and jerky fans alike. Beef jerky Do you know what also goes really well with craft beer? Our beef jerky and beef biltong products are made with 100% topside beef, and truly are the best in town. For jerky aficionados or newbies alike - our products are bound to be a hit. A great idea for Secret Santa gifting is to opt for a couple of our sampler packs, and combine a couple of different flavours. When it comes to your gift recipient storing their beef jerky or beef biltong — an air tight container or mason jar works perfectly. You can even supplement your jerky gift with one of these options by placing it inside. Pop a ribbon on it, and bam. Merry Christmas from Us to You So now that your Christmas shopping is all done... (okay maybe not quite). Regardless, we do hope this list of gift ideas gives you some pointers. We wish you a very happy Christmas break from all of us here at The Jerky Co. We hope you eat and drink to your heart's content (we recommend popping some jerky on a cheese board!) and spend valuable time with your friends and family.
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Forget That Protein Shake - Here Are the Post Gym Snacks You Should Be Eating
Alright, hear us out: protein shakes should never replace real food. Yep, we're talking about those sweet supplemental drinks that are often advertised as the ultimate post-workout nutrition. With promises to help you lose weight fast or bulk up quickly as main selling points, it's easy to see why people add these to their carts. Plus, all those protein shake ads make it look so damn easy. Nothing quite as simple as a 3-step "scoop, shake, and swig" right? But here's the catch. While drinking protein shakes are a convenient way to add some protein to your diet, they can come with a ton of negative side effects. Like any supplements, protein shakes contain ingredients that might cause trouble in the long term, especially when consumed in large amounts. But don't go worrying just yet, because we've done our research. Skip ahead for a yummy list of healthy post gym snacks you can have as protein shake alternatives, or drop that loaded scoop read on to learn about some problems that come with drinking protein shakes. What happens if I drink a lot of protein shakes? Nutrient deficit While protein shakes could add some nutrition to your diet, regularly exceeding your maximum daily protein needs can actually do more harm than good. And if you are drinking protein shakes as meal alternatives, you could be missing out on a lot of key nutrients, minerals, fats, fibre, antioxidants, and more that your body needs to function well. When you get the tell-tale acne, dehydration, bloating, nausea, headache, and a loss of appetite since starting to bulk-drink protein shakes, talk to your doctor to check if it's the protein powder causing this. Also, be sure to check the ingredient and nutritional information list on the back of the protein powder packaging to see how much added sugar and extra calories are being unnecessarily added to your diet. Excess protein You might find that your regular protein intake from whole foods already meets your body's needs, so adding protein shakes is just overloading your kidneys. As your body cannot store protein, keep overloading yourself and will become at risk of gaining excess weight, developing kidney stones, osteoporosis, high blood cholesterol, heart diseases, GI issues, and more. Also keep in mind that if you already have any intolerances or allergies, certain artificial ingredients in protein powders can trigger a reaction. The best thing to do is think about how much protein you already have in your normal diet before throwing protein powder in the mix. You can track this with an app, manually, or seek out professional advice. Toxins In 2018, the non-profit Clean Label Project group released a thorough report about the toxins they found in protein powders. After screening 134 products, they found that many protein powders are loaded with heavy metals like arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as pesticides and cancer-causing contaminants. Many nasties can still be found in protein powders that are advertised as "clean" or "natural". Not cool, mate. In short, most protein shakes are not quite the healthy post gym snack that they're made out to be. So if you're looking for some tasty protein shake alternatives, check out the list below. Healthy post-gym snacks - protein shake alternatives Health Direct states that most Aussies already eat enough protein everyday. They also offer general protein serving suggestions based on different body types. When finding out the amount of protein your gym-going body needs, you have to take into account your personal body type