Beef jerky used to be just a road trip snack you’d grab at a gas station. Now? It’s a full-on flavor adventure—savory, smoky, sometimes spicy, and always satisfying.
These 18 brands bring serious personality to the bag, from old-school smoky strips to bold, global flavors.
We ranked them by taste, texture, and how fast we wanted another bite—so you can skip the guesswork and get snacking.
1. Jack Link’s
There’s a reason this one shows up everywhere—it’s got that familiar, slightly sweet chew that brings back memories of road trips and convenience store pit stops. The hickory smoke is more of a whisper than a shout, but it lingers just enough to make the next piece feel necessary.
It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. The texture leans tender with a tug, not rubbery, and that’s what keeps hands diving back in the bag.
2. Old Trapper
This jerky tastes like it came straight out of a hunter’s cabin—thick cuts, just the right balance of salt and smoke. There’s a maple-glaze richness here that hits like campfire mornings and plaid flannel.
The chew is satisfying without being jaw-breaking, and the flavor doesn’t quit. It clings to your taste buds like a good story you want to retell.
3. People’s Choice
Stripped-down and pure, this stuff tastes like it skipped the gimmicks and went straight for the soul of beef. It’s dry, tough in the best way, and hits you with a clean, peppery finish that feels earned.
The old-school style pulls no punches, and there’s no sugar trying to cover the meat. It’s what jerky probably tasted like 100 years ago—unapologetic and real.
4. Chef’s Cut
Tender, juicy strips that feel more like steak than snack. There’s a backyard barbecue vibe to the flavor—smoky, bold, and just a hint of char.
The texture is a standout here, almost soft enough to pull apart with fingers alone. You get that “fresh-off-the-grill” taste, no fire pit required.
5. Krave
A more modern, adventurous take with flavors like black cherry barbecue and chili lime that somehow work way better than they should. The meat’s so soft, it borders on jerky candy—in a good way.
There’s a gourmet twist to everything Krave makes, and they pull it off without being fussy. This is jerky for the flavor-curious.
6. Country Archer
It’s got that grass-fed depth, like the meat actually lived a good life before it got bagged. Flavors like mango habanero light up your tongue in waves—sweet, then bam, a touch of fire.
Each strip has that perfect edge of resistance before it gives. It’s high-quality stuff with nothing artificial in the way.
7. Baja Jerky
Tropical and tangy, like a taco stand snack turned into jerky form. The boldness hits immediately—lime, garlic, a punch of heat—and somehow stays bright without being messy.
It’s got personality, like someone seasoned the meat with a playlist on in the background. Fun, zesty, and impossible to forget.
8. Field Trip
Laid-back and light, with clean ingredients and that lean chew that says “I hiked here.” There’s a wholesome taste, like it belongs next to a trail mix pouch on a mountain ledge.
They don’t try too hard, and that’s the charm. Just good, simple jerky with nothing weird in it.
9. Brooklyn Biltong
Technically not jerky, but it earns its spot—air-dried and spiced in the South African tradition. The slices are soft and delicate, like meat confetti with a vinegar kick.
It feels old-world, like a recipe passed down and barely touched. No sugar, no fuss, just pure, tangy beef flavor.
10. Perky Jerky
Soft and almost velvety, with flavors that run creative without crossing the line. Whether it’s teriyaki or truffle, there’s a sleekness to the way it all comes together.
The texture is where it shines—ultra tender and easy to snack on. Like the name says, this one’s got energy.
11. Righteous Felon
Flavor-wise, this one punches above its weight class—think bourbon, garlic, and enough attitude to make a statement. It’s bold, but not obnoxious.
The strips are thick, uneven in a good way, and full of character. Tastes like it came out of a smoker in a biker garage.
12. Epic Provisions
Wild game and grass-fed beef with a primal, natural taste—think jerky that belongs in a leather pouch on a long hike. There’s something earthy about it, like it was made for survival and flavor at the same time.
Not your average jerky—it’s cleaner, drier, and more ancestral. You can almost taste the landscape it came from.
13. Think Jerky
Small, tidy pieces with flavor profiles that lean chef-crafted—ginger, sriracha, sweet chipotle. It’s minimal in texture but creative where it counts.
This one’s for thoughtful snackers who like something different. It’s clever, unexpected, and just the right level of chewy.
14. Ayoba
Biltong done right—sliced thick, tender, with that deep coriander-rich flavor and no added sugar. The air-dried method gives it a buttery mouthfeel without the grease.
It doesn’t shout, but it definitely sings. A low-key gem that feels homemade.
15. The New Primal
This is jerky with a conscience—paleo-friendly, clean, with bright flavors like cilantro lime or spicy mustard. It’s got that “health store aisle that doesn’t taste like cardboard” energy.
Each bite feels alive, not preserved. You taste spice, citrus, and real beef in a way that feels intentional.
16. Lorissa’s Kitchen
Soft, smooth jerky with a gentle touch—think peppered beef with a bit of honey gloss. The flavor’s mellow but comforting, like an after-school snack for grown-ups.
It’s the kind of jerky that doesn’t try to prove anything. Just tastes good, clean, and easy on the jaw.
17. Savage Jerky Co.
Intense and fearless, with flavors like ghost pepper and mojo lime that practically yell from the bag. This is not subtle stuff—it demands your attention.
The texture is classic, the heat is real, and the boldness is the whole point. It’s chaos, in the best way.
18. Oberto
A dependable, old-school jerky that brings back vending machine memories. It’s chewy, peppery, and slightly dry, with a classic taste that hasn’t changed much.
Not flashy, but it holds its ground. Sometimes, tradition wins a spot on the list.