Best Jerky & Meat Snacks Made in the USA: Beef Jerky, Biltong, Sticks & More

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American-made jerky now includes much more than the familiar bag of chewy beef strips. Shoppers can choose from traditional dry beef jerky, tender biltong, hardwood-smoked meat sticks, crunchy beef crisps, turkey jerky, pork jerky and intensely spicy specialty flavors.

The best choice depends on the texture, protein, flavor, ingredients and serving format you prefer. Someone looking for old-fashioned, extra-dry jerky will want something very different from a shopper seeking tender biltong or an individually wrapped meat stick.

This guide compares some of the most distinctive products currently available in the BuyAmerican.com Jerky & Meat Snacks collection.

Our quick recommendations:

• Best traditional dry jerky sampler: M&S Meats Beef Jerky Sampler
• Best American-made biltong: Figure Ate Spiced Beef Biltong
• Best individually wrapped meat stick: Ranch Hand Provisions Original Beef Jerky Stick
• Best crunchy jerky assortment: GrazeOn Beef Jerky Crisps Variety Pack
• Best sweet-and-savory flavor: Cane Creek Honey Sesame Beef Jerky
• Best turkey jerky: Cane Creek Smoked Garlic Turkey Jerky
• Best extreme-heat jerky: Elijah’s Xtreme Xtreme Regret
• Best pork jerky sampler: Big Fork Brands Craft Pork Jerky Sampler

This is an editorial, research-based buying guide. BuyAmerican.com did not conduct a blind taste test, laboratory analysis or long-term storage test. Recommendations are based on published product specifications, ingredients, production claims, format, flavor variety and intended use.

Product information reviewed: July 2026. Recipes, nutrition, availability and sourcing claims can change. Always review the current package label before purchasing or consuming a food product.

Best American-made jerky and meat snacks at a glance

What does “Made in the USA” mean for jerky?

Country-of-origin claims should be tied to the exact product, not merely the location of the brand’s headquarters or online store.

For meat and poultry products regulated by the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, voluntary claims such as “Product of USA” and “Made in the USA” are governed by a specific U.S.-origin labeling standard. Read the USDA’s Product of USA labeling announcement for the current requirements.

BuyAmerican.com should retain current supplier documentation and package-label images supporting each domestic-origin claim. A product being processed or packaged in an American facility does not automatically establish that every applicable part of an unqualified U.S.-origin claim has been met.

The products in this article are currently offered by BuyAmerican.com as American-made. Buyers should check the current product page and physical label because formulas, suppliers and sourcing can change.

How we selected these jerky and meat snacks

We considered five main factors:

1. Product-specific American production information: We looked for a current manufacturing, sourcing or domestic-production statement tied to the product or maker.
2. Distinct format: The guide represents traditional jerky, biltong, sticks, crisps, poultry and pork rather than ranking several nearly identical beef products.
3. Ingredient transparency: Products with useful ingredient, allergen and nutrition information are easier for shoppers to compare.
4. Texture and flavor: Dry jerky, tender biltong and crisp carne-seca-style snacks appeal to different buyers.
5. Purpose: We considered portability, gifting, variety, outdoor use and suitability for different flavor preferences.

1. Best traditional dry jerky sampler: M&S Meats Beef Jerky Sampler

Best for: Shoppers who prefer firm, dry, old-fashioned beef jerky and want to compare several flavors.

The M&S Meats Beef Jerky Sampler includes five quarter-pound packages:

• Old West Beef Jerky
• Original Beef Jerky
• Pepper Beef Jerky
• Honey Jalapeño Old West Beef Jerky
• Teriyaki Beef Jerky

That provides approximately 1.25 pounds of jerky across five flavors, subject to the maker’s current substitution policy.

The defining characteristic is its texture. M&S clearly describes its jerky as dry and tough rather than soft or highly tender. That makes it a strong choice for shoppers searching for old-school jerky with a prolonged chew.

The Montana company says it has made small-batch jerky since 1945. Read the official M&S Beef Jerky Sampler description for current package details and possible substitutions.

