Biltong vs Jerky: Why the Ingredients Lists Look So Different

Biltong and jerky aren't the same thing. Why biltong usually needs fewer preservatives, less sugar and no nitrates, and how Beast Biltong compares.

Biltong vs Jerky: Why the Ingredients Lists Look So Different Biltong vs Jerky: Why the Ingredients Lists Look So Different

Biltong and jerky get lumped together as the same thing with a different accent. They're not. Different process, usually a very different ingredients list, and if you've ever checked the label on a bag of jerky and wondered why it needs fifteen ingredients, this is why.

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What's Actually the Difference?

Jerky is typically thin-sliced meat that's cooked or smoked at low heat, then dried. Biltong is a South African method: thicker-cut meat marinated in vinegar and spices, then air-dried slowly at room temperature, no cooking involved. That process difference is why biltong tends to have a softer, richer texture than the drier, chewier bite of jerky, and it's also why the ingredients lists usually look so different.

What's Usually in Jerky

Mass-market jerky is built to survive a long shelf life at room temperature, and that usually means a longer ingredients list: added sugar (often several grams per serving), sodium nitrite or nitrate as a preservative and colour-fixer, and frequently monosodium glutamate (MSG) or "natural flavouring" doing the same job, boosting savouriness cheaply. None of this is unsafe at typical intakes, but it's a lot of processing for what's marketed as a simple, high-protein snack.

What's Usually in Biltong

Traditional biltong doesn't need the same preservative load, because the marinating and slow air-drying process itself is what preserves the meat. Beast Biltong is a clean example: beef, Himalayan pink salt, black pepper, coriander, nutmeg, onion, balsamic vinegar, and potassium sorbate (a mild preservative). No MSG, no gluten, no nitrates. Made from 100% British and Irish beef, air-dried using traditional South African methods.

Nutrition: How They Actually Compare

Beast Biltong delivers 24g of protein per 40g bag, 109kcal, and virtually no fat, 60g of protein per 100g. That protein density is high even by jerky standards, and it comes without the added sugar and nitrates that show up in a lot of mainstream jerky. Read the label on whatever you're eating either way, ingredient lists vary a lot between brands in both categories.

Common Myths

  • "Biltong and jerky are basically the same thing." The process is genuinely different, biltong is air-dried raw, jerky is typically cooked or smoked first, and that changes both texture and what needs to go into the recipe to preserve it.
  • "All dried meat snacks are basically pure protein." Not necessarily, some are loaded with added sugar and curing agents. Check the actual ingredients list rather than assuming.
  • "Nitrates in cured meat are always a problem." Nitrates aren't inherently dangerous at typical dietary intakes, but if you're specifically looking for a cleaner, shorter ingredients list, biltong style products are usually the easier way to get one.

Biltong FAQs

Eddie Hall

Eddie's take: "I check labels on everything, snacks included. Most jerky is a chemistry set. Biltong done properly is just meat, salt and spice, and it still hits 24g of protein a bag."

