Top Beef Jerky Brands Worth Tasting Today

Beef jerky has become a beloved snack for many due to its convenient portability and satisfying protein punch. Among the vast array of brands available, a few stand out for their quality, flavor variety, and dedication to sourcing premium beef. Some top contenders include Jack Link's, known for their classic and innovative flavors, and Krave, which prides itself on its gourmet, tender cuts. For those interested in exploring more about these brands and others that have made a name for themselves in the world of beef jerky, read on below.

Illustration of beef jerky

Best brands of beef jerky in 2025

Jack Link's

Jack Link's is the leading producer of beef jerky, dominating the U.S. market with almost 51% of the jerky sales share, despite a 5% drop in dollar share in 2017. The company, founded in 1986, generates over $1.2 billion in annual sales of jerky and other meat snacks. Jack Link's has expanded its product line to include new flavors and forms, such as beef bars and Cold Crafted refrigerated products, to appeal to a broader consumer base. The company has also seen a rise in female consumers, with women accounting for 45% of meat snack eating occasions by 2015. Jack Link's continues to innovate, addressing trends like high protein, low sugar, and grass-fed meat demands. For more details about their efforts to broaden appeal, visit their official article.

Oberto

Oberto is a leading producer of beef jerky, known for its high-quality, all-natural products that are low in carbohydrates, gluten-free, and free of artificial ingredients and MSG. Their Original Beef Jerky boasts 12 grams of protein per 1 oz serving and is made with real wood smoke, enhancing its flavor and texture. As a key player in the global jerky snacks market, Oberto contributes to the market's projected growth, with the beef jerky segment expected to dominate, holding around 50% of the market share by 2023. The company's products are proudly made in the USA and cater to the increasing demand for convenient, protein-rich snacks, particularly in North America, where the jerky market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2024 to 2030. Oberto's commitment to natural ingredients and high protein content makes it a favorite among health-conscious consumers.

Krave

Krave is a leading brand in the premium jerky market, known for its tender cuts of whole muscle beef and culinary-forward flavors. Established over ten years ago, Krave has paved the way for other premium jerky brands and generated $125 million in sales at its peak in 2016. The brand is recognized for its high-quality meat, such as grass-fed beef, and eco-friendly packaging, making it a favorite among health-conscious consumers. Despite facing challenges, Krave has been working to stabilize its business and reclaim its position as a top premium jerky brand, with consumer studies showing it is still viewed as a leader in the category. Krave's products are low in fat, high in protein, and free from nitrites, making them a popular choice for on-the-go snacks.

Country Archer

Country Archer is a leading producer of beef jerky, known for its all-natural meats and high-quality ingredients, including grass-fed beef and antibiotic-free turkey and pork. The company has seen significant growth, with retail sales projected to reach between $130 million and $140 million in 2023, a 40% year-over-year increase. Country Archer's products are available in over 30,000 retail outlets across the United States and have attracted consumers seeking healthier, gourmet snack options. The brand's success is attributed to its avoidance of additives like MSG and nitrates, as well as its relatable branding strategy. Country Archer has become the fifth-largest jerky company in the U.S., with a strong presence in the market driven by consumer demand for better-for-you snacks.

Epic Provisions

EPIC Provisions, owned by General Mills, is a leading producer of beef jerky, renowned for its commitment to mindful sourcing and healthy snacking. Founded by Katie and Taylor, the company introduced the world's first 100% grass-fed meat, fruit, and nut bar, and their Bison Bacon Cranberry Bar remains a perennial bestseller. EPIC Provisions aligns with the growing demand for clean-label and healthy snacks, with the global jerky market expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030. The company's products cater to consumers seeking convenient, protein-rich snacks, particularly those adhering to paleo and keto diets. With partnerships like Stripe Climate and Land to Market, EPIC Provisions is dedicated to supporting a healthy ecosystem and sustainable practices. For more information, visit the EPIC Provisions website.

Duke's

Duke's is a renowned brand in the beef jerky market, celebrated for its high-quality and flavorful products. The brand has gained traction among consumers due to its diverse flavor profiles, including the popular Honey Bourbon and Bourbon Glaze options, although some reviews note the sweetness can be overpowering. Duke's original jerky recipe, which includes ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, and liquid smoke, has been well-received for its taste and simplicity. Despite the dominance of Jack Link's LLC in the market, Duke's, under Conagra Brands, maintains a significant customer base and contributes to the overall growth of the beef jerky industry, which is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2024 to 2032.

Think Jerky

Think Jerky stands out as a premium producer of beef jerky, offering products that are non-GMO, paleo, gluten-free, and made from 100% grass-fed beef, with no added antibiotics or hormones. Each stick provides 8 grams of protein and only 80 calories, making it an ideal snack for health-conscious consumers. The brand's commitment to clean and high-quality ingredients aligns with the growing demand for healthy, convenient snacks, a trend that is expected to drive the jerky market to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2030. With its robust flavor profile and low sugar and sodium content, Think Jerky appeals to consumers seeking lean protein snacks. This brand is particularly popular among those with active lifestyles, reflecting the broader market trend where beef jerky dominates, holding about 50% of the global jerky market share. For more details on their products, visit Think Jerky's product page.

People's Choice Beef Jerky

People's Choice Beef Jerky is a leading manufacturer of authentic, natural-style beef jerky, founded in 1929 and based in Los Angeles. The company uses exclusively American, USDA-inspected beef, ensuring high-quality products with no imported raw or ready-to-eat ingredients. Known for their handcrafted, small-batch jerky, People's Choice adheres to a tradition of quality, pride, and dedication, offering a variety of flavors such as Classic, Hot & Spicy, and Teriyaki. With a strong distribution network across California and several other states including Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii, and Canada, the company has established itself as a reliable and popular choice in the jerky market. As of October 2024, People's Choice Beef Jerky's annual revenue has reached $1.8 million.

Field Trip

Field Trip is a prominent brand in the beef jerky market, known for its high-quality and nutritionally appealing products. The brand has experienced significant growth, with a 250% revenue increase in 2015 and similar expectations for 2016. Field Trip's products are distinguished by their antibiotic-free, crate-free, and GAP-certified ingredients, with options like grass-fed beef, free-range turkey, and veg-fed pork. The brand's innovative approach and commitment to responsible sourcing have helped it stand out in the market. Additionally, Field Trip has expanded its product line to include meat sticks, which have seen pre-sales of between half a million and a million dollars, indicating strong market demand.

Chef's Cut Real Jerky

Chef's Cut Real Jerky is a renowned brand in the jerky snacks market, known for its high-quality, hand-cut, and slow-smoked products. With an estimated annual revenue of $75 million, the company stands out for its commitment to using only the finest ingredients and delivering tender, great-tasting flavors. Since 2011, Chef's Cut has sold over 15 million bags of jerky, with a significant presence in major grocery outlets and convenience stores across America. The brand aims to change people's perception of jerky by offering a premium quality product at an affordable price point. As part of the growing jerky snacks market, which is expected to reach $8.14 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 5.81%, Chef's Cut Real Jerky is a key player. For more information, visit their official website.