Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is a lean meat snack made from strips of beef that have been trimmed of fat, cut into strips, and dried or smoked. This process removes most of the water, which acts as a natural preservative. It is often seasoned with salt, spices, and other flavorings.

Beef jerky is primarily used as a savory, high-protein snack food. Manufacturers add it to convenience foods and snack mixes for its chewy texture and concentrated beef flavor. It is also sometimes incorporated into trail mixes or used as a topping.

Beef jerky is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of protein and certain micronutrients, but can be high in sodium. JECFA has evaluated beef jerky and has not specified a numerical acceptable daily intake (ADI). Some studies suggest high intake of processed meats may be linked to certain health risks, while other reviews indicate mixed evidence.