Life can get complicated, but your snacking doesn’t have to be.
Keep things simple by skipping a long list of unpronounceable ingredients and stick to clean.
The healthiest jerky brands include only the easily recognizable good stuff while shunning anything artificial.
With so many snack options available today, knowing what to look for on the label (and what to leave out) will ensure you’re eating the cleanest, tastiest snacks available.
How to Read a Jerky Label
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Check Ingredient List Length
For clean-label jerky, the first ingredient should be protein (i.e., beef, turkey), followed by seasonings and other natural flavorings.
If artificial preservatives or additives are plentiful or high up on the list, you’re leaving the clean zone and will mostly be eating not-so-good-for-you ingredients.
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Identify Grams Per Serving: Protein, Sugar, and Sodium
Jerky is naturally high in protein, and most Perky Jerky flavors reach the double digits in grams of protein per serving to help keep you full and energized throughout the day.
When it comes to sugar and sodium, be aware that certain snacks often sneak in several extra grams of each. While there are ingredients that naturally contain both, look for low-sodium and low-sugar jerky to maintain an amount that’s reasonable for you.
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Decode What “No Nitrates” Means
The healthiest jerky brands usually say “no nitrates added.” While certain seasonings, such as celery powder, are a natural source of nitrates, this distinction means no synthetic nitrates are in the mix.
Additionally, some artificial preservatives that often pop up on snack labels include sodium nitrate, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate. Skip these and opt for clean alternatives like soy sauce, natural spices, and lemon juice, which deliver natural flavorings and color.
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Seek Allergen & Diet-Friendly Markers
Crafting tasty, clean-ingredient jerky also supports snackers with special nutritional needs.
Perky Jerky is gluten-free and keto- and paleo-friendly. There are also several flavors that are free of soy. With a transparent, easy-to-read ingredient list, you don’t have to second-guess how clean or delicious your snack is going to be.
Perky Jerky’s Clean-Label Advantage
For high-protein, clean snacks, Perky Jerky is the clear choice among health-conscious snackers.
New to the lineup of options? Here’s a quick list of fan favorites to get your smart snacking journey started:
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More Than Just Original Beef Jerky — The OG is the best all-around clean jerky, packed with 10 grams of protein and made with 100% grass-fed beef. Six simple ingredients serve up a flavorful punch without any artificial ingredients, gluten, or MSG.
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More Than Just Original Turkey Jerky — For a leaner option, the all-natural turkey jerky also hits the double digits in protein while delivering a bold taste and tender texture that makes clean snacking feel indulgent.
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Perky Jerky Variety Pack — Why limit yourself to just one flavor? Whether sweet and savory or extra spicy is your preferred jerky choice, mix up your snacking options with a convenient variety pack to take with you wherever, whenever.
Snack Clean with the Healthiest Jerky Brands
Eating clean never has to mean sacrificing flavor. The best healthy jerky allows you to taste the true essence of each ingredient without it being muddled by artificial additions.
Stock up on Perky Jerky for your next protein-packed, full-of-flavor, nothing artificial snack.