Reasons to choose it

• Five distinctly different beef-jerky flavors
• Useful for discovering a preferred seasoning
• Traditional extra-dry style
• Suitable as a substantial gift or family sampler
• Made by a long-running Montana specialty-meat company

Consider another option when:

You prefer moist, soft or steak-like jerky. The company specifically warns shoppers that its old-fashioned style is dry and firm.

2. Best American-made biltong: Figure Ate Spiced Beef Biltong

Best for: Buyers seeking a tender, air-dried beef snack with no added sugar and a relatively short ingredient list.

Figure Ate Spiced Grass-Fed and Finished Beef Biltong is a South African-style air-dried beef snack made with grass-fed and grass-finished beef.

The maker marinates the beef with vinegar and seasons it with coriander, peppers, garlic and other spices before air-drying it. The finished product is cut across the grain to produce a more tender, steak-like bite than traditional extra-dry jerky.

Figure Ate currently lists:

• Grass-fed and grass-finished beef sourced from U.S. regenerative ranches
• No added sugar
• No artificial preservatives
• No added nitrates or nitrites
• A slow air-drying process
• A mildly spiced rather than overwhelmingly hot flavor

The product has also received Good Food Award recognition according to the maker. Review the official Figure Ate Spiced Biltong page for its current ingredients and nutrition.

Jerky vs. biltong

The terms are not interchangeable.

Jerky is commonly sliced more thinly, marinated or seasoned and dried with heat, smoke, moving air or a combination of methods. Biltong is generally prepared from thicker cuts, treated with vinegar and spices and slowly air-dried before being sliced.

Figure Ate describes its own biltong as air-dried over approximately 7–10 days, producing a tender texture. Its detailed biltong-versus-jerky guide explains the company’s process.

3. Best individually wrapped meat stick: Ranch Hand Original Beef Jerky Stick

Best for: Lunch boxes, desks, road trips, hiking packs and portioned grab-and-go snacks.

The Ranch Hand Provisions Original Beef Jerky Stick is made in small batches by Zick’s Specialty Meats in Michigan.

The product is hardwood smoked and currently lists eight grams of protein per stick. Ranch Hand also describes it as containing no added MSG and no fillers.

Why choose a meat stick instead of sliced jerky?

Meat sticks are convenient because they are:

• Individually portioned
• Easy to carry
• Less likely to leave small pieces in a backpack or vehicle
• Easy to add to lunches and snack trays
• Available in single units or multipacks

They generally have a softer, more uniform texture than whole-muscle jerky. Ranch Hand’s official Zick Sticks collection describes the family recipe and current varieties.

4. Best crunchy jerky assortment: GrazeOn Beef Jerky Crisps Variety Pack

Best for: Shoppers who want a dry, crunchy, chip-like beef snack instead of a chewy strip.

The GrazeOn Seven-Flavor Beef Jerky Crisps Variety Pack contains seven two-ounce bags.

GrazeOn describes its products as thin, air-dried beef crisps inspired by New Mexico carne seca. The texture is closer to a crisp or chip than conventional tender jerky.

This variety pack is the better first purchase than choosing a single unfamiliar flavor because it lets a household compare the maker’s current assortment before committing to larger quantities.

According to the maker, the crisps are:

• Air-dried
• Crunchy rather than chewy
• Made in the USA
• Produced without added sugar
• Designed around a relatively simple meat-and-seasoning format

See the official GrazeOn website for current flavors, ingredients and nutrition information.

5. Best sweet-and-savory flavor: Cane Creek Honey Sesame Beef Jerky

Best for: Shoppers who want more sweetness and umami than a traditional salt-and-pepper jerky.

Cane Creek Honey Sesame Beef Jerky combines honey, sesame and savory seasoning in a flavor that draws from Asian and Southern influences.

Cane Creek describes the product as handcrafted in small batches with Kentucky-raised, grass-fed beef. It is offered in more than one package size, making the smaller option useful for an initial taste test.

The official Cane Creek Honey Sesame product page describes it as sweet, nutty and umami-forward.

Important allergen note

Sesame is a major food allergen in the United States. Jerky marinades can also contain soy, wheat, Worcestershire sauce or other allergens depending on the recipe.

Review the current ingredient and allergen statement on the physical package. Do not rely solely on a flavor name or an older online description.

