What makes biltong a healthy choice?

What is biltong?

If you know, chances are you’ve already tried some (and became an instant lifelong fan), but for the uninitiated: biltong’s an irresistible form of cured, dried meat that originated in South Africa more than 400 years ago. Dutch settlers traveled great distances inland and looked for ways to preserve meat during their arduous journeys.   

Today beef biltong is by far the most popular form of this incredible meat snack, yet centuries ago settlers would air dry game meat in order to have a ready to eat, non-perishable food source on hand to ensure their daily protein intake. And just like that, quicker than you could say Carne Diem, a culinary legend was born.

What makes biltong healthy?

Where to start? How about the fact that it’s high in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and helps you burn off additional fats? It’s great for hunger too and will ease you through those periods in between meals without any bloating. It has a long shelf life, making it safe and convenient to eat. Generally low in fat (less than 3% per serving unless a fattier version has been selected), it’s healthy for your heart and kicks unwanted calories to the curb. Biltong is cured, not fried, so no crude oil is used during preparation, making it an excellent choice for Keto or Banting diets. Our brand is preservative-free and comprised of simple, 100% all-natural ingredients. There’s nothing artificial about it. When it comes to your health, biltong is one of the greatest and tastiest snacks around.

Biltong nutrition

Biltong’s global rise in popularity is partly due to its favorable nutrient composition in comparison to many other – and less healthy – snack foods such as crackers, potato chips and cookies. Its high protein and low carb content also makes it a perfect fit for many diets. Biltong is also a rich source of iron.

Although the exact nutrients depend on the specific brand and individual ingredients, the nutrition profile of a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of beef biltong typically breaks down as follows: 90 calories, less than 1 gram of carbs, 16 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat and 0g grams total sugar.

Especially dried beef (one of the prime red meats) serves as an excellent source of several other essential nutrients, including magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins, meaning healthy snacks are a go when biltong’s the star of the show.

What makes this meat snack a great workout snack?

Biltong is a terrific source of protein as well as essential vitamins and minerals, while being low in carbs and rich in iron. It also contains fewer kilojoules than most other snacks. 25 grams of lean beef biltong can meet half your daily protein requirement, making it the perfect workout snack. It stores exceedingly well, so not only can it be stashed in your gym bag or locker, but it’s tailor made for hiking, cycling or taking with you wherever you go. Being light and durable, it won’t spoil due to the curing and drying processes involved. Naturally gluten-free, biltong is also high in vitamin B12, which is essential for healthy blood and nerve cells as well as successful cell replication. The remarkable protein content makes it an ideal source of sustained energy needed to build healthy muscles, crowning biltong as the perfect snacking solution for active people on the go.

Is biltong healthier than jerky?

You bet your abs!

For starters, our biltong contains zero sugar and no artificial additives or preservatives. Jerky on the other hand… Whereas both types of meat are cured meats, beneath the appetizing surface you’ll find a world of difference. To discover more about which one reigns supreme, you can check out a previous blog on that very topic by clicking here. (Suffice it to say that Made By True’s offering is the healthier choice by several juicy bites.)

Meat your healthy match

The routes of traditional South African biltong sure have traveled a long way. From the southern tip of Africa to the rest of the world and specifically to the USA in recent years, more and more foodies are waking up to the amazing health benefits that this high protein traditional South African delicacy holds in spades. No longer a fatty road trip item, this impressively lean and cured delight is a natural way to improve your gastronomic lifestyle. Not only does the red meat in beef biltong act as an antioxidant that defends against harmful free radicals, it’s also a fine source of magnesium, potassium and, of course, protein that not only builds muscle, but promotes healthy heart and brain function.

It also contains zinc, a trace element that’s critical to human health. Known for its immune boosting properties and ability to stave off colds and certain infections, zinc also makes enzymes and helps process carbs, fat and protein. If that’s still not enough to convince you, biltong’s a trusted source of creatine; a powerful amino acid. Low in carbs, biltong’s an excellent choice for weight loss, too, making it an invaluable resource to help maintain your diet and improve your eating habits. Seriously, what’s not to love?

Whether it’s to fuel your gym kick or simply having something casual to snack on throughout the day, biltong’s a versatile indulgence that’s also kind to your health, allowing you to stay in shape while nibbling on something delicious, True Believers; both guilt – and gluten – free. As for those who have not yet embraced the True: if you crave more than sheer convenience and unrivaled flavor on the go, then biltong is the healthy snack alternative you’ve been waiting for.