Are Chomps beef sticks healthy for you? A Nutritional Deep Dive

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

Many consumers are wary of heavily processed meat snacks, which often contain nitrates, sugar, and fillers. This has led many health-conscious individuals to question: are Chomps beef sticks healthy for you? Chomps markets itself as a superior, clean-label alternative, using 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. We'll explore the facts and figures to provide a comprehensive answer.

Quick Summary

Chomps beef sticks are generally considered a healthier snack option due to their high-quality, grass-fed beef, notable protein content, and zero sugar. However, like all processed meat, it is important to be mindful of the sodium content.

Key Points

High-Quality Sourcing: Chomps uses 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef, which is higher in beneficial fatty acids than conventional beef.
High Protein, Zero Sugar: Each stick contains 9-10 grams of protein and no added sugar, making it an excellent option for low-carb diets like Keto and Paleo.
Lower Sodium than Competitors: Although preserved with salt and celery powder, Chomps contains less sodium than many other mass-market beef sticks.
Minimal Processing: The ingredients list is short and free of artificial additives, fillers, and MSG, aligning with a clean-eating philosophy.
Convenient and Filling: Individually wrapped and shelf-stable, they are a highly portable snack that helps curb hunger between meals.
Not a Whole Food: While minimally processed, Chomps are still a processed meat product and should be consumed in moderation, especially if watching sodium intake.

Unpacking the Nutritional Value of Chomps

Chomps beef sticks have gained popularity for being a 'clean' and convenient meat snack. The company emphasizes using high-quality ingredients, contrasting itself with many traditional, highly processed meat sticks on the market. To determine their healthiness, it is crucial to analyze their core components.

The Grass-Fed Advantage

A significant selling point for Chomps is their use of 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. This is a key differentiator from conventionally-raised beef, and the grass-finished label ensures the cattle grazed on pastures for their entire lives. Grass-fed beef is often cited as being potentially healthier, containing higher levels of beneficial fatty acids compared to grain-fed alternatives.

High Protein, Low Sugar

Each Chomps beef stick contains a substantial amount of protein—around 9 to 10 grams per stick—with zero grams of sugar. For individuals following high-protein or low-carb diets like Keto or Paleo, this makes Chomps an attractive snack option for managing cravings and promoting satiety. The protein content helps fuel the body and supports muscle maintenance, making it a good choice for active individuals.

The Sodium Question

While lower in sodium than many competitors (380mg for an original Chomps vs. 530mg for a Slim Jim, per 32g serving), Chomps beef sticks still contain a considerable amount of salt. The sodium is used as a natural preservative, primarily derived from sea salt and cultured celery powder, which contains naturally occurring nitrates. While the source is natural, those monitoring their sodium intake for health reasons, such as managing blood pressure, should be mindful of portion size.

Processing and Ingredients

Chomps claims its meat sticks are minimally processed and free from artificial additives, fillers, binders, and MSG. An examination of the ingredient list for the original beef stick reveals a short list of recognizable ingredients, such as grass-fed beef, sea salt, and various spices. However, the inclusion of encapsulated lactic acid, a non-GMO fermenting agent, is used to achieve a fermented taste without dextrose, which keeps the product sugar-free and compliant with diets like Whole30. While arguably a form of processing, it’s a far cry from the laundry list of artificial ingredients found in many rival products.

Comparison: Chomps vs. Common Snacks

To put Chomps' healthiness into perspective, let’s compare it to a few other popular snack choices.


Snack Item	Protein (approx.)	Sugar (approx.)	Key Pros	Key Cons
Chomps Beef Stick	10g	0g	High-quality beef, high protein, zero sugar, keto/Paleo-friendly, no artificial nitrates	Moderate-to-high sodium content, price point
Slim Jim (32g serving)	6g	<1g	Widely available, inexpensive	Low-quality ingredients, more heavily processed, higher sodium
Handful of Almonds (28g)	6g	1g	Healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, fiber, satiety	Higher calorie count, requires mindful portion control
Greek Yogurt (100g, plain)	10g+	4-5g	Probiotics, high protein, calcium	Requires refrigeration, potential for added sugar in flavored versions

Making Informed Choices

When evaluating Chomps or any snack, consider your personal health goals and dietary needs. For many, the high protein and clean ingredients make Chomps a superior choice over most convenience-store meat sticks. It's an excellent grab-and-go option for boosting protein intake without added sugars or excessive processing. However, the sodium content is a factor to consider, especially if you have a sensitive health profile related to salt intake. For those looking for maximum nutritional density, pairing a Chomps stick with a whole food like an apple or some nuts can provide a more balanced and satisfying snack.

Conclusion

So, are Chomps beef sticks healthy for you? The answer is that they are a significantly healthier option compared to other processed meat sticks on the market due to their high-quality, grass-fed beef, and lack of added sugar and artificial additives. While they are not a whole food, their nutritional profile offers a convenient and effective way to boost protein intake for those on the go. However, as with any packaged food, moderation is key due to the sodium content. Chomps can be a smart and satisfying part of a balanced diet, provided it fits your specific dietary needs and sodium goals. For more healthy snacking ideas, consider visiting the American Heart Association's guide on healthy snacking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Chomps beef sticks are keto-friendly, containing zero carbs and zero sugar. Their high protein and moderate fat content make them a suitable snack for those on a ketogenic diet.

Chomps do not have chemically created nitrates or nitrites added. They use cultured celery powder, which naturally contains nitrates, as a preservative.

A standard 1.15oz Chomps beef stick contains 380mg of sodium. While a natural preservative, individuals watching their sodium intake should be mindful of this amount.

Yes, Chomps beef sticks are technically a processed meat because the beef is ground and formed, but they are considered minimally processed compared to competitors. They are free of artificial additives and are minimally treated.

Yes, Chomps meat sticks are Certified Gluten-Free and are free from the top 9 allergens, including dairy, soy, and nuts.

Chomps are significantly healthier than Slim Jims. They have less sodium, higher protein, zero sugar, and are made with grass-fed beef and natural ingredients, whereas Slim Jims contain many fillers and artificial ingredients.

While Chomps are priced higher for their quality, there are other alternatives, but they may compromise on ingredients. Cheaper alternatives might contain more fillers or additives, so comparing nutrition labels is essential.