If you've ever come across beef biltong and wondered how it differs from beef jerky, you're not alone. While both are delicious dried beef snacks, they are made using very different methods and offer distinct flavours, textures, and nutritional benefits.
At first glance, biltong and jerky may look similar, but once you taste them, the differences become clear. Let's take a closer look.
What Is Beef Biltong?
Beef biltong is a traditional South African dried meat snack that has been enjoyed for centuries. Originally developed as a way to preserve meat before refrigeration, biltong is made by curing beef with vinegar, salt, and spices before air-drying it slowly over several days.
The result is a rich, savoury snack with a tender texture and deep beef flavour.
At Nord Bull, our beef biltong is crafted in Sweden using premium beef and authentic South African-inspired methods to deliver the taste that South Africans know and love.
What Is Beef Jerky?
Beef jerky originated in North America and is made by marinating strips of beef in a flavourful sauce before cooking or heat-drying the meat.
Jerky is typically sweeter than biltong and often contains ingredients such as soy sauce, sugar, honey, or liquid smoke. The drying process usually involves heat, resulting in a firmer and chewier texture.
The Main Differences Between Biltong and Jerky
1. Preparation Method
Biltong
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Cured with vinegar, salt, and spices
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Air-dried slowly
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Not cooked during the drying process
Jerky
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Marinated in sauces and seasonings
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Dried using heat
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Often cooked during production
2. Texture
One of the first things you'll notice is the texture.
Biltong tends to be:
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More tender
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Easier to chew
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Slightly softer inside
Jerky is usually:
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Firmer
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Drier
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More chewy
Many people who try biltong for the first time are surprised by how tender and flavourful it is compared to traditional jerky.
3. Flavour
Biltong delivers a rich beef flavour enhanced by simple seasonings such as:
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Coriander
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Vinegar
Jerky often features stronger sweet and smoky flavours due to ingredients like:
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Brown sugar
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Honey
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Soy sauce
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Smoke flavouring
If you enjoy the natural taste of quality beef, biltong is often the preferred choice.
4. Nutritional Profile
While nutritional values vary between brands, biltong is often higher in protein and lower in sugar than many commercial jerky products.
Biltong is popular among people following:
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High-protein diets
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Low-carb lifestyles
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Keto diets
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Active fitness routines
Because it typically contains fewer added sugars, many health-conscious consumers view biltong as a cleaner snacking option.
Which Is Better for Protein?
Both biltong and jerky are excellent sources of protein.
However, because biltong is usually made with simple ingredients and less added sugar, it is often considered an ideal:
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Post-workout snack
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High-protein snack
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On-the-go meal supplement
For athletes, gym-goers, and busy professionals, biltong provides a convenient way to increase protein intake throughout the day.
Why South Africans Prefer Biltong
For South Africans, biltong is more than just a snack—it's part of the culture.
Whether it's enjoyed during a rugby match, on a road trip, at a braai, or simply as an everyday snack, biltong holds a special place in South African life.
Many South Africans living abroad search for authentic biltong because nothing quite compares to the original taste.
The Verdict: Biltong or Jerky?
If you're looking for a snack with:
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Rich beef flavour
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High protein content
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Minimal ingredients
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Low sugar
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Authentic heritage
Then beef biltong is well worth trying.
While jerky remains a popular snack worldwide, biltong offers a unique texture and flavour experience that has made it a favourite for generations.
Try Authentic South African-Style Biltong
At Nord Bull, we're passionate about bringing authentic South African-style biltong to customers across Sweden and Europe.
Whether you're a South African missing a taste of home or simply looking for a healthier high-protein snack, our range of premium beef biltong is crafted to deliver exceptional flavour in every bite.
Explore our collection today and discover why biltong is one of the world's most loved meat snacks.