6. Best turkey jerky: Cane Creek Smoked Garlic Turkey Jerky

Best for: Buyers looking for a poultry-based alternative to beef jerky.

The Cane Creek Smoked Garlic Turkey Jerky is made with turkey breast and a bourbon-and-honey marinade finished with smoked garlic and pepper.

Cane Creek says its jerky is made, packaged and sold in Lexington, Kentucky. The company identifies Fischer Farms as the regional turkey supplier for this product.

The result is a useful option for shoppers who enjoy smoky, savory jerky but want to rotate between beef and poultry.

Review the maker’s official Smoked Garlic Turkey Jerky page for current package sizes, ingredients and gluten-free variant availability.

7. Best extreme-heat jerky: Elijah’s Xtreme Xtreme Regret

Best for: Experienced chile enthusiasts seeking genuinely intense heat.

The Xtreme Regret Spicy Beef Jerky combines Carolina Reaper and Trinidad Scorpion peppers.

Elijah’s Xtreme describes it as the hottest jerky in the company’s lineup. The current three-ounce package is made in Texas and is promoted as containing no added MSG, artificial flavors or preservatives.

This is not the right starting point for someone who merely enjoys mild jalapeño heat. Reaper- and Scorpion-based products can be extremely hot.

How to approach very hot jerky

• Begin with a small piece.
• Do not touch your eyes or face after handling it.
• Wash your hands after eating.
• Keep it away from children and anyone who did not knowingly choose an extreme-heat snack.
• Do not turn consumption into a forced challenge.

The maker includes Xtreme Regret in its official beef jerky assortment.

8. Best pork jerky sampler: Big Fork Craft Pork Jerky Sampler

Best for: Shoppers who want to explore pork jerky without buying a full case of one flavor.

The Big Fork Brands Craft Pork Jerky Sampler contains three 2.25-ounce packages:

• Original
• Maple
• Spicy Three-Pepper

Big Fork describes the jerky as made in small batches from heritage pork raised outdoors in Iowa. The meat is thinly sliced, marinated and smoked over natural hardwood.

The current product information lists:

• Eleven grams of protein per package
• One hundred calories per package
• No soy
• No gluten
• No artificial ingredients or preservatives

Nutrition and allergen information should still be confirmed on the current physical package.

Honorable mention: Kentucky-made meat-free jerky

Someone seeking the chew and seasoning of jerky without meat can consider Cane Creek Korean BBQ Vegan Jerky.

Cane Creek makes this sweet, savory and tangy product in Kentucky using shiitake mushrooms. It is not a meat snack, but it provides an alternative for mixed households or snack boards that include vegetarian guests.

Review the official Cane Creek Vegan Jerky page for its current ingredients and allergen information.

Jerky vs. biltong vs. meat sticks vs. beef crisps

How to choose the best jerky

1. Start with texture

Texture is often more important than flavor when choosing jerky.

Look for descriptions such as:

• Old-fashioned, cowboy or extra-dry: A firm product that requires more chewing
• Tender or soft: More moisture and an easier bite
• Steak-like: Often associated with thicker biltong slices
• Crispy or carne seca: Thin, dry and crunchy
• Stick or rope: A uniform ground-meat format

2. Read the serving size

Do not compare two products by the front-of-package protein number alone. One company may state protein per serving while another states the total for the entire bag.

The FDA’s Nutrition Facts Label guide explains how serving size, sodium, added sugars and protein are presented.

3. Compare sodium and added sugar

Salt is common in dried and cured meat, and sweet flavors may use honey, brown sugar, fruit juice or other sweeteners.

A product described as “high protein” is not automatically low in sodium or added sugar. Compare products using the same serving size and read the ingredient list as well as the Nutrition Facts panel.

4. Check allergens

Common jerky ingredients and marinades may contain:

• Soy
• Wheat
• Sesame
• Milk
• Fish-based Worcestershire ingredients
• Mustard

A gluten-free flavor from one producer does not establish that every flavor or package size is gluten-free.

5. Match the package to the occasion

• Individual sticks: Lunches and grab-and-go snacks
• Small bags: Testing an unfamiliar flavor
• Resealable bags: Road trips and desk storage
• Variety packs: Gifts and family sampling
• Bulk cases: Offices, teams and repeat buyers

6. Confirm storage instructions

Commercial jerky is commonly shelf stable before opening, but the correct storage period depends on the process and package.

