
Original Beef Jerky vs. Teriyaki Beef Jerky: Classic or Sweet?
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From campfires to backyard gatherings, beef jerky has always been a trusted snack. Each strip carries tradition, showing how simple, seasoned meat has fuelled adventures and comforted quiet moments for generations.
Among the many varieties, Original Beef Jerky and Teriyaki Beef Jerky stand out as two favourites with strikingly different profiles. Original brings a salty, savoury chew, while teriyaki offers sweetness, umami, and tenderness.
Whether for road trips, school lunches, or post-gym fuel, jerky fits the moment. This article compares flavour, texture, and nutrition to guide your choice.
Original Jerky: Salt, Savour, and Substance

Original beef jerky is the flavour that started it all, and it hasn’t lost its charm. Stripped back to the essentials, it delivers a salty, savoury punch that highlights the quality of the beef itself rather than masking it with extras. Each chew is firm and rugged, reminding you this is a snack built on tradition, not trends.
That chewiness is part of its character, offering both satisfaction and staying power. It’s the kind of jerky that works in just about any setting: stashed in a backpack for a hike, kept in the glovebox for a road trip, or tossed into a gym bag for a quick protein boost.
Original jerky appeals to purists who appreciate the meat at its core, free from too much fuss or sweetness. It’s dependable, straightforward, and honest , a flavour that speaks to people who like their snacks hearty, no-nonsense, and true to the roots of jerky-making.
Teriyaki Jerky: Sweet Meets Umami

Teriyaki beef jerky takes a different route, showing off the beauty of balance. With its soy sauce base, this jerky carries a rich umami depth that’s lifted by garlic and ginger, then rounded with a gentle sweetness from sugar or honey.
The result is a strip that feels indulgent without going over the top, tender enough to enjoy easily, and flavourful enough to keep you hooked. It’s the kind of jerky that wins over crowds because it feels welcoming and approachable for newcomers, while still satisfying for long-time fans.
Think of it as the all-rounder: perfect to share at a barbecue, pair with a cold beer, or slip into a school lunchbox. Where original jerky leans rugged, teriyaki leans smooth, offering a layered taste that suits almost any occasion. Sweet yet savoury, firm yet tender, it’s the flavour that proves jerky can be more than just salty protein, it can be comfort food in its own right.
Side-by-Side Breakdown
Original brings grit, teriyaki brings charm, let’s stack them up side by side and see how flavour, texture, and nutrition shape this tasty rivalry:
Feature |
Original Beef Jerky |
Teriyaki Beef Jerky |
Flavour |
Stripped-back, salty, savoury, and rugged. Highlights the natural beefiness without distraction. |
Smooth, rich, and layered. Soy, garlic, ginger, and sweetness create indulgent depth. |
Texture |
Tougher chew with an old-fashioned bite. Lasting flavour for jerky traditionalists. |
Softer, tender strips thanks to the marinade breaking down fibres. |
Sugar & Seasoning |
Minimal seasoning with salt, pepper, and light spices. , very low sugar. Clean and simple. |
Sweet-savoury balance with added sugar or honey for glaze-like flavour. |
Mood & Moments |
Best for hikes, road trips, or active settings where rugged fuel fits the vibe. |
Perfect for social snacking, barbecues, or pairing with drinks. |
Nutrition |
Leaner, lower sugar, ideal for keto or high-protein diets. |
Still protein-packed but higher in sugar and calories from the marinade. |
When to Choose Original and When to Pick Teriyaki
Whether you crave rugged tradition or a sweet-savoury twist, choosing between original and teriyaki beef jerky comes down to mood, moment, and taste. Let's find out how:

When to Choose Original
Original beef jerky is the flavour of tradition, built for those who appreciate straightforward, no-nonsense snacks. Its rugged, salty, savoury taste makes it ideal when you need something hearty and reliable.
Think long drives where concentration matters, hikes that demand fuel without fuss, or gym sessions where clean protein supports recovery. Even during late nights at the office, original jerky comes through as a dependable companion, giving you the energy to power on without distractions.
The texture also plays a role here. Original jerky usually has a firm chew, reminding you it’s a protein-rich snack with grit. That toughness adds to the satisfaction and makes it a choice that feels purposeful.
For anyone on a low-sugar or high-protein plan, the minimal ingredients and stripped-back profile make it even more appealing. In short, original jerky is the snack of the adventurer and the purist, a timeless option that fuels effort and rewards determination.
When to Pick Teriyaki

Teriyaki beef jerky brings a different personality to the table, softer, sweeter, and undeniably more indulgent. Where original speaks of grit, teriyaki delivers charm, making it the perfect choice for social and relaxed moments. Its tender chew and flavourful soy-based glaze make it easy to share at barbecues, pack in a school lunchbox, or enjoy casually with a drink at the end of the day.
The balance of sweet and savoury gives teriyaki jerky universal appeal. It’s approachable enough for family snacking yet flavourful enough to satisfy anyone looking for something more interesting than chips or crackers. The marinade also makes each bite smoother, offering a treat-like experience that still delivers plenty of protein.
Teriyaki suits the flavour seeker, the social snacker, and anyone who enjoys food that feels both familiar and elevated. Keeping it on hand ensures you’ve always got a crowd-pleaser ready to match life’s lighter, more enjoyable moments.
How 3099 Makes Both Shine
Here’s how 3099 Jerky takes two very different flavours, original and teriyaki, and turns them into something special worth reaching for every time:
- Premium Aussie Beef:Â Every strip starts with 100% Australian grass-fed beef, giving both original and teriyaki a naturally rich base that stands out.
- Balanced Crafting:Â The original is kept clean and minimal to celebrate the meat, while teriyaki gets a carefully layered marinade that adds depth without overpowering.
- Texture Done Right:Â Original keeps that rugged chew traditionalists love, while teriyaki is marinated to tenderness, offering variety for different palates.
- No Nonsense Ingredients:Â Both flavours stick to simple, honest recipes, no fillers, no gimmicks, just seasoning that lets the beef shine.
- Consistency in Every Bag: Whether you pick salty-savoury or sweet-umami, every batch delivers the same quality that’s made 3099 Jerky a fan favourite.
Why 3099 Jerky Is Your Best Choice

Here’s why 3099 Jerky doesn’t just compete in the snack aisle, it leads the pack and keeps winning over Aussie jerky lovers every single day:
- Australia’s Most Reviewed Jerky Brand: Thousands of reviews back up the quality, proving it’s trusted and loved by everyday snackers nationwide.
- Protein With Purpose:Â Every bag packs serious protein for energy, making it perfect for gym sessions, busy workdays, or long adventures.
- Flavours That Fit Every Mood: From chilli to teriyaki, there’s a flavour for the spice chaser, the sweet seeker, and everyone in between.
- Local and Proud:Â Made with Australian beef and crafted locally, each bag supports homegrown farming and the Aussie way of doing things right.
- Snacking Without Regret:Â With minimal ingredients and maximum flavour, you get bold taste without the overload of additives found in cheap jerky.
Pick Your Jerky, Then Grab a Bag
The beauty of jerky is that it always delivers, whether you lean toward the salty simplicity of original or the sweet, umami-rich layers of teriyaki.
Choosing wisely means every strip works harder for you, fuelling road trips, adding protein to busy workdays, or giving you that reliable snack when hunger hits. Ignore the choice and you risk falling back on bland, empty snacks that don’t satisfy or keep you going.
With 3099 Jerky, you get honest ingredients, premium Australian beef, and flavours crafted to match every craving. Don’t wait until the next craving sneaks up. Contact us today, stock up, and taste the difference between ordinary snacking and jerky that’s made to perform.