Meat sticks and beef jerky have become go-to snacks for anyone looking to fuel up with protein on the go. These dried, cured meats are not only packed with flavor, but they are also super convenient and great for busy days, road trips, or time outside.
While meat sticks and beef jerky can be high sources of protein, many consumers are unaware of the potentially harmful preservatives and additives like nitrates and nitrites that are added to each stick. So, do healthy meat snacks exist? What are the best meat sticks and beef jerky without added nitrates?
Keep reading to learn more…
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This article is co-authored by Kathlyn Carney and Catherine Power.
- Published On:
- Updated On: April 17, 2025
Summary:
- Meat sticks can be an excellent quick high-protein snack, but many are full of ultra-processed ingredients. Consume them in moderation only.
- Best Brands = Lineage Provisions (code inonaround), Epic
Table of Contents
What Are Meat Sticks and Beef Jerky?
Meat sticks are usually smaller, sausage-like snacks that come in various flavors, while beef jerky is made from thin strips of marinated meat that are dried with a chewy texture.
As more people look for quick, portable protein sources, these snacks have really taken off in popularity… but what’s driving the demand for them isn’t just convenience. Consumers are also looking for healthy alternatives.
With the growing interest in clean, whole foods, meat sticks and jerky without added nitrates are increasingly popular among those who want to snack smartly (especially when they’re running errands or at the office). They’re especially common for people trying the keto diet and carnivore diet (neither of which we recommend, but they’re common trends).
What Makes a Meat Snack Healthy?
When it comes to choosing a healthy meat snack, it’s all about the ingredients and how the product is made. A healthy meat snack is packed with protein, low in unnecessary added sugars, and free from artificial additives or preservatives. Ideally it’s made from clean, natural ingredients, especially organic ingredients.
This is what we look for:
- No added nitrates or nitrites: These preservatives are commonly used in traditional meat products but may be linked to health risks. Choosing nitrate-free options ensures a cleaner snack.
- High protein: A good meat snack provides a solid protein boost, supporting muscle repair, keeping you full, and contributing to overall health.
- Low sugar: Healthy meat snacks should be low in added sugars, which can turn a nutritious snack into an unhealthy one.
- Natural ingredients: The fewer additives and artificial ingredients, the better. Look for meat snacks made with whole, clean ingredients.
- Grass-fed, pasture-raised, or organic meats: These meats are typically higher in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and are free from hormones and antibiotics commonly used in conventional meat production.
- Minimal additives and preservatives: Healthy meat snacks focus on simplicity, using as few preservatives and artificial ingredients as possible.
- Gluten-free: Ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or looking to reduce gluten in their diet – gluten-free meat snacks provide a safe and nutritious option without compromising on taste.
- Non-GMO (ideally, organic): Choosing non-GMO and organic meats ensures the snack is free from genetically modified organisms and harmful pesticides, supporting both your health and the environment.
The goal is to snack smart by fueling your body with quality protein and wholesome ingredients rather than processed options filled with unnecessary fillers and chemicals.
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What Are Nitrates and Nitrites?
Nitrates and nitrites are chemicals commonly used to preserve processed meats like bacon, sausages, and hot dogs. Nitrates are compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen (NO3-).
They help maintain the color, flavor and prevent harmful bacterial growth in meats. However, when consumed in large amounts, they can turn into nitrosamines in the body, which are linked to an increased risk of cancer, particularly colorectal cancer. [1, 2, 3]
What About Cultured Celery Powder and Extracts?
Celery extract can also be used as an alternative to added nitrates/nitrites because it is naturally high in those compounds. These are necessary to preserve the meat, especially when it’s transported to grocery stores for long periods of time.
Celery extract, celery salt, celery powder, or celery juice are oftentimes used in “natural” lunch meats instead of other food preservatives, but there’s a catch. Celery extracts naturally contain nitrates and are biochemically identical to sodium nitrite when mixed with bacteria.
