Beef jerky chew has become an increasingly popular snack in recent years. But what exactly is jerky chew, and how do you eat it? This complete guide will cover everything you need to know about enjoying shredded beef jerky chew.
What is Beef Jerky Chew?
Beef jerky chew is a form of jerky that has been shredded into small fine pieces. It comes packaged in round tins similar to chewing tobacco. But don’t worry – beef jerky chew contains no tobacco or nicotine.
It was originally created as a healthier alternative to chewing tobacco used often in professional baseball. But today it’s enjoyed by anyone looking for a tasty, protein-packed meat snack.
Real beef jerky chew is made from 100% beef that has been slow smoked or air dried before being shredded into light, fluffy pieces. It comes in a variety of flavors like teriyaki, hickory smoke black pepper and mesquite.
The shredded texture makes it easier to chew than traditional whole muscle jerky strips It also allows more surface area for seasonings and spices to adhere to
Why Eat Beef Jerky Chew?
There are many reasons shredded beef jerky chew has become such a popular snack choice:
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High in protein – Each serving contains 9-15 grams of protein to help you stay full and energized.
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Low carb – With little to no carbs per serving, it fits into low carb, keto, and paleo diets.
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Convenient – It’s lightweight and portable for snacking anytime, anywhere.
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Natural flavors – Most brands use all-natural spices and ingredients with no artificial flavors.
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Fun texture – The shredded jerky has a pleasantly fibrous, chewy texture.
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Satisfies cravings – It can satisfy cravings for chewing tobacco or those trying to quit smoking.
How to Eat Shredded Beef Jerky Chew
Now that you know what jerky chew is all about, let’s get into the different ways to eat and enjoy it:
Chew it Straight
The most direct way to eat shredded beef jerky chew is to simply grab a pinch straight from the tin and start chewing. Allow your saliva to break down the jerky, releasing bursts of flavor as you chew. Enjoy the texture as the fibers soften in your mouth.
You can keep it in your cheek like chewing tobacco or continue chewing until it disintegrates. Just be sure not to swallow large chunks whole. This method allows you to fully savor the taste and experience of jerky chew.
Make a Jerky Dip
For a fun twist, use shredded jerky chew to make a zesty jerky dip. Simply pack a bit into your cheek, let it soften, then use your tongue to break it down. The jerky binds with your saliva to create a satisfying meaty dip you can enjoy over time.
This method prolongs the jerky chew experience so you can continue to get hits of flavor. It’s especially popular with those using it to replace chewing tobacco.
Mix with Other Foods
You can use shredded jerky chew as an ingredient in a variety of snacks and dishes:
- Sprinkle over salads for added protein
- Mix into trail mix or granola for a savory kick
- Top nachos, baked potatoes, pizza, etc.
- Fold into dips like hummus, salsa, or guacamole
- Add to chili, soups, stews, or omelets
Blending jerky chew with other foods allows you to enjoy its flavor in creative new ways. Just be sure to cut or grind it finely so it integrates well.
Tips for Enjoying Beef Jerky Chew
Follow these tips to safely and enjoyably eat shredded beef jerky chew:
- Start with small amounts to get used to the texture
- Drink water while chewing to help soften the jerky
- Chew slowly and thoroughly before swallowing
- Avoid swallowing large chunks whole
- Brush teeth after eating to remove fibers and salt
- Be mindful of sodium content if you have dietary restrictions
- Look for low-sodium, all-natural, or organic jerky chew options
By keeping these tips in mind, you can satisfy your cravings while avoiding any potential downsides. Moderation and proper oral hygiene is key.
Is Beef Jerky Chew Healthy?
Like any food, moderation is key when considering shredded beef jerky chew’s health impacts. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Benefits:
- High in protein – builds muscle, aids weight loss
- Low carb – good for keto, paleo, and low carb diets
- Low calorie – around 45 calories per serving
- Convenient source of nutrients
Potential drawbacks:
- High sodium content – 700+ mg per serving
- Can contain preservatives like nitrites
- Tough texture – risk of choking if swallowed whole
- Processed meat may increase certain health risks
As long as you consume jerky chew in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it can be part of a healthy lifestyle. But be mindful of portions and sodium intake.
The Verdict on Beef Jerky Chew
Beef jerky chew offers a tasty and protein-packed snack in a unique, shredded form. It provides a flavorful chew that satisfies in moderation. While not a health food, it can be enjoyed safely and reasonably as part of a balanced diet.
Have fun experimenting with the different ways to eat shredded beef jerky chew straight up, as a dip, or mixed into various foods and dishes. Follow proper chewing and oral hygiene, and enjoy this smoky, salty snack for a protein punch anytime.
Step 1: Know Your Preferred Chewing and Mouth Feel Experience
Old-fashioned beef jerky, like the kind from Wild River, isn’t like some artificial chicken nugget. It’s a dry, rugged beef and quite frankly, it gives the jaw a bit of a workout.
For this traditional style of beef jerky, there’s no elegant chewing strategy. The only way to approach it is by ripping and tearing it apart.
Good old-fashioned beef jerky will be tough and dry. Jerky types range from soft, moist and chewy all the way to tough and dry. Some reasons many jerky products are too soft and moist could be that the jerky might:
- Undergo a shorter dehydration period than old-fashioned jerky
- Be made of thicker cuts of meat that are cut differently than old-fashioned jerky
Identifying the consistency of jerky before you buy it can be tricky. If the meat seems damp or the juices are smeared against the inside of the package, that can be a good indicator that the meat will be on the softer side.
Step 2: Savor Your Snack With Each Bite
If you want to enjoy a snack like beef jerky the old-fashioned way, choose an option that’ll give you a longer chew. A true beef jerky will be rugged and require you to slow down and take more time to savor.
But there’s another essential element to a quality jerky: flavor. Plenty of people are traditional when it comes to their taste buds. A simple, mild old-fashioned beef jerky will do the trick.
Others want a jerky that’ll give them more of a jolt when they start chewing it. A flavor that’ll widen their eyes and perk them up a bit as they chew it between sips of coffee. Black Pepper Old-Fashioned beef jerky is the answer here.
And then there are those who want their food to sock them right in the mouth. The kind of people who put hot sauce on everything they eat. In this case, look no further than Hot Old-Fashioned beef jerky.
At the end of the day, eating beef jerky is an experience built from multiple elements. This isn’t like tossing a handful of popcorn into your mouth and munching mindlessly.
Beef jerky should be an old-fashioned ritual that takes you away from the hustle of the world and connects you to the past. It should be chewed slowly and savored as you enjoy every bite you rip and tear.
How to Chew Jack Links Beef Jerky
FAQ
What’s the point of beef jerky chew?
We love our other more traditional jerkys (seriously, they’re delicious), but they require upwards of 30 chews per bite. Great when you want to savor it, but not so great when you need jerky now! So, we dreamed up a 100% shredded-beef jerky shortcut into snacking heaven: jerky chew.
What is the proper way to eat beef jerky?
When it comes to eating jerky, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, take small bites to fully savor the flavors. Chew slowly to appreciate the texture and taste of the meat. Jerky is a dense snack, so it’s important to chew thoroughly to fully enjoy it.Jun 2, 2024
Is jerky chew still a thing?
Amazon.com: Jack Links Original Jerky Chew | Original Shredded Beef Jerky | . 32 oz Cans | Pack of 6 Cans : Grocery & Gourmet Food.
Is beef jerky supposed to be hard to chew?
Everybody has different jerky texture preferences. So, we have a whole range of texture profiles that span from soft & tender to old-fashioned tougher-to-chew…and everything in between!