What Are Beef Sticks? A Guide to These Savory, Portable Snacks

Beef sticks are a popular protein-packed snack that have been satisfying salty-savory cravings on the go for years. But what exactly are beef sticks? How are they made and how do they differ from similar snacks like beef jerky? This comprehensive guide will uncover everything you need to know about these convenient meaty treats.

An Overview of Beef Sticks

Also called snack sticks or jerky sticks, beef sticks are made from seasoned ground beef that is stuffed into a casing, usually collagen, before being smoked or dried to preserve them They are traditionally encased like sausages to form a stick shape Beef sticks are portable and shelf-stable, making them the perfect grab-and-go protein snack. They have a satisfyingly chewy texture and are packed with protein.

How Beef Sticks Are Made

The process of crafting beef sticks shares some similarities with sausage making. Here are the basic steps involved:

• Selecting cuts: Less expensive beef trimmings and chuck are often used to keep costs down.

• Seasoning Spices like black pepper salt garlic and paprika are added to the ground beef to give it flavor. Sugar is also commonly added to provide sweetness, especially in teriyaki recipes.

• Grinding: The meat is ground into a sticky paste and chilled to firm it up for the next stages.

• Stuffing: The seasoned meat mixture is stuffed into casings, usually made of collagen.

• Smoking: Beef sticks are cold smoked for hours to cook the meat and add smoky flavor.

• Drying: A period of air or oven drying removes moisture from the sticks to aid in preservation.

• Packaging: After drying, the finished beef sticks are sealed in moisture-proof packaging.

Different Types of Beef Sticks

There are a few different styles of beef sticks available:

• Whole muscle – Made from whole cuts like brisket with less processing.

• Emulsion-style – Uses added ingredients like dried milk powder and water to create the meat paste.

• All-beef – Contains only beef with no other meats like pork.

• Meat sticks – Uses a blend of beef and pork for more complex flavor.

• Teriyaki or peppered – Flavored with either teriyaki sauce or black peppercorns.

• Smoked – Hardwood smoked over several hours to add flavor.

• Uncured – Doesn’t contain sodium nitrite curing salt.

Texture and Flavor Profile

When perfectly made, here’s the tasty experience that beef sticks deliver:

• Chewy and meaty – The dense, slightly fibrous texture is very satisfying.

• Savory – Loads of rich, savory umami beefiness.

• Peppery – A pungent bite of black pepper balances the salt.

• Sweetness – Subtle sweetness from spices and seasonings.

• Smoky – Smoking imparts a lovely charred, woody flavor.

Nutritional Value

Beef sticks offer excellent nutrition in a handy portable package:

• Protein – 20-25g protein per serving. Great for building muscle.

• B Vitamins – Includes niacin, riboflavin, and B12. Help convert food into energy.

• Iron – Provides 5-10% of daily iron needs. Critical for oxygen transport in blood.

• Zinc – Boosts immunity and aids tissue growth and cell function.

• Potassium – Helps regulate fluids, heart rhythm, and blood pressure.

Purchasing and Storing Beef Sticks

Follow these tips when choosing and storing beef sticks:

• Inspect the ingredients list and nutrition facts when purchasing. Look for beef as first ingredient and minimal added sugars.

• Check the collagen casing is firmly filled without air pockets or holes.

• Once opened, refrigerate and consume within 3-5 days.

• Unopened, store in a cool, dry pantry up to 1-2 months past the sell-by date.

• Freeze extras for up to 6 months to extend shelf life.

Enjoying Beef Sticks On-the-Go

A few quick tips for enjoying beef sticks:

• Pack in lunches for an easy protein punch.

• Take hiking, camping, or on road trips for a satisfying snack.

• Pair with crackers, cheese, or fruit for a more filling snack plate.

• Microwave 10-20 seconds to soften if overly dried out.

• Choose low or no sugar options to avoid extra calories.

How Beef Sticks Differ From Beef Jerky

While beef sticks and beef jerky share some common traits, there are a few key differences between these popular meat snacks:

• Texture – Beef sticks often have a softer, more tender texture than jerky, which can be quite tough and chewy.

• Shape – Beef sticks are shaped into sticks or links, while jerky is most often sold in flat strips or pieces.

• Fat content – Beef sticks tend to be higher in fat since they use ground meat rather than whole cuts.

• Casing – Beef sticks have an outer collagen casing that is eaten, unlike jerky.

• Preparation – Beef sticks are made like sausages, while jerky uses whole muscle meat that is sliced.

• Flavor – With more processing, beef sticks often have more complex seasoning compared to jerky.

Do Beef Sticks Require Refrigeration?

When shopping, you may wonder if beef sticks require refrigeration or not. Here are some tips:

• Unopened beef sticks stored properly can last 1-2 years at room temperature thanks to the airtight packaging. Refrigeration extends the shelf life further.

• Once opened, beef sticks should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-5 days for safety and best quality.

• If the label states “keep refrigerated”, refrigerate the beef sticks once opened even if the packaging seems shelf-stable.

• Freeze beef sticks to prolong freshness 1-2 months past the sell-by date; thaw in the fridge before eating.

Signs Your Beef Sticks Have Spoiled

Be on the lookout for these signs that your beef sticks have spoiled and are no longer safe to eat:

• Mold or white spots growing on the surface

• Sliminess or very soft texture

• Unpleasant odors like sourness or ammonia

• Discoloration or dull appearance

• Dryness, crispiness, or overly hard texture

• Tears, holes, or damage to the packaging

Safety Tips for Enjoying Beef Sticks

Follow these tips for safely enjoying beef sticks:

• Store beef sticks properly before and after opening to prevent bacterial growth.

• Consume within 3-5 days of opening and don’t eat if they smell or look spoiled.

• Keep beef sticks out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like hot cars.

• Check the ingredients and nutrition facts, especially if you have food allergies or sensitivities.

• Monitor children when eating to avoid choking on the chewy texture.

• Avoid giving infants and toddlers beef sticks due to choking concerns.

Satisfying Snacks Anytime, Anywhere

Beef sticks offer snacking satisfaction, thanks to their intensely beefy flavor and chewy texture. They deliver a tasty hit of protein you can take anywhere. While similar to beef jerky, their unique sausage-like shape and softer texture set them apart. Choosing high-quality beef sticks made with whole muscle beef, minimal ingredients, and clean seasoning ensures superior flavor and nutrition. With proper storage, they stay fresh for months, providing the perfect grab-and-go protein snack for any occasion.