For this reason, be wary of the following marketing tactics, which don’t describe the actual quality of the food:
- “No MSG”
- “No GMO”
- “Nitrite-free”
- “No nitrates”
- “Natural”
- “No growth hormones”
When used for preservation, celery extract is highly concentrated in a lab (which is different from how it is naturally found in celery or other vegetables, like spinach). Additionally, even when used in organic products, the highly concentrated celery extract does not need to be organic. It can be used in “uncured” or “nitrate-free” meats, despite then acting biochemically the same way.
Although celery extract still contains naturally occurring nitrates, some form of preservation is essential in order to make the meat shelf-stable. We discuss this in more detail in this article as well: What Is The Healthiest Lunch Meat? Processed Meat 101
Meat Sticks and Beef Jerky: A Convenient, High-Protein Snack
There are certainly many pros to eating meat sticks and beef jerky, such as:
- Meat Sticks and Beef Jerky are Convenient
Meat sticks are easy to carry and don’t need refrigeration, making them perfect for busy days or travel. - They’re High in Protein
They provide a solid amount of protein, which helps with muscle recovery and keeps you full longer. - Meat Is Low in Carbs
Many meat sticks are low in carbs, making them ideal for keto, paleo, or low-carb diets. - They Come In A Variety of Flavors
With flavors ranging from spicy to savory, there’s a meat stick for everyone. - Meat Sticks and Jerky Have A Long Shelf Life
Cured and preserved, they last a long time, so you can always have one on hand in your bag.
How to Read Labels for Healthy Meat Snacks
What to Look For on the Label:
- Organic, although very difficult to find (at minimum non-GMO)
- Grass-fed (and finished)
- Pasture-raised
- Low sugar (preferably from honey or maple syrup)
What to Avoid on the Label:
- Citric acid
- High sodium (460 mg or more per serving)
- Mechanically separated meat
- Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)
- Natural flavors or added flavoring
- Nitrates
- Nitrites (Sodium Nitrite)
- Sugar from brown sugar or cane sugar
How Many Meat Sticks Is Too Many Meat Sticks?
We would say that one meat stick a day is plenty, especially if you are having meat sticks with celery variations that contain naturally occurring nitrates. Additionally, many of the meat sticks have a decent amount of sodium, so you want to be careful not to get your daily serving of sodium just from a few meat sticks. Meat sticks can be great snacks and ways to get protein when you are on the go, but for the rest of your meals and snacks, we recommend having more whole food options instead of processed. Don’t go overboard with meat sticks; they are more processed when compared to fresh, organic, pasture-raised meat. A hard-boiled egg (or two) is a really nice substitute for your second meat stick if you need something fast.
Best Clean Meat Stick Brands Without Nitrates or Nitrites
These “best” meat stick options use grass-fed and grass-finished beef. They don’t use artificial nitrates/nitrites, cultured celery powder, or citric acid. These are the best we can find on the market!
- Ingredients: 100% Grass-Fed Beef, 100% Grass-Fed Beef Heart, 100% Grass-Fed Beef Liver, Vinegar, Sea Salt, Beef Collagen Casing
- Pros:
- 16 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- Grass-fed and finished
- Includes organ meats (10%) – packed with vitamins like A, B12, iron, and CoQ10
- Does not contain celery powder or citric acid
- Made in the US and responsibly sourced from farmers
- No additives
- Cons:
- Not on Amazon
- Higher in sodium than other meat sticks
- Not organic
- Ingredients (Wagyu Beef): Grass-Fed Wagyu Beef, Honey, Sea Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder
- Pros:
- Grass-fed
- Does not contain celery powder
- Sweetened with honey
- Gluten-free
- Cons:
- Lower protein than other meat sticks
- Not organic
- Less consistent texture since the meat is ground and formed
Better Clean Meat Stick Brands Without Nitrates or Nitrites
These options use high-quality ingredients, although they also include added nitrates/nitrites from celery juice, cultured celery powder, or other preservation methods.
