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How Much Protein Is In Beef?
Protein is integral to a balanced diet because it's the main dietary nutrient that sustains our muscles. Our day-to-day activities require energy and healthy functioning muscles, and protein is key to providing this. Those who do particularly physically demanding jobs or those who do strenuous exercise are going to need to include more protein-rich foods in their diets than others. Foods with a high protein content have become very popular in recent years. A lot of yoghurts, plant-based foods and even dessert options such as ice cream loudly advertise how much protein is included in each serving. But are these the best sources of this nutrient? Well, although there's nothing wrong with them, they often consist of synthetic proteins whereas other sources like meat, eggs and nuts are naturally high in complete protein. It is recommended to include protein from a variety of food sources to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. What are the best sources of protein? As previously mentioned, meat, eggs and nuts are great sources, along with cheese, chickpeas and greek yoghurt. But of all these sources, red meat is the most protein-rich, and when you consider things like availability, price and our culinary culture here in Australia, beef is the obvious choice of red meat. Protein is made up of essential amino acids, and because beef has a very similar amino acid profile as ours, it is the best source for human consumption as a complete protein. Other red meats like kangaroo, venison and lamb are also great sources of protein. How much protein is in beef? It depends on the cut, but generally, fresh-cooked lean beef will consist of around 26 – 27g of protein per 100g. Super lean cuts like topside or blade steak will be slightly more protein-rich while cuts with higher fat content, such as scotch fillet or porterhouse, will have slightly less protein. When beef is air-dried, protein content can be boosted to around 60g per 100 grams of beef. This is because the removal of moisture through the drying process results in a higher concentration of protein. So if your gym buddy sees you snacking on some dried meat and asks does beef jerky have protein, or is biltong high in protein—you can tell them they are among the most protein-rich, low fat, low carbohydrate snack foods available. How can I add more protein to my diet? Snacks are a great way to get more protein in your diet, and the best snacks for this are meat snacks such as jerky and biltong. They're so protein dense that a handful here and there will greatly boost your intake without having to indulge in large slabs of meat. They are a much healthier option than chips and lollies which offer very little nutritional value and are high in calories, saturated fat and carbohydrates. As well as being great for snacking, biltong can also be a great addition to your main meals. Salads, sandwiches, pizzas, stews and many more dishes can all benefit by adding biltong as it's the softer of the two products. For more tips on boosting your protein intake, check out our previous blog here. And if you want to read more about the health benefits of our delicious biltong, check out our recent blog here. What are the health benefits of a high protein diet? As previously mentioned, protein is the nutrient that rebuilds your muscle mass. It also helps to keep you feeling full, which is excellent for weight loss or maintaining a healthy body weight. But in addition to beef being a great source of high-quality protein, it is also an excellent source of other nutrients including iron, vitamin B12, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and zinc. The benefits we enjoy from these nutrients include: Reduced tiredness or fatigue Hair, nail and skin health Maintain cognitive function Healthy immune system The recommended daily protein intake for women aged 19 – 70 years is 46g per day while for men in the same age bracket it's 64g per day. Beyond 70, the recommended daily intakes are 57g and 81g respectively. So if you're struggling to reach those targets then it would be a good idea to think about finding ways to get there. As we've already mentioned many times in this blog and in the past, beef jerky and beef biltong are excellent ways to boost that intake with their protein content reaching as high as 60g per 100g of meat. If you've decided to get on a bit of a health kick, or you're just becoming a bit more conscious about what you eat, then it's definitely worth taking a look at how much protein you consume per day. While chicken and fish are both good sources of protein, beef contains much more by weight, and is by far the most readily available of all red meats in Australia. Better yet, treat yourself to the best high-protein snacks money can buy from us here at The Jerky Co. That way you can hit your nutritional goals and feel less guilty when you reach into the pantry for a quick bite. Browse our range of beef jerky and beef biltong online now! Disclaimer Let's be real, we aren't claiming to be experts here! This advice is general only, and you should always consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for more personalised dietary advice.
