Are Chomps sticks highly processed? A deep dive into ingredients and manufacturing

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Chomps meat sticks are classified as having 'low processing concerns,' challenging assumptions about convenience snacks. So, are Chomps sticks highly processed? The answer depends on understanding what defines 'processed' and examining the brand's specific approach to production and ingredients.

Quick Summary

Chomps meat sticks are minimally processed, relying on simple, natural ingredients like grass-fed meat and natural seasonings rather than artificial additives or extensive chemical modifications common in ultra-processed foods.

Key Points

Minimally Processed: Chomps sticks undergo minimal processing, primarily involving grinding, seasoning, and slow-cooking, without extensive chemical alteration.
Natural Ingredients: The brand uses simple, recognizable ingredients like 100% grass-fed and finished meat, sea salt, and natural spices.
No Artificial Preservatives: Preservation is achieved using natural methods with ingredients like cultured celery powder and encapsulated lactic acid, not synthetic nitrites or nitrates.
Free from Fillers: Unlike many conventional meat sticks, Chomps contains no fillers, binders, or mechanically separated meats.
Supports Clean Diets: The product's clean ingredient profile makes it suitable for specific dietary plans like Whole30, Keto, and Paleo.
Certifications: Numerous certifications, including Non-GMO Project Verified and Certified Gluten-Free, back up the brand's commitment to quality.

Defining 'Processed' vs. 'Ultra-Processed'

To understand if Chomps sticks are highly processed, it is crucial to first define the different levels of food processing. Food processing can range from minimal to extensive. Mininmally processed foods, like fresh cut vegetables, are prepared for convenience but retain their nutritional integrity. 'Processed foods' often include added ingredients like salt or sugar for flavor and preservation, such as canned goods or cheese. The real concern for health-conscious consumers often lies with 'ultra-processed foods.'

Ultra-processed foods are the result of intensive industrial processes and contain ingredients not typically used in home cooking, such as chemical additives, emulsifiers, artificial flavors, and preservatives. A good example is the difference between a natural fruit smoothie and a fruit-flavored soda, which often contains high-fructose corn syrup and artificial dyes.

Chomps' Approach to Meat Stick Manufacturing

Chomps sets itself apart by focusing on a minimally processed production model. The company uses high-quality, sustainably sourced proteins, including 100% grass-fed and finished beef, antibiotic-free turkey, and grass-fed venison. Unlike many competitors, Chomps does not use fillers, binders, or mechanically separated meat.

The general process for creating a Chomps stick involves a few key steps:

Grinding: The meat is ground with simple, natural seasonings and spices.
Casing: The mixture is stuffed into a beef collagen casing. This is different from the heavily dyed, artificial casings found on some cheaper alternatives.
Drying and Cooking: The sticks are dried and slow-cooked. This quick, thorough drying process is a primary method of preservation, removing moisture to prevent bacteria growth.
Natural Preservation: Instead of synthetic preservatives like sodium nitrate, Chomps utilizes natural ingredients for preservation. This includes sea salt and cultured celery powder, which contain naturally occurring nitrates. The use of encapsulated lactic acid provides a fermented taste and helps preserve the product without using added sugar or dextrose, which maintains its Whole30 and Paleo status.

Comparison Table: Chomps vs. Standard Meat Sticks

To highlight the difference in processing, a direct comparison is helpful. Let's look at Chomps Original Beef versus a typical, mass-produced meat stick like Slim Jim, using data from reliable sources.


Feature	Chomps Original Beef Stick	Standard Meat Stick (e.g., Slim Jim)
Meat Source	100% grass-fed and finished beef	Beef, pork, mechanically separated chicken
Fillers	No fillers or binders	Textured soy flour, dextrose
Preservatives	Cultured celery powder, sea salt, encapsulated lactic acid	Sodium nitrate, BHA, BHT
Added Sugars	0 grams of added sugar	Corn syrup, maltodextrin, dextrose
Processing Level	Minimal processing	Extensive/Ultra-processed
Sodium Content (per 32g)	380 mg	530 mg

The Importance of Ingredients

The ingredients list is arguably the best indicator of a product's processing level. Chomps' ingredients list is short and recognizable: grass-fed beef, water, sea salt, spices, and natural preservatives like cultured celery powder and cherry powder. This is in stark contrast to the lengthy, often unpronounceable ingredient lists of ultra-processed meat snacks, which may include hydrolyzed soy protein, dextrose, and various synthetic flavors and preservatives.

Certifications and Consumer Trust

Chomps holds several certifications that align with a minimally processed philosophy. These include being Whole30 Approved, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, and Paleo-friendly. These labels assure consumers that the product meets certain strict standards regarding ingredients and processing. The company's commitment to transparency is a key selling point, especially as consumer demand for cleaner, healthier snack options continues to rise.

Conclusion: Minimally Processed, Not Highly Processed

In conclusion, based on its simple ingredient list, manufacturing process, and comparison to other brands, Chomps sticks are not highly processed in the way ultra-processed foods are. While all meat sticks undergo some level of processing (drying, cooking, seasoning), Chomps' methods are minimal. The brand intentionally avoids artificial additives, fillers, and synthetic preservatives, opting for a cleaner, more transparent approach. For consumers seeking a convenient, high-protein snack made with high-quality, whole-food ingredients, Chomps is a minimally processed option that aligns with diets like Paleo and Whole30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Processed food involves basic alterations like cutting or canning, while ultra-processed food uses complex industrial processes and contains additives not found in home cooking, such as artificial flavors, emulsifiers, and preservatives.

Chomps uses natural preservation methods, primarily relying on moisture removal through drying, and ingredients like sea salt and cultured celery powder, which contain naturally occurring nitrites.

While Chomps uses high-quality ingredients like 100% grass-fed and finished beef, they are not certified organic.

Chomps typically offers more protein and less sodium per serving than a standard Slim Jim, and importantly, contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients found in its competitor.

Encapsulated lactic acid is a natural ingredient that provides a fermented flavor and acts as a preservative. Chomps uses it to avoid using dextrose, which is required for lactic acid culture and would prevent Whole30 and sugar-free certification.

Yes, Chomps sticks are keto-friendly, as they contain 0 grams of sugar and are high in protein and fat.

Chomps meat sticks are stuffed into a clear beef collagen casing, a more natural alternative to the artificial, dyed casings used by some other brands.