- Ingredients (Original Beef):
- 100% Grass-Fed Beef, Water, Unprocessed Sea Salt, Organic Dextrose From Tapioca (Used To Initiate The Fermentation Process), Celery Juice, Organic Black Pepper, Organic Red Pepper, Organic Garlic Powder, Organic Coriander, Lactic Acid Starter Culture From Non-GMO Beets, Stuffed In A Dye-Free Beef Collagen Casing
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- Pros:
- 0 grams of sugar
- Lower in sodium than many other meat sticks
- Grass-fed beef
- Organic ingredients
- Never given antibiotics or hormones
- Gluten free
- Soy free
- Dairy free
- Non-GMO
- No artificial nitrates or nitrites
- Non-GMO
- Naturally fermented and contains gut-friendly probiotics
- Pros:
-
- Cons:
-
-
- Contains celery juice and dextrose
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-
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- Lower in protein than other meat sticks
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- Ingredients: Grass-Fed Beef, Water, Sea Salt, Contains 2% Or Less: Encapsulated Citric Acid, Dehydrated Garlic, Red Pepper, Black Pepper, Cultured Celery Powder, Cherry Powder, Coriander, Onion Powder, White Pepper, Ground Nutmeg, Parsley, In Colored Beef Collagen Casing.
- Pros:
- 8 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- Grass-fed beef
- Certified gluten free
- Cons:
- Contains citric acid and cultured celery powder
- Not organic
- Ingredients: Grass Fed & Finished Beef, Water, Less Than 2% Of: Encapsulated Lactic Acid, Sea Salt, Cultured Celery Powder (Celery Powder, Sea Salt), Cherry Powder, Black Pepper, Red Pepper, Garlic Powder, Coriander, Stuffed in a Beef Collagen Casing
- Pros:
- 10 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- Grass-fed and finished
- Allergy friendly (free from top 9 allergens)
- Certified gluten free
- Non-GMO project verified
- No fillers
- Cons:
- Contains cultured celery powder
- Not organic
- Ingredients: Grass-Fed Beef, Sea Salt, Contains Less Than 2% Of Encapsulated Citric Acid, Cultured Celery Powder (Celery Powder, Sea Salt), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Ginger, Black Pepper, Lemon Peel, In Beef Collagen Casing
- Pros:
- 8 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- Grass-fed beef
- Certified gluten free
- Raised without added hormones or the use of antibiotics
- Cons:
- Contains citric acid and cultured celery powder
- Not organic
- Ingredients: 100% Grass-Fed Beef, Sea Salt, Encapsulated Lactic Acid, Spices, Cultured Celery Powder, Granulated Garlic, Granulated Onion, Stuffed In A Beef Collagen Casing
- Pros:
- 8 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- Grass-fed
- No nitrites
- No added hormones
- No added antibiotics
- Cons:
- Contains cultured celery powder
- Not organic
- Ingredients: Grass-Fed Beef, Water, Salt, Encapsulated Citric Acid, Cracked Black Pepper, Cultured Celery Powder (celery powder, Sea Salt), Granulated Garlic, Red Pepper, Coriander, Onion Powder, Thyme, Nutmeg, Ground Basil, Encased in Beef Collagen Casing
- Pros:
- 9 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- Grass-fed beef
- Gluten free
- Dairy free
- Certified B Corp
- Cons:
- Contains citric acid and cultured celery powder
- Not organic
- Ingredients: 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Beef, Water, Sea Salt, Celery Powder, Dextrose (Not Used As A Sweetener, Initiates And Is Eliminated In The Fermentation Process), Spices, Cherry Powder, Garlic Powder, Lactic Acid Culture, In Natural Collagen Casing.
