As a hardcore beef jerky fanatic I’m always looking to maximize my jerky snack sessions. And one question always seems to come up – just how many tasty pieces can I expect in a standard 1 oz serving?
With so many brands, flavors, and cuts on the market, jerky serving sizes can be confusing. Today, we’re going to break it all down and find a definitive answer to this important jerky query!
Grab your favorite bag of jerky and a notepad, because class is in session. Let’s beef up our snack knowledge!
Defining a Serving Size of Beef Jerky
Before we can answer how many pieces are in an ounce, we need to define what constitutes one serving of jerky.
According to the USDA, the standard serving size for beef jerky is officially 1 ounce This is true regardless of the brand, flavor, packaging, or cut of meat.
One ounce of beef jerky contains about 80-120 calories 7-15g of protein and 500-800mg of sodium.
So the nutrition facts on any label will be based on a 1 oz or 28 gram serving. This provides a useful reference point as we investigate piece counts.
Average Piece Counts in 1 Ounce
Okay, so we know one serving is 1 ounce. But how many individual pieces make up that ounce?
This can vary slightly depending on a few factors:
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Meat cut – Jerky from flank or round steak tends to have smaller pieces than jerky from tougher cuts.
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Slice thickness – Thicker slices mean fewer, larger pieces in an ounce. Thinner slices mean more small pieces per ounce.
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Brand and style – Teriyaki jerky or other sauced jerky may weigh more.
However, through extensive personal testing and research, I’ve found that most beef jerky falls into the following ranges:
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Thin sliced jerky – 8-12 small pieces per ounce
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Standard slice – 5-7 medium sized pieces per ounce
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Thick slice – 3-5 large pieces per ounce
So you can expect about 5-8 average sized pieces in a typical 1 oz serving, but this varies based on the thickness and dimensions of the pieces in a particular brand or package. More surface area means more pieces!
Visual Size Comparisons for 1 oz of Jerky
If you don’t have a fancy jerky weighing scale on hand, here are some visual comparisons to help estimate a serving:
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1 oz is about 1/3 the size of a deck of playing cards
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It’s very close to the size of 3 standard sized dice stacked together
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For a rectangular package, it would be about 1/4 the size of a regular bar of soap
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Fold a standard slice in half, that’s roughly 0.5 oz
So use these visual cues to get a mental image of an appropriate one ounce portion. It’s not a massive amount, but should be enough to get a decent jerky fix!
Serving and Package Sizes
When purchasing beef jerky, pay close attention to the total package size and number of servings. Here are some common sizes you’ll see:
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Single serve pack – 1 oz bag
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“Party size” – Around 3.5-5 oz
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Standard retail bag – 5-8 oz range
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Bulk bags – Often 16 oz or more
Larger bags will contain multiple individual 1 oz serving packets. I like getting big bags since they usually offer the best value per ounce. Just be sure to portion out servings at home rather than snacking from the huge bag.
Portioning Out Your Jerky
Speaking of portion control, it’s important to pay attention to serving sizes when snacking on jerky. Here are my pro tips:
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Read labels closely and use a scale if enjoying jerky at home
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When on-the-go, pre-portion jerky into single serving snack bags
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Estimate servings using the size comparisons mentioned earlier
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Drink water with jerky to help curb overeating
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Choose low-sodium jerky options to limit sodium intake
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Mix it up with veggies or fruit for a balanced snack
With mindful portioning, you can enjoy the protein power of jerky without going overboard on sodium or calories.
Picking the Healthiest Jerky
To get the most nutritional bang for your buck, be selective in choosing healthy jerky options. Here’s what to look for:
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Lean cuts of meat like flank, sirloin, or round
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Minimal added sugars – sweet flavors can pile on sugar
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Low sodium options – many brands are very high in sodium
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No artificial preservatives or nitrates
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Organic and grass-fed when possible
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High protein and low fat
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Simple, recognizable ingredients
Do some label reading and choose your jerky wisely to maximize the nutritional benefits and minimize any unhealthy additives.
Making Homemade Jerky
For the freshest ingredients, I love whipping up homemade jerky in my dehydrator. While it takes some time, the payoff is rewarding.
You can use lean cuts like flank or round steak, slice very thinly, and marinate overnight in your favorite sauces and spices. Then dehydrate until the meat reaches the perfect chewy texture.
Homemade jerky allows total control over ingredients, custom flavors, and sodium levels. It also makes a delicious and protein-packed DIY gift for family and friends!
The Takeaway – Enjoy Jerky in Moderation
So how many pieces of beef jerky in 1 oz? The answer can range from 3-12 depending on the cut and thickness. But on average, a one ounce serving contains around 5-8 pieces.
More important than the piece count is enjoying jerky moderately as part of an overall balanced diet. Pay close attention to portion sizes, choose healthy options, and pair with fruits and veggies for the perfect snack.
With a little mindfulness, beef jerky can be an awesome high protein fuel for active lifestyles and health goals. Now get out there and start jerking!