What Does 1 Oz Of Beef Jerky Look Like? A Simple Guide for Meat Lovers

Beef jerky is one of my favorite high-protein snacks. As someone who is always on-the-go, I like that it’s portable tasty, and packed with nutrition. But I used to be confused about what an actual single serving size of jerky looks like. The bags always seem so lightweight compared to the amount I want to eat!

So I did some research to find out what exactly one ounce of beef jerky looks like. Here is a simple guide to help other meat lovers properly portion this delicious and healthy snack.

Understanding Beef Jerky Serving Sizes

When checking nutrition labels on beef jerky packaging, the listed serving size is usually one ounce or 28 grams. Visually, this is about equal to the size of a deck of playing cards or a small handful.

I used to think that didn’t seem like very much jerky. But it’s important to keep in mind that beef jerky is very dense and protein-packed. An ounce may not look like a lot, but it contains about 9-15 grams of protein depending on the brand.

The serving size on the label is also not necessarily a recommended portion, but rather a standardized measurement used for comparison between products. Consuming multiple servings in one sitting can quickly add up in calories, sodium, and other nutrients

So paying attention to the true 1 ounce serving size and practicing portion control is important, especially for those watching their weight or sodium intake.

How To Accurately Measure 1 Ounce of Jerky

If you want to be precise about getting one ounce of beef jerky, using a small kitchen scale is the best method. Here’s an easy process:

• Place a bowl or plate on the scale and press the “tare” or “zero” button to reset it to zero grams

• Carefully add pieces of jerky to the plate or bowl until the display reads 28 grams or 1 ounce.

• Store any extra jerky in a ziplock bag or container for another serving later.

If you don’t have a little kitchen scale handy, there are a couple other ways to approximate a 1 ounce portion:

• Look at the total number of pieces listed on the nutrition facts for the serving size, then divide that number out to get the weight per piece. Count out that many pieces.

• Use common objects as a visual reference. One ounce of beef jerky is similar in size to a large matchbox, a tube of chapstick, or a single slice of cheese.

No matter what method you use, keeping those serving sizes in check will help prevent overindulging!

How Many Calories Are in 1 Ounce of Beef Jerky?

The exact calorie count will vary between brands and flavors, but on average one ounce of beef jerky contains:

• 116 calories
• 9.4 grams of protein
• 7.3 grams of fat
• 3.1 grams of carbohydrates

It also contains important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and choline.

Compared to other snacks like chips, cookies, or granola bars, beef jerky is lower in carbs and higher in protein. This makes it a great option for low carb diets or as a filling snack for athletes and others looking for lasting energy.

Just keep portion sizes in check, as too much sodium from multiple servings of jerky can potentially lead to dehydration or increased blood pressure in salt-sensitive individuals.

Flavor and Texture Differences Between Jerky Types

There are so many options when you walk down the meat snack aisle! Here are some notes about the most common jerky flavors and textures:

Beef Jerky – Most classic flavors like teriyaki, original, black pepper, use beef as the meat base. The dark marinade gives it a robust, savory flavor. The texture is dense and chewy.

Turkey Jerky – Typically has a slightly softer, less chewy texture. Works well with lighter flavors like lemon pepper, cajun, mesquite. Lower in fat than beef.

Exotic Meat Jerky – For the adventurous! Venison, elk, bison, ostrich, and other game meat make for a lean, rich-tasting jerky. Wild flavors like bourbon or juniper berry complement nicely.

Fruit-Flavored Jerky – Dried mango, pineapple, or strawberry flavors add a touch of sweetness. The fruit tenderizes the meat slightly. Most brands use poultry for the base.

Jerky Sticks – Shaped like pepperoni sticks, these are seasoned, dried, and cured for a savory flavor. Often paired with a side of cheese for a mini charcuterie board!

Plant-Based Jerky – For non-meat eaters, brands like Louisville Vegan make soy-protein and coconut jerky in barbecue and teriyaki flavors. The texture is Convincingly similar to real meat jerky.

Keeping Jerky Portions Under Control

I definitely don’t want to discourage anyone from enjoying delicious jerky in moderation! Here are some of my tips for keeping portions in check:

• Measure it out! Use a scale or visual cues to get a true 1 ounce portion before digging in.

• Read those labels before you snack to know exactly what you’re getting.

• Slice up the larger pieces into smaller, popcorn sized bites. They last longer that way.

• Pair it with something. Jerky on its own isn’t very filling. So have it alongside some nuts, carrots sticks, fruit, or yogurt.

• Don’t go overboard. It’s so tempting to reach for “just one more piece” from the bag! Stick to just 1-2 measured servings per day.

• Stay hydrated. Have some water between jerky pieces to avoid excessive sodium intake.