- Pros:
- 15 grams of protein
- Grass-fed and finished
- Regenerative
- Naturally fermented
Free from gluten, grains, corn, soy, seed oils, and dairy - No antibiotics, hormones, or mRNA
- Cons:
- Higher in fat than most meat sticks
- Contains celery powder and dextrose
- Not organic
- Ingredients: Grass-fed and finished beef, water, contains 2% or less of sea salt, mustard, salt, dried onion and garlic, black pepper, celery, red pepper, cultured celery extract, yeast extract, rosemary extract, encapsulated lactic acid
- Pros:
- 8 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- Grass-fed and finished beef
- Free of the top nine food allergens
- Certified gluten free
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- No added nitrites or nitrates (except those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery extract)
- No added MSG (except naturally occurring in yeast extract)
- No preservatives
- Cons:
- Contains celery and cultured celery extract
- Not organic
Worst Meat Stick Brands Without Nitrates or Nitrites
These options contain unnecessary additives that should be limited.
- Ingredients: All-Natural Top Round Beef, Water, Brown Sugar, Soybeans, Salt, Molasses, Vinegar, Black Pepper, Natural Smoke Flavoring, Alcohol, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Cloves, Chili Powder
- Pros:
- 9 grams of protein
- Made in the US
- Pasture-raised and free of antibiotics and growth hormones
- Gluten free
- Cons:
- Contains alcohol, brown sugar, citric acid, cultured celery powder, natural smoke flavoring, and colored collagen casing
- Not grass-fed or finished
- Not organic
- Ingredients: Beef & Pork, Water, Brown Sugar, Cane Sugar, Sea Salt, Encapsulated Citric Acid, Black Pepper, Cultured Celery Powder (Celery Powder, Sea Salt), Granulated Garlic, Red Pepper, Coriander, White Pepper, Encased In Beef Collagen Casing
- Pros:
- Lower-sodium option
- Grass-fed beef
- Made in the US
- No antibiotics
- No hormones
- Soy free
- Gluten free
- No added MSG
- Cons:
- Contains sugar, citric acid, and cultured celery powder
- Not organic
- Doesn’t disclose quality of pork
- Ingredients: Beef, Contains 2% Or Less: Sea Salt, Water, Encapsulated Citric Acid, Spices, Cultured Celery Powder (Celery Powder, Sea Salt), Granulated Garlic, Cherry Powder, In Colored Beef Collagen Casing.
- Pros:
- 9 grams of protein
- 0 grams of sugar
- 10% of sales goes to veteran and first responder nonprofits
- Made in the US
- Gluten free
- No added nitrates or MSG
- Cons:
- Not grass-fed or finished
- Not organic
- Not on Amazon
- Contains citric acid and cultured celery powder
- Enclosed in a “colored” casing – the colorants are not disclosed
- Ingredients: Beef And Pork, Sea Salt, Contains 2% Or Less Of Sugar, Spices (Includes Mustard Seed), Cultured Celery Powder, Cherry Powder, Garlic Powder, Lactic Acid Starter Culture (Not From Milk), Encased In A Colored Beef Collagen Casing
- Pros:
- Free from major allergens
- Free from MSG
- Gluten-free
- Cons:
- Lower in protein than most brands
- Not grass-fed or finished
- Not organic
- Contains cultured celery powder and sugar
- Enclosed in a “colored” casing – the colorants are not disclosed
The Final Verdict on Healthy Meat Snacks: Meat Sticks and Jerky
Because Lineage Provisions and Epic are grass-fed and do not use naturally occurring or artificial nitrites and nitrates, they are the best options on the market!
Meat sticks provide an awesome source of protein and are great when you are traveling or running around with your kiddos. However, it is important to remember that they are still processed! Processed foods definitely fit in the 80/20 lifestyle, but you just have to remember that they are part of your 20.
Have you tried these healthy meat sticks?
Let me know your thoughts and key takeaways in the comments below!
xoxo,
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Frequently Asked Questions – Healthy Meat Sticks
Click on the below FAQs to learn more about healthy, nitrate-free, high-protein meat sticks.
Yes, nitrate-free meat sticks made with clean ingredients and no artificial preservatives are generally safe for kids to enjoy in moderation.
Yes, they’re a convenient, high-protein snack that fits perfectly into both keto and paleo lifestyles.
Most are shelf-stable until opened, but always check the packaging for specific storage instructions.
Most healthy meat sticks contain around 7–10 grams of protein per stick, depending on the brand and flavor.
