Is beef jerky healthy for kids? Jack Link's Original facts

Beef jerky: snack check

• Added sugar
  Sugar is 3rd ingredient; 4 g total sugars per 1 oz (FDC 2029102)
• Highly processed
  Hydrolyzed corn protein, flavorings (FDC 2029102)
• Has protein or fiber
  12 g protein per 1 oz (FDC 2029102)
• Choking risk under 4
  Tough meat: CDC "tough or large chunks of meat"; AAP "meat sticks"

Each check is a yes-or-no fact with its source: a green check means the flag does not apply, an amber mark means it does. The count is not a health score. Our sources and how we check them.

Numbers: USDA FoodData Central, Branded Foods, FDC ID 2029102 (Jack Link's Original Beef Jerky, 2021 label data; no added-sugar line), typical store-bought; sodium with label rounding (FDC 591 mg). Checked October 2026.

What's in it

Jack Link's Original lists beef, water, sugar, salt, and under 2% soy sauce (wheat, soybeans, salt) with maltodextrin, flavorings, hydrolyzed corn protein, yeast extract, and citric acid (FDC 2029102). Per 1 oz: 80 calories, 1 g of fat, 12 g of protein, 0 g of fiber, 4 g of total sugars, and 590 mg of sodium. This record is 2021 label data and has no added-sugar line; sugar appears in the ingredients. Soy and wheat are among the FDA's nine major allergens. Typical store-bought; homemade differs.

Slim Jim

One Slim Jim Original stick (12.5 g) has 60 calories, 0 g of added sugar on the label, 2 g of protein, and 210 mg of sodium (FDC 2770587). Ingredients include beef, pork, mechanically separated chicken, textured soy flour, corn syrup, natural flavors, dextrose, hydrolyzed soy protein, maltodextrin, soy lecithin, and sodium nitrite; it contains soy.

For kids 4–8

The AAP lists "meat sticks or sausages" and "chunks of meat" among foods to keep from children until 4 years or older, depending on development; the CDC lists "tough or large chunks of meat" and "hot dogs, meat sticks, or sausages". The AAP advises cutting food for young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch. One ounce supplies about 39% of the sodium limit for ages 4–8.

Swaps and pairings

Jerky reaches the protein mark with 12 g per ounce but has no fiber. Pairing a small portion with fruit, raw-vegetable sticks for older kids, or whole-grain crackers adds fiber. Other protein snacks with less sodium include plain yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, or leftover chicken pieces.

Are Slim Jims healthy?

We share facts, not ratings. One Slim Jim Original stick (12.5 g) has 60 calories, 2 g of protein, and 210 mg of sodium; the ingredients include corn syrup, hydrolyzed soy protein, natural flavors, and sodium nitrite (FDC 2770587). Meat sticks are on the AAP and CDC choking lists.

How much sodium is in beef jerky?

Jack Link's Original has 590 mg per 1 oz (FDC 2029102). A store-brand original jerky (Target Good & Gather) lists 501 mg per 1 oz (FDC 2625058).

Is beef jerky a choking risk for kids?

Jerky is sold as sticks and strips. The lists name meat sticks and chunks of meat: the CDC lists tough or large chunks of meat and meat sticks; the AAP lists meat sticks and chunks of meat. The AAP advises keeping these foods from children until age 4 or older, depending on development.

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