When to Eat Jerky

Any jerky lover will agree that there’s no wrong time or place to eat jerky. Because it’s easily portable and has a long shelf life, jerky can be eaten wherever you go. Jerky’s nutritious nature makes it an especially great snack for times when you need an extra hit of protein for energy or to keep you feeling full for a while. If you are wondering when to eat jerky to take advantage of all its nutritional benefits, here are ten of the best situations that pair great with jerky.

1. On a Hike

There’s nothing like walking through the woods and basking in the freedom of the great outdoors. On difficult or long hikes, your energy can run out pretty quickly. To keep your energy up, you need to bring a high-protein snack along on your hike. Jerky is great for eating on the trail because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and is full of the nutrients your muscles need to keep moving. With 12 to 16 grams of protein per one-ounce serving, jerky is the perfect high-protein snack to give your body energy and stave off hunger during your long journey.

2. Fishing

Spending hours on the water with a fishing rod in your hand can work up quite the appetite. You don’t want to have to give up your prime spot when you get hungry, so you need to bring a snack with you to keep those hunger pangs at bay until you’ve hit your daily limit. To keep you alert and focused as you watch your line, your snack needs to be high in protein and easy to eat with one hand. Store a bag of jerky on your boat within reach so you can keep your reel in one hand and reenergize with a delicious high-protein snack in the other hand.

3. Bicycle Rides

As we’ve already mentioned, jerky is very high in protein, which makes it great for providing energy during and after physical activities. Whether you are trekking over long distances on the road or zooming through trees on a dirt trail, you need to keep your energy up with a high-protein snack that can be easily stored in a backpack or saddle bag. Some cyclists turn to energy gels and bars for an extra boost while riding, but these often have a lot of sugar and an unappetizing taste. To get a tasty and balanced mix of protein and carbohydrates, put together a trail mix of buffalo jerky, pistachios, and dates.

4. Camping Trips

Camping is the best way to spend a few days away from your hectic life in favor of a simpler existence. However, cooking each of your meals over a fire or gas stove can be a lot of work. To avoid having to constantly cook every time you get hungry, bring along some bags of your favorite flavors of jerky. Jerky makes for a filling, cook-free snack—or even a hearty meal for nights when it’s raining and you don’t want to venture outside your tent.

5. Hunting

Hunting is a long waiting game. You spend hours sitting still, just waiting and watching for the right animal to cross into your field of vision. You don’t want to risk leaving your blind for food out of fear of missing out on a great shot, so you need to bring a snack with you that you can quietly eat as you stay out of sight. Crunching on granola bars and trail mix can scare away animals within earshot, but jerky’s chewy texture can be eaten silently. The protein in jerky will provide you with long-lasting energy to keep you alert and ready for hours while also warming up your body during low temperatures.

6. On the Golf Course

We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of a round of golf when—mid-swing—your stomach starts to growl. Not only is this embarrassing, but it also messes with your concentration and, as a result, your score. Jerky is a discreet snack that you can easily store in your golf bag so that you have it when you need it. The high quantity of protein in jerky makes it filling, which means after a few bites you’ll be set to finish out your game distraction-free. Jerky is also low in carbs, sugar, and fat, which means it won’t interfere with your athletic performance.

7. After School

When your kids come home from school, the first thing they ask is what they can have to eat. You don’t want to feed them sugary, over-processed junk food, but they turn their noses up at the mention of carrots and other healthy choices. Beef jerky is a healthy snack they’ll actually enjoy. Jerky is low in fat, sugar, and carbs and is an excellent source of protein, iron, and zinc, as well as other vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s gluten free, so your children with sensitive diet restrictions can enjoy this healthy after-school snack, too. Jerky comes in a variety of exciting flavor choices like Teriyaki, Sweet N’ Spicy, and Garlic, so even your pickiest eaters can find a flavor they love.

8. Long Road Trips

Few situations are worse than driving for hours on end with nothing to eat. You avoid stopping for fast food because it’s so bad for you, but healthier food places take longer and can really hurt your wallet. To avoid getting hangry during your long road trip, pack a few bags of jerky within easy reach. You don’t have to feel guilty keeping your hunger under control with a healthy snack like jerky. If you really want to feel guilt-free, stock up on elk, buffalo, and venison jerky. These options taste great, keep your hunger away, and are even lower in fat and cholesterol than traditional beef jerky.

9. The Mid-Workday Slump

It happens to the best of us. You work diligently for hours then hit a wall in the middle of the afternoon. You’ve already had two cups of coffee, and another one at this hour will keep you up all night. Instead of reaching for the coffee pot, eat a high-protein snack for a caffeine-free boost of energy that will carry you through the rest of the workday. The protein in jerky provides your body with energy that is more easily absorbed than the caffeine in jitter juice. Spicy beef jerky flavors like Honey Jalapeño and Fire will also help your mind become more alert to finish the tasks at hand. Plus, jerky contains only 80 to 90 calories and less than 2.5 grams of fat per one-ounce serving, which makes it a guilt-free option to keep in your desk drawer.

10. After Hitting the Gym

After going hard at the gym, your body needs protein to help repair and grow muscles so that it can recover more quickly. Jerky has become a popular post-workout snack in the weightlifting and athletic community because it contains roughly 12 to 16 grams of protein per serving. While many people still think the best post-workout protein source is a protein shake, those products can be packed with as much as 50 grams of protein, which is often much more than your body needs. Too much protein can lead to weight gain, which is counterproductive to your workout goals. Jerky, on the other hand, offers just the right amount of protein to give your body what it needs to recover and build muscle after a workout. Jerky is also made with all-natural ingredients and is low in fat, calories, and carbs, so it fits just about every health diet out there, making it the perfect addition to your health and fitness regimen.

Enjoy Crockett Creek Jerky Wherever You Go

While these are some of the best times and places to eat jerky, this delicious, healthy snack can be enjoyed anywhere and at any time. Crockett Creek’s home style jerky comes in resealable pouches, which makes it a convenient snack to take everywhere you go. Our jerky recipes use all-natural, high-quality ingredients so that you never have to feel guilty for indulging in your favorite flavors whenever hunger strikes. Stock up on jerky to keep in your vehicle, on your boat, at your desk, or in your home so that you always have a healthy snack close by. Crockett Creek’s handcrafted beef jerky comes in an assortment of tasty flavors, from savory Steakhouse to bold Bayou Boil to spirited Sweet N’ Spicy. We also have elk, buffalo, and venison jerky varieties that you can try. Check out all our home style flavors online and order your new favorites today!