Does biltong count as processed meat?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), any meat transformed through salting, curing, fermentation, or other processes to enhance its flavor or preservation is classified as processed. This means that despite its artisanal reputation, biltong does count as processed meat, as its production relies on curing and drying techniques to preserve it.

Quick Summary

Biltong is classified as a processed meat due to its preservation method, which involves curing and air-drying with salt and vinegar. This classification aligns with definitions used by major health organizations, distinguishing it from fresh meat.

Key Points

Official Classification: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), biltong is a processed meat because it is preserved through curing and salting.
Curing and Air-Drying: The core of biltong's processing involves curing the meat with salt, vinegar, and spices, followed by air-drying, which fundamentally alters it from its fresh state.
Different from Jerky, Still Processed: Though prepared differently than jerky (air-dried versus heat-dehydrated), both fall into the processed meat category because they are preserved and altered.
Health Considerations: As a processed meat, biltong consumption is associated with certain health risks, particularly an increased risk of colorectal cancer linked to chemicals formed during digestion.
Enjoy in Moderation: Health experts recommend limiting processed meat intake. Biltong can be part of a balanced diet, but should be consumed consciously and in smaller portions.
Check for Additives: While traditional recipes are minimal, some commercial biltong may contain added preservatives or nitrates, so reading the label is important for making informed health choices.

The Definitive Answer: A Closer Look at Biltong's Classification

For many, biltong is seen as a more natural, artisanal alternative to heavily processed snacks like jerky. However, when evaluated against the scientific and regulatory definitions, particularly from bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO), the answer becomes clear: yes, biltong is a processed meat. This is due to its traditional method of preservation, which involves curing the meat with salt, vinegar, and spices before it is air-dried. This process fundamentally transforms the fresh meat, fitting the precise criteria for a processed food.

How Biltong's Preparation Justifies Its Classification

The processing of meat is defined by the methods used to extend its shelf life or alter its flavor. In biltong's case, several key steps contribute to this processing designation:

Curing: The raw meat is coated and soaked in a marinade of vinegar, salt, and spices. This step is a cornerstone of the curing process, inhibiting bacterial growth and preserving the meat without cooking.
Salting: The liberal application of salt not only adds flavor but also draws out moisture from the meat, a critical step in preservation.
Drying: Unlike jerky, which is often dehydrated with heat, biltong is traditionally air-dried for several days or weeks in a controlled, cool environment. This dehydration process is a form of processing that significantly extends the meat's longevity.

Biltong vs. Jerky: A Processed Comparison

While both biltong and jerky are dried meat products, their specific processing methods create notable differences. Understanding these nuances helps clarify why both still fall under the 'processed' umbrella.


Feature	Biltong	Jerky
Preservation Method	Air-dried (uncooked), cured with vinegar and salt.	Dehydrated or cooked with low heat.
Meat Cut	Often thicker, cut into whole fillets before drying.	Typically thinly sliced before drying.
Key Ingredients	Vinegar, salt, and spices like coriander.	Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, often added sugars and nitrates.
Processing Intensity	Less intense, more natural ingredients than many commercial jerkies.	More additives, higher sugar content common in commercial versions.
Resulting Texture	Can range from moist and tender to dry and chewy.	Consistently drier and chewier texture.

Potential Health Implications of Consuming Biltong

Because biltong is a processed meat, health organizations like the Cancer Council NSW and the World Cancer Research Fund recommend limiting its intake. The health risks are linked to the process itself, particularly the formation of N-nitroso chemicals during digestion, which have been associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. While biltong is often praised for its high protein and low sugar content compared to many commercial jerkies, its inherent classification as processed meat means moderation is key for a health-conscious diet.

How to Enjoy Biltong Consciously

Portion Control: Given the high sodium content and its classification as processed meat, it's wise to limit portion sizes and not make biltong a daily staple.
Balance Your Diet: Incorporate a wide variety of protein sources, including fresh meat, poultry, fish, and plant-based proteins, to ensure a balanced nutritional intake.
Prioritize Whole Foods: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Antioxidants in plants can help mitigate some of the cellular damage linked to processed meat consumption.
Check Ingredients: While traditional biltong recipes are simple, some modern manufacturers may add extra preservatives or sugar. Always read the label to make the most informed choice.

Conclusion

In summary, the answer to the question, "Does biltong count as processed meat?" is unequivocally yes, based on the standard definitions used by major health organizations. Its production methods, relying on curing and air-drying, classify it as a processed product, regardless of its 'healthier' reputation compared to other processed snacks. While it can be a part of a balanced diet, enjoying biltong consciously and in moderation is essential. Its high protein content and traditional preparation can still offer nutritional benefits, but these must be weighed against the well-documented health risks associated with processed meats in general. By understanding its classification, consumers can make informed choices to enjoy this beloved South African snack responsibly within a broader, healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Biltong is considered processed because it has been transformed from its fresh state through preservation methods like curing, salting, and air-drying, which fits the definition of processed meat by health organizations.

Biltong is generally considered healthier than many commercial jerkies because it traditionally contains less sugar and fewer preservatives. However, both are classified as processed meats.

The main difference is the drying method; biltong is air-dried and cured, while jerky is typically dehydrated using heat. This results in different textures and flavor profiles.

Some health organizations suggest that consuming processed meat, including biltong, may increase the risk of certain cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. This risk is primarily linked to chemicals formed during digestion.

For optimal health, it's recommended to consume processed meats like biltong in moderation. Limiting portion sizes and frequency is key, as advised by health experts.

Yes, even homemade biltong is classified as processed. The act of curing, salting, and drying the meat to preserve it constitutes a form of processing, regardless of whether it's made commercially or at home.

Despite being processed, biltong is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate snack. It is also a good source of vitamins like B12 and minerals such as iron and zinc, which are retained during the air-drying process.