Quick Answer
The size of a pack of beef jerky can vary greatly, but a typical range is from 2 ounces to 8 ounces. Most major brands of beef jerky are available in packs around 3-5 ounces. So a standard pack of beef jerky contains about 3-5 ounces or 85-140 grams. However, there are also larger bag options up to 8-10 ounces and smaller pouches with just an ounce or two. The amount of jerky is usually printed right on the packaging so you can easily see how many ounces come in each bag or pouch.
The Typical Size Range for a Pack of Beef Jerky
When you pick up a bag of beef jerky at the store or gas station, it’s common to see sizes ranging from about 2 ounces on the small end up to around 8 ounces for larger bags. Here’s an overview of the most common pack sizes:
– 2 ounce pouches – These small portable packs are convenient for tossing in your pocket or bag for a quick protein-packed snack. A 2 ounce pouch contains around 55-60 grams of jerky.
– 3 ounce pouches – This is a very standard size for a pack of jerky and contains roughly 85 grams. Major brands like Jack Link’s and Oberto often sell this size.
– 4 ounce packs – Slightly larger than a 3 ounce pouch, this size contains about 110-115 grams of jerky and offers more substantial snacking.
– 5 ounce packs – For even more jerky by weight, 5 ounce packs clock in around 140 grams of meaty goodness. Popular brands like Tillamook make this size.
– 6 to 8 ounce bags – On the larger end, you can find some brands selling 6, 7, or 8 ounce bags. These offer the most jerky with up to 225 grams per pack. Flavors and styles vary.
So in summary, while packs range from small 2 ounce pouches to hearty 8 ounce bags, the most common size is 3 to 5 ounces. This gives you a nice amount of jerky for snacking without going overboard.
Factors that Influence Pack Sizes
There are a few main factors that determine how many ounces come in a pack of jerky:
– Brand – Different brands have different size standards. While Jack Link’s lean beef sticks often come in 3 ounce packs, Tillamook’s jerky lines tend toward 5 ounce bags for example.
– Flavor and style – Spicy flavors or more lightweight jerky strips often come in smaller packs, while thick cut smoked styles may be sold in larger bags.
– Multipacks – Some brands sell multipacks with several small 1-2 ounce pouches for convenience. Or variety packs with different flavors.
– Travel size – To meet airline regulations, some companies make TSA-friendly 2 ounce pouches perfect for traveling.
– Bulk packs – At warehouse clubs or online, jumbo packs with up to 1 pound of jerky offer bulk savings.
– Price – Lesser known brands may reduce pack sizes to 2-3 ounces to keep costs down. Premium brands sell up to 8 ounces.
So when checking pack sizes, take note of the brand, specific jerky style, multipack formats, and whether it’s a single serving or bulk package. This gives you a better idea of why the weight varies.
The Average Amount of Jerky in a 5 Ounce Pack
As a pack size that’s right in the middle of the typical range, 5 ounce jerky packs offer a good benchmark for the average amount you get. Here’s a look at what you can expect in a standard 5 ounce pack:
– Weight – A 5 ounce pack of jerky contains about 140 grams of meat. This offers a hearty portion for snacking or lunch.
– Strips – For a soft and chewy sliced jerky, you’ll get around 15-20 strips in a 5 ounce pack. Enough for munching over time.
– Sticks – If it’s a stick style like Slim Jims, a 5 ounce pack normally has 5-7 sticks for plenty of convenience.
– Nuggets – If the jerky is in bite-size nugget form, expect around 30-50 pieces per 5 ounce pack.
– Brands – Popular jerky brands offering 5 ounce pack sizes include Tillamook, Krave, Duke’s, and Pacific Gold.
So in a 5 ounce jerky pouch, you’re getting 140 grams or close to 20 strips/sticks depending on the style. It makes for a good light meal or protein-filled snacking.