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What is Droëwors Made Of? All About The Delicious South African Snack
When it comes to dried and dehydrated meat, the first products that come to mind are jerky and biltong. As far as dried meat snacks go, these two are probably by far the most popular here in Australia. Meanwhile, a snack that is popular among Southern parts of Africa has slowly started to make its way onto Australian shelves. This snack is called droëwors. Like biltong and jerky, it is predominantly made from beef and comes in a variety of styles and flavours. What Is Droëwors Made Of? Droëwors are made from minced meat and fat which is then seasoned and put into natural casings to create a thin sausage. The seasoning is a mix of salt, pepper, coriander and other spices to give it a traditional droëwors flavour. Like biltong, the whole sausages are then hung to dry for several days, meaning the end product has a nice soft chew as the middle of the sausage will have retained a small amount of moisture. Meanwhile, the addition of fat into the sausage mince gives it a delicious, buttery feel and flavour. Currently, The Jerky Co offers traditional droëwors, and chilli droëwors for those who like a little extra spice. What Is The Story Behind Droëwors? Just like Biltong, it began as a Southern African snack food (droëwors translates to ‘dry sausage’ in Afrikaans). Popular in countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, it was based on the traditional, coriander seed spiced boerewors thick sausage which is made into a spiral shape and then cooked. Because boerewors doesn't keep well unrefrigerated, it was realised that drying these sausages by hanging them in hot dry African conditions was a good way to get them to keep for longer. And thus, the traditional droëwors was born. Since then, dried meat producers and enthusiasts have put their own various takes on this old Southern African snack, but as is often the case, the original is usually the best. This is why we don't overdo it with loads of spices and complex flavours. The meat should always be the focus of the product, with the seasoning just providing a nice accompaniment. Nutritional Benefits Of Droewors Much like jerky and biltong, droëwors is a high protein snack, which is great for fuelling your body as well as helping you to feel fuller for longer. What sets droëwors apart is its higher fat content. There has been some contention over the pros and cons of including fat in our diets, but for those on a low-carb or keto diet, including fat in moderation is a good way to derive energy if it's not coming from carbohydrates. Additionally, droëwors is an excellent source of iron and has about 1700mg less sodium per 100g than jerky. It's therefore fair to say that overall, it's a well balanced snack as far as nutritional value is concerned. Best Ways To Enjoy Droewors Because it has a nice soft chew, droewors can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Of course, it's great by itself as a snack, but it can also go really well as an accompaniment. Here are some ideas: Add it to a quiche Slice it up and add it to a baked potato Use droëwors slices on pizza Add it to your list of charcuterie board ideas As a protein boost to any salad Droëwors and cheese sandwich Crumbed droëwors and ricotta fritters There's loads you can do with droëwors as alternatives to eating it by itself as a snack. Basically anything that you can add cured or cooked meats to, you can just substitute that out and use droëwors instead. Droëwors By The Jerky Co The key to perfecting this traditional cured sausage is in the drying process. A lot of other packaged droëwors that you will find on supermarket shelves is over dried and over seasoned to account for lengthy supply chains. But because we deliver ours to your door much fresher, we are able to achieve the perfect moisture content and therefore the ultimate chew. Dried meat is our passion, so as far as we are concerned there is no room for compromise in sticking to the best traditional recipes and drying processes. Our traditional and chilli flavours are our first forays into the world of droëwors because we believe in perfecting the basics before experimenting with new ideas. Shop our range of delicious handmade droëwors online now, you won’t be disappointed!
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What Are The Different Biltong Flavours Available At The Jerky Co?
