How Much Does Beef Jerky Cost Per Ounce?

Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack made from thin slices of cured and dried beef. But with such a wide range of brands, meat quality, and package sizes, how much does beef jerky cost per ounce on average? Let’s break down the typical price per ounce of beef jerky and what impacts the costs

Average Beef Jerky Prices per Ounce

Beef jerky can range from around $1 per ounce for basic store brands up to $7 or more per ounce for premium specialty brands. Here are some typical price points:

• Generic grocery store brand jerky: $1 – $2 per ounce

• Major national brands $150 – $3 per ounce

• Bulk/warehouse club jerky: $0.60 – $1 per ounce

• Gas station branded jerky: $1.50 – $2.50 per ounce

• Artisanal small-batch jerky: $3 – $7+ per ounce

As you can see, there’s quite a spectrum when it comes to beef jerky prices per ounce. You’ll generally get the best deals buying in bulk, while convenience store jerky tends to be the most expensive.

What Impacts the Cost per Ounce?

Several factors affect the price per ounce of beef jerky:

• Brand – Big name brands cost more than generic/store brands

• Meat Quality – Grass-fed or organic jerky costs more than conventional

• Package Size – Bulk bags offer the lowest cost per ounce

• Retail Location – Prices higher at convenience stores than big box stores

• Processing Method – Handmade jerky costs more than mass-produced

• Ingredients – Premium spices and woods increase costs

• Convenience – Pre-sliced and seasoned is pricier

• Marketing – Premium branding and packaging adds costs

Typically, the more convenient, natural, or Handcrafted the jerky, the more it will cost per ounce.

Tips for Finding the Best Value

Here are some tips for getting high-quality beef jerky at a reasonable price per ounce:

• Buy larger bulk bags instead of single 2-3 oz pouches

• Opt for warehouse club or store brands over national brands

• Shop online specialty stores selling discount bulk jerky

• Avoid buying jerky at convenience stores and airports

• Compare the cost per ounce, not just package price

• Look for promotions, discounts, and coupon codes

• Consider making your own jerky from fresh beef

• Focus on taste and texture over branding

• Buy whole jerky strips and slice them yourself

Average Beef Jerky Prices by Brand

To give you a sense of real-world beef jerky prices per ounce, here are average costs for some top national brands:

• Jack Link’s (2.85 oz): $1.40 per ounce

• Slim Jim (5 count): $1.60 per ounce

• Oberto (3 oz): $2 per ounce

• Krave (1.5 oz): $2 per ounce

• Duke’s (1.5 oz): $1.33 per ounce

• Tillamook (1.5 oz): $1.33 per ounce

• Perky Jerky (1.2 oz): $2.50 per ounce

As you can see, buying larger packages brings the per ounce price down. But this provides a general idea of pricing for major grocery store brands.

What’s a Reasonable Price per Ounce?

Given all the factors that go into producing quality beef jerky, a reasonable price is:

• $1.50 – $2 per ounce for major national brands

• Under $1 per ounce for basic store brands

• $3 – $5 per ounce for premium handmade jerky

I’d say $2 per ounce is a fair mid-range price for brand name jerky. Going above $3 per ounce, it really needs to be an exceptionally high-end product to justify the price hike.

Should You Pay More for Quality?

Beef jerky can be expensive, but fans argue the higher cost is worth it for:

• Convenient protein you can take anywhere

• No refrigeration required once opened

• 1-2 year shelf life if stored properly

• Nutrition from beef like protein, iron, and zinc

• Wide range of flavors from sweet to savory

So while the price may be higher than some other snacks, beef jerky’s portability, shelf life, and nutrition offer value to make it worthwhile for many people.

Of course, taste is subjective – you may want to try a few brands to find flavors you enjoy most. And it’s fine to buy cheaper store brands if you just want an inexpensive protein snack. But for jerky lovers, a few extra dollars per ounce for quality can be money well spent.

Making Homemade Beef Jerky

For the best value per ounce, consider making your own beef jerky at home. Here’s a quick overview:

• Buy eye of round roasts on sale for $3 to $5 per pound

• Slice into 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick strips

• Marinate overnight in a jerky cure of soy sauce, spices, etc.

• Dehydrate 4-6 hours at 145°F – 155°F

• Cool and pat off moisture

• Store in airtight bags or jars

You can make jerky for around $0.50 per ounce doing it yourself – much cheaper than buying it from the store. So give homemade jerky a try for big savings!

Is Beef Jerky Worth the Price Per Ounce?

At $1 to $3 per ounce, beef jerky is expensive compared to many other snack options. But fans of jerky find it’s worth paying more per ounce for the convenience, taste, shelf life, and nutrition it provides. Just be sure to shop around and buy in bulk sizes for the best deal. And consider making jerky at home if you want to save substantially on cost per ounce. With some smart shopping, beef jerky can still be a valuable addition to your high protein snack arsenal!