Biltong vs Jerky – What is the difference? The Full Guide

Ask a biltong lover if it’s the same as beef jerky, and you’ll earn a sharp word or two! Yet it’s tempting to assume these two very similar snacks have a lot in common because they do! It’s the differences between beef jerky and Biltong, however, that count the most.

So let’s take a closer look at why Biltong is so different from jerky and how that affects the taste and texture of this healthy, diet-friendly snack.

The key differences between Biltong and beef jerky:

	Biltong	Beef Jerky
Origin	South Africa	North/South America
Preparation	Air-drying and marinating	Smoking and dehydrating
Cuts of Meat	Beef or game	Beef, lean cuts
Seasonings	Vinegar, salt, coriander, pepper	A blend of spices and seasonings
Texture	Tender and savory	Smoky and chewy
Flavor	Tangy and meaty	Intense and concentrated
Nutritional Profile	Higher protein, lower sodium	Higher sodium, lower fat
Sugar	No added sugar	Often added sugar
Rawness	Slowly dehydrated from raw meat	Pre-cooked before dehydration
Fat Content	Aim for 15%-30%	Lean cuts, less fat
Moisture	Soft and chewy to hard and brittle	Dry and tough
Fiber	Higher fiber content	Lower fiber content

Origins of Biltong and Beef Jerky

Biltong and beef jerky have deep-rooted origins in different parts of the world. Understanding their history can help us appreciate the unique qualities that set them apart.

Biltong: A South African Delicacy

Biltong originated in South Africa during the 17th century. Dutch settlers needed a method to preserve meat when refrigeration wasn’t available. They discovered that by air-drying flavors, they could make it last longer, thus giving birth to Biltong.

Beef Jerky: An Ancient Native American Tradition

Beef jerky originates in ancient South America, where indigenous peoples dried and smoked strips of meat to preserve it for later consumption. This preservation method later spread to North America and was adopted by European settlers.

The Key Differences in Preparation

Though biltong and beef jerky may appear similar, their preparation processes are quite different, which affects their flavor and texture.

Biltong: Air-Drying and Marinating

Biltong is made by marinating meat, often beef or game, in a mixture of vinegar, salt, and spices such as coriander and pepper. The meat is then air-dried for up to two weeks in a well-ventilated area. This slow-drying process allows for a tender and flavorful end product.

Beef Jerky: Smoking and Dehydrating

Beef jerky is typically made by slicing lean cuts of meat, marinating them in a blend of spices and seasonings, and then smoking or dehydrating them at a low temperature. This process results in a drier, tougher texture compared to Biltong.

Comparing Nutritional Profiles

The nutritional content of Biltong and beef jerky can vary depending on the recipe and preparation method, but there are some general trends.

Biltong: High in Protein and Lower in Sodium

Biltong tends to have higher protein content and lower sodium levels than beef jerky. This is because the air-drying process in biltong production retains more of the meat’s natural nutrients.

Beef Jerky: High in Sodium and Lower in Fat

Beef jerky generally has higher sodium levels due to the seasonings used in the marination process. However, it often has a lower fat content, as the smoking and dehydration methods used in its preparation can remove some of the natural fats in the meat.

The ‘raw’ debate

Of course, both are preserved red meats that can be stored for long periods and remain delicious (and safe to eat). They also have huge fan bases worldwide. There the similarities end.

Beef jerky originates from Northern America, whereas Biltong is from South Africa.

Biltong uses a very simple seasoning profile and spice to bring out the best in the meat, while you’ll find complex and highly processed flavors in beef jerky.

Biltong will often use a little salt in the blend, but beef jerky is packed with it, and there’s often added sugar in the recipe too.

For many brands, that sugar is a big issue- with very little fiber to offset the quick carb fix, it means you’re munching on a snack that looks protein-heavy and healthy but is packed with empty, unsatisfying carbs that will help pack on pounds at your waist.

For this reason, you can look at Biltong as a diet food when used sensibly as part of a holistic meal plan, whereas jerky is a fun snack but certainly not as good for you and shouldn’t be used in a calorie-controlled meal plan. Biltong will also have a higher protein content than the equivalent amount of jerky, making it very satiating.

A difference between Biltong and beef jerky you likely didn’t consider is that the beef for jerky is pre-cooked before being preserved. Biltong is slowly dehydrated from the original raw meat without applying heat.

This is why you will find ‘moist’ biltongs that are still very soft and why all biltongs (even crispy varieties) have a richer texture and flavor profile than jerky.

Ingredients, texture, and flavor: the key Biltong vs. jerky differences

Another key difference between the two snacks lies in the cuts of meat used. While beef jerky is naturally made from beef, as is most Biltong (although game, ostrich, and even chicken biltong are available), jerky uses far leaner cuts.

Unfortunately, this can also mean cheaper meat, which is hard to avoid in biltong production. Most biltongs, flavored dehydration, aim for a healthy 15% to 30% fat content.

In addition, Biltong meat is cured with a spice mixture, while jerky is never cured but dried. On the other hand, some jerkies are smoked, while Biltong is rarely smoked – smoking would interfere with the drying process.

The flavors and spices used affect the final texture and taste of both dried types of meat and the different preservation methods.

Jerky has a “chewy bite,” like a steak, while Biltong can vary greatly depending on moisture and fat content.

You’ll find everything from a dry, crunchy “breadstick” known as a stokkie to tender, delicate pieces. Biltong retains a lingering meat flavor that jerky doesn’t, as it’s typically overpowered by heating and the nature of jerky flavors.

That said, if you like strongly flavored meats, jerky has a stronger impact than Biltong, which often has a more subtle flavor profile.

Most biltongs are made in a thicker cut that is cured and gently air-dried under controlled conditions for up to a week. It is then cut into bite-sized pieces and packaged.

Jerky requires thin slices, which are cooked on a long, slow heat to speed up dehydration.

While beef jerky is a popular snack, there’s a reason people who try Biltong often say they’ll never go back.

From the meat’s juiciness to the subtle, delicate flavor profile, the unique way this dried meat is made gives the palate a punch that’s hard to match with even the best beef jerky. After all, that’s why we love it!