Comparing 2 Ounce, 5 Ounce, and 8 Ounce Pack Sizes
To give a better sense of how jerky pack sizes differ, here’s a direct comparison of small (2 oz), medium (5 oz) and large (8 oz) packs:
| Pack Size | Total Weight | Approximate Strip/Stick Count |
|---|---|---|
| 2 ounce | 55-60 grams | 5-10 strips |
| 5 ounce | 140 grams | 15-20 strips |
| 8 ounce | 225 grams | 25-30 strips |
As you can see, the 5 ounce size offers a nice middle ground while 2 ounces is perfect for portable packs and 8 ounces gives you the most jerky for heavy snacking. Consider the number of strips or sticks as well as the total grams of jerky.
The Price Per Ounce for Different Pack Sizes
Along with comparing the amount of jerky in each pack, it’s also helpful to look at the price per ounce. In many cases, larger pack sizes offer a lower cost per ounce compared to smaller pouches. Here are some typical price points:
– 2 ounce packs – $1.00-$1.50 per ounce
– 3 ounce packs – $0.75-$1.00 per ounce
– 5 ounce packs – $0.60-$0.75 per ounce
– 8 ounce packs – $0.50-$0.60 per ounce
Buying larger bulk packs brings the per ounce price down, while single serve pouches cost more per ounce. For the best value, go with the 5 or 8 ounce packs if you eat jerky regularly. But the 2-3 ounce sizes work well for an occasional treat without breaking the bank.
Key Factors When Choosing a Pack Size
When deciding what size jerky pack to buy, keep these key factors in mind:
– Intended use – Small packs for tossing in your bag or large packs for road trips or game day.
– Hunger level – Bigger packs give more ounces for big appetites.
– Price – Larger sizes offer better price per ounce.
– Storage – Make sure you have space to store an open bag if not finishing quickly.
– Variety – Multipacks allow tasting different flavors.
Consider how and when you’ll eat the jerky to find the ideal pack size for your needs and budget. A little planning goes a long way!
Recommended Pack Sizes for Different Situations
Based on typical jerky eating occasions, here are the pack sizes I’d recommend:
– Home pantry – 5 or 8 ounce bags give plenty of jerky for everyone. Stock up when on sale.
– Outdoors – For hiking or camping, grab multipacks of 1-2 ounce pouches to toss in bags.
– Road trips – The whole family will munch on 7-8 ounce bags on long drives.
– Lunch break – A 3-4 ounce pouch gives a filling midday protein kick.
– Gym bag – Keep a 2 ounce pack in your gym bag for pre or post workout.
– Travel – 1-2 ounce packs slip nicely into your carry-on bag.
– Hunting or fishing – Bring hefty 8 ounce bags to keep your energy up in the field.
– Parties – Offer party packs with different flavors for guests to sample.
No matter the situation, adjusting the pack size to your jerky habits and needs ensures you get the right amount.
Typical Nutrition Info Per Ounce of Jerky
When comparing pack sizes, you may also want to look at the nutritional contents per ounce. On average, here are the macros in one ounce of beef jerky:
– Calories: ~80-100 calories
– Protein: ~10-15g
– Fat: ~3-7g
– Carbs: ~2-6g
– Sodium: ~200-400mg
So in a 3 ounce pack you’d get around 300 calories and 30g protein for example. Use the nutrition label to pick a size that fits your diet goals.
Which Pack Size Gives You the Best Value?
If you’re looking to get the most jerky for your buck, larger pack sizes generally offer the best price per ounce. Buying in bulk brings down the per unit cost. Here are some of the best values currently:
– Jack Link’s Big Bag 8 oz – $0.50 per oz
– Tillamook Country Smoker 6 oz – $0.60 per oz
– Krave 5 oz Multipack – $0.63 per oz
– Duke’s Big Box 8 oz – $0.53 per oz
– Oberto Trail Packs 3 oz Multipack – $0.70 per oz
I recommend the Big Bag from Jack Link’s and Duke’s Big Box for the all-around best deals. But multipacks can also give you great variety at a low cost per ounce.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Jerky Pack
Once you’ve chosen the ideal pack size, use these tips to make it last and stay fresh:
– Storage – Keep unopened packs in a cool, dry pantry. After opening, seal tightly and refrigerate.
