Beef Jerky
Processing Score
7.0Highly Processed
02.55.08.010+
Nutrition Score
—/10No Data
The processing score reflects 16 ingredients, including MSG and preservatives. The nutrition score reflects high sodium.
Nutrition Highlights
Good Protein SourceGood Fiber Source
Nutrient Alerts
High Sodium
Data Updated
Oct 18, 2026
UPC
041497549207
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Nutrition Facts
Serving size28 g
Amount per serving
Calories
80
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g
1%
Saturated Fat 0.5g
3%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 25mg
8%
Sodium 550mg
24%
Total Carbohydrate 6g
2%
Dietary Fiber 1g
4%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 11g
Calcium 0mg
0%
Iron 1.4mg
8%
* 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
16 listed · 5 flagged for reviewBEEF, SUGAR, WATER, SALT, MALTODEXTRIN, CRUSHED BLACK PEPPER, VINEGAR, PAPAYA JUICE, MONOSODIUM GLUTAMATE, SODIUM TRIPOLYPHOSPHATE, HYDROLYZED SOY PROTEIN, GARLIC POWDER, ONION POWDER, CITRIC ACID, SMOKE FLAVOR, SODIUM NITRITE.
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, Beef Jerky scores Highly Processed. That classification is shaped by ingredients commonly associated with ultra-processed foods:
- Chemical Preservatives (Sodium Nitrite): Synthetic preservatives are UPF indicators.
- Natural Flavors (Monosodium Glutamate, Smoke Flavor): Despite being natural, these are highly processed extracts.
- Other Additives (Sodium Tripolyphosphate): Miscellaneous additives generally indicate processing.
- Plant Proteins (Hydrolyzed Soy Protein): Isolated proteins require extensive industrial processing.
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 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.
- Sugars & Natural SweetenersProcessing indicator
In this product: Sugar, Maltodextrin.
Natural sugars acceptable in moderation, excessive amounts indicate UPF.
- Salt & SodiumProcessing indicator
In this product: Salt.
Basic preservative, but high amounts indicate processing.
- Food AcidsProcessing indicator
In this product: Citric Acid.
Common in both traditional and industrial foods.
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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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