Biltong is not jerky, it’s better. Biltong is new to the US, and it’s often compared to jerky or even seen as the same thing. It’s easy to see why: they look similar and are both preserved meats. However, this is where the similarities stop. The taste, texture, and health profiles are entirely different. They’re also made in two different ways.
How is Biltong Made?
Biltong is an air-dried cured meat. It originated in South Africa, but its unique, delicious flavor has made it famous worldwide. You can use a variety of meats to make it, but the process is always the same.
We use Premium Beef from local US farmers. First, the meat is marinated in a spice mixture with a bit of salt and vinegar. Player Brand uses an age-old recipe passed down for centuries with simple, all-natural ingredients involving no preservatives or nitrates. Then, the meat is air-dried for 7 days. At this point, the chunk of meat is cut into bite-sized strips and packaged. This results in a tender texture and rich flavor profile that enhances the meat’s taste. Since no heat is involved in the process, the meat’s vitamins and minerals are also preserved.
Plus, due to the water loss during the vinegar curing process, Biltong also has about twice the amount of protein compared to equivalent cuts of meat, making it the perfect protein-rich snack. Air drying also retains small amounts of fat, which adds to a flavor similar to that of a rib-eye steak.
Jerky is dehydrated.
Jerky is dehydrated (treated with heat) with more salt, no vinegar, and is often smoked. Due to the process of being treated with heat, a large chunk of nutrients, vitamins, and flavor is pulled out of the meat- resulting in a tough, rubbery, less nutrient-dense piece of beef. Jerky is often made with an assortment of marinades and artificial flavors that require a lot of ingredients with preservatives, masking the star of the show-the meat. These artificial flavors used in jerky also often contain MSG and a lot of salt.
More importantly, beef jerky is inevitably packed with sugar. Seriously, check the back of the next bag of jerky you see; you will be shocked. This makes beef jerky very high in carbohydrates.
Best news- Player Brand Biltong has Zero sugar
We also don’t try to trick you with hidden ingredients like raisin juice concentrate, which is…sugar. This means diabetics can enjoy this comforting snack anytime as they require zero insulin to regulate blood sugar after consuming– ask Wayne Player, Co-founder of Player Brand and T1D.
So whether you’re a jerky lover, an athlete, a diabetic, or just need a delicious pick-me-up between meals, biltong is one of the most nutritious snacks on the market. Biltong is high in protein with small amounts of fat, calories, and few carbs. This makes biltong extremely useful for specific diets like keto and can be incorporated into almost any healthy eating plan. Plain and simple-Biltong is just better.
Try it yourself HERE and leave a review. It’s okay. We’re confident never to return to jerky again.
