Is Jack Link's Jerky Processed?

December 25, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Cancer Research Fund, processed meats, including jerky, have been linked to increased health risks. In light of this, many health-conscious consumers often ask: is Jack Link's jerky processed? The answer, while seemingly straightforward, involves understanding different levels of food processing.

Quick Summary

Jack Link's jerky undergoes multiple processing steps, including curing, seasoning with various ingredients like soy sauce, flavorings, and preservatives, and being slow-cooked and air-dried. While this provides a protein-rich snack, it is classified as a processed meat due to its preparation and added ingredients, distinguishing it from minimally altered meats.

Key Points

Processed by Definition: Jack Link's jerky is classified as a processed meat because it is preserved and flavored through methods like curing, salting, and drying.
Ultra-Processed Classification: The inclusion of multiple industrial ingredients like flavorings, preservatives, and specific salts places it into the ultra-processed food category under the NOVA system.
High in Sodium: Jack Link's jerky contains a high amount of sodium, which is added for flavor and preservation but should be monitored for overall health.
Additives and Preservatives: The product contains flavorings and, in some versions, preservatives like nitrites, which are common in processed meats and warrant mindful consumption.
Moderation is Key: While a good source of protein, processed jerky should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, not as a daily staple.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: For those seeking to reduce processed food intake, making homemade jerky or opting for brands with fewer, simpler ingredients are healthier options.

What is a Processed Food?

To determine if Jack Link's jerky is processed, it's essential to first understand what the term 'processed food' actually means. The definition spans a wide spectrum, from minimal alterations like cutting and grinding to more significant modifications. Processed meat, in particular, is defined as any meat that has been modified to extend its shelf life or change its taste. Methods include salting, curing, fermenting, and smoking, often with the addition of chemical preservatives.

The NOVA food classification system provides a useful framework, categorizing foods based on their degree of processing.

Group 1: Unprocessed or Minimally Processed Foods—Whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw meats, with minimal alterations like washing or cutting.
Group 2: Processed Culinary Ingredients—Ingredients like sugar, salt, and vegetable oils, which are derived from Group 1 foods.
Group 3: Processed Foods—Products made by combining Group 1 and 2 foods, such as simple bread (flour, water, salt, yeast).
Group 4: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF)—Characterized by formulations of industrial ingredients and multiple processing steps, often containing additives, flavorings, and preservatives not typically used in home cooking. Jack Link's jerky, with its extensive ingredient list and industrial preparation, falls into this category.

Jack Link's Processing and Ingredients Breakdown

Jack Link's uses a multi-step process to produce its jerky, which, by definition, makes it a processed product. The ingredients list for its Original Beef Jerky reveals a combination of beef and other components that preserve and enhance flavor. A typical ingredients list includes:

Beef
Water
Sugar
Brown Sugar
Salt
Soy Sauce (wheat, soybeans, salt)
Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
Yeast Extract
Flavors
Maltodextrin
Pineapple Powder
Citric Acid

The Processing Steps

Meat Preparation: Lean cuts of beef are selected and sliced.
Marination: The meat is soaked in a blend of spices and marinades, which includes the ingredients listed above. This step adds flavor and uses salt and preservatives to draw out moisture and inhibit bacterial growth.
Drying and Smoking: The marinated meat is slow-cooked over hardwood smoke and air-dried to achieve the signature texture and extend its shelf life.

Nutritional and Health Considerations

While Jack Link's jerky is a high-protein snack, its status as a processed food means it comes with some nutritional considerations, particularly regarding sodium and added sugars.

High Sodium Content

A single serving of Jack Link's Original Beef Jerky contains a significant portion of the recommended daily sodium intake. Excess sodium consumption is linked to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease.

Added Sugars and Flavors

The ingredients list includes both sugar and brown sugar, contributing to the snack's total sugar content. Additionally, ingredients like "flavors" are complex chemical mixtures used to manipulate taste and are a common component of ultra-processed foods.

Nitrites and Preservatives

Some versions of Jack Link's jerky also use preservatives like sodium nitrite, a curing salt. These preservatives can form cancer-causing compounds when cooked at high temperatures or during digestion. Jack Link's has stated that some products have no added nitrates or nitrites, except for those naturally occurring in ingredients like soy sauce and yeast extract. It's crucial to check the label of the specific product you are purchasing.

Jack Link's vs. Minimally Processed Jerky

For consumers seeking less-processed options, comparing Jack Link's to minimally processed or homemade jerky is insightful. Here is a comparison table:


Feature	Jack Link's Jerky	Minimally Processed Jerky
Processing Level	Ultra-processed (NOVA Group 4)	Minimally processed (NOVA Group 1)
Ingredients	Complex marinades with multiple ingredients, including sugars, flavors, and preservatives	Simple ingredients: beef, salt, spices (e.g., garlic, onion)
Additives	Contains flavorings, preservatives like nitrites (check label), and other industrial additives	Typically no artificial preservatives, additives, or industrial flavorings
Sodium Content	Often high in sodium due to salting and curing process	Can be lower in sodium, depending on the recipe and amount of salt used
Shelf Life	Long shelf life due to processing and preservatives	Shorter shelf life unless vacuum-sealed or stored properly

The Health Context of Processed Snacks

While occasional consumption of processed foods like Jack Link's jerky is unlikely to cause harm, relying on them as a daily staple may increase health risks. The key takeaway from research by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) is moderation. These organizations classify processed meats as carcinogenic and advise limiting or minimizing their intake. Consuming processed meats frequently has been linked to a higher risk of certain cancers, especially bowel cancer. For those looking for healthier, lower-processed alternatives, homemade jerky or brands with simpler, shorter ingredient lists are viable options.

Conclusion

Yes, Jack Link's jerky is processed. It undergoes several industrial processes, from curing and flavoring to slow-cooking and drying, that qualify it as a processed meat. Furthermore, due to its complex ingredient list, which includes additives, flavors, and preservatives, it can be classified as an ultra-processed food. This processing is what gives it its long shelf life and consistent flavor, but it also contributes to higher sodium and sugar content compared to minimally processed alternatives. While it offers a convenient, protein-rich snack, it is important for consumers to be aware of the processing and nutritional content. Choosing minimally processed options and prioritizing a balanced diet rich in whole foods is generally recommended for optimal health.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for dietary recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jerky is considered a processed meat because it has been altered from its natural state to extend its shelf life and enhance flavor. This involves methods like curing with salt, smoking, and adding preservatives.

According to some ingredient lists, Jack Link's products may use hydrolyzed corn protein and yeast extract, which contain naturally occurring MSG. While some products state 'No added MSG', it is important to check the specific product label.

The healthiest way to consume jerky is in moderation and as part of a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. You can also look for brands with lower sodium and no artificial additives.

Processed foods are generally made by combining whole foods with processed ingredients (like salt or sugar). Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) go further, incorporating industrial additives, flavors, and multiple processing techniques, often resulting in a product that bears little resemblance to its original components.

Jerky's high sodium content, used for flavor and preservation, can contribute to elevated blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease when consumed in excess.

Yes, making homemade jerky allows you to control the ingredients entirely. By using lean beef and simple seasonings like salt and spices, you can create a minimally processed, low-additive version.

No. While most are processed, the level and types of processing vary. Some brands use simpler, more natural ingredients and fewer additives than others. Checking the ingredient list is the best way to compare.