Biltong has long been a staple in South African households and now it’s gaining popularity globally, not just for its bold flavour but also for its impressive health benefits. Traditionally air-dried and seasoned using simple, natural ingredients, biltong offers a clean, protein-rich alternative to many highly processed snacks.
Despite its reputation as a snacking favourite, biltong is often embraced by those following low-carb or keto diets due to its high protein content and minimal carbohydrates. Let’s take a closer look at what makes biltong a smarter choice when it comes to snacking.
Nutritional Benefits of Biltong
- High in Protein
Biltong is packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle growth, recovery, and satiety. In our traditional biltong, you are looking at 42g of protein per 100g and given biltong’s convenience as a snacking option, it makes it the perfect grab and go option for workouts. - Low in Carbohydrates
Unlike many snack options, biltong is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for those following low-carb, keto, or paleo diets. Since it contains no added sugars or artificial fillers, it’s a great snack for maintaining stable blood sugar levels and keeping your cholesterol down. - Rich in Essential Nutrients
Biltong is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These nutrients are crucial for energy production, immune function, and overall well-being. - Free from Artificial Additives
Unlike processed jerky, which often contains preservatives, biltong is traditionally air-dried with minimal additives. This makes it a cleaner and more natural snack choice.
Suitable for most high-protein, natural diets
Biltong fits seamlessly into many popular eating plans focused on whole, nutrient-dense foods. Whether you follow paleo, keto, or even a carnivore-style diet, biltong provides a satisfying protein hit without unnecessary extras. Some varieties contain a bit of natural fat, which can be a welcome energy source, but leaner versions are also widely available for those looking to reduce fat intake.
Is Biltong healthier than Jerky?
As common cured meat snacks, biltong is often compared to jerky. They are both high protein, fairly lean snacks typically made from beef. However, they are made from quite different techniques and this difference gives biltong a healthy edge on most conventional jerky. It’s lower in sugar and carbs and also typically lower in sodium content. It’s also higher in protein and key nutrients and a more natural product, meaning less preservatives and additives.
Low fat options?
Biltong is a high protein and low carb snack option but our traditional biltong does come with a decent amount of fat on it. This is tasty and can be useful for low intake diets but we understand that’s not ideal for everyone so we also sell lean beef biltong with the same classic taste. If you are looking for a low fat option though, might we recommend another South African classic in stokkies? They are little sticks of low fat goodness and they make a great diet option as well.
Want to try biltong? St Marcus is an award-winning biltong provider based in the UK since 1983. Their biltong comes in both lean and fatty styles and there’s a myriad of flavours to choose from. You can also try their more exotic biltong made for zebra or venison for a unique taste we know you’ll love.