Understanding What is the Nutritional Value of Nick's Sticks?

October 4, 2025 •

3 min read

According to product listings, a single 1.7 oz serving of Nick's Sticks Original Beef contains 10 grams of protein and 120 calories. This detailed guide answers the question, 'What is the nutritional value of Nick's sticks?', exploring the macro-nutrients, key ingredients, and how they compare to other common snack options.

Quick Summary

Nick's Sticks are a protein-rich, low-carb snack made from 100% grass-fed beef with minimal processing. Their nutritional profile, including 10g protein per serving and zero sugar, makes them suitable for keto, paleo, and Whole30 diets, though the sodium content is notably high. The use of natural preservatives and grass-fed meat offers additional benefits over conventional jerky products.

Key Points

High in Protein: A single 1.7 oz serving of Nick's Sticks provides 10 grams of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
Zero Carbohydrates and Sugar: These beef sticks are low-carb and contain zero added sugars, making them ideal for keto, paleo, and Whole30 diets.
Made from 100% Grass-Fed Beef: The use of grass-fed beef results in a leaner product with higher levels of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids and Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA).
Free of Artificial Additives: Nick's Sticks contain no artificial colors, MSG, or added nitrates or nitrites, relying on natural preservatives like cultured celery powder.
High Sodium Content: A key nutritional factor to be aware of is the high sodium per serving, at around 350-375mg, which constitutes a notable percentage of the daily value.
Suitable for Restrictive Diets: Their clean ingredient profile makes them certified Paleo and Whole30, as well as being a suitable option for the ketogenic diet.

A Closer Look at Nick's Sticks

Nick's Sticks are positioned in the market as a high-quality, clean protein snack option. Made from 100% grass-fed beef, or other sources like free-range turkey and chicken, they appeal to consumers following specific dietary guidelines, including Paleo, Keto, and Whole30. Unlike many conventional meat sticks, they are known for their minimal ingredient list and lack of artificial additives. But what does this mean for their nutritional profile?

Nutritional Breakdown of Nick's Sticks

For a standard 1.7 oz (48g) package of Original Beef Nick's Sticks, the nutrition facts provide a clear picture of what you're consuming:

Calories: 120 kcal
Total Fat: 8g, with 3g of saturated fat
Cholesterol: 33mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 0g, including 0g of dietary fiber and 0g of sugar
Protein: 10g
Vitamins & Minerals: 7% Daily Value of Calcium and Iron

The Spicy Beef flavor has a similar profile but slightly higher fat and sodium content, at 9g total fat and 375mg sodium per 1.7 oz serving. It is important to note that the sodium level represents a significant portion of the recommended daily intake, which is a consideration for those managing sodium consumption.

The Quality of Ingredients: Grass-Fed and Additive-Free

One of the most significant aspects of Nick's Sticks' nutritional value is the quality of its source ingredients. The use of 100% grass-fed beef offers several benefits over conventionally raised beef:

Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Grass-fed beef contains a higher concentration of Omega-3s, which are essential fatty acids linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): It also contains more CLA, a type of healthy fat that may be associated with various health benefits.
More Vitamins: Grass-fed beef is typically higher in certain vitamins, such as Vitamin A and Vitamin E.

Additionally, the brand prides itself on using natural preservation methods instead of artificial additives, which are common in many meat snacks. The ingredients list for the Original Beef stick is notably clean:

Grass-Fed Beef
Water
Redmond Seasoned Salt (sea salt, spices, garlic, onion)
Encapsulated Lactic Acid
Cultured Celery Powder (celery powder, sea salt)

This minimal, recognizable list of ingredients aligns with clean eating philosophies and is free from the typical artificial colors, MSG, and added nitrites found in many other processed meat products.

Dietary Fit: Keto, Paleo, and Whole30

Thanks to its clean, simple formulation, Nick's Sticks are an ideal snack for several popular diets:

Keto: With zero carbohydrates and a healthy mix of fat and protein, these sticks fit perfectly into a ketogenic diet, providing a satiating, on-the-go snack without knocking you out of ketosis.
Paleo: As the sticks are made from grass-fed beef and do not contain grains, dairy, or processed sugars, they are Paleo-approved.
Whole30: Nick's Sticks are also Whole30 compliant, as they contain no added sugar, alcohol, or other forbidden additives.

Comparison with Other Beef Sticks

To understand the full nutritional value, it is helpful to compare Nick's Sticks with a typical, conventional beef stick. This table highlights some key differences in sourcing and nutritional profile.


Feature	Nick's Sticks (Original Beef)	Conventional Beef Stick	Key Differences
Sourcing	100% Grass-Fed Beef	Grain-Fed Beef	Superior nutrient profile in grass-fed beef
Protein	10g per 1.7oz	Varies, often similar	Consistent high protein
Carbohydrates	0g	Varies, some contain added sugars	Zero sugar, truly low-carb
Sugar	0g Added Sugar	May contain added sugar, high-fructose corn syrup	No added sugar aligns with clean diets
Preservatives	Natural (cultured celery powder, sea salt)	Artificial additives (e.g., sodium nitrite)	Clean label, fewer synthetic chemicals
Omega-3s	Higher levels (due to grass-fed)	Lower levels	Anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy fats
Sodium	350mg per 1.7oz	Varies, can be lower or higher	Still a high sodium snack; monitor intake
Other Ingredients	Minimal, whole-food based	Fillers, artificial flavors, soy	Purity of ingredients

Conclusion: A High-Quality Protein Choice

In conclusion, the nutritional value of Nick's Sticks is defined by their high-quality, whole-food ingredients and clean formulation. They offer a significant protein boost with zero carbs and sugars, making them a fantastic choice for those on keto, paleo, or Whole30 diets. While their sodium content is high, the benefits of 100% grass-fed beef—including higher Omega-3s and the absence of artificial preservatives—often outweigh this consideration for many health-conscious consumers. This makes Nick's Sticks a reliable and nutritious option for a clean, protein-packed snack on the go. For further reading, consult the manufacturer's website to learn more about their sourcing practices and product details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Nick's Sticks are generally considered a healthy snack, particularly for those on specific diets like keto or paleo. They offer a high-quality, grass-fed protein source with no added sugar or artificial additives, but consumers should be mindful of the sodium content.

Each 1.7 oz serving of Nick's Sticks Original Beef contains 10 grams of protein. Other flavors, such as Spicy Beef, also typically contain 10g of protein per serving.

Yes, Nick's Sticks are highly suitable for a ketogenic diet as they contain zero grams of carbohydrates and zero sugar, while providing a good source of protein and fat.

Grass-fed beef sticks like Nick's are made from cattle raised on grass, resulting in leaner meat with higher levels of beneficial nutrients like Omega-3s and CLA. Conventional beef sticks are often from grain-fed cattle and may contain more additives.

Nick's Sticks do not have added nitrates or nitrites. They are preserved using cultured celery powder and sea salt, which contain naturally occurring nitrates.

The sodium level, at 350-375mg per serving, is something to be aware of, especially for individuals monitoring their sodium intake. While it's relatively high for a single snack, it can still fit into a balanced diet.

The ingredients for Nick's Sticks are listed on the product packaging and online, and consist of straightforward components like grass-fed beef, water, and natural spices.