Beast Foods

Box of Beast High Protein Bars in salted caramel with black and orange designTwo Beast High Protein bars in salted caramel with black and orange packaging on a white background
Beast Bar Salted Caramel Box of... 12 x 80g£29.99
BEAST BAR™ - NOT YOUR AVERAGE SNACK.  Beast Bar is 80g and delivers 25g of protein. Most bars on the market are 45–50g with 15g of protein. Beast Bar is 60% bigger and gives you 60% more protein, enrobed in real milk chocolate with 34% cocoa solids.† Thick. Indulgent. Coated in real milk chocolate, not that waxy compound stuff the other guys use. Salted caramel layered through the middle. The kind of bar you actually look forward to, not something you choke down because you hit your macros. And despite being 60% bigger than most bars on the market, it's formulated with lower levels of the ingredients that cause bloating, gas, and cramps. More bar. Less bloat. The others can't say that. †Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Ingredients Protein Blend (35%) [Milk Proteins, Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen, Soya Protein Nuggets (Soya Protein Isolate)], Milk Chocolate (18%) [Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Natural Vanilla Flavouring], Caramel Flavour Layer (11%) [Oligofructose, Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Shea Oil, Water, Palm Kernel, Butter (Milk), Palm Oil, Emulsifiers (Mono- Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Sorbitan Tristearate, Rapeseed Lecithin, Sunflower Lecithin), Carob Germ Flour, Salt, Colour (Plain Caramel), Natural Flavouring], Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Glucose Syrup, Rapeseed Oil, Sweetener (Maltitol), Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Natural Flavourings, Colour (Plain Caramel), Sea Salt. Milk Chocolate: Cocoa solids (34%), Milk Solids (20%). Allergens For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May contain wheat. Not suitable for nut or peanut allergy sufferers. Storage Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, consume within 24 hours. Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
Beast high protein bar packaging on a white backgroundBeast protein bar packaging with text and branding on a white background
Beast Bar Salted Caramel - Single... 80g£2.99
BEAST BAR™ - NOT YOUR AVERAGE SNACK.  Beast Bar is 80g and delivers 25g of protein. Most bars on the market are 45–50g with 15g of protein. Beast Bar is 60% bigger and gives you 60% more protein, enrobed in real milk chocolate with 34% cocoa solids.† Thick. Indulgent. Coated in real milk chocolate, not that waxy compound stuff the other guys use. Salted caramel layered through the middle. The kind of bar you actually look forward to, not something you choke down because you hit your macros. And despite being 60% bigger than most bars on the market, it's formulated with lower levels of the ingredients that cause bloating, gas, and cramps. More bar. Less bloat. The others can't say that. †Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Ingredients Protein Blend (35%) [Milk Proteins, Hydrolysed Bovine Collagen, Soya Protein Nuggets (Soya Protein Isolate)], Milk Chocolate (18%) [Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Whole Milk Powder, Cocoa Mass, Emulsifier (Soya Lecithin), Natural Vanilla Flavouring], Caramel Flavour Layer (11%) [Oligofructose, Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Shea Oil, Water, Palm Kernel, Butter (Milk), Palm Oil, Emulsifiers (Mono- Diglycerides of Fatty Acids, Sorbitan Tristearate, Rapeseed Lecithin, Sunflower Lecithin), Carob Germ Flour, Salt, Colour (Plain Caramel), Natural Flavouring], Bulking Agent (Polydextrose), Glucose Syrup, Rapeseed Oil, Sweetener (Maltitol), Humectant (Vegetable Glycerol), Natural Flavourings, Colour (Plain Caramel), Sea Salt. Milk Chocolate: Cocoa solids (34%), Milk Solids (20%). Allergens For allergens, including cereals containing gluten, see ingredients in bold. May contain wheat. Not suitable for nut or peanut allergy sufferers. Storage Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Once opened, consume within 24 hours. Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
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BEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per bag! 100% Grass Fed BeefBEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per bag! 100% Grass Fed Beef
BEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per... 40gfrom £3.49 £13.96
60g of protein per 100g. Nothing else to say. Beast Biltong is made from 100% British and Irish beef, expertly marinated and air-dried using traditional South African methods. Each 40g bag delivers 24g of protein at just 109kcal, with virtually zero fat. No MSG, no gluten, no nitrates, no allergens.† No filler. No compromise. Just beef, salt, and spice. Made in the United Kingdom. Nutritional values shown are for Original flavour. Protein content (24g) is consistent across all flavours. Values may vary slightly by flavour. See packaging for full details. †Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Ingredients Original Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.  Made in the UK Peri Peri Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate. Made in the UK Smoky BBQ Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Garlic Powder, Brown Sugar, Smoke Flavouring. Garlic and Herb Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Garlic, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate. Made in the UK Warnings Store in a cool dry place and consume within 48 hours once opened. The oxygen absorber in this pack is not for consumption.  Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
