Snacks, beef jerky, chopped and formed
FDC 167536oz (28 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Density 27 · -17 vs Snacks medianBeef jerky's concentrated protein shows clearly in the numbers, even though its Nutrient Density Score lands at 27 of 100, a Low band ranking 53rd of 60 in Snacks, below the category's median score of 44. Protein hits an excellent 66% DV, with an excellent 30% DV of iron alongside it, reflecting how much the drying process concentrates the meat.
Jerky is eaten as a shelf-stable snack straight from the bag, with an ounce (28 g) a typical portion. The honest caveat: it's high in sodium at 1780 mg per 100 g and carries 10.8 g of saturated fat per 100 g, so it's worth pairing with water and treating it as an occasional snack rather than a daily one.
See how this score is calculated, build a plate around snacks, beef jerky, or compare it with another food.
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal | 21% |
| Total fat | 26 g | 33% |
| Saturated fat | 11 g | 54% |
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% |
| Sodium | 1780 mg | 77% |
| Carbohydrate | 11 g | 4% |
| Dietary fiber | 1.8 g | 6% |
| Sugars | 9 g | |
| Protein | 33 g | 66% |
| Potassium | 597 mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 20 mg | 2% |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% |
| Magnesium | 51 mg | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.49 mg | 3% |
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 115 kcal | 6% |
| Total fat | 7.2 g | 9% |
| Saturated fat | 3 g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 498 mg | 22% |
| Carbohydrate | 3.1 g | 1% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.5 g | 2% |
| Sugars | 2.5 g | |
| Protein | 9.3 g | 19% |
| Potassium | 167 mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 5.6 mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1.5 mg | 8% |
| Magnesium | 14 mg | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0 µg | 0% |
| Vitamin E | 0.14 mg | 1% |
Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain
FDC 167536Original analysis by NutriVerdict
What it is rich in
Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
Versus the snacks median
Original analysis by NutriVerdict
More nutrient-dense swaps
Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.
Milk and cereal barDensity 27 vs 27Snacks, shrimp crackerDensity 29 vs 27Rice and Wheat cereal barDensity 29 vs 27Original analysis by NutriVerdict
In the kitchen and how to use it
Chopped-and-formed beef jerky differs from traditional whole-muscle jerky in that ground beef is seasoned, pressed into strips or sticks, and then dried or smoked, giving it a more uniform, tender chew than the tougher, stringier texture of sliced jerky. It is a shelf-stable, no-prep snack eaten straight from the bag, tossed into a backpack or glove box, or torn into pieces alongside trail mix and nuts on a hike.
Because drying removes most moisture, unopened bags keep well at room temperature in a pantry; once opened, reseal tightly or refrigerate to preserve texture and prevent it from drying out further. A one-ounce (28 g) serving is notably protein-dense at 33.2 g, 66% DV, plus 30% DV iron and 13% DV potassium, all concentrated by the drying process, though it also carries 410 calories and 1,780 mg of sodium per ounce, making it a potent protein source best portioned rather than eaten by the handful.
Frequently asked questions about snacks, beef jerky
How many calories are in chopped and formed beef jerky?
A one-ounce, 28 g serving has 410 calories.
Is beef jerky a good source of protein?
Yes, this jerky provides 33.2 g of protein per ounce, which is 66% of the Daily Value, along with 30% DV iron.
Is chopped and formed jerky different from regular jerky?
Yes, it is made from ground and pressed beef rather than whole sliced muscle, giving it a more uniform, tender chew.