It can be hard to find low-point Weight Watchers snacks that are tasty, healthy, and filling. That’s why we’ve put together a list of twenty-five of the best go-to snack ideas.
Smart Points are the basis of the Weight Watchers plan and diet. Each food or drink you eat or drink has a certain number of points attached to it. There are foods with no points and foods with a lot of points. It all depends on how many calories, sugar, protein, and saturated fat they have.
As someone who has been on Weight Watchers, I feel comfortable sharing my list of favorite Weight Watchers snacks and food ideas with anyone who likes snacks.
Beef jerky can be a tasty and protein-packed snack for those following the Weight Watchers program. But with different brands, flavors, and sizes available, how many SmartPoints does beef jerky actually have?
In this complete guide, we’ll break down the SmartPoints value of popular beef jerky products. We’ll also share tips on choosing the healthiest options and creative ways to enjoy jerky on Weight Watchers.
Understanding The Weight Watchers SmartPoints System
The SmartPoints system is Weight Watchers’ method of assigning point values to foods based on their calorie, fat, protein, and sugar content. Foods higher in calories, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and processed ingredients have higher SmartPoints values. Foods with more protein, fiber, and healthy fats have lower point values.
Members are given a personalized daily and weekly SmartPoints budget to spend however they’d like. The goal is to make healthy, nutritious choices that keep you feeling satisfied. Any Points unused can be “rolled over” to the next day or week.
How Many Points Does Beef Jerky Have?
The specific SmartPoints value of beef jerky depends on the brand, flavor, and size of the package. To determine Points, you need to check the nutrition label or Weight Watchers app.
As a general guide
- A 1.25 oz pack of original Jack Link’s Beef Jerky is 2 Points
- A 1 oz pack of teriyaki-flavored Jack Link’s is 3 Points
- A 1 oz pack of People’s Choice Sriracha Beef Jerky is 1 Point
- A 1.5 oz pack of Matador Peppered Beef Jerky is 3 Points
Larger packs with 2 oz or more will be higher in Points Spicy, sweet, or salty flavors also tend to be higher
Choosing The Healthiest Beef Jerky For Weight Watchers
When selecting beef jerky for Weight Watchers, there are a few things to look out for:
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Lean cuts of beef Top round, eye of round, sirloin tip. These are lower in fat
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Minimal ingredients: Look for brands with just beef, spices, vinegar, salt. Avoid lots of preservatives.
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Low sugar content: Under 3g per serving is ideal. Too much sugar adds unnecessary Points.
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Low to moderate sodium: Look for under 600mg sodium per serving.
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Grass-fed or organic: When possible, choose jerky made from grass-fed beef.
Some of the leanest options include People’s Choice, Krave, Duke’s, and Matador beef jerkies. Always check the labels and Points values.
Creative Ways To Eat Beef Jerky On Weight Watchers
Here are some fun ways to enjoy beef jerky as a snack or part of a meal:
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Break up pieces and use as salad topping instead of croutons or bacon bits
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Crush into trail mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit
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Include in breakfast by crumbling on eggs or yogurt
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Add to soups and stews for extra protein
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Make jerky wraps/tacos with lettuce leaves, salsa, beans, etc.
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Mix with diced jerky, veggies, and hummus for a protein-packed snack
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Create a DIY jerky & nut bar by melting dark chocolate chips and combining
Get creative and enjoy jerky’s flavor in both sweet and savory dishes! It can make a satisfying snack or addition to meals when eaten mindfully.
Jerky Point Values For Popular Brands and Flavors
To give you a better idea, here are the SmartPoints values for some popular beef jerky products:
- Jack Link’s Original, 1 oz: 2 Points
- Jack Link’s Teriyaki, 1 oz: 3 Points
- Jack Link’s Peppered, 1 oz: 3 Points
- Krave Sweet Chipotle, 1.5 oz: 3 Points
- Duke’s Smoked Shorty Sausages, 2 oz: 4 Points
- Matador Jalapeño Beef Jerky, 1.5 oz: 4 Points
- People’s Choice Cracked Pepper, 1 oz: 1 Point
- OLD Trapper Smoked Beef Jerky, 1 oz: 2 Points
As you can see, Points can vary greatly depending on flavors, ingredients, and sizes. Refer to the product’s nutrition label or Weight Watchers app if you want an exact Points value.
Tips For Enjoying Beef Jerky On Weight Watchers
Here are some final tips to enjoy beef jerky as part of your Weight Watchers journey:
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Stick to the recommended 1 oz portion size to control calories and Points
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Balance with non-meat snacks like fruits, veggies, and yogurt
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Look for low-sodium options to reduce bloating and water retention
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Pair with sliced apples or carrots for more bulk and nutrients
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Choose whole food-based brands without artificial ingredients
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Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
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Track your Points meticulously, even for snacks
Beef jerky can absolutely be part of a healthy Weight Watchers diet when consumed in moderation. Just be sure to select lean options with minimal ingredients and check the SmartPoints values. A 1 oz serving of most classic jerky flavors will cost you around 2-3 Points.
Get creative with how you enjoy jerky in snacks and meals while balancing it out with plenty of veggies, fruits, and lean proteins. With some mindfulness, this flavorful snack can fit into your daily Points budget and help you feel satisfied.
Sugar-Free Vanilla Pudding Cups
These sugar-free Vanilla Pudding cups or sugar-free Jell-O are great low-point treats for when you’re craving something sweet. They’re made with good ingredients, come in different flavors, and are always easy to carry around. Just put one in your bag and go!
Points: 2 SmartPoints per cup
2 Mini Bar Variety Pack
Points: 2 SmartPoints per bag
WW low point snack ideas/ low calorie snacks
FAQ
Is beef jerky good on Weight Watchers?
Is beef jerky OK on a diet?
What are Weightwatchers points?
WeightWatchers Points are a way of tracking your food and nutrient intake. Find out what WeightWatchers Points mean and whether they work. This article is based on reporting that features expert sources. WeightWatchers was U.S. News’s Best Weight Loss Diet of 2023, so it’s a great option to help you reach your weight loss goals.
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 low-point Weight Watchers snacks are there?
Satisfy cravings with 43 delicious low-point Weight Watchers snacks! Discover healthy options like cherries, melon balls, and more to stay on track.
What are zero point Weight Watchers snacks?
Most of these zero point Weight Watchers snacks are predominantly whole foods like fruits and vegetables. They are high in nutritional value and contain lots of healthy fibers, vitamins, and minerals. Most of these zero point weight watchers snacks are also ideal for on the go and can be easily thrown into a ziplock bag.