Original Meat Sticks, Original
Processing Score
8.0Highly Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
3.5/10Fair
The processing score reflects 23 ingredients, including preservatives and corn syrup. The nutrition score reflects high sodium, saturated fat and total fat.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein Source
Nutrient Alerts
High SodiumHigh FatHigh Saturated Fat
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
021130295845
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size28 g
Amount per serving
Calories
140
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 11g
14%
Saturated Fat 4.5g
23%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 20mg
7%
Sodium 460mg
20%
Total Carbohydrate 3g
1%
Dietary Fiber 0g
0%
Total Sugars 1g
Includes 1g Added Sugars
2%
Protein 6g
Vitamin D 0mcg
0%
Calcium 20mg
2%
Iron 1mg
6%
Potassium 100mg
2%
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Ingredients
20 listed · 10 flagged for reviewBEEF AND PORK, MECHANICALLY SEPARATED CHICKEN, WATER, SALT, FLAVORS, SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, RICE BRAN, CORN SYRUP, DEXTROSE, FRUCTOSE, REFINERS SYRUP, HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, SMOKE FLAVOR, PAPRIKA, MOLASSES, PAPRIKA EXTRACT, LACTIC ACID STARTER CULTURE, SODIUM NITRITE, SAFFLOWER OIL, CASING (CARAMEL, RED 3, ANNATTO).
Listed in source order (heaviest first). Select any ingredient to see its category bucket and other products that contain it.
Why Does This Score Highly Processed?
In our analysis, Original Meat Sticks, Original scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Processed Meats (Mechanically Separated Chicken): Mechanically separated and reformed meats are UPF markers.
- Corn-Based Sweeteners (Corn Syrup): HFCS is a hallmark of ultra-processed foods.
- Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
- Natural Flavors (Flavors, Smoke Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- Processed Dairy Ingredients (Soy Protein Isolate): Isolated proteins and modified ingredients indicate UPF.
Within Jerky & Meat Snacks, this product is more processed than about 42% 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 Original Meat Sticks, Original'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.
- Plant ProteinsUPF marker
In this product: Hydrolyzed Soy Protein.
Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Dextrose, Fructose, Refiners Syrup, Molasses.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Lactic Acid Starter Culture.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
- Vegetable OilsProcessing indicator
In this product: Safflower Oil.
Natural oils are minimally processed, hydrogenated oils indicate UPF.
- Natural ColorsProcessing indicator
In this product: Casing (Caramel, Red 3, Annatto).
Natural sources but still indicate processing.
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Less Processed Alternatives
Same category, with lower Processing Scores.
Backroad Country, Pork Rinds
1.03.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Baken-Ets, Traditional Tender Cracklins Chicharrones
1.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Chicharrones Pork Rinds
1.03.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Corner Store, Chicharrones, Pork Skins, Original
1.03.0
Less processed (Minimally Processed)
Similar Products
Same category, at a similar Processing level.
About our scores and this content
Processing and Nutrition Scores reflect the ingredient lists and nutrient data we observe; they are our analysis, not absolute measures of health. Read the full methodology. This information is provided for general nutrition education and is not medical, health, or dietary advice. Product formulations change often, so check the actual label before purchasing, and consult a registered dietitian or your physician for personal guidance.
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