It is high in protein, low in carbs, and low in fat, so beef jerky can be a healthy snack. It’s an ideal option for diets such as low carb, paleo, and Keto. But be careful, because not all brands are the same. Some may have added sugars and artificial ingredients that you can’t see. Choose a jerky that’s made with simple ingredients and minimally processed. The more natural the better.
Beef jerky makes for the ultimate tasty and protein-packed snack This air-dried, seasoned meat can be tossed in a bag or desk drawer for a quick bite anytime. But with so many brands and styles of jerky on the market, many fans wonder – how many pieces of beef jerky make up one serving? Understanding serving sizes helps ensure you get the proper nutrition from each satisfying jerky snack
What is the Standard Serving Size for Beef Jerky?
Per the USDA the standard serving size for most types of beef jerky is 1 ounce or about 28 grams. This applies to traditional styles of jerky without extra flavorings or sugars added. When checking nutrition labels look at the top for the listed serving size by weight.
For jerky packaged in individual bags or pouches, the entire container is often considered one serving. With bulk bags or containers, the number of ounces or grams noted as the serving gives you an idea of how much jerky equals a single portion.
As a general rule of thumb for loose jerky:
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1 ounce or 28 grams is equal to approximately 3-4 average sized pieces
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A 1⁄4 pound bag contains about 4 servings of jerky
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A 1 ounce piece is roughly the size of a golf ball or deck of cards
So if enjoying jerky from a bulk package, aiming for around 3-4 medium pieces provides a single serving for most standard brands. The number of pieces in a serving may vary slightly depending on the cut and shape of the particular jerky.
Serving Size Factors Between Brands
While 1 ounce is the standard serving measurement, some variables between brands can affect the serving parameters:
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Cut of meat – Jerky made from flank or round cuts may have smaller pieces. Filet jerky often has larger pieces per serving.
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Thickness – Thicker sliced jerky contains fewer pieces per ounce than thin, shaved jerky cuts.
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Moisture content – Some jerky contains more moisture, so an ounce by weight holds more meat. Drier jerky concentrates the protein content.
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Flavorings – Jerky with extra flavorings or sugars may list a smaller serving size in ounces.
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Calorie content – Higher calorie jerky has a smaller recommended serving size, around 1⁄2 ounce versus 1 ounce.
Checking the label helps determine the ideal serving amount in pieces rather than relying on general rules for your specific brand of jerky.
Nutrition Per Serving of Beef Jerky
The calorie and nutrition content of an average 1 ounce serving of jerky includes:
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Calories: 80-100 per serving
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Protein: 10-15g
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Fat: Around 1-4g
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Carbs: 3-8g
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Sodium: Around 600-900mg
As you can see, beef jerky offers a solid protein punch while still delivering relatively low carb and fat nutrition in each serving. The sodium content can vary widely based on added seasonings and flavors.
Many brands now offer low sodium versions for a more health-conscious jerky option. Other varieties like teriyaki or sweet BBQ may contain additional sugars and carbohydrates per serving. But traditional style jerky provides a nice nutrient balance of protein, fat and sodium.
Serving Sizes for Flavored and Sweetened Jerky
For beef jerky brands marketed as “gourmet” jerky, or versions with added flavors and sweeteners, you may notice some differences in the serving sizes.
Some examples include:
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Teriyaki jerky – Often around 1⁄2 ounce per serving
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Chipotle or spicy jerky – May range from 1⁄2 to 1 ounce servings
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Honey or maple glazed jerky – Usually a 1⁄2 ounce serving size
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Fruit flavored jerky – Ranges from 1⁄2 to 1 ounce portions
The decreased serving sizes for these flavor varieties account for extra sugars and carbs. Read labels closely and you may be surprised that the recommended serving is less than you assume for certain jerky products.
Adjusting Serving Sizes to Your Tastes
At the end of the day, the listed serving on beef jerky is a suggestion – albeit one based in nutritional science. You may personally find you prefer to consume smaller or larger portions depending on your appetite and dietary approach.
If counting macros or tracking calories closely, follow the exact serving guidance. But for general snacking purposes, the amount that satisfies your craving is perfectly fine, whether slightly more or less than what’s listed.
Beef jerky makes it easy to visually judge portions based on piece count. Listen to your own hunger levels and munch happily! Just be mindful of any extra sugars or carbs in flavored varieties if you choose to nosh on more than a “serving”.
Answers to Common Beef Jerky Serving Questions
To summarize key points on how many pieces make up a beef jerky serving size, here are answers to some FAQs:
Q: How many pieces of jerky are in one serving?