The USDA states that commercially packaged jerky can generally be stored for up to 12 months, but the package date and maker’s instructions should control. Read the USDA’s jerky food-safety guidance.

After opening:

• Reseal the package tightly.
• Follow any refrigeration instruction on the label.
• Keep the product dry.
• Discard it if it develops mold, an unusual odor, package swelling or other signs of spoilage.

Best American-made jerky for gifts

Jerky can be a practical gift because it is easy to ship, simple to share and available in a wide range of flavors.

The strongest gift choices in this guide are:

• M&S Beef Jerky Sampler: Best for someone who likes traditional, extra-dry jerky
• GrazeOn Seven-Flavor Pack: Best for someone interested in unusual crunchy textures
• Big Fork Pork Jerky Sampler: Best for a smaller three-flavor gift
• Figure Ate Biltong: Best for someone who prefers tender, steak-like meat snacks

For additional domestic gift ideas, see the BuyAmerican.com guide to American-made gifts for every occasion.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best American-made beef jerky?

There is no single best texture or flavor for every buyer. M&S Meats is a strong choice for extra-dry traditional jerky, Cane Creek offers inventive small-batch flavors, GrazeOn provides a crunchy format and Elijah’s Xtreme serves shoppers seeking very high heat.

What is the difference between beef jerky and biltong?

Jerky is generally made from thinner seasoned or marinated pieces that are dried with heat, smoke, airflow or a combination of methods. Biltong usually begins with thicker vinegar-treated cuts that are slowly air-dried and then sliced, often producing a more tender texture.

Is biltong made in the USA?

Some biltong is made domestically. Figure Ate sells biltong produced from grass-fed and grass-finished beef sourced from U.S. regenerative ranches. Confirm the exact current origin claim on the package before purchasing.

Are meat sticks the same as jerky?

Not exactly. Whole-muscle jerky is usually made from sliced meat, while meat sticks generally use ground meat formed in a casing. Both can be dried, smoked or cured, but their texture and manufacturing methods differ.

Is all jerky shelf stable?

No. Many commercially packaged products are shelf stable while sealed, but storage requirements depend on moisture, processing and packaging. Follow the product label and refrigerate after opening when directed.

Is jerky always high in protein?

Jerky and meat sticks commonly contain meaningful protein, but the amount varies considerably by product and serving size. Use the grams shown on the Nutrition Facts label rather than relying on general category claims.

Does jerky contain sugar?

Some does and some does not. Teriyaki, honey, maple and barbecue varieties commonly contain added sweeteners. Biltong and selected beef crisps may offer no-added-sugar options. Always verify the current label.

Is jerky gluten-free?

Not automatically. Soy sauce, marinades and seasonings can contain wheat. A manufacturer may also offer a separate gluten-free version, so confirm the exact flavor and package.

What is the best jerky for hiking?

Individually wrapped sticks and resealable bags are usually the easiest formats to carry. Consider package weight, heat exposure, sodium, allergens and the maker’s storage directions.

What is the best jerky for someone who dislikes tough meat?

Look for biltong described as tender or steak-like, or choose a soft meat stick. Avoid products clearly labeled old-fashioned, dry, cowboy-style or tough.

What is the hottest American-made jerky?

Within the products reviewed here, Elijah’s Xtreme identifies Xtreme Regret as its hottest jerky. It contains Carolina Reaper and Trinidad Scorpion peppers and should be approached carefully.

Final recommendations

Choose the M&S Meats Beef Jerky Sampler for an old-fashioned, dry chew and five traditional flavors.

Choose Figure Ate Spiced Biltong for a tender, air-dried snack with grass-fed beef and no added sugar.

Choose the Ranch Hand Original Beef Jerky Stick for a convenient individually wrapped snack.

Choose the GrazeOn Beef Jerky Crisps Variety Pack when you prefer a dry crunch instead of a prolonged chew.

Choose Cane Creek Honey Sesame Beef Jerky for a sweeter, nutty and umami-forward flavor.

Choose Xtreme Regret only when you knowingly want intense Carolina Reaper and Trinidad Scorpion heat.