Where to Buy the Best Beef Jerky: A Guide to Finding Delicious Jerky

Beef jerky is one of the most popular high-protein snacks around. This thinly sliced and dried beef is packed with flavor and perfectly portable. But not all beef jerky is created equal. With so many brands and flavors on the market, how do you know where to find the best beef jerky that suits your tastes?

In this guide, I’ll go over the different places you can buy beef jerky, what to look for when shopping around, and provide recommendations for excellent jerky brands and products to try Let’s dive in so you can start enjoying delicious and high-quality beef jerky today!

Online Retailers Offer Convenience and Variety

One of the easiest ways to access a huge selection of jerky is by shopping online. Online specialty jerky retailers like PeoplesChoiceBeefJerky.com and SavageJerky.com offer dozens of jerky options from different brands, flavors cuts of beef, spice levels, and more.

Shopping online for beef jerky gives you access to gourmet brands and small-batch producers that you won’t necessarily find in your local grocery store. You can conveniently browse jerky made to different diet preferences like low carb, keto, or paleo. Online stores also make it easy to buy jerky in bulk or subscription packages for regular deliveries.

I recommend browsing online specialty jerky shops first when trying to find new and exciting jerky flavors and products. The selection is unparalleled compared to in-person shopping.

Grocery Stores and Gas Stations for Everyday Purchasing

Major grocery store chains will have a small jerky selection, usually by the check-out for impulse purchases. While the selection is limited, grocery stores are convenient when you just need to grab a bag of jerky quickly.

Popular gas station chains like Wawa, Sheetz, 7-Eleven, and Cumberland Farms also carry some basic jerky options by the register. Stopping at a gas station is great in a pinch when your jerky cravings hit during a road trip.

Just keep in mind that the jerky stocked at grocery stores and gas stations tends to be from large commercial brands like Jack Links, Oberto, and Slim Jim. The jerky might be dried out or lower quality compared to small-batch or artisanal brands. But it gets the job done for an everyday jerky fix!

Butcher Shops Offer High-Quality Custom Cuts

For a more gourmet jerky experience, visit your local butcher shop! Many butcher shops now sell pre-made jerky in different flavors. However, you can also custom order exactly the jerky you want.

Select the cut of beef (like flank steak or brisket), thickness of the slices, seasonings, and drying time. Then the butcher will prepare the jerky for you. Custom-made jerky from your local butcher allows you to get high-quality results tailored to your preferences.

Butcher shop jerky does come at a higher price point due to the care and labor involved. It’s a special treat for jerky enthusiasts!

What to Look for When Buying Beef Jerky

Now that you know where to buy jerky, here are some tips on what to look for when shopping around:

• Ingredient List – Look for jerky with just beef and spices/seasonings in the ingredients. Avoid jerky with preservatives, artificial flavors, and excessive sodium.

• Moisture Content – Jerky shouldn’t be dried out or brittle but rather bendable and chewy. Around 10% moisture content is ideal.

• Cuts of Beef – Flank steak and brisket make the best jerky cuts. Avoid highly processed and reformed jerky blends.

• Naturally Wood Smoked – Look for jerky smoked over real wood rather than liquid smoke flavoring.

• Minimal Seasoning – Let the beef shine through with basic seasoning like black pepper, garlic, or chili flakes. Avoid sweet sauces and heavy teriyaki flavors.

• Grass-Fed and Organic – These designations indicate higher quality beef.

Best Beef Jerky Brands to Try

If you’re not sure where to start, here are some of my favorite high-quality beef jerky brands and products to try:

People’s Choice Beef Jerky

• Original Beef Jerky – Tender cuts of flank steak with just the right amount of black pepper.

• Hot and Spicy Beef Jerky – Packs some real heat but still lets the beefy flavors come through.

• Sweet and Spicy Carne Seca – An incredible take on a Mexican dried beef delicacy.

Savage Jerky Co.

• Salt and Pepper Beef Jerky – Perfectly balanced flavors on premium cuts of beef.

• Ghost Pepper Jerky – One of the spiciest jerkies available but wonderfully flavorful.

• Teriyaki Jerky – A sweeter jerky balanced with umami flavors like ginger and sesame.

Krave Jerky

• Signature Beef Jerky – Tender cuts of meat with a simple black pepper seasoning.

• Sweet Chipotle Beef Jerky – The sweet and smoky chipotle balances the savory beef.

• Lemon Garlic Beef Jerky – Tart lemon brightens up the herby garlic notes.

Jack Links

• Original Beef Jerky – though a commercial brand, their original flavor remains a tasty classic.

• Sweet & Hot Beef Jerky – A nice blend of sweet brown sugar with spicy jalapeño.

• Peppered Beef Jerky – Lots of cracked black pepper for a strong spike of flavor.

Satisfy Your Beef Jerky Cravings

Beef jerky is a satisfying high-protein snack that hits the spot. With this guide to shopping for jerky, you can find the very best beef jerky to suit your tastes. I recommend browsing online specialty shops first for the biggest selection and trying small-batch artisanal brands for a premium snack. But don’t overlook the convenience of grocery stores, gas stations, and butcher shops too.

Now that you know what to look for and the top brands and products to try, you can confidently buy delicious jerky. Keep these pro tips in mind, and enjoy the search for your new favorite beef jerky! Snack smarter so you can power through your day.