The Strangest Beef Jerky Alternatives

Noone should have a ‘beef’ with jerky just because it’s beef. We’re misguided into thinking that jerky is only beef, when in fact it comes from the Quechua word ‘ch’arki’, which originally referred to dried meat. Or any meat. Jerky takes the form of not just beef but also exotic meats like venison, lamb, shark, tuna, and other tasty specimens for carnivores like us…

Although self-proclaimed jerky purists may scowl at the thought of a piece of alternative meat masquerading as a succulent, spicy beef jerky replacement, it’s undeniable that plant-based eaters deserve options, too.

Which brings us to the many delicious vegan options. Yes, there are vegan and also fruit-based jerky snacks too. Our culinary creativity should not end with meat. 

We now have protein-packed vegan jerky, made from a hardy combination of seitan and soybeans. Seaweed, a savory sea delicacy is another vegetable-based jerky with 10 grams of protein and fiber, 97 calories, and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Then there’s plant based protein mushroom jerky from companies like Primal Spirit, Moku, Pan’s, Savory Wild, and Vegky made with Shiitake mushroom stems, spices, sugar, and potassium sorbate for freshness.

For fruit lovers, there’s also jerky made from organic pineapples, bananas, apples, pears, mango, and jackfruit from companies like Solely Organic.

So the world of jerky doesn’t end with beef – it includes plants and fruits from all over. Go ahead and give your tastesbud a different experience. It’s worth the try!