How Many Pieces Of Beef Jerky Are In An Ounce? The Complete Breakdown

Beef jerky is one of my favorite on-the-go snacks. It’s tasty portable and packed with protein – perfect for noshing when I’m road tripping or hiking. But as a beef jerky enthusiast, I’ve always wondered just how many pieces make up an ounce. Is 7 small pieces the same as 3 large ones? What factors determine the number of pieces in an ounce of jerky? I decided to dig into the details to find out.

Serving Size Basics First

Before determining piece count, it’s helpful to understand recommended beef jerky serving sizes. The standard serving size is 1 ounce or 28 grams. So if you have a 1⁄4 pound bag it contains 4 servings.

This means nutrition info on the label reflects just 1 ounce, not the whole bag. It’s easy to accidentally down half a bag, so always check the serving size instead of guessing. Those calories and sodium numbers can add up faster than you think!

Average Piece Count Per Ounce

So how many pieces make up a typical 1 ounce jerky serving? There’s no single answer, but 5-10 pieces per ounce is common.

Thinner slices mean more pieces – a bag of 20 slim jerky strips may contain 8-10 per ounce. Thicker cuts equate to fewer pieces – 5 heavier strips could be an ounce.

Your best bet is checking the package. Count how many pieces are inside, divide by total ounces, and you’ve got your piece per ounce average.

Factors That Impact Pieces Per Ounce

Several variables affect how many pieces come in an ounce of jerky. These include:

Meat thickness – Thin slices mean more pieces per ounce. Thick cuts or whole muscle jerky have fewer pieces per ounce.

Strip size – Jerky cut into smaller strips fits more pieces into an ounce than large pieces.

Fat content – Extra lean cuts like eye of round make more pieces per ounce than fattier brisket jerky.

Cooking method – Dehydrated jerky weighs less than oven-baked, so you get more pieces per ounce.

Brand style – Some brands consistently cut jerky thicker or thinner, impacting average pieces per serving.

So piece count can range quite a bit between brands and even flavors. Checking that nutrition label is the only sure way to know piece count for a particular package.

Typical Weight Of A Single Jerky Piece

Individual piece weight varies too, but I find many brands fall into a 0.25 to 0.5 ounce range per piece.

That means 8 pieces make 2 ounces, and 4 pieces equal an ounce. Again, thickness and size impact single piece weight.

For perspective, a median-sized piece is about the size of a matchbox car. A large piece may be the size of a smartphone. Tiny pieces are as small as a pair of dice.

Why Piece Count Matters

You might be wondering why it even matters how many pieces are in an ounce of jerky. Here are two key reasons:

Portion control – Knowing pieces per serving helps stick to a reasonable portion so you don’t overeat. Jerky’s often high in sodium, so piece count aids moderation.

Cost comparison – When price comparing, ounces alone doesn’t tell how many pieces you get. Divide cost by pieces to accurately compare value.

Serving and Storage Tips

A few tips for keeping portions in check:

• Transfer a single serving to a baggie or container for grab-and-go ease.

• Store larger packages out of sight to avoid temptation to oversnack.

• Pair jerky with fruits and veggies to increase fiber and nutrients.

• Drink plenty of water to counteract sodium intake.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to how many pieces of beef jerky in an ounce, there’s no magic number. Factors like meat thickness, strip size, fat content and more make piece count variable. While 5-10 pieces per ounce is typical, check the label to know specifics for that brand and flavor. Understanding piece count helps with portion control, cost comparison, and enjoying jerky as part of a balanced diet. With some mindful munching, jerky can be a deliciously portable protein-packed snack.