Nutritionist Review of Australian Beef Jerky and Biltong at Coles and Woolworths

Have you tried Beef Jerky or Biltong? Did you like it? Some of them are salty, really chewy and not everyone’s cup of tea. But alas, there are some really tasty brands now available at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets in Australia.

In this blog, we’re going to share the tastiest and healthiest Australian Beef Jerky and Biltong brands at Coles and Woolworths supermarkets. Continue reading, because we promise we won’t jerk you around…

But first…

What are the origins of Beef Jerky and Biltong?

Biltong and Beef Jerky are similar in that they are both made from meat, however, the preparation and curing process is a little different. 

Originally Beef Jerky and Biltong were made as a way to preserve meat for future meals and to help native tribes get through the winter months. 

Biltong originated from native South Africa in the early 1600s. Traditionally it is  soaked in a salt and vinegar brine before being hung to air dry (not smoked) at a low temperature for 1-2 weeks. It is then sliced into pieces before packaging. 

Beef Jerky comes from the Native American word “Ch’arki” meaning salted, dried meat. The earliest records of ch’arki, the forefather to modern beef jerky, go back to the early 1550s.

Jerky is made by slicing up lean cuts of meat, marinated with vinegar and spices and then it’s roasted or smoked and dried for several hours.

Beef Jerky and Biltong Explained by a Nutritionist

If you’re a meat lover then both biltong and beef jerky are a great addition to your diet. They are high in protein, low in carbohydrates, sugars and fat making them the perfect snack to help you maintain blood glucose levels and keep you energised throughout the day. Jerky is a little drier than biltong but just as delicious! Both are rich in vitamins and minerals, including zinc, iron, vitamin B12, phosphorus, and folate.

It’s important to read package labels when purchasing biltong or jerky as some brands use vegetable oils, preservatives, additives and added sugar –  which is unnecessary and not good for your health. It’s also best to choose jerky that uses organic, grass fed meat to lower your risk of exposure to antibiotics, growth hormones and pesticides.

When Choosing a Jerky look for one with simple ingredients such as the KOOEE! Beef Jerky which uses organic grass-fed beef, organic coconut aminos, organic apple cider, spices, beetroot and culture.

Other things to love about KOOEE! 

✔️Australian made products (made in Tasmania)

✔️ Free range

✔️ No preservatives

✔️ No additives

✔️ No crap

✔️ Simple ingredients

✔️ High in protein

What ingredients to look for and to avoid in Australian Jerky and Biltong?

✔️ Ideally you want to choose a jerky or biltong that uses either grass fed, free range and/or organic meat.

✔️ Support local businesses by choosing brands that use meat farmed in Australia. 

✔️ Choose a Jerky or Biltong with only simple natural listed ingredients. 

❌ Avoid brands that have more than 4g of sugar per serving. If sugar is the second ingredient, then it’s probably going to be high in sugar.

❌ Avoid MSG, soy protein, artificial additives, flavourings and preservatives this includes natural flavours and yeast extract.

❌ Avoid vegetable oils like canola and sunflower oil.

What does a Nutrionist think of Australian Beef Jerky and Biltong at Coles and Woolworths?

1. KOOEE! Organic Beef Jerky – Classic Sea Salt 30g

KOOEE! Beef Jerky – A high protein jerky with simple and healthy ingredients. Gluten free, dairy free and soy free. Made from premium 100% grass-fed Tasmanian beef. Perfect as a lunchbox snack or enjoy outdoors when you need a hiking pick me up!

• Margo White Nutritionist – Ingredients rating out of ten: 10/10

Credit – @frandargaville – “As a nutritionist, I’m a huge fan of these snacks! High quality with great ingredients, and most importantly, very tasty. Thanks legends!”

2. KOOEE! Organic Beef Sticks – Sea Salt 25g

KOOEE! Beef Snack Sticks – Made from premium 100% grass-fed beef. An absolute crowd pleaser. An easy to grab and go snack for kids and adults alike. Contains 6.4 g of protein per serve. Gluten free, no MSG, non-GMO and no artificial preservatives.

