Is Beef Jerky a Healthy Protein Snack for Kids' Lunchboxes?

Let’s imagine your kid is excited to have lunch and finish it happily. This can only be possible when there is beef jerky, a healthy protein snack, in kids’ lunchboxes. It's versatile and a delicious option. Learn more about nutrition, alternatives, and handy options for kids' lunchboxes with us.

One of the most challenging tasks for parents is selecting the right snacks to include in their children's lunchboxes. Due to the sheer number of choices available on supermarket shelves, parents are often left in a situation where they are torn between giving their children healthy options. Granted, the options appear to be countless, beginning with granola bars, continuing with fruit snacks, and chips. 

In this blog, we will discuss the nutrition of beef jerky, its advantages and disadvantages as a lunchbox addition for kids, and whether it can ever be a truly healthy snack option for kids.

The Nutritional Breakdown of Beef Jerky

Beef jerky is nothing more than cured and spiced beef dried out, thereby providing it a lengthy shelf life and an intense taste. One package of beef jerky has:

Protein: Beef jerky is a high-protein product containing an average of approximately 9-11 grams per ounce. This is what makes it a great source of protein, which is required to help kids grow and build their muscles, immune system, and generally grow.
Fat: Beef jerky typically has a range of 37 grams of fat per ounce (depending on the type of meat that is used). Although children need fat to provide energy and build their brains, a lot of saturated fat may put them at risk of heart disease when they grow up.
Sodium: The issue with beef jerky is that the food contains a lot of sodium. One meal has 300-700 mg of sodium, and this value is approximately 13-30 percent of the daily recommended amount of sodium in children.
Carbohydrates: When low-carb diets are assumed, beef jerky is considered a low-carb food. Carbs are a source of energy, but most likely, beef jerky will not be a significant source of this protein.

The Pros of Beef Jerky for Kids
1. High-Growth and Energy Protein.

Protein is one of the essential macronutrients required by growing children as it aids in the development and repair of muscle and also helps to boost the immune system. Beef jerky is a high-protein food that can be easily used to fulfill the protein needs of kids daily. Beef jerky is a fast and effective snack to keep active kids or those with high energy requirements energized all day.

2. Portable and Long-Lasting

Jerky is not cumbersome, allowing one to eat comfortably, and there is no need to make a mess, whether on a car trip, at school, or even as a post-school snack. It is also an attractive item to purchase in bulk since it has a longer shelf life than most snacks.

The Cons of Beef Jerky for Kids

1. High Sodium Content

High sodium levels are one of the largest disadvantages of beef jerky. Children below the age of 14 years should not take more than 1,500-2,300 mg of sodium per day according to their age. Jerky may contain a substantial amount of this daily intake, particularly when they have more than one serving. 

2. The additives and Preservatives.

Most brands of beef jerky sold commercially are preserved with food preservatives such as nitrates and nitrites to allow their products to stay on the shelf. Although the FDA has found the following preservatives safe in small quantities, some research indicates that they could be associated with the risk of developing some types of cancer.

Is Beef Jerky a Healthy Snack for Kids?

Beef jerky can be a healthy addition to the lunchbox of your child, but only in a limited amount.

Select Natural, Low-Sodium

Low-sodium or no-nitrate jerky products are available from dozens of brands. The most effective way to make jerky an excellent kid-friendly snack is to choose wisely.

Conclusion

The best option for a low-card foodstuff is nothing but a healthy and nutritious beef jerky full of energy. However, some are high in sodium and may have some preservatives; therefore, it is important to take it in a balanced way. This way, you can make beef jerky a yummy and healthy snack that your child will like, without compromising his or her overall health.