Here at The Jerky Co, we reckon we've got a pretty good range of products to suit everybody who enjoys a beefy snack. In fact, we're particularly proud of our range of beef biltong - a snack that originated in South Africa. While beef jerky is made from raw meat strips that have been marinaded and then dried in a dehydrator, biltong is made by drying larger pieces of meat in a biltong box and then cut into pieces. This longer curing process can take several days, and it allows for the meat to be cut at the desired softness. That's why the texture of biltong is often soft and chewy, rather than dehydrated and firm like jerky. Just like our range of beef jerky flavours, we offer many variations on our biltong recipe to cater for all your snacking desires, so let's take a look at the different biltong flavours we've got. Traditional Let's start with the basics. Our traditional biltong is an absolute classic for any situation. It starts as a piece of MSA grade beef topside, marinaded in our signature spice mix for 24 hours, and then dried from the outside in. This results in the purest style of biltong as it allows the flavour of the dried meat to be front and centre of the flavour palette. It has a nice soft chew, and will work with pretty much anything you put it with. It's not sweet or hot, so it offers a neutral addition to any dish or salad you may want to add it to. Of course, it's just as good on its own as a snack... especially with a nice cold beer. Fatty Our fatty biltong uses the same flavours as traditional biltong, but instead, we keep the fat strip on, leaving the meat moist and buttery. Its softness and moisture content takes traditional biltong to a new level of decadence. But that said, if you were to ask us how to eat biltong, with this flavour we'd say 'with a few pieces of paper towel handy'. Chilli With a similar marinade to traditional biltong, the addition of dried chilli adds a lovely bit of spice to really crack open the flavours. Our chilli biltong is not super hot, so it's suitable for pretty much anybody who can handle a little bit of spice. Chilli Fatty Much like regular fatty biltong, the fat content of our fatty chilli biltong gives the meat a savoury butteriness that just melts in your mouth and really compliments the chilli flavours. Extra Hot You can probably guess this one. If you want to impress your friends with your superior tolerance for chilli, or if you just really really like hot food, our extra hot biltong will get your tongue tingling! It's probably not a bad idea to keep a cold one handy to douse the fire a little bit. Garlic Are you that person that just loads everything up with garlic? If you are, our garlic biltong may be the one for you. We don't go too overboard with the garlic, but there is enough in there to add a lovely warmth to the meat. Pepper Starting with our signature spice mix, we add pepper to enhance our traditional recipe. If you're a pepper steak kinda guy or gal then our pepper biltong could be the one for you. Smokey Similar to our garlic and pepper recipes, smokey biltong uses our signature spice mix but this time adds smoke for a more earthy snacking experience. Our smokey biltong is delicate in flavour, but bound to satisfy the tastebuds. Sweet BBQ Sure, biltong originated in South Africa, but that doesn't mean we can't give it a sweet American BBQ flavour too. Adding brown sugar to the spice mix gives it a slightly sweet, southern style flavour that makes this the comfort food option among all the biltong varieties we make. Pair our sweet BBQ biltong with a nice glass of New England IPA and you'll be bull-riding and line-dancing before you know it. Exotic Truffle Fatty Of all the different flavours we've explored, this one is our pièce de résistance. We add the amazing flavour of truffle oil to a choice cut of marinaded topside beef to create the most delicious snack. By keeping the fat on, we've achieved the most decadent, buttery biltong experience money can buy. If you're looking to impress somebody, show your class by putting our fatty exotic truffle biltong on your charcuterie board. Lamb Biltong All sorts of meats can be used to make biltong and jerky. From beef to game meats, even crocodile. But we decided to get a little creative and recreate the classic Sunday lamb roast...but in biltong form. Adding mint and rosemary to the spice mix gives it that quintessential roast lamb flavour which gives you that nice warm feeling. Try our lamb biltong today - you won’t regret it. Get snack happy with our delicious biltong No matter what your jam, we've got all the different biltong flavours available in Australia to suit everybody. If you're looking to add something special to a nice dish or salad, or if you just want something to snack on while watching a movie and enjoying a beer, you'll find it on our online store. So check out our biltong selection and place your order today.
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Is Biltong Good For You?
