How many calories is 2 small slim jims?

Quick Answer

Two small Slim Jims contain approximately 140 calories. Slim Jims are a popular brand of meat snack stick made from processed beef. A single small Slim Jim contains around 70 calories, so two small Slim Jims would contain 140 calories total. The exact calorie count may vary slightly depending on the specific flavor and size.

Calculating Slim Jim Calories

To determine how many calories are in two small Slim Jims, we first need to know the calorie content of a single Slim Jim. Slim Jims come in different sizes, including regular and giant. For this calculation, we will focus on the small size.

According to the Slim Jim nutrition facts label, a single small Original Slim Jim contains the following nutrients:

Serving Size 1 stick (28g)
Calories 70
Total Fat 5g
Sodium 370mg
Total Carbs 2g
Protein 7g

So a single small Slim Jim contains 70 calories. To determine the calories in two small Slim Jims, we simply multiply the 70 calories by 2:

70 calories x 2 Slim Jims = 140 calories

Therefore, the total calories in two small Slim Jims is approximately 140 calories. This value may vary slightly depending on the exact flavor and size, but for standard small Slim Jims, two sticks contains 140 calories.

Slim Jim Nutrition Facts

In addition to calories, Slim Jims contain other nutrients like fat, sodium, carbs, and protein in varying amounts. Here is a more detailed look at the nutrition facts for a small Slim Jim:

– Calories: 70 calories per stick
– Total fat: 5g (8% Daily Value)
– Saturated fat: 2.5g
– Trans fat: 0g
– Cholesterol: 15mg (5% DV)
– Sodium: 370mg (16% DV)
– Total carbs: 2g (1% DV)
– Dietary fiber: 0g
– Sugars: 1g
– Added sugars: 0g
– Protein: 7g

Slim Jims are high in sodium, containing 16% of the recommended Daily Value in just one small stick. They contain saturated and trans fat, but no fiber or added sugars. The rest of the calories come from protein.

When eating processed meats like Slim Jims, it’s important to watch your portion sizes due to the high sodium content. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day.

Comparing Slim Jim Calories to Other Snacks

How do the 140 calories in two small Slim Jims compare to other popular snack options? Here is a look at the calories in two small Slim Jims versus other snacks:

Snack Calories
2 small Slim Jims 140 calories
1 ounce pretzels 110 calories
10 potato chips 150 calories
1 ounce almonds 163 calories
1 apple 95 calories

As you can see, two small Slim Jims contain a similar number of calories as other popular salty snacks like pretzels, chips, and nuts. However, the Slim Jims lack the fiber, vitamins, and minerals found in healthier options like fruits and vegetables.

When choosing a snack, it’s best to aim for options that provide nutritional benefits in addition to calories. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins are all smart choices.

Slim Jim Ingredients

In order to understand the nutritional makeup of Slim Jims, let’s take a look at the ingredients that go into making these meat snacks:

– Beef: Slim Jims are made from processed beef, which accounts for most of the protein.

– Salt: To cure and preserve the meat. Slim Jims contain a large amount of sodium.

– Sugar: A small amount of sugar is added, contributing to the carb content.

– Spices: Spices like garlic, onion, paprika add flavor.

– Corn syrup solids: Contribute sweetness and texture.

– Monosodium glutamate (MSG): An additive used to enhance umami flavor.

– Preservatives: Such as sodium nitrite to prevent botulism and maintain color.

– Artificial flavors and colors: Used to achieve the signature Slim Jim taste and appearance.

The extensive processing and long list of additives allow Slim Jims to have a long shelf life. However, sticking to whole, minimally processed foods as much as possible is recommended for the best nutrition.

Slim Jim Flavor Varieties

While the original Slim Jim has been popular for decades, today you can find a wide range of flavors and varieties:

Original: The classic Slim Jim taste with smoked seasoning.

Mild: A less intense flavor than original.

Spicy: Brings the heat with flavors like fiery habanero.

Smoked: Infused with natural hardwood smoke flavor.

Pemmican: Made with beef, cranberries, and spices.

Giant: A larger sized Slim Jim.

Stix: Thinner Slim Jim sticks.

Slim Jim Jerky: Drier, chewier beef jerky texture.

Slim Jim Snack Bites: Bite-sized Slim Jim pieces.

The calorie count may vary between the different flavors and varieties, but generally ranges from 60-80 calories per standard-sized stick.

Health Impact of Processed Meats

While an occasional Slim Jim may seem harmless, regularly consuming processed meats like it may negatively impact your health. Here are some downsides to keep in mind:

– High sodium intake has been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium to 1,500 mg per day. Just one Slim Jim exceeds this amount.

– Nitrates and nitrites used to preserve processed meats may cause cancer. Studies show a link between frequent processed meat intake and colorectal cancer.

– Processed meats are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which increases heart disease risk by elevating LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.

– They lack beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.

– Heavily processed foods digest quickly, spiking blood sugar and insulin levels which may increase diabetes risk.

Experts including the World Health Organization recommend limiting intake of processed meats for optimal health. If choosing processed options, enjoy in moderation along with plenty of whole, fiber-rich plant foods.

Healthier Snacking Alternatives to Slim Jims

For a more balanced, nutrient-rich snack, consider these healthier alternatives to provide satisfaction without the drawbacks of processed meats:

– Fresh fruits like apples, bananas, berries

– Vegetables with hummus or guacamole

– Yogurt topped with nuts and seeds

– Hard-boiled eggs

– Cheese sticks

– Roasted chickpeas

– Rice cakes with natural peanut butter

– Trail mix or granola

– Tortilla chips with salsa or bean dip

– Air-popped popcorn

Focus on whole foods like produce, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Stay hydrated by drinking water, milk, or tea. Limit sweets and sodas. Avoid snacking out of boredom by finding activities to keep you occupied between meals.

Making Healthier Homemade Meat Sticks

If you enjoy the protein and portability of meat snacks, consider making your own homemade version with simple whole food ingredients:

– Use lean ground turkey or grass-fed beef.

– Mix in breadcrumbs, egg whites, and seasoning for texture.

– Add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.

– Form into sticks and bake until firm.

– Optional: coat with sesame seeds for crunch.

Homemade meat sticks have a cleaner nutrition label with just whole food ingredients. You control the quality of the meat, sodium content, and flavor profile. Bake a batch to have ready anytime for a protein-packed snack on the go.

Conclusion

Two small Slim Jims contain approximately 140 calories, which comes mostly from the processed beef. Slim Jims are high in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol, and various preservatives and additives used in processing. While an occasional Slim Jim won’t harm your health, regularly consuming processed meats may increase risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. For better nutrition, emphasize whole foods like fruits, veggies, fiber-rich grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Making your own homemade meat sticks can also allow you to control ingredients and sodium content. In moderation alongside a balanced diet, the occasional processed meat snack may be fine, but emphasize healthier whole food options as your main nutrition foundation.

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