Beef Jerky

Why Does This Score Ultra-Processed?

In our analysis, Beef Jerky scores Ultra-Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:

• Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup Solids): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
• Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.

Within Jerky & Meat Snacks, this product is more processed than about 86% of the 2,448 products we've analyzed.

Processing classification reflects ingredient and additive analysis, not a judgment of any product's safety, quality, or healthfulness.

What These Ingredients Tell Us

We group Beef Jerky's ingredients into ingredient categories and note how each relates to food processing. The notes below describe the category, not this specific product's formulation.

Food AcidsProcessing indicator

In this product: Bbq Sauce (Water, Corn Syrup, Tomato Paste, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Mustard (Mustard Seed, Turmeric, Paprika), Salt, Modified Food Starch, Molasses, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Hickory Smoke Flavor, Soybean Oil, Citric Acid, Spices, Sodium Benzoate, Caramel Color, Garlic Powder, Sugar, Natural Flavor, Tamarind).

Common in both traditional and industrial foods.

Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator

In this product: Brown Sugar, Honey.

Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.

MineralsProcessing indicator

In this product: Bbq Seasoning (Sugar, Salt, Spices, Paprika, Onion, Garlic, Natural Smoke Flavor, Tricalcium Phosphate (Less Than 2% As A Anti Caking Agent), Spice Extractives).

Added minerals often compensate for processing.