Biltong and jerky are somewhat synonymous terms among many consumers who are unaware of the difference between the two. But rest assured, there is indeed a significant difference between these two delicious, protein rich snacks. Jerky originated in the United States, and is made by applying hot air to thinly sliced and marinated strips of meat. Biltong, on the other hand, originated in South Africa, and dates back hundreds of years to when communities developed this unique method for preserving meat. To read more about the origins of biltong, check out our previous blog here. What is Biltong? Biltong, like jerky, is a style of air-dried meat. It is made by curing large pieces of meat in vinegar and a spice mix, and then hanging it out to dry for several days. Once dried, it is then cut into pieces, resulting in a softer meat snack than what one might expect from jerky. While a smoker or dehydrator is required to make beef jerky, biltong instead dries naturally in the open air over a longer period of time. The curing process helps preserve the meat so that it does not become contaminated during the drying process. Beef is probably the most common meat for biltong, however, more gamey meats such as venison and ostrich are sometimes used. Here at The Jerky Co, we have even created a delicious lamb biltong, seasoned with mint and rosemary. Biltong vs Jerky The result of this process is a different snack to jerky. Because the meat is sliced after drying, there is less of a reliance on added flavours. Jerky, on the other hand, often relies on the thin strips of sliced meat being completely marinaded to create the desired product. This means that biltong tends to have a more natural meat flavour, rather than focussing on the added flavours that are used to make jerky. Is Biltong a Good Source of Protein? One of the many reasons biltong is such a great snack is that it is an excellent source of protein. Protein makes up between 41 and 50 grams per 100g of biltong across our range. This makes it a rich source of protein which is essential for muscle growth. Many people rely on protein bars or protein powder to rebuild their muscles after exercise, when in fact biltong is a richer and more natural daily protein source. Other Nutritional Benefits While beef jerky is indeed a very healthy snack, biltong has the additional nutritional value of going through a more natural flavouring process. This means it is generally lower in salt than jerky because the marinade doesn't reach every strand of muscle fibre like it does when the meat is sliced before it is dried. It's rich in vitamin B12 which is a nutrient that helps keep your body's blood and nerve cells healthy. It is also a great source of iron, which is essential for your body’s growth and development. Iron is an incredibly important dietary mineral as it is involved in various bodily functions, most importantly the transport of oxygen in the blood. Without enough iron, one can feel fatigued. Eating iron rich food sources such as biltong and jerky helps to maintain healthy blood cells for overall good health. Therefore, biltong is not just renowned for its high protein content, it is a rich source of many of the most important nutrients that keep the body healthy. Not Just a Snack While it's most common to simply enjoy biltong straight out of the packet, there are other ways to enjoy this particular cured meat. Due to its softness compared with jerky, biltong can be used as a component in many dishes. Biltong slices can be added to salads to help make them more satisfying and to boost the protein content. Alternatively, it can make a great topping for a jacket potato along with sour cream and chives. There are so many ways biltong can be used in your cooking to serve up delicious and unique dishes. Check out some of the ideas below: Add some biltong slices to your roast veggies Add it to your scrambled eggs or omelette for brekky Use biltong instead of pepperoni on your pizza Combine it with nuts and dried fruit for a delicious trail mix Add it to your favourite cheesy pasta dishes such as mac 'n cheese Put some biltong in a quiche Or just chuck some slices in a sanga! There are so many ways to get creative with biltong and make it much more than just a high-protein snack. The next time somebody asks: is biltong good for you? You can tell them that not only is it good for you, but it is also good for your culinary repertoire. Have a look through our biltong range to place an order today. The hard part will be deciding which flavour to choose!
