· By Matthew Richmond
Beef Jerky Protein Per 100g (2026) – Which Jerky Has The Most Protein?
Beef jerky is known as one of the highest-protein snacks you can buy — but how much protein does beef jerky actually contain per 100g?
The answer varies depending on the brand, ingredients, and drying method. Some jerkies contain over 50g of protein per 100g, while others are padded out with sugar, marinades, or softer textures that reduce protein density.
In this guide, we compare popular UK beef jerky brands by protein per 100g, ingredients, texture, and overall quality to help you find the best high-protein jerky snacks available in the UK.
If you’re looking for overall flavour rankings and the top UK jerky brands overall, check out our guide to the best beef jerky UK brands.
Quick Comparison
We compared jerky brands based on protein content per 100g, ingredients, flavour, and overall quality.
| Brand | Protein Per 100g | Style | Notable Feature | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ember Snacks | 52g | Biltong | Extremely lean, low sugar | 9.2 |
| Punk Jerky | 45g | Craft jerky | Grass-fed British beef | 8.5 |
| Mason’s Meats | 49g | Premium jerky | Wagyu and grass-fed cuts | 8.8 |
| Kings Elite Snacks | 46g | Jerky/Biltong | Tender texture | 7.9 |
| Billy Franks | 42g | Craft jerky | Creative flavours | 7.8 |
| Wild West Jerky | 38g | Traditional jerky | Supermarket staple | 6.9 |
Protein values are based on publicly available nutritional information and may vary slightly between flavours.
Why Is Beef Jerky So High In Protein?
Jerky becomes extremely protein-dense because most of the water is removed during drying.
Fresh beef contains a large amount of water weight. Once dehydrated, the remaining product becomes concentrated in:
- protein
- minerals
- flavour
That’s why beef jerky protein per 100g is much higher than regular cooked beef.
Is Beef Jerky One Of The Highest Protein Snacks?
Yes.
Compared to many common snacks, beef jerky is extremely high in protein.
| Snack | Protein Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Beef Jerky | 40–55g |
| Chicken Breast | ~31g |
| Greek Yogurt | ~10g |
| Protein Bars | ~20–30g |
| Crisps | ~6g |
Because jerky is dried, protein becomes far more concentrated.
What Affects Protein Content In Jerky?
Not all jerky contains the same amount of protein.
Factors that affect protein levels include:
1. Drying Method
Drier jerkies usually contain:
- higher protein density
- less water weight
Softer products often contain slightly less protein per 100g.
2. Sugar & Marinades
Sweeter jerkies with heavy marinades may contain:
- more carbs
- more sugar
- lower protein percentage
Cleaner ingredient lists generally correlate with higher protein density.
3. Cut Of Meat
Lean cuts usually produce:
- higher protein
- lower fat
- firmer texture
Premium brands using better cuts often achieve stronger nutritional profiles.
Best High Protein Beef Jerky UK
1. Ember Snacks
One of the highest protein options commonly available in the UK. Their biltong-style products are lean, low sugar, and extremely macro-friendly.
2. Punk Jerky
Uses grass-fed British beef with a texture that still feels substantial without becoming overly dry. Strong protein content while still prioritising flavour.
3. Mason’s Meats
Premium jerky with high-quality cuts and excellent protein density. One of the better options for people wanting cleaner ingredients and premium beef.
Is Beef Jerky Good For The Gym?
Beef jerky is popular with:
- gym-goers
- runners
- hikers
- people following high-protein diets
Because it’s:
- portable
- shelf stable
- high in protein
- filling
It works well as:
- a post-workout snack
- a travel snack
- a low-carb protein option
Jerky vs Protein Bars
| Feature | Beef Jerky | Protein Bars |
|---|---|---|
| Protein Density | Very high | Moderate |
| Sugar Levels | Usually lower | Often higher |
| Processing | Less processed | Highly processed |
| Texture | Chewy | Soft |
| Satiety | High | Moderate |
Many people prefer jerky because it feels more like real food and contains fewer processed ingredients.
FAQ
Q: How much protein is in beef jerky per 100g?
A: Most beef jerky contains between 40–55g of protein per 100g depending on ingredients and drying method.
Q: Is beef jerky higher in protein than chicken?
A: Per 100g, yes. Because jerky is dehydrated, protein becomes much more concentrated.
Q: Is beef jerky good for building muscle?
A: Beef jerky can help support muscle building as part of a high-protein diet due to its strong protein content and convenience.
Q: Which jerky has the most protein in the UK?
A: Lean biltong and drier jerky products — like Ember Snacks and Punk Jerky — tend to have some of the highest protein levels.
Q: Is beef jerky healthy?
A: High-quality jerky with simple ingredients and lower sugar levels can be a healthy high-protein snack option.