energy needs, choice of exercise, lifestyle, and existing diet. Below are some protein rich snacks that can offer more muscle repair, recovery, and building benefits than a generic protein shake. Nut butter: Almond butter, peanut butter, and similar spreads are full of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Just keep an eye out ones that don't contain excess salt and sugars. Try having it in nut bars, energy balls, or smoothies. Greek yoghurt: Yoghurt packs not only protein, but also probiotics, calcium, vitamin B12, and more. If you don't have much time to do food prep, use yoghurt in a quick smoothie or in a bowl of granola for good, clean energy until the next meal. Red meat: Our Aussie beef jerky, droewors, and snap sticks are protein rich meat snacks that pack a punch. These savoury treats are super convenient to carry in your gym bag and offer a range of essential nutrients besides protein. Check out our blogs if you're wondering "is beef jerky healthy?" and for any other jerky-related questions you may have, or drop by one of our kiosks to have a taste! Seafood: Fish and other seafood are high in omega-3's, protein, and vitamins and minerals. A convenient post workout seafood snack that you can easily transport is a tin of tuna or a sushi roll. Legumes: Roasted chickpeas give you the satisfaction of a crunchy, savoury snack and a ton of protein. If you're short on time, grab a few tins or packs of these superfoods for the pantry during your grocery runs. Cheese: Can't go wrong with some cheese and crackers. Cottage cheese, Swiss, goat, parmesan, and mozzarella are a few kinds of cheese that offer a load of protein. You'll be glad to know that you're also getting the benefit of many essential nutrients while snacking on that cheesy toastie. Chia: Chia has risen in popularity over the years largely due to its many health benefits. These omega-3, protein, and fibre rich seeds are perfect for adding to smoothies, salads, and in an energy-boosting pre-workout pudding. Swap out the shake If you are still holding on tight to that protein shake, check out our article that answers the common question "is protein after a workout necessary?". Because when you do, you might just learn that you don't actually have to drink the same simple protein shakes forever. As we've briefly talked about here, there are a ton of post-workout snacks that are a better energy source, more nutritious, and tastier than your usual shake. Plus, with a good understanding of your body's nutritional needs and of protein-rich food sources, you'll soon be eating your way to becoming a lean, mean fighting machine. But before you go, don’t forget to check out our mouthwatering range of Aussie beef jerky to find your new ultimate post gym snack. You’ll be coming back before you know it!
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The Ultimate Beer Pairing Guide
There’s nothing quite like kicking it back with a beer in one hand and a snack in the other. Whether you’re having some mates over for a backyard barbeque or a hosting a dinner party, there’s always a place for some great beer snacks. To save you the trouble, we've put together a beer pairing guide that'll keep the party going. From pretzels to papadams, beef biltong to Bánh mì, you are sure to find some of the best beer pairings in this list. And trust us - the team at The Jerky Co. know good food. After all, we're not a couple of buddies who always have a good time. We have a great time. 1. Lager Lagers are one of the most versatile beers you can find. They pair well with most food so you can get creative with the snacks, too. If you've tried any of our dried meats, you should have a taste of our latest creation we’ve been brewing up with some special friends. We’ve collaborated with Running With Thieves Brewery and put together some awesome beer and dried meat gift hampers. Get a mouth-watering mix of our most popular beef jerky, beef biltong, and our newest "Topside" lager in one place. Our meats go great with most other beers too, so help yourself! Light Lagers If you get a hold of some light lagers, note their crisp and clean flavours. You want to contrast them with something heavier like some bite-sized, saucy Korean BBQ chicken wings. You can also complement the lightness of the beer with anything savoury, like pretzels, wasabi peas, popcorn, and our juicy biltong. Dark lagers Dark Lagers tend to have lower levels of bitterness or acidity. This makes them the perfect beverage at any backyard barbecue. While you would usually have it with a meat fresh off the grill, the snack equivalent would be some caramelised party chips or our Smokey Jerky. 