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What Beef Makes The BEST Jerky - The Rundown
The quality of beef jerky almost entirely relies on the quality of the beef that it uses. Unlike many preparation methods that may include different cuts of meats, various sauces, seasoning and cooking techniques, air dried beef relies simply on the removal of moisture from the beef. As a result, there is no way to hide poor quality meat. This is why at The Jerky Co, we strive to use the best possible ingredients for our products—from our source of lean meat, to the natural flavours we use, to the drying process, each stage of production is carefully designed to make sure we are proud of every packet of dried meat that we make. What Cut of Meat is Best for Jerky? People often ask what beef makes the best jerky, and different people may give different answers. A common misconception is often that the most expensive cuts are necessary to make the best jerky, but this isn't true. The most expensive cuts tend to have a high fat content. But the best beef jerky is actually made from the leanest cuts. The Jerky Co believes MSA grade Aussie topside makes the best beef jerky. Many cheaper store bought jerky brands try to cut their costs by substituting high quality fresh meat for ground meat. This is often referred to as 'candy jerky', where poor quality meat—fatty cuts, even offcuts—are processed into a paste and combined with loads of artificial flavours and brown sugar. This paste is then spread into sheets, dried, and then cut into squares. It makes for poor quality jerky that is higher in calories and has far less nutritional benefit. To read more about candy jerky and why you should always go for the real deal, check out our previous blog here. The Jerky Co, on the other hand, uses high quality topside beef cut, seasoned with natural flavours, including soy sauce, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and black pepper to make the best jerky. This means it is high in protein and has extremely low sugar and fat content. Our Beef is MSA Grade We believe it isn't enough to use any old topside off the supermarket shelf. Instead, we make sure we use the highest quality ingredients that are available to us, and the most important ingredient is beef. For this reason, we only use MSA grade Australian topside beef, making ours the best quality and most delicious jerky you can buy. What is MSA Grade? Meat Standards Australia (MSA) was developed by the Australian red meat industry to improve the eating quality consistency of beef and sheepmeat. It is a grading system based on long term research and supported by large scale consumer taste testing across multiple countries. It takes into account all factors that affect eating quality from the paddock to plate. MSA calculates and differentiates on three levels of eating quality for each cut – MSA three star (MSA graded), four star (premium quality) and five star (supreme quality) in conjunction with recommended cooking techniques. By only using beef that has the MSA tick of approval, we can ensure the highest achievable standard for our products. Supporting Aussie Beef As well as producing delicious, tender jerky for our customers, we strongly believe in supporting Australian agriculture. By using Australia's best meat, we are doing our best to support and improve the Australian beef industry. It also means our beef is fresher, and through our dehydration process, allows for our jerky to have a longer shelf life than that of many of our competitors. What Makes MSA Grade Beef So Good? In order to achieve MSA grade, beef farmers must consistently produce the highest quality meat, particularly among the most popular cuts. It means having to maintain the best farming practices to keep the cows happy and healthy, as poor farming practices inevitably result in poor quality produce. The cows are free of hormones, excess fat, free to roam in open pastures and are generally grass fed rather than being given a diet of grain. The benefits of using MSA grade meat are not just in terms of the quality of the final product, it is also a marker of higher welfare agricultural practice. The world is slowly moving in the direction of engaging in more ethical farming practices, so when we source MSA beef, and when you buy our jerky, we're both indicating to the beef industry that we care about animal welfare, and are willing to pay a little extra to ensure that our beef comes with the highest farming standards in mind. MSA Grade Beef Benefits Us All By using strictly MSA topside beef, we ensure every stage of the process supports best practice and highest quality—from the farm, to The Jerky Co's reputation, to the consumer's eating experience. This is why MSA beef matters. It's one thing to use the best cuts of beef, it's another to ensure that it comes from the highest agricultural standards in Australia. Check out our online store and experience for yourself why MSA grade beef makes the best jerky.