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BEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per bag! 100% Grass Fed Beef - 12 packBEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per bag! 100% Grass Fed Beef - 12 pack
BEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per... 12 x 40g£34.99 £41.88
60g of protein per 100g. Nothing else to say. Beast Biltong is made from 100% British and Irish beef, expertly marinated and air-dried using traditional South African methods. Each 40g bag delivers 24g of protein at just 109kcal, with virtually zero fat. No MSG, no gluten, no nitrates, no allergens.† No filler. No compromise. Just beef, salt, and spice. Made in the United Kingdom. Nutritional values shown are for Original flavour. Protein content (24g) is consistent across all flavours. Values may vary slightly by flavour. See packaging for full details. †Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Ingredients Original Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.  Made in the UK Peri Peri Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate. Made in the UK Garlic and Herb Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Garlic, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate. Made in the UK Smoky BBQ Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Garlic Powder, Brown Sugar, Smoke Flavouring. Made in the UK Warnings Store in a cool dry place and consume within 48 hours once opened. The oxygen absorber in this pack is not for consumption.  Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.
-29% sale
Four Beast Biltong snack pouches arranged in a fan shape on a black background, with a circular 'x 32' badge in the top right. The pouches are black with different flavor graphics: red claw designs for Peri Peri, silver claw designs for Original, and orange claw designs for Smoky BBQ.Four Beast Military snack pouches arranged in a 2x2 grid on a white background, each with an x8 badge. The pouches are black with different flavor accents: green Garlic & Herbs, brown Original, orange Smoky BBQ, and red Pepper.
BEAST Biltong - 24g Protein Per... 32 x 40g£79.99 £111.68
60g of protein per 100g. Nothing else to say. Beast Biltong is made from 100% British and Irish beef, expertly marinated and air-dried using traditional South African methods. Each 40g bag delivers 24g of protein at just 109kcal, with virtually zero fat. No MSG, no gluten, no nitrates, no allergens.† No filler. No compromise. Just beef, salt, and spice. Made in the United Kingdom. Nutritional values shown are for Original flavour. Protein content (24g) is consistent across all flavours. Values may vary slightly by flavour. See packaging for full details. †Protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass. Ingredients Original Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate.  Made in the UK Peri Peri Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate. Made in the UK Smoky BBQ Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Birds Eye Chilli, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate, Garlic Powder, Brown Sugar, Smoke Flavouring. Made in the UK Garlic and Herb Beef, Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Pepper, Coriander, Nutmeg, Onion, Garlic, Balsamic Vinegar, Potassium Sorbate. Made in the UK Warnings Store in a cool dry place and consume within 48 hours once opened. The oxygen absorber in this pack is not for consumption.  Delivery All UK orders are shipped using a 1-2 working day service.  Free Tracked 24 shipping is available on all orders over £25, for orders under £25 shipping is charged at £4.99 Orders placed before 1pm on weekdays are shipped the same day.  Orders placed at weekends and bank holidays will be processed on the next working day.  Europe - Please allow 5 - 10 business days for delivery. Orders under 150 EUR - including shipping costs - will not incur any customs or VAT charges. Rest of the World - Please allow 7 - 14 business days for delivery.  DHL EXPRESS WORLDWIDE - 1 - 3 business days.   All orders are shipped tracked - a tracking link will be provided in your shipping confirmation email. Additional Charges Customers may incur VAT charges and Customs Duty specific to their country. The buyer assumes responsibility for any importation costs. If customs and duty fees imposed by your country are not paid, we cannot accept responsibility for the items. It is essential to familiarize yourself with your country's regulations regarding the importation of goods. If an item is confiscated due to regulations, we are not liable, and any resulting charges will be the customer's responsibility. For information regarding return shipping costs, please refer to our Refund Policy.

This article is for general informational purposes. Always check the specific ingredients list of any product before purchase if you have allergies, dietary restrictions, or a medical condition affected by sodium, nitrates, or additives.

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