2. Pale Ale These summery drinks are perfect for the beach or the cricket. Its stronger hop and flavour is just enough that it doesn’t overpower your food. Pair it with stronger savoury snacks like some Cajun cheese balls, salt & vinegar chips, or some Asian snacks like Thai nut mix, prawn crackers, and Bánh mì. 3. IPA With a heavier hop, thicker taste, and noticeably bitter finish, the IPA goes well with food that is heavier, saltier, and more aromatic. Thai summer rolls paired with a lightly spicy green sauce have a delicious blend of Thai basil, a little mint, and some cilantro that go well with the more complex notes of IPA. Make your own green dipping sauce using lime juice, fresh chillies, minced garlic, and of course, fish sauce. Spicy tacos and tostadas are also a popular snack or appetiser to pair with this beverage. 4. Sour Sour beers get their signature sourness from the lactic acid produced by certain bacteria strains during the fermentation process. Cured, dried, and fatty meats like our beef jerky, biltong, snap sticks or droewors all pair nicely with this tart beer. Deep-fried onion rings and chips, sharper cheeses like goats cheese and cheddar, or fajita wraps all go with sour beer as well. 5. Porter beer/ Stout Porter beers and stouts actually pair well with similar foods. BBQ ribs, brisket, party pies, and our air-dried meats make some of the best food pairings for porter and stout beets. A contrasting blue cheese will also be a good fit if you have some on hand. 6. Pilsner This refreshing beer carries bitter hops that can range from spicy, to herbal, to floral. A hotdog, spicy shrimp bites, or a Polish meat like cabanossi are some food pairings to bring out the complex notes of a Pilsner. The high acidity of white cheddar and a lighter young goat's cheese also goes well with the bitterness of this beverage. 7. Wheat Beer There are two main types of wheat beers that you will often come across that are German or Belgian. The creamy texture comes from unrefined yeast and wheat, giving it a signature taste. It goes with a range of different snacks including papadams, German currywurst (a port sausage), mussels, and even a sweet treat like a creamy banana pudding or mango sago dessert. 8. Amber Ale This malty drink often has a hint of caramel and a bitter hop. It pairs well meaty, carb-rich snacks like meat pizza, brisket, burnt ends, jerk chicken, and our juicy beef biltong. The crisp and dry taste of amber ale actually makes it quite versatile and can be enjoyed with many types of food and snacks. 9. Ginger Beer While not strictly speaking a beer, if you are looking for a sweeter beer alternative, ginger beer can be a great choice. While often used as a cocktail mixer, Alcoholic Ginger Beer is a great standalone alternative for catering to all tastes. The light spiciness of ginger and citrusy notes put a refreshing spin on your summer. Pair this with a sweet sauce like a chutney dip, sweet and sour pork skewers, or our Sweet BBQ Jerky. Get Your Beer Pairing Snack Fix See something you like in our beer pairing guide? Then put on your imaginary chef's hat and serve up! Oh, and wash your hands too mate. We know you can't resist tasting these beer pairings while you're preparing the food, but don't go sticking your fingers back into a freshly prepared basket of chips. And wait for your guests to arrive before popping the top off a beer. Speaking of beer snacks, you could serve a small handful of snacks wrapped for freshness alongside each beverage, or check out our blog on charcuterie board ideas for some inspiration on how to serve up a snack platter. And if you want to make things even easier on yourself, throw a bunch of complimentary bowls of nibbles onto a charcuterie board and let guests serve themselves. And if you're stuck on choosing an air-dried meat to pair with your beverages, check out our guide on biltong vs jerky to get started. And make sure to get extras because these meat treats go fast!
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7 Nutritious Hiking Snacks To Pack On Your Next Adventure
What makes a perfect hiking snack? Portability? Convenience? The amount of protein in each bite? The number of times it makes you go “mmm…”? Some healthy treats for the trail pack all these goodies and more. And you don't have to pack the whole fridge to make sure you have enough for a multi-day trail. To find out what are the 7 best hiking snacks everyone's having today, keep scrolling down. The Golden Rules of Nutritious Hiking Snacks Follow these golden rules when packing your hiking bag with snacks for the trail. Because if it's in a list, it must be true (No, but really. Do these steps). Pack light and you'll walk right: bye bye canned beans, hello air-popped lentil snacks and delicious droewors. Say "boo" to the bulk: make sure you pack food and snacks that don't take up too much space and choose ones that can easily be resealed. Or repackage them in space-saving containers and zip-locs. Pack only the best: opt for smaller super-foods and healthy hiking snacks that pack a punch so you maintain a high nutrient intake and increased energy levels. Try to include something from each food group so you still get a balanced diet on the go. Climate change is real: think ahead to the weather and climate differences on a hike. You want to store food in a way that they won't spoil when the outside temperatures change. Insulated packs or airtight containers could help keep perishable food fresh for longer. Make it preppy: and by "preppy" we really mean keep it easy to prepare. Unless you carry a mini gas stove with you (which can be excess weight), try and prepare snacks that won't require much prep work. Pre-cut your veggies and cheeses into sticks, and get rid of any useless packaging so rubbish doesn't clutter up your backpack. And with these suggestions, here are 7 of the most nutritious hiking snacks. 7 Nutritious Hiking Snacks 1. Beef Jerky Get this - beef jerky packs 60g of protein and 1345KJ of energy per 100g! This satisfying snack means you’ll stick to a good pace while staying energised for longer. Change up the meat game at each snack time by packing similar meats like droewors and beef biltong. And if you're someone who wonders "is protein necessary after a workout?", head over to the blog to read about how protein rich snack like beef jerky can boost your workouts and long hikes. 2. Freeze-dried/ dried fruit Without water, dried or freeze-dried fruit can stay fresh for much, much longer. They also become much lighter, meaning you can carry more of them without overloading your backpack. Freeze-drying fruit is also a great way to retain many nutrients so you can snack healthier on the trail. Just be mindful not to overeat as fruit still has a high sugar content. And of course, you can bring along fresh fruit that won’t go off easily. 3. Trail mix Packing some trail mix is an easy way to get a load of nutrients and healthy fats in one snack. You could even bake them into a few trail mix bars to make them an even more convenient hiking snack. 4. Energy balls These little balls of fun can be made using almost anything in your pantry. Make them smooth, chocolate-y or make them crunchy, you can customise the recipe to suit your fitness needs and taste. 5. Popcorn These super lightweight snacks aren’t just for the movies. Did you know that popcorn is a great source of fibre and protein? You can make your own at home before heading out on a hike so you can customise the ingredients. 6. Cheese Some people swear by having dried cheese on a hike, while others like to pack fridge-free cheeses like Parmesan, mozzarella, and brie to pair with some fruit and crackers. 7. Savoury chips While this may be the least healthy and more processed food in this list, you still need to replenish the salt that you lost through perspiration when doing strenuous walking. You can buy veggie chips from the shops or make your own in the oven. Salted food and electrolyte drinks can help your body retain more water, so keep them on hand. You can also have another piece of beef jerky if you need to quickly add salt back into your body’s system. Shop The Best Hiking Snacks Online At The Jerky Co. So there you have it. 7 of the best nutritious hiking snacks that you can easily throw into your backpack and call it a day. Just remember to pack enough for the number of days you’ll be out on the trail, and a little extra for snack emergencies. And as always, peep the delicious range of air-dried meats at The Jerky Co., you'll be glad you did.
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Can I Eat Beef Jerky On A Keto Diet?
Before we dive straight into it....what is a keto diet? The core idea of this popular way of eating is to improve your body's capability for weight loss. The diet claims that you can train your body to burn its fat stores instead of burning glucose (carbohydrates) for energy. So instead of eating carbs, you fuel your body with whole foods that are rich in healthy fats, proteins, and other nutrients as your main source of energy. When there is a lack of glycogen sources available, the body has to burn fat for fuel, a metabolic state known as ketosis. In this state, the body produces acids called ketones that become your new energy tank and benefit your body in more ways than one. With the many benefits that the keto lifestyle brings, there are all sorts of reasons that someone might choose to go on a ketogenic diet. So... can I snack on some jerky? If you want to snack on some beef jerky on a keto