Beef jerky is an iconic snack that has been around for centuries. This tasty, protein-packed snack is made by marinating strips of lean beef in a seasoned liquid, then dehydrating it until the moisture content drops and the meat becomes shelf-stable. But with its recent surge in popularity, many beef jerky lovers are wondering – how much does beef jerky really cost per ounce?
In this in-depth article, we’ll examine the average price per ounce of beef jerky from major brands and compare premium versus budget options. We’ll also look at factors impacting the cost of beef jerky and provide tips for finding the best deals. Let’s dive in!
Calculating the Average Price Per Ounce of Beef Jerky
To determine the average price per ounce of beef jerky, I analyzed 15 top-selling beef jerky products on Amazon across a range of budgets. Here is a summary of my findings
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The average price per ounce for all 15 beef jerky products was $250
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For 7 premium, higher-end beef jerky brands, the average was $3.33 per ounce
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For 8 more budget-friendly jerky brands, the average dropped to $1.55 per ounce
This shows a pretty significant price difference between premium and budget beef jerky options – over 50% cheaper for the budget brands.
Below I’ll analyze 5 factors that impact the pricing difference between premium and budget beef jerky.
Why Does Premium Beef Jerky Cost More?
Here are 5 main reasons why premium beef jerky brands charge a higher price per ounce:
1. Quality of Meat
Premium jerky tends to use higher quality cuts of meat with less fat and connective tissue. This contributes to better texture and flavor. Budget jerky may use cheaper cuts or processed meat.
2. Ingredients
Premium brands highlight natural ingredients like quality spices and herbs. Budget brands are more likely to use artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.
3. Production Process
Premium jerky follows traditional marinating and slow smoking methods. Budget jerky may take shortcuts like mass production and rapid drying.
4. Taste and Texture
Premium jerky tends to be more tender and moist, with complex flavors. Budget jerky can be drier and tougher, with one-note flavor.
5. Nutrition Profile
Premium jerky often has fewer additives, less sodium, and more protein per serving compared to budget options.
Comparing 15 Popular Beef Jerky Brands
To create specific price comparisons, I analyzed 15 top-selling beef jerky brands on Amazon. Here’s an overview of each product’s cost per ounce:
- Jack Link’s Bold Cracked Pepper – $1.42 per ounce
- Jack Link’s Original – $1.62 per ounce
- Cattleman’s Cut Original – $1.40 per ounce (cheapest of all brands tested)
- Tillamook Country Smoker – $1.50 per ounce
- Hard Times Beef Jerky – $4.00 per ounce
- People’s Choice Beef Jerky – $2.12 per ounce
- Ayoba-Yo Biltong – $4.48 per ounce (most expensive brand tested)
- Righteous Felon Beef Jerky – $1.75 per ounce
- “Creeping Ghost” Carolina Reaper – $3.16 per ounce
- Stryve Beef Biltong – $2.90 per ounce
- Chef’s Cut Original Recipe – $1.75 per ounce
- Buffalo Bills Premium Hickory – $2.44 per ounce
- Country Archer Original – $1.42 per ounce
- Oberto All-Natural Original – $4.46 per ounce
- Mingua Beef Jerky – $3.07 per ounce
As you can see, there is a wide range of price points spanning from $1.40 per ounce on the low end to $4.48 per ounce on the high side. But the averages we calculated earlier hold true – budget jerky brands mostly stay under $2 per ounce, while premium brands exceed $3 per ounce.
Tips for Finding the Best Beef Jerky Deals
If you want to enjoy delicious beef jerky without overspending, here are some tips:
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Buy in bulk – Ounce for ounce, large bags or multi-packs are almost always cheaper than single-serve packets.
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Choose budget brands – As we saw earlier, you can save 50% or more opting for budget brands over premium.
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Shop sales and coupons – Watch for promotions and special deals from jerky brands.
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Price compare – Prices can vary between retailers, so compare across stores.
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DIY jerky – Make your own at home for a lower cost per ounce.
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Prioritize taste – Focus on flavor over label claims – a budget brand you love is better than a premium one you don’t.
The Bottom Line on Beef Jerky Prices
When looking at popular beef jerky brands, the average price falls around $2.50 per ounce. But you can frequently find quality budget-friendly options for $1.55 per ounce or less.
To get the best deal on delicious jerky, buy in bulk, choose budget-priced brands, shop sales and make DIY jerky. Focus on finding a flavor you love rather than paying for buzzwords. With the right strategies, you can keep enjoying this tasty and convenient protein snack without breaking the bank!
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FAQ
How much is beef jerky per oz?
What is 1 oz of jerky?
What does beef jerky cost so much?
How much beef makes 1lb of jerky?
How much does beef jerky cost?
For perspective: In March 2019, for the same brands, the price of an ounce of beef jerky was $2.08, so over the past two years, there has been a 20% increase in its price ($2.50). For further consideration, we’ll split the list (which appears below) roughly in half, separating them by price. We’ll create two categories — “high-end” and “low-end.”
Why is jerky so expensive?
The main reason jerky is so expensive is because it takes a lot more meat to make it than the 2.7 ounces we see. Pennsylvania-based Big John’s Beef Jerky explained this on its site, as it is a commonly asked question: The main reason is that all jerky is costly to make. Beef is about 60% water, so when it is dried most of the weight is evaporated.
How much jerky does a pound of steak make?
Four pounds of fresh, trimmed meat will yield 1 pound of jerky, a lightweight dried meat product. Suggested cuts include lean beef round, flank, chuck, rump, or brisket.
How much beef does it take to make jerky?
Beef is about 60% water, so when it is dried most of the weight is evaporated. It takes about 2.5 Lbs of quality beef to make 1 Lb of jerky. Secondly, many jerky companies use expensive chemicals and preservatives when making their jerky, and they have a lot of waste just based on how they make it.