What’s the Difference Between Jerky and Biltong?
“More than 60% of Aussies say they don’t know the difference between jerky and biltong,” according to a recent snack survey. No surprise, they look similar, but they’re worlds apart.
One’s air-dried, the other’s heat-dried. One’s tangy and soft, the other’s bold and chewy. If you’re picking blindly, you could miss the flavour that fits your vibe.
In this guide, I’ll explain the differences between jerky and biltong, including how they’re made, how they taste, and which one deserves a spot in your snack stash. Let’s clear this up once and for all!
What Is Jerky?
Jerky is a chewy, high-protein snack made from lean meat sliced, marinated, and dried. It’s typically made from beef, like our 100% Aussie grass-fed cuts at 3099 Jerky, but can also come from chicken, turkey, or even game meats.
The process starts with trimming the fat, then marinating the meat in bold flavours like soy, garlic, pepper, and spices before drying it slowly at low heat.
The result? A tough, savoury, and shelf-stable snack that’s perfect for festivals, hikes, road trips, or just keeping in your work drawer. It’s low in carbs, packed with protein, and doesn’t need refrigeration, making it ideal for on-the-go energy.
Jerky has deep roots in survival food history, but modern versions (like ours) have improved in flavour and quality. Every taste bud has a jerky style, from smoky BBQ to salt and vinegar.
What Is Biltong?
Biltong is a traditional South African dried meat snack, made by air-drying thick cuts of beef (or sometimes game meats) over several days. Unlike jerky, which is heat-dried, biltong is cured in vinegar and spices like coriander, salt, and pepper, then hung to dry naturally. This gives it a unique, tender texture and rich, tangy flavour.
Typically cut into thicker strips or chunks, biltong can be chewy, soft, or even crumbly depending on how it’s sliced and dried. It’s less sweet than jerky and usually contains little to no added sugar or preservatives, which appeals to those after a cleaner snack.
Because it’s not cooked, biltong retains more moisture, making it more perishable, so it needs to be stored carefully or eaten fresh. While it’s a staple in South Africa, it's also growing in popularity across Australia.
Jerky may rule the hiking trail, but biltong brings a bold and old-school twist to the meat snack world.
Key Differences at a Glance
Think jerky and biltong are the same? These five key differences will change the way you snack forever.
1. Drying Method
Jerky is dried using low heat, often in a dehydrator or smoker, giving it a firmer texture and smoky edge.
Biltong, on the other hand, is air-cured for several days, using vinegar and spice blends to preserve and flavour it. The process creates a distinct difference in mouthfeel and shelf stability. Jerky's heat-drying provides a longer shelf life, making it perfect for on-the-go Aussie adventures.
2. Texture
If you love a chewy bite, jerky’s your pick. It’s sliced thin and dried to a firmer finish, ideal for extended shelf life and slow snacking.
Depending on the cure, Biltong tends to be cut thicker and remains softer, sometimes even moist in the centre. The difference? Jerky’s texture suits rugged, high-energy moments, while biltong leans toward a more tender, deli-style snack experience.
3. Flavour Profile
Jerky’s flavour is savoury, often smoky, and spice-driven, marinated before drying to lock in bold taste. Biltong leans tangier, with noticeable vinegar and spice notes due to its curing method.
While both are seasoned, jerky brings the barbecue vibes, while biltong feels richer and slightly sour. If you prefer a punchy, smoky snack, jerky wins hands down, especially 3099’s Garlic or Smokey BBQ varieties.
4. Shelf Life & Portability
Jerky is made for movement. Its low moisture content means a longer shelf life and no refrigeration needed. Perfect for road trips, festivals, and long days at work.
While still portable, Biltong contains more moisture and often requires cool, dry storage, especially once opened. For busy Aussies needing an on-the-go snack that won’t spoil, jerky is the smarter, safer choice for your backpack or glovebox.
5. Origin
Jerky traces its roots back to Indigenous North and South American cultures, where dried meat was used as a survival food. It became popular in the United States and evolved into the smoky, spice-packed.
Biltong, however, originates from South Africa and was traditionally made by Dutch settlers. The key difference? Jerky brings that American BBQ vibe, while biltong carries African curing traditions.
Which One’s Healthier?
Both jerky and biltong are high in protein, low in carbs, and great for fuelling active lifestyles. But the difference lies in the details. Biltong is often fattier due to its thicker cuts and may retain more moisture, slightly reducing shelf life.
Jerky, especially 3099 Jerky, is typically leaner, with carefully trimmed meat and minimal fat, making it a cleaner option for those watching calories or macros.
Sugar and preservative content also vary. Some biltong recipes add more vinegar and natural sugars during curing, while certain jerky brands may include sweet marinades. However, 3099 Jerky keeps things simple, using Aussie beef, bold spice blends, and no unnecessary fillers or nasties.
In the end, both can be healthy, but if you're after a lean, low-sugar, and long-lasting snack, jerky edges out as the better all-rounder. It’s the no-fuss, no-fridge protein hit that keeps you going without compromise.
Which One Should You Choose?
The answer comes down to taste, texture, and how you snack. If you prefer something soft, tangy, and rich with vinegar notes, biltong might be your go-to. But jerky wins hands down if you’re after bold flavour, longer shelf life, and a tougher, chewier bite.
Jerky, especially from 3099, is built for Aussie lifestyles. Whether on the road, at a festival, or fuelling a workday, it delivers clean, lean protein without the fuss. Its heat-dried process makes storing, packing, and keeping fresh in any environment easier.
The flavour options at 3099 Jerky hit every craving, from Smokey BBQ to spicy Chilli. So, if you value convenience, bold taste, and Aussie-made quality, jerky is your best bet. Keep a few packs on hand and you'll never reach for boring snacks again.
Jerky in Australia: Why 3099 Jerky Stands Out
3099 Jerky is proudly Aussie and better in a sea of meat snacks. Made from 100% grass-fed Australian beef, it’s crafted with care, marinated for 24 hours, air-dried for texture, and packed fresh without artificial preservatives, fillers, or MSG. Every bite delivers bold flavour and clean ingredients, the way jerky should be.
What sets us apart? We keep it real. Our jerky isn’t mass-produced overseas; it’s made locally, with recipes perfected for Aussie palates. Whether on a work break, festival run, or bush trip, 3099 Jerky brings long-lasting energy, big flavour, and a no-fuss experience you can rely on.
From the chewy texture to the punchy seasoning, it’s the kind of snack you won’t regret packing. Flavours like Teriyaki, Garlic, and Original keep things interesting without going overboard.
Know the Difference, Snack with Purpose
Jerky and biltong may share roots in dried meat, but are worlds apart in taste, texture, and tradition. If bold flavours, Aussie-made quality, and protein-packed convenience matter to you, jerky wins every time. Ready to snack smarter? Grab a pack of 3099 Jerky and taste the difference for yourself.