Beef Jerky

Common questions

Is Beef Jerky healthy?

Beef Jerky scores 65/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This beef jerky contains beneficial ingredients like beef and sea salt, which provide protein and essential minerals.

How processed is Beef Jerky?

Beef Jerky is NOVA Group 3: Processed Foods.

Which ingredients drive Beef Jerky's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Beef, Sea Salt, Spices count in its favor; Brown Sugar is flagged as an ingredient of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Beef Jerky

Extra Good
65 Fair

Analysis updated September 2026 · How Scout scores

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At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 3
Harmful ingredients 1
Owned by Chevron USA Inc. and Jacksons Food Stores, Inc.
Category Jerky
Summary

This beef jerky contains beneficial ingredients like beef and sea salt, which provide protein and essential minerals. However, the presence of brown sugar contributes to a high sugar content, which can lead to blood sugar spikes and weight gain. The product is moderately processed, which limits its score despite the relatively clean ingredient list.

Key ingredients 8

Beef
Good

Beef is a high-quality source of protein, providing essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and growth. It is rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron and B12, which are crucial for energy production and red blood cell formation. Grass-fed beef would be preferable for higher omega-3 content, but no specific quality indicators are provided here.

Risks

Excessive consumption of red meat has been linked to increased risk of certain chronic diseases.

Benefits

Provides a complete protein source with essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, supporting overall health and vitality.

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Sea Salt
Good

Sea salt is a minimally processed source of sodium and trace minerals. It is often preferred over refined table salt due to its natural mineral content. While it enhances flavor, moderation is key to avoid excessive sodium intake.

Risks

Excessive sodium intake can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular issues.

Benefits

Contains trace minerals that may support electrolyte balance and overall health.

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Spices
Good

Whole-food seasonings, antioxidant-bearing.

Benefits

May provide antioxidants and enhance flavor without adding calories.

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Gluten Free Soy Sauce
Neutral

Gluten-free soy sauce provides flavor without gluten, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. It is primarily composed of water, soybeans, and salt, offering minimal nutritional value. The fermentation process can enhance flavor but does not significantly alter its health impact.

Risks

High sodium content can contribute to hypertension if consumed in large amounts.

Benefits

Provides a gluten-free option for flavor enhancement in various dishes.

Celery Powder
Neutral

Celery powder is often used as a natural preservative due to its nitrate content. It provides minimal nutritional value but can help extend the shelf life of products. The nitrates can convert to nitrites, which are used in curing meats.

Risks

Potential conversion of nitrates to nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer risk, especially when cooked at high temperatures.

Benefits

Acts as a natural preservative, reducing the need for synthetic additives.

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Apple & Lemon Juice Concentrate
Neutral

Apple and lemon juice concentrates are used for flavor and acidity but offer limited nutritional benefits in concentrated form. They may provide some vitamins and antioxidants, but the processing reduces their overall health impact. They are generally considered neutral in small amounts.

Benefits

May provide some vitamins and antioxidants, though in limited amounts due to concentration.

Onion Powder
Neutral

Onion powder is a dehydrated form of onion that adds flavor without significant calories. It retains some of the beneficial compounds found in fresh onions, such as antioxidants. However, the drying process may reduce its overall nutritional value.

Benefits

Provides flavor and some antioxidants, contributing to overall taste and potential health benefits.

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Brown Sugar
Bad

Brown sugar is a refined sugar that contributes to increased calorie intake without providing significant nutritional benefits. It can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain if consumed in excess. While it adds flavor, it is not a health-promoting ingredient.

Risks

High sugar intake is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dental cavities.

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Processing

Group 3 · Processed

Processed Foods

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