A: Around 3-4 average sized pieces equals one serving or 1 ounce. Thickness and brand affects piece counts.
Q: What is the calorie count per serving of jerky?
A: Most traditional jerky is 80-100 calories for a 1 ounce serving. Sugary flavors may be 140 calories or more per ounce.
Q: Is an entire bag of jerky one serving?
A: If it’s an individual pack, usually yes. For larger bulk bags, check the ounce weight listed as a serving.
Q: Is teriyaki jerky a smaller serving size?
A: Yes, teriyaki or sweet jerky is often around 1⁄2 ounce per serving due to the sugar content.
Q: Can I eat more than the serving size if I want?
A: Yes, the serving size is a suggestion. You can eat more or less depending on your unique preferences.
Q: Which jerky has the lowest calories per serving?
A: Traditional style jerky with no added sugars has the lowest calories, around 80-90 calories per ounce on average.
Q: Does the thickness change how many pieces equal a serving?
A: Yes, thinner sliced jerky may have 5-6 pieces per ounce. Thicker cuts have 3-4 pieces typically.
Q: Is low sodium jerky the same serving size?
A: Yes, reduced sodium jerky follows the same 1 ounce per serving recommendations.
Q: How should I portion jerky for snacks on the go?
A: Pre-portion baggies with 3-4 pieces for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Keeping jerky serving sizes in mind allows you to better plan your snacks and protein intake. Use nutrition labels as a helpful starting guide and adjust according to your own diet. Most of all, enjoy each mouthwatering bite of jerky to the fullest!
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Protein in Beef Jerky
People often want to know—is beef jerky a good source of protein? Absolutely.
Because it’s high in protein, beef jerky is a great way to stay full and fuel up for a healthy lifestyle. No surprise there, it is a meat snack after all. The average amount of protein per serving is 11g of protein (High 16g, Low 9g).
The big difference in protein levels comes from how much the meat is dried out during the dehydration process. There is a direct relationship between the dryness level and the protein content.
Drier = More Protein
Moister = Less Protein
The People’s Choice Old Fashioned Beef Jerky has 16g of protein per serving, making it the most protein-dense jerky. It is an old-fashioned jerky, meaning it is a lot drier and tougher than more modern jerky products. The result? It packs a major protein punch. Consume an entire 2. 5 ounce bag and you’re looking at 40g of protein.
Is beef jerky good for building muscle? Protein is essential to building muscle. Because beef jerky is high in protein it makes for a great post-workout snack. Portable and nutrient-dense, it can be a great way to get protein on-the-go. Plus, the sodium serves as a great electrolyte to keep you fueled.
Micronutrients in Beef Jerky
Beef jerky can be a great source of substantial vitamins and minerals. We’ve already discussed sodium, but let’s explore some other popular micronutrients.
A serving of beef jerky is a good source of iron, magnesium, vitamin B12, and choline. These micronutrients play an essential part in overall health.
Certified nutritionist Gabrielle McGrath MS, RD, LDN of Baze Nutrition wrote a great article detailing the micronutrient benefits of beef jerky.
How to Slice Meat for Delicious Beef Jerky. Tips from a Pro.
FAQ
How many pieces of beef jerky is a serving?
How much jerky should you eat a day?
How many calories are in 2 pieces of jerky?
Is beef jerky an unhealthy snack?
How much beef jerky is in a serving?
So when you ask, “how much beef jerky is in a serving,” you can simply consult the box to find out. Generally, a serving of beef jerky is 1 oz. or 28 grams. That means my 1/4 Lb. Big Bag contains four servings of beef jerky. Using the transitive property (I think), one can also deduce that my 10 oz. bags contain 10 servings.
Can you consider beef jerky a healthy snack?
No, as this is high in salt and other preservatives to main both its structure, taste and longevity. As a processed meat, beef jerky is also higher in saturated fat. All the salt, preservatives and saturated fat can be harmful to primarily your heart health. It is best to swap this out for some chicken breasts that have been cubed or homemade turkey balls.
How many servings of beef jerky are in a big bag?
Generally, a serving of beef jerky is 1 oz. or 28 grams. That means my 1/4 Lb. Big Bag contains four servings of beef jerky. Using the transitive property (I think), one can also deduce that my 10 oz. bags contain 10 servings. Different products have different serving sizes.
How many people eat beef jerky?
As reported by the Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS) and the U.S. Census, approximately 50.0% of the U.S. population, which is nearly 160 million people, eat meat snacks and beef jerky regularly In U.S., jerky is one of the most popular meat appetizers.