With its chewy texture and bold flavor, Jack Link’s beef jerky has become a go-to snack for many people. But is this popular gas station staple actually good for you, or is it a junk food you’re better off avoiding? Let’s take an objective look at how Jack Link’s beef jerky impacts your health.
Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Nutrition Facts
First, let’s analyze the basic nutrition facts for a standard 1 ounce serving of Jack Link’s original flavor beef jerky:
- Calories: 80
- Total fat: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg (23% daily value)
- Total carbs: 6g
- Protein: 10g
So in the plus column, Jack Link’s jerky is high in protein, which makes it more filling and satisfying than many low-protein snacks
However there are also some clear downsides
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High sodium – With over 500mg sodium per serving, Jack Link’s jerky contains astronomical amounts of sodium, supplying nearly a quarter of your daily recommended intake. Too much sodium has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.
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Sugar and carbs – While low in total carbs, 21% of those carbs come from sugar. Added sugars provide empty calories without nutritional benefit.
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Preservatives – It contains sodium nitrite, a controversial preservative that may have negative health impacts over time.
So while the protein content is a plus, the high sodium and additive content are major negatives for your health. Let’s analyze further.
Problems with High Sodium Intake
The sky-high sodium content in Jack Link’s beef jerky is by far its biggest health downside. Eating too much sodium can lead to:
- Increased blood pressure and risk of heart attack/stroke
- Fluid retention and bloating
- Kidney problems and kidney stones
- Stomach cancer
- Bone loss
- Worsening asthma
Children and people with high blood pressure are especially vulnerable to excess sodium’s effects. But even healthy adults should limit sodium for optimal health.
Are the Ingredients Unhealthy?
In addition to high sodium, Jack Link’s beef jerky contains some questionable ingredients including:
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Sugar – Addition of sugar adds empty calories and promotes tooth decay.
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Hydrolyzed corn/soy protein – Highly processed proteins that contain MSG, which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
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Yeast extract – Another hidden form of MSG that enhances flavor.
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Sodium nitrite – Used to preserve color and inhibit bacteria, but may form carcinogens when heated. Safer alternatives exist.
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“Natural flavors” – Non-specific term for chemical flavor additives that manipulate taste and smell. The lack of transparency is concerning.
So while these ingredients are considered “generally recognized as safe” and approved for use, eating large amounts may not be the healthiest choice long-term.
Is Occasional Jack Link’s Jerky Okay?
Despite the negatives, having an occasional piece of Jack Link’s jerky is unlikely to cause harm in healthy adults. Just be mindful of portion size. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 120mg sodium per serving in snacks. So stick to no more than 1 ounce of jerky at a time, and limit overall weekly consumption.
For children, pregnant women, and people with health conditions like hypertension, even small amounts of high-sodium jerky could be detrimental and should be avoided. Always check with your doctor about diet restrictions.
Healthier Jerky Alternatives Exist
If you want to avoid the downsides of Jack Link’s beef jerky but still crave the protein kick of jerky, look for healthier options such as:
- Jerky made from lean turkey or chicken
- Low-sodium jerky with minimal preservatives
- DIY homemade jerky without artificial ingredients
- Jerky made from quality grass-fed beef
Yes, making some adjustments takes a bit more effort. But your body will thank you over the long haul. Moderation is key for an occasional processed food treat like Jack Link’s jerky. But healthier options can satisfy your jerky cravings on a regular basis.
The Verdict: Think Twice Before Making It a Daily Habit
Jack Link’s may boast about using quality lean beef in their jerky. However, that beef is then pumped full of sodium, sugar, preservatives and other additives during processing. These unhealthy ingredients can far outweigh any benefits of the beef itself.
Rather than reaching for a bag of Jack Link’s jerky every day, consider it an occasional indulgence at best. For a truly healthy snack that provides lasting energy, you’re better off choosing whole foods like fruits, veggies, nuts and yogurt on a day-to-day basis. Your body will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Jack Link’s beef jerky high in sodium?
Jack Link’s adds a lot of table salt and soy sauce during processing to enhance flavor and act as a preservative. This spikes the sodium levels to dangerous heights.
Does Jack Link’s use nitrates?
No, they use sodium nitrite instead of nitrates. While nitrites are considered safer than nitrates, they can still form carcinogenic compounds when heated to high temperatures.
Are the preservatives in Jack Link’s jerky safe?
In small amounts, the preservatives are generally recognized as safe by the FDA. But eating them regularly long-term may cause negative health effects for some people.
Is sugar added to Jack Link’s beef jerky?
Yes, ingredients like brown sugar are added, boosting the sugar content. The sugar provides flavor but adds empty calories without nutritional benefit.
Is beef jerky considered processed meat?
Yes, beef jerky goes through significant processing including curing, smoking, and drying. The WHO has classified processed meats as carcinogenic, so intake should be limited.
Can kids or pregnant women eat beef jerky?
No, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children and pregnant women avoid eating jerky due to the high sodium content and bacterial infection risk.
So be judicious in your beef jerky consumption, and know that occasional indulgence in moderation is quite different than making it a daily habit. When it comes to your health, the ingredients matter just as much as the nutrition facts.