diet, check the nutrition information on the packaging so you don't go over your daily net carbs. When you go keto, you limit your net carb consumption to less than 40-50g in total per day. However, each person's max net carb will be different as body types, age, weight, and existing fitness levels have to be taken into account. Here at The Jerky Co., we craft premium air-dried meats that only contain 7.3g of sugars per 100g of jerky. Plus, the highest nutrient per 100g serve has about 55g of protein! Also, we use quality lean cuts and absolutely zero preservatives to make our tasty low carb treats, so you can snack while staying on that keto track. Benefits of the keto diet As we said, the keto diet claims to help your body literally burn fat stores for energy. This means you could be a lean, mean, fat-burning machine if you keep sticking to the keto lifestyle! Research suggests that when ketones are present in the liver, your brain receives more energy. With less brain fog and a clearer state of mind, you'll be kicking all your #goals in no time. While most sources note that the ketogenic diet was originally used to treat epilepsy, it is now said to have a ton more health benefits for the average person. The increased levels of ketones in the body can keep your blood sugar and insulin levels healthy, and even reverse type 2 diabetes and maximise weight loss. Just make sure to check with a health professional before you adopt the keto lifestyle. Who should not go on a keto diet? While going keto may sound like the yellow brick road to weight loss, it's no magic formula. In fact, anybody with gallbladder, pancreas, thyroid, liver issues should not risk making their conditions worse on this diet. Nutrient deficiencies and low blood pressure are some of the common side effects for people whose bodies are not designed to handle the keto diet, or for those who overdo it. While there are a number of different keto diets you can try depending on your fitness goals, whether it is to lose weight fast or to manage epilepsy symptoms, make sure to consult a medical professional before making any big changes to your lifestyle and eating habits. What can I eat on a keto diet? If you're still wondering "can I eat beef jerky on keto diet?" this far along, boy do you need some brain fuel. Here's the high-fat diet you should eat to enter and maintain the state of ketosis. By eating the right food in moderation, you can enjoy most types of cuisines. Some dairy products: Pasteurised whole eggs, grass-fed butter, unprocessed cheese like blue, mozzarella, cheddar, and goat’s. Meat: Red meat, poultry, some processed meats like bacon, sausage, ham, air-dried meat like jerky and beef biltong. Low carb fruits: blackberries, tomatoes, rhubarb, strawberries, watermelon, lemon, etc. Low carb vegetables: non-starchy vegetables like onions, peppers, and okra, and most leafy greens. Fatty fish: Omega-3 rich fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Unsaturated fatty oils: Extra-virgin olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil. Fatty fruits: Olives, coconuts, avocados. Nuts and seeds: pistachios, walnuts, flaxseeds, Josies, pepitas, nut butters without added sugar, etc. Condiments: All the spices! Food to avoid on a keto diet While there are lots of foods you can eat on a keto diet to help you maximise the health benefits, you should also steer clear of certain choices. Starchy grains: Pasta, cereal, rice, and any wheat-based food, etc. Trans and saturated fats: processed oils, margarine, fast food, partially hydrogenated oils, cookies, etc. Fruit: Most fruits, as they are high in carbs. Starchy vegetables and tubers: potatoes, parsnips, carrots, etc. Sugary drinks: Store bought juice, lollies, ice cream, cake, soft drinks, alcohol, milk, etc. Sugary condiments and dressings: Anything with added sugar like ketchup and BBQ sauce. Those with zero sugar are generally fine. Beans or legumes: Everything ranging from chickpeas to lentils Get beefy with it So now you know - beef jerky and keto diets go hand in hand. The next time someone asks "can I eat beef jerky on keto diet," casually drop your hot tips into the convo. Beef jerky is a convenient, mess-free, and protein-packed snack that's perfect for someone wanting tasty yet easy keto snacks. Just make sure to eat less than your daily quota of net carbs. If you don't already know, The Jerky Co. makes some of the best beef jerky Australia has come to know and love. So quit Googling "is beef jerky keto friendly" and drop into one of our kiosks to bag yourself some jerky or rich, fatty biltong! Or snap sticks. Or droewors. Or order online and build up your air dried meat stash because we ship right to your doorstep, Australia wide.
