Why Jerky is Expensive
By Kewkumber
@Ladypeace (2028)
Singapore
February 18, 2016 10:27pm CST
People grumble about how a small bag of dried meat (3oz/85g) costs at least USD$4.There are good reasons for that.
Jerky requires lean cuts of meat which is more expensive than fatty cuts that would make the product spoil more rapidly.
When the meat gets drained of its moisture, it reduces significantly in size. A sizable 1lb/450g slab of steak would be reduced to a few ounces.
The protein ratio in jerky is double the amount found in a piece of meat. For example, 1oz/30g of meat contains 7g of protein, whereas the same amount of jerky would contain 14g of protein.
The high quality of ingredients, high protein per serving ratio along with the labor and time it takes to make a small bag of jerky explains its premium price tag.
I've tried turkey, beef and pork jerky and enjoyed them. The Chinese ones are spiced way sweeter than the Western type. They're all perfect for an occasional treat.
Is jerky too pricey?
Photo: Pork Jerky Stack that I had during Chinese New Year
5 people like this
7 responses
@SIMPLYD (90717)
• Philippines
20 Feb 16
@Ladypeace Grilling can really make meats so delicious to eat , though cancer prone .
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@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
20 Feb 16
@SIMPLYD Yes you are right about cancer!
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@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
19 Feb 16
The western jerky I've had tend to be drier but the chinese ones are moist because ours have a higher fat content. It's yummy but unhealthy since it's cooked over a charcoal grill to give it that distinct flavor.
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@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
19 Feb 16
Yeah, the photo I've shared is a jerky we usually eat during new year celebrations.
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@youless (114117)
• Guangzhou, China
19 Feb 16
There is a famous jerky in your country and I like the jerky there. It tastes and smells so well but it is expensive. And its stores are also available in my city. I did try to make the jerky by myself. I must say that it is not easy and it tastes well but it doesn't as well as the jerky from the store. Perhaps it is difficult to make at home, so that its price is high.
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@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
19 Feb 16
It requires baking and charcoal grilling to get it's distinct smoky sweet flavor. I'm glad you've enjoyed our bakkwa.
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@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
19 Feb 16
Lol, so true for the identifying type of meat part. Yes, some people dislike bakkwa because it's too sweet and greasy.
@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
19 Feb 16
Lol, Jerky can be overly salty and have a chewy texture that not all would like.
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@petatonicsca (7070)
• Japan
20 Feb 16
I think since it is easily portable protein, and can be stored unrefrigerated, it's somewhat of a bargain. Unfortunately most has gluten so I can't eat it. I found KRAVE Turkey Jerky which I can eat and it comes in several cool flavors. I haven't located it in Japan, though.
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@Ladypeace (2028)
• Singapore
20 Feb 16
What a neat way to describe jerky as portable protein. I see you prefer gluten free products. The jerky brand you've mentioned come in many delectable flavors, but still too pricey for me.
@infatuatedbby (94909)
• United States
19 Feb 16
I love jerky but it's definitely worth the splurge once in a while. 
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