Pros And Cons Of Homemade Jerky

Making jerky at home sounds great until you're four hours in, the batch is dry as the Outback, and you’re wondering why you didn’t just buy it.

It’s easy to get swept up in the DIY trend, but homemade jerky isn’t always cheaper, safer, or tastier. One wrong step and it’s a chewy disaster or worse, a food safety risk!

In this article, we’ll unpack homemade jerky's pros and cons and why 3099 Jerky might save your weekend.

What Is Homemade Jerky?

Homemade jerky is dried, seasoned meat that you prepare and dehydrate yourself—typically using an oven, dehydrator, or air-drying method. It’s a popular DIY snack for those who want more control over what goes into their food. 

From choosing your cuts to experimenting with flavours, making jerky at home lets you skip the additives and load up on custom taste.

Most homemade jerky starts with lean beef, often sliced thin, marinated for several hours (or even overnight), and slowly dried until it’s chewy and preserved. People love this process because it feels wholesome and rewarding, especially when using grass-fed or organic meat.

While it sounds simple, getting it just right requires precision. Temperature control is key, and food safety can’t be ignored. You’ll have a tasty, protein-rich snack without the commercial extras if done correctly. Otherwise, you risk under-drying or unsafe storage.

Still, for jerky lovers, the hands-on approach can be half the fun—if you’ve got the time and patience!

The Pros of Making Your Own Jerky

Making your jerky might just be your next flavour-packed obsession! From total ingredient control to custom spice blends, DIY jerky isn’t just about saving money

1. Full Control Over Ingredients

When you make jerky at home, you control everything that goes into it—no hidden sugars, artificial preservatives, or excessive sodium—just the essentials. 

This is ideal if you watch your salt intake or avoid additives for health reasons. You can also choose lean, 100% grass-fed beef and keep it as clean and natural as you like. It’s your jerky, your rules.

2. Cost-Effective in the Long Run

While there’s some initial cost for equipment or bulk meat, homemade jerky can save you money. Premium store-bought jerky often costs a fortune per gram. 

By purchasing meat in bulk and prepping batches yourself, you can get more for less. This is a budget-friendly way to enjoy high-quality snacks without compromising taste or nutrition.

3. Customised Flavours to Suit Your Taste

Store-bought jerky can be hit or miss when it comes to flavour. Making your own lets you experiment with marinades, spices, and textures. 

Want chilli-lime with a smoky twist? Done. Prefer something mild and herbaceous? Go for it. Homemade jerky puts you in charge of the taste experience, so you're not stuck with whatever’s on the supermarket shelf.

4. Satisfaction of Making It Yourself

Making jerky from scratch is rewarding. The hands-on process of marinating, drying, and tasting is productive and satisfying. 

Plus, you know exactly where your food came from. It’s not just about eating; it’s about taking pride in your food choices. For DIY lovers, this is half the fun and a tasty result you can be proud of.

5. Better Portion Control

When you are in charge of the batch size, you. When handling the batch size, this can cut your jerky to your preferred thickness and weight. That means more consistent portions and less mindless snacking. 

You decide how much to make and when—great for meal prepping or managing macros. Homemade jerky lets you snack smarter, not harder, especially if you’re watching your diet.

6. Fresher, Cleaner Snacking

Homemade jerky does not contain the long shelf-life preservatives in many store-bought options. This means fewer additives and more real food. The jerky is fresher, tastes better, and often has a more natural texture. 

You’re not pulling a pack off the shelf that’s been there for months—you’re enjoying jerky made just days ago, with ingredients you recognise and trust.

The Cons of Homemade Jerky

Think making jerky at home is all the gain? Hold that thought—there are a few hidden drawbacks you should chew on.

1. Time-Consuming Process

Homemade jerky isn’t a quick snack fix. Between slicing, marinating (often overnight), and drying, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours—or more. 

If you’re short on time or just want jerky on demand, it’s not ideal. While rewarding, the lengthy prep can feel like a chore, especially when you want a ready-to-eat, grab-and-go snack.

2. Special Equipment May Be Needed

You can use an oven, but a dehydrator is often recommended for best results. Depending on the quality, a dehydrator can cost between $100 and $300. 

Not everyone has the space or budget for extra kitchen gear. Achieving consistent texture and safety standards can be tricky without the right tools. For some, it’s just not worth the hassle or expense.

3. Risk of Food Safety Issues

Jerky must be dried at precise temperatures to kill bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella. If the process isn’t followed correctly, your batch could turn dangerous. 

Unlike commercial brands, which use strict safety standards, homemade jerky relies on your knowledge and tools. Food safety can be a serious concern for first-timers that outweighs the DIY appeal.

4. Inconsistent Results

Each batch can turn out differently. One may be perfectly chewy, while the next is too dry or under-seasoned. Factors like cut thickness, marination time, and drying temperature affect the outcome. 

Without experience, it’s easy to mess up the texture or flavour of homemade jerky. Homemade jerky can be hit or miss if you're after consistency and convenience.

5. Shorter Shelf Life

Homemade jerky doesn't have the preservatives or packaging that extend the life of commercial products. If iacuum is sealed and stored correctly, it can spoil within a week or two. 

That’s fine if you eat it quickly, but it's not ideal for bulk prep or on-the-go snacking. Store-bought options like 3099 Jerky offer better shelf stability and peace of mind for longer-lasting jerky.

How Does Homemade Jerky Compare to 3099 Jerky?

Think your homemade jerky stacks up? Let’s put it to the test. From flavour and texture to safety and shelf life, here’s how your DIY batch compares to the small-batch, Aussie-made goodness of 3099 Jerky.

When to Make Your Own and When to Choose 3099 Jerky

If you enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and have the time to marinate, dehydrate, and store your batch, homemade jerky can be a fun weekend project. It’s ideal for playing with bold flavours, controlling every ingredient, or using up bulk meat. But remember, it requires patience, equipment, and attention to food safety.

On the other hand, when life is busy and you need a reliable, ready-to-eat snack that supports your health goals, 3099 Jerky is the smarter pick. Our jerky is made with 100% grass-fed beef, slow-marinated, and seasoned with minimal ingredients, keeping it heart-friendly without sacrificing flavour.

Whether fueling a road trip, packing your gym bag, or craving something clean and satisfying, 3099 Jerky delivers consistency, convenience, and peace of mind. So go ahead—make your own when you have the time, but grab a pack of 3099 for everything else.

Final Thoughts

Homemade jerky has charm—custom flavours, DIY pride, and total control. But it also demands time, tools, and precision. 

If you’re after flavour without the fuss, 3099 Jerky delivers clean, slow-marinated goodness made from 100% grass-fed beef. Skip the guesswork—grab a pack of 3099 Jerky and snack smarter, no dehydrator required!