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Pros And Cons Of Homemade Jerky
DIY is all the rage now - and for good reason too. It's satisfying to step back and admire something you've just made. But you know what's also satisfying on a whole other level? A juicy mouthful of our smoky beef biltong. Or jerky. Or droewors. They're all flippin' delicious snacks to have after a DIY job. But if you have your mind set on making some homemade jerky, read about the risks and benefits before getting your hands dirty. You want to make sure you know what you're doing, or risk contaminating the meat and getting really sick! So keep scrolling down for some homemade jerky facts to help you weigh up the pros and cons of making your own homemade beef jerky. Savings: Is it cheaper to make your own jerky? Making homemade beef jerky allows you to choose the type of meats and spices that goes into the snack. This way, you can source cheaper cuts of meat and use flavourings you have lying around the kitchen (like brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder). If you've never attempted making jerky at home before, you might find a great jerky recipe online. However, it can be a hit-and-miss situation when you’re trying to perfect the flavour, texture, thickness, and moisture levels of your jerky. You might buy a lean cut that is too old or dry, or burn some sliced meat on the oven rack because you've cut it too thin. Also, you would have to keep a close eye on the temperature and the time your sliced meat is left to be cooked or smoked. So, while you might be able to save some dollars on the ingredients and cost of labour, you could end up with a botched final product that disappoints. Unless you're okay with trying to feed your pet a burnt piece of meat, opt for our air dried meats instead. Using our 100% Australian ingredients, we soak our meats in marinade for 24 hours to get that unforgettable flavour. So if you're having a go at attempting homemade jerky, try replicating the lingering taste of our beefy bites - we dare you! Food safety: Is it safe to make homemade jerky? Unless you own a swanky food dehydrator or smoking equipment, it can be quite dangerous to try making homemade jerky. This is because improper preparation or storage methods can contaminate the meat. Without the right equipment and cooking techniques, dehydrating raw meat can allow pathogenic bacteria that can cause infections and sickness to grow. Salmonella outbreaks have been linked back to jerky that was not cooked quite right. To practice good food safety, you should always clean your oven rack, oven door, and dehydrator trays thoroughly after handling raw meat slices. Pathogens survive in the meat when the temperature of your food dehydrator or oven is not high enough. Some jerky companies try to work around this issue with contamination by adding heaps of preservatives to try to delay and stop mould, yeast, bacteria, and yeast from growing. Here at The Jerky Co., we use trusted cooking techniques that have been passed down in our family for over 20 years, which eliminate the need for preservatives. That's right, The Jerky Co. meats are 100% free from added preservatives. Storing jerky: How long does homemade jerky last? You should treat your jerky like any deli meat and practice good food safety. To avoid your homemade jerky going to waste, try to make just enough for each person to eat in one serving. An important thing to remember is to store your leftover jerky in an airtight container in the freezer if you are not going to finish it all at once. Check out our guide for how to store beef jerky to make sure you’re getting maximum flavour and freshness. Also, specifically when making jerky, lean cuts last longer than fatty cuts, so try to get rid of any visible fat unless you are planning to eat it all in one or two sittings. Is homemade jerky better than store bought jerky? Jerky companies often add preservatives to their meats to keep them fresher for longer. After all, packaged dried meat has to travel far to get into anyone's eager bellies. But fair warning, one particularly popular additive can cause some serious problems: sodium nitrate. Nitrates are often added to processed meats like sausages, bacon, and ham to help prevent the growth and spreading of bacterial spores, while making the colour of the meat last longer. The danger of nitrates is that when eaten, they can become carcinogenic nitrosamines in the intestines, which is linked to colon cancer. So if you are making your own jerky, leave out the heavy additives and share any leftovers or store it safely. And if you just need a quick protein and flavour hit, opt for our additive-free, air-dried meats that make for some super satisfying snacks. Get yourself some meat If you're keen on trying your hand at making homemade jerky, go for it! And if you come up with a recipe that gives our tasty meat treats a run for their money... have a think about joining our team of craftspeople. You can even add our bbq rubs to your meats to get that real Jerky Co. flavour for practice. Because truly, we make some of the best beef jerky in town. So what do you say? If you would rather eat some premium beef jerky ASAP instead of waiting for it to cook, order yourself a pack (or five!) of our tasty treats today. Fresh, topside beef delivered straight to your doorstep, Australia-wide.