• Margo White Nutritionist – Ingredients rating out of ten: 10/10

Credit – @anch_keto – “On the go snack! Keto, Natural Ingredients, Organic, Grass-fed, I bought mine at Costco”

Now the question is…

Which is healthier? Beef Jerky or Biltong?

Generally speaking, beef jerky and biltong are both healthy and nutritious snacks. In terms of which is better for you, it does depend on the brand, ingredients used and whether the meat used comes from an organic farm. Some types of biltong and jerky can be high in sodium, fat, sugar and additives which makes them less healthy choices.

At Kooee! We are big advocates for Jerky and in particular the Kooee! Beef Jerky as it is low in sodium, sugar, and is made from 100% Australian organic grass-fed beef. It’s also free from added hormones, antibiotics and only contains simple, natural ingredients.

Is Beef Jerky a healthy snack for kids?

Kids’ lunchboxes are often lacking in protein. It’s really important for kids to have a good source of protein with each main meal and snack, especially at school when their little brains are working so hard all day. 

Adding a few pieces of beef jerky or a beef jerky stick to the lunch box is a great idea! The protein in jerky will help to keep kids fuller for longer, sustain brain power and energy throughout the day, and keep their blood sugar levels stable. This is particularly important for helping kids focus, get through their school work and also have energy for fun times in the playground. A few pieces of jerky with some chopped up apple and carrots is a wonderful snack!

In fact, you can read all about the Best Healthy School Lunchbox Snacks here

Credit @benchestobentos – Aussie mum Bec, sharing her childs favourite snack sticks

What are the best Beef Jerky and Biltong brands at Woolworths and Coles?

We believe that KOOEE! Organic Beef Jerky is the best brand at Woolworths and Coles, hands down. The differences amongst jerky and biltong brands vary, but the quality from KOOEE! vastly outdoes its competitors. Our jerky is high in protein, low in sugar, certified organic, grass fed and has no preservatives. Many of the competitor brands contain vegetable oil, flavours, sugar, MSG and added soy protein. 

We may be biassed at KOOEE! But the proof is in the ingredients list and nutritional information label – you won’t find any hidden nasties in our snacks! 

 

BRANDS	Nutritionist Rating	PROTEIN - Per 100g	CARBS - Per 100g	FATS - Per 100g	SUGAR - Per 100g
KOOEE! Organic Beef Jerky - Classic Sea Salt	10/10	49.3g	9.0g	9.8g	8.9g
KOOEE! Organic Beef Snack Sticks - Sea Salt	10/10	25.6g	2.8g	20.4g	0.8g
Local Legends Original Beef Jerky	5/10	35.8g	22.5g	2.7g	15.1g
Jack Link's Original Beef Jerky	3/10	34g	24g	3.0g	21.6g
Big Tex Beef Jerky Original	4/10	36.3g	22.7g	16.3g	2.7g
Woolworths Beef Jerky Bbq 125g	3/10	38g	20g	3.6g	19.2g
Protea Foods Lekker Traditional Biltong Slices	7/10	58.9g	5.2g	2.0g	4.1g
Jack Links Gluten Free Beef Biltong	5/10	48g	7.7g	3.0g	2.0g
Local Legends Biltong Chilli Beef	4/10	40.9g	5.6g	8.0g	4.0g
Woolworths Smokey Biltong	5/10	44g	4.9g	6.7g	4.0g
Jack Link’s Original Pork & Beef Stick	2/10	29g	10.5g	35g	4.8g
Donski Sticks Mild	3/10	24.8g	6.4g	38.2g	1.5g
Local Legends Big Beef Stick	4/10	32g	16.1g	12g	15.7g
Jims Jerky Beef Jerky BBQ	7/10	54.8g	5.4g	7.3g	4.5g
Byron Beef Jerky Smokey	9/10	51.5g	3.9g	8.8g	3.6g
Barbell Foods Biltong Grass-Fed Beef Sea Salt	10/10	40.3g	<0.1g	29.9g	<0.1g