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How To Kickstart Your Nutrition Goals in 2022 - The Best High Protein Snacks
Well, it's that time of year again when we evaluate the last two months and judge ourselves on how well (or badly) we've stuck to our new year's resolutions. Each year we tell ourselves that this year will be the one that we stick with it and achieve our goals. Hopefully you are continuing along that path, but for many, it can be difficult. Once the routine sets back in as the festivities come to an end, it's pretty easy to fall back into old habits. But if you've set fitness and nutrition goals, there are plenty of dietary tips that can help you stick to the plan that don't mean having to make big sacrifices to the taste buds. To help stick with your goals, it's important that you find suitable foods and snacks that satisfy your cravings without wreaking havoc on your diet. One of the best snacks to have when you're trying to cut down on junk food, is high protein beef jerky.  Protein We hear a lot about the importance of protein in the health and fitness world. So is protein after a workout necessary? Protein contains amino acids, which form the building blocks of muscle. So if you're accompanying your new healthy diet with high intensity and/or resistance exercise, it is important to increase your protein intake to help with muscle growth and repair. The common source of protein that we all generally think of is meat, however, there are some alternatives. Greek yoghurt, and hummus are good examples of other protein sources. Even a lot of plant-based meat alternatives contain high protein levels. With the fitness industry surging at the moment, there are so many healthy protein-enriched products on the market. Carbohydrates 'Carbs' can be a bit of a dirty word these days. Many fad diets are low or even zero carb. While this can be good for short term weight loss, it is not a long term sustainable diet for most people. Carbohydrates are a valuable energy source stored in your muscles. They only become a problem when you start to consume a lot of highly processed carbs like white bread, white rice and of course, white sugar. If you can't bring yourself to eliminate carbs from your diet, then it is recommended that you opt for slow digesting carbs such as wholegrains, beans, legumes, fruit and veggies. Fat Fat has long been thought of as the thing to avoid when trying to eat more healthily, but similarly to carbs, it has its place in every balanced diet. As long as you favor the ‘good fats’ and not too much of them. Fat helps the body absorb Vitamin A, Vitamin D and Vitamin E. These vitamins are fat soluble, meaning they can only be fully absorbed with the help of fats. Additionally, essential fatty acids and omega 3’s are crucial for cell health as they support cell function. It also provides your body with energy. Healthy fat sources include avocado, nuts, seeds, extra virgin olive oil and oily fish. High Protein Snacks One of the best things about high protein snacks is that they tend to be low carb and low fat. In moderation, carbs and fat are necessary in any balanced diet, but excess consumption can hinder your weight loss goals. There are plenty of high protein foods, including protein bars, protein powder, peanut butter and protein balls. Many of these are great for a quick bite in the afternoon, but you should also be wary, as some of them can contain a lot of added sugar. Meanwhile, beef protein, along with chicken, turkey, fish, eggs and dairy, contains all 9 essential amino acids which help build lean muscle. An added benefit of a high protein snack is that it tends to make you feel fuller, and for longer. So, if you're just trying to cut down on the calories on movie nights, you'll find beef jerky to be a much more satisfying snack. Beef Jerky There are many things that make beef jerky great. Firstly, the proper stuff from us here at The Jerky Co is delicious, and we are bound to stock a flavour which appeals to your taste buds. The best beef jerky is made from high quality beef, naturally derived seasonings and free from fillers and additives. The Jerky Co beef jerky is made from 100% lean MSA topside beef, contains 33g of protein per 100g, and is flavoured with natural flavours and seasonings. The Jerky Co has a wide range of beef jerky flavours that do not compromise on nutritional benefits. Beware of the low quality meat products on the market such as candy jerky that are made from poor quality meat and loaded with sugar. To read more about candy jerky, and why you should always opt for the real deal, check out our blog here. The upshot of all this is that The Jerky Co makes some of the best high protein snacks in Australia. Whether you're committed to getting fit and losing weight, or if you're just trying to be a bit more conscious of what you put into your body, it is definitely worth moving away from high calorie processed snacks to guilt-free beef jerky. Once you try the best beef jerky, you probably won't ever find yourself reaching into the pantry for the naughty foods again (or maybe less often). Check out our range of beef jerky and get yourself on track to reach your 2022 nutrition goals!
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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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