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Mouth-Watering Charcuterie Board Ideas
Look up #cheeseboard or #charcuterie on any social media platform and you'll find yourself swimming in an endless sea of impressive charcuterie board ideas. But with so many different serving board options, it can get overwhelming trying to decide how to decorate your own board. After all, not everyone comes from a family of food bloggers! However, doing some research and careful planning will help you work towards designing the perfect charcuterie board for your dinner or party. Luckily, presentation comes a close second behind top-quality cured meats here at The Jerky Co. In short, a good charcuterie board has a winning variety of flavours and textures that are thoughtfully displayed on a large board. Sounds pretty achievable right? So crack those knuckles and keep on scrolling down for some simple ways to create the perfect meat and cheese board. Plus, these charcuterie board ideas are so good, you could be done in less time than it takes to rip through a pack of The Jerky Co.'s cured meats. What is a charcuterie board? The word charcuterie borrows from the French term for cooked meats. Traditionally, it refers to preserved pork but is now a popular name for a style of meat and cheese board. The perfect charcuterie board is a well-presented selection of tempting cured meats, hard and soft cheeses, dried fruit, nuts, crackers, and fresh fruit. Today, the charcuterie board is popular in the West as a staple of many parties or gatherings. After all, they require practically no cooking and are fun to assemble. All the meats on a charcuterie board are already pre-cooked, smoked, or cured so you can just focus on making things look great. And the best part? A good charcuterie board can be as minimal or as intricate as you like! Because really, it depends on how much time you have on your hands - and who you’re trying to impress *wink*. The perfect way to start building a crowd-pleasing board is to choose your favourite cured meats and then pair it with different types of finger foods. And it must be your lucky day because we've got the best beef jerky and beef biltong to help kick start all your juicy charcuterie board ideas. How to pair cured meats and cheeses for a charcuterie board While it’s the presentation of your charcuterie board that will win people over, there's an art to pairing cured meats and cheeses. A surefire way to find a great pairing is to work with opposites. Both meats and cheeses are fatty, salty, and rich in protein. You don’t want to overwhelm the board with too much of the same flavours and textures. So instead, complement the protein and fat of one food with a more tart and tangy (acidic) flavour in the other. Meats that are encased tend to be more acidic, while whole muscle meats are generally sweeter with a nutty taste. If in doubt, try to pair cheeses and cured meats that come from the same region. Here’s how it might look in action. If you have some savoury ham, pair it with a more acidic, hard cheese like Gouda. Sweeter or smoked ham should be paired with soft cheeses like Swiss. After you choose the perfect meat and cheese combos, just sprinkle some dried and fresh fruit, nuts, spreads, jams, and crunchy crackers around the serving board and you've got yourself the perfect charcuterie board. What kind of board can I use for a charcuterie board? You can get really creative with this part. If you don’t want to go all out and get a fancy serving board just for one occasion, simply grab some butcher’s paper and line the top of the kitchen counter. You can serve up a really big charcuterie “board” this way if you are having a lot of people over! A marble board, your average cutting board, a Lazy Susan, cool tea towels, or multiple smaller boards next to each other or on different tiers are also great ways to serve up your cured meats and cheese platters. It's all about me(ats) Today's charcuterie boards are all about the cured meats. All the other flavours and textures are there to complement these perfectly savoury meat treats. So without further ado, grab a large serving or cutting board and help yourself to these tasty yet simple charcuterie board ideas. Calabrese salami, droewors, manchego, gouda, green apples, dried figs, raspberries, Ritz crackers Beef biltong, smoked ham, prosciutto, feta, brie, grapes, olives in a little bowl, chicken pâté, water crackers Chorizo, beef jerky, brie, pistachios, dates, strawberries, cherries, green apples, carrot and celery sticks, tzatziki, wafer crackers Biltong, Parmigiano-Reggiano, blue cheese, walnuts, apricots, pears drizzled with honey, duck pâté, water crackers Jerky, Irish cheddar, candied or roasted nuts, apricots, raisins, red and green grapes, vegetable crackers Mint lamb biltong, goat cheese, cranberries, prunes, pomegranates, cherry tomatoes, rosemary crackers Let's get fancy Because cured meats are the highlight of any epic charcuterie board, you'll want to make sure you pick the perfect meats to impress your guests. So make sure you get your hands on our beef jerky, biltong, snap sticks, or droewors. Our famous family recipes and spice blends make The Jerky Co.'s 24-hour marinated meats the best in the biz. Try a bite and we bet you'll be back for more. So go ahead, impress your guests with a charcuterie board that looks nearly too good to eat. Whether you're having family over, bringing a dish to a party, or hosting an event, serving up a charcuterie board is a great way to offer something for every finger food-loving guest. And with a generous serving of The Jerky Co. meats, we're sure there won't be a single crumb left.
