Slim Jims are a popular processed meat snack made by Conagra Brands. They are cylindrical in shape and have a recognizable red plastic casing. Slim Jims are known for their intense smoky flavor and chewy texture.
Quick Answer
A regular, 2.2 oz original Slim Jim contains about 190 calories. A little, or “snack size”, Slim Jim that is 1.92 oz contains around 170 calories.
Determining Slim Jim Calorie Counts
To determine the calorie content of Slim Jims, we need to look at the nutrition facts label provided by the manufacturer, Conagra Brands. The specific calorie count can vary slightly between different Slim Jim varieties and sizes.
Here are some key details on common Slim Jim calorie counts:
- Original Slim Jim (2.2 oz): 190 calories
- “Giant” Slim Jim (4.25 oz): 350 calories
- “Snack size” Slim Jim (1.92 oz): 170 calories
- Sizzlin’ Mesquite Slim Jim (2.2 oz): 180 calories
- Smokin’ Chipotle Slim Jim (2.2 oz): 180 calories
As you can see, the standard 2.2 oz original Slim Jim contains about 190 calories. The “snack size” or “little” 1.92 oz Slim Jim has around 170 calories.
Nutrition Facts for Original Slim Jims
To better understand the calories and other nutrients in Slim Jims, let’s take a closer look at the nutrition label for a 2.2 oz original Slim Jim:
| Nutrition Facts | Slim Jim Original Smoked Snack (2.2 oz / 62g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Total Fat 15g | 23% DV |
| Saturated Fat 6g | 30% DV |
| Trans Fat 0g | |
| Cholesterol 20mg | 7% DV |
| Sodium 770mg | 33% DV |
| Total Carbohydrate 8g | 3% DV |
| Dietary Fiber 0g | 0% DV |
| Total Sugars 2g | Includes 0g Added Sugars |
| Protein 10g |
As shown, a 2.2 oz original Slim Jim contains 190 calories, with 110 of those coming from fat. It also contains 770mg of sodium, which is 33% of the daily recommended value.
Comparing Regular and Snack Size Slim Jim Calories
Now let’s compare the nutrition facts for a regular 2.2 oz Slim Jim versus a “snack size” 1.92 oz Slim Jim:
| Nutrition Facts | Regular (2.2 oz) | Snack Size (1.92 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 190 | 170 |
| Total Fat 15g | 13g | |
| Sodium 770mg | 680mg | |
| Total Carbs 8g | 7g | |
| Protein 10g | 9g |
The snack size Slim Jim is about 20 calories less than the regular size. It also contains slightly less fat, sodium, carbs and protein due to being a little smaller in weight.
Slim Jim Ingredients and Processing
To better evaluate the calorie content of Slim Jims, it helps to understand what they are made of and how they are produced.
According to the Conagra Brands website, Slim Jims contain the following ingredients:
- Beef
- Mechanically separated chicken
- Salt
- Corn syrup
- Dextrose
- Spices
- Sodium nitrite
- Flavorings
- Hydrolyzed soy protein
- Sodium erythorbate
- Extractives of paprika
Slim Jims start with beef and chicken that are processed and blended with flavorings into a emulsion. This meat mixture is then stuffed into an edible collagen casing to form the stick shape.
The Slim Jims are smoked to add flavor, cooked, then dried to firm up the texture before being packaged.
The processing helps preserve the shelf life but also increases the sodium content used for curing and flavoring.
Slim Jim Nutrition Compared to Fresh Meat
Since Slim Jims are highly processed, their nutritional profile differs from fresh beef or chicken:
- Higher sodium content from curing salts, spice flavors
- Contains nitrites to preserve color and extend shelf life
- Uses corn syrup and dextrose as sweeteners
- Higher fat ratio compared to lean cuts of meat
- Higher cholesterol than chicken breast
- Minimal fiber content
The ingredients, smoking process, and textures agents like soy protein alter the nutrition compared to eating a fresh cut of meat or poultry.
Ways Slim Jims Impact Calorie Intake
Here are some important ways that eating Slim Jims can influence your overall calorie intake and nutrition:
- High sodium content may increase thirst and consumption of sugary drinks
- Nitrites may be harmful to health in large amounts
- Lack of fiber provides little satiety compared to whole foods
- High fat and salt content causes cravings to eat more
- Processed meats linked to increased cancer risk
- Collagen casing provides no nutritional value
While an occasional Slim Jim won’t cause great harm, regular consumption as part of a diet high in processed meats may lead to long-term health issues.
Healthier Snacking Alternatives
For a snack with a similar satisfying crunch but better nutrition, consider these alternatives:
- 28g bag plain roasted edamame (140 calories)
- 1 oz mixed nuts (165 calories)
- Baby carrots with 2 Tbsp hummus (95 calories)
- 1 medium apple with 1 Tbsp peanut butter (190 calories)
- 15 whole grain crackers (140 calories)
Choosing minimally processed, fiber rich foods can provide longer lasting energy and satisfaction compared to Slim Jims.
How Much Exercise to Burn off Slim Jims
Physical activity is an important way to balance out consuming high-calorie foods like Slim Jims. Here is how much exercise it would take to burn off Slim Jim calories:
- 30 minute jog: burns 290 calories
- 45 minutes weight training: burns 210 calories
- 60 minutes walking: burns 280 calories
- 45 minutes cycling: burns 260 calories
As shown, an average of about 30-60 minutes of rigorous exercise can burn off the 190-200 calories in a Slim Jim.
The Bottom Line
A regular 2.2 oz original Slim Jim contains about 190 calories, while a “snack size” Slim Jim has around 170 calories. Slim Jims are high in sodium, fat, and cholesterol compared to fresh meats.
Eating processed meats like Slim Jims regularly may negatively impact health over time. For better nutrition, consume Slim Jims only occasionally and balance them out with plenty of exercise.