Understanding the Paleo Diet and Jack Link's Ingredients
The Paleo diet, or 'caveman diet,' is a nutritional plan centered on foods presumed to have been eaten by early humans during the Paleolithic era. The regimen emphasizes whole foods such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts, while strictly excluding grains, legumes, dairy, and all processed foods. The key to determining whether a snack like Jack Link's fits is a careful examination of its ingredient list.
The Case Against Original Jack Link's
When you scrutinize the ingredient list of Jack Link's Original beef jerky, several items immediately disqualify it from being truly paleo. These are not just minor deviations but include core components that the paleo diet advises against. For example, a typical ingredient list includes sugar, soy sauce (containing soy and wheat), maltodextrin, and hydrolyzed corn protein.
- Sugar and Brown Sugar: The paleo diet prohibits refined sugars, and both sugar and brown sugar are clearly included in the standard Jack Link's recipe.
- Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans and wheat, making it a double non-starter for the paleo diet, which eliminates both legumes (soy) and grains (wheat).
- Maltodextrin: This is a processed carbohydrate and additive that has no place in a clean, ancestral eating plan.
- Hydrolyzed Corn Protein: Derived from a non-paleo grain, this ingredient is also a no-go for strict paleo followers.
Why Jack Link's Zero Sugar Variety Is Paleo-Friendly
In response to growing demand for healthier and more diet-specific snacks, Jack Link's introduced its Zero Sugar line. This variety is explicitly labeled as paleo-friendly because it removes the controversial ingredients found in the original version. Instead of sugar and soy-based flavorings, the zero-sugar version relies on a blend of herbs and spices for its signature taste. It uses no artificial sweeteners, no added nitrates, and is made with 100% beef. This means that for those adhering to a strict paleo lifestyle, the Zero Sugar jerky is a compliant option, unlike its sugary counterpart.
How to Choose the Right Jerky
For those who prefer not to compromise on paleo principles, there are other alternatives available. Many specialty brands have emerged that cater specifically to the paleo community, offering jerky made from 100% grass-fed beef with minimal, all-natural ingredients.
A comparison of jerky types for paleo diets:
| Feature | Original Jack Link's Jerky | Zero Sugar Jack Link's Jerky | Specialty Paleo Jerky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugar | Contains added sugar and brown sugar. | Zero sugar added. | No added sugar, uses natural sweeteners like fruit juice or honey in some recipes. |
| Soy/Grains | Contains soy sauce (wheat and soy). | Does not contain soy or wheat. | Uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. |
| Additives | Contains additives like maltodextrin. | Free of artificial sweeteners and nitrates. | Typically uses minimal, all-natural ingredients. |
| Meat Source | Standard beef. | 100% beef. | Often uses 100% grass-fed or pasture-raised beef. |
| Paleo Compliance | No | Yes | Yes |
How to Make Your Own Paleo Jerky
For the ultimate control over ingredients, making jerky at home is a simple and rewarding process. A basic paleo-friendly recipe can include:
- Lean cut of beef (e.g., London broil, skirt steak)
- Coconut aminos (a soy-free alternative to soy sauce)
- Herbs and spices (garlic powder, ginger, black pepper)
- Natural sweetener (like a small amount of raw honey or pineapple powder, optional)
To prepare, simply slice the beef thin, marinate it in your paleo-approved sauce, and dehydrate it in an oven or dedicated dehydrator. This method ensures that every single ingredient meets your dietary standards and is free from any hidden preservatives or sugars.
Conclusion
In summary, while the popular Original Jack Link's beef jerky is not paleo due to its use of sugar, soy sauce, and other additives, the brand does offer a compliant alternative in its Zero Sugar variety. For those committed to a strict paleo lifestyle, always checking the ingredient label is crucial for any store-bought jerky. A safer bet is to opt for brands specifically marketing Certified Paleo products or, for full transparency, to prepare your own jerky at home.