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How to Store Beef Jerky - Keeping Your Favourite Snack Fresh (Infographic)
Name one thing better than kicking it back with some of our signature beef jerky on a Sunday afternoon - we'll wait. Think we’re biased? Then try a bite of our premium air-dried meat for yourself! Here at The Jerky Co., we'd chow on this beef jerky all day, every day if we had the chance! But we’ve promised our loyal customers that they get to share some of this meaty goodness too. We’re cool like that. *cue sunglass guy emoji* But seriously, once you’ve caught a whiff of our beef jerky, there’s no going back. So while we can’t guarantee that you won’t be gobbling up our marinated meats in a flash, we can offer some great advice on safely storing your jerky stash. When stored correctly, you can keep your beef jerky fresh and delish for longer. Frozen jerky is perfect for whipping out when you have a surprise guest over - or simply for snack emergencies! Keep scrolling down to learn about how to store beef jerky safely for maximum flavour and freshness. How to store beef jerky A question we always get when customers want to buy a couple bags' worth of our dried meat is "what is the shelf life of beef jerky?". Well, these are topside MSA meat strips that after all. So, make sure to treat them as you would with any other fresh deli meat with this food safety advice. Our suggestion is to keep meat products in an airtight container below 5°C in the fridge and never at room temperature. Pop it in an airtight container like a mason jar, along with a food-grade desiccant, for short term storage. But if you happen to have a vacuum sealer - even better! We can't stress enough the importance of sealing that meat in. Because when you store it correctly, your beef jerky will last up to 7 days from delivery - though we bet that you'll finish it well before then! And for best results past 7 days, any of our dried meat snacks should be stored in the freezer. Can you freeze beef jerky for long term storage? Of course! You just have to do it right. Store your dried meats in an unopened airtight container in the freezer and they will last you a long time. And just how long will beef jerky keep, you ask? It depends on a couple of things. On average, frozen beef jerky and snap sticks can last over 12 months, while biltong around 8 months. The shelf life of frozen meat strips will also vary depending on factors like the internal temperature and water activity in your fridge. The best way to practice good food safety is to make sure that the meat is securely sealed prior to storage. If you're purchasing our meat strips online, they already come in vacuum sealed bags to keep the moisture in, and the air out. So it's best to leave the bag unopened and frozen if you want to save some for much later. Is beef jerky safe to eat? Historically, cultures all over the world have been known to preserve meat strips safely by turning it into variations of jerky. Here at The Jerky Co., we practice top hygiene and food preparation methods that makes sure each piece of dried meat is safe (and delicious!) to eat. Our marinades of soy sauce and spices are made from family recipes that date back for over 20 years, so you know it's that good. All our meats are slowly air-dried to get the perfect level of chewiness, and to make that marinade *pop*. Homemade beef jerky, on the other hand, can accidentally create an environment ideal for bacterial growth if the dehydrator or drying process used is not up to food safety standards. So really, the best way to make sure you get a chewy mouthful of scrumptiously safe dried meats is to hit us up. Also, make sure to follow the advice you literally just read about how to store beef jerky, so you can enjoy your marinated meats for longer! Plus, our jerky already has a pretty great shelf life as it is made to travel safely on the journey from our kitchens to your front door! How to safely prepare frozen jerky If you want to get your fangs into that stash of frozen beef jerky, make sure to defrost it properly before chowing down. Just pop however much frozen jerky you think you'll eat the next day in the fridge overnight to safely defrost. Also, if you prepare a little more than you can finish in one sitting, share it with someone within 1-2 days! We would hate to see you waste any of that sweet, sweet meat. And remember, never refreeze any dried meat that has been defrosted. Stop scrolling, start snacking Now that you've got some tips and tricks on how to store beef jerky safely - snack wisely! While we do craft some of the best beef jerky in town, you should always snack on our tasty treats in moderation and as part of a healthy, balanced diet. So be responsible-ish and keep some of that tempting sweet bbq, exotic truffle, and chilli beef jerky for later! And while you're here, be sure to check out our darned delicious range of premium air-dried meats. Jerky, biltong, droewors, snap sticks - we've got the lot! We ship Australia-wide and right to your front door so you can get your jerky fix whenever you please.
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Customer Favourites
Type:
Beef Jerky - Traditional
Type:
Beef Biltong - Exotic Truffle Fatty
Type:
Beef Biltong - Chilli Fatty