– Portioning – Divide into smaller servings to avoid overindulging. Use zip top bags.
– Survival – For hiking or camping, wrap individual servings in foil to protect from crushing.
– Freshness – Use within 1-2 weeks of opening for best texture and flavor. Jerky can dry out over time.
– Sharing – For parties, fill small bowls instead of passing the bag to prevent contamination.
– Variety – Alternate flavors and brands to prevent taste bud fatigue.
– Hydration – Drink water when snacking on salty jerky to stay balanced.
Follow proper storage and portioning methods to get the most enjoyment out of each pack!
Popular Brands and Where to Buy
Beef jerky can be found at most grocery and convenience stores these days, but here are some top national brands to look for and where to find them:
Jack Link’s
– Gas stations, Walmart, convenience stores
– Famous original thick cut jerky and sticks
– Try: Original and Teriyaki
Oberto
– Walmart, Target, gas stations
– Known for tasty, tender jerky
– Try: Original and Hickory Smoked
Tillamook
– Safeway, Fred Meyer, Kroger
– Meaty, smokehouse flavored jerky
– Try: Peppered and Mesquite
Krave
– Publix, Ingles, Harris Teeter
– Gourmet flavors with less sodium
– Try: Sweet Chipotle and Basil Citrus
Duke’s
– Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s
– Big bulk bags for great value
– Try: Original and Smoked
Explore different brands and flavors to find your favorites. Major retailers like Walmart and convenience stores almost always stock jerky.
Making Your Own Jerky
Want to control the ingredients and flavors while saving money? Homemade jerky is tasty and satisfying. Here’s a quick guide:
– Meat – Flank steak and eye of round work well. Trim fat and slice thinly across the grain.
– Marinade – Mix soy sauce, spices, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and other flavors for 1-2 days.
– Dehydrate – Set oven or dehydrator to 145-170°F. Dry for 4-8 hours, flipping occasionally.
– Storage – Cool completely then pack in airtight containers. Keeps for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
Make large batches to mimic store sizes of 5-8 ounces. Adjust spices to your taste and enjoy!
Pairing Jerky with Other Snacks and Drinks
While jerky makes a tasty standalone snack, it also pairs well with other foods and beverages. Here are some fun combinations:
– Trail mix – Toss jerky crumbles into a zip top bag of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for hiking.
– Cheese – Complement the savory jerky with bites of sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
– Crackers – Sliced jerky on whole grain crackers satisfies any craving.
– Fruit – For sweet and salty, enjoy jerky with apple slices or cut strawberries.
– Beer – Wash down bold jerky flavors with a crisp pale ale or a rich stout.
– Wine – Sip citrusy white wines like Sauvignon Blanc with lighter jerky flavors.
– Whiskey – Bourbon and rye complement smoked jerky varieties. Enjoy in moderation.
– Seltzer – For a zero-calorie mixer, pair jerky with bubbly seltzer water.
Jerky’s bold and salty taste makes it highly versatile for snack boards, picnics, hikes, and other occasions. Get creative with fun pairings!
Jerky Safety Tips
When enjoying jerky, be mindful of these food safety guidelines:
– Storage – Avoid letting jerky sit out for over 2 hours. Refrigerate or discard leftovers.
– Mold – Check closely for white or green spots of mold. Discard any molded jerky.
– Raw diets – Don’t feed untreated raw jerky to pets due to bacteria risks. Choose treats made for animals instead.
– Choking hazards – Cut jerky into smaller pieces for children under 4 years old as it can pose a choking risk.
– Sodium – Limit jerky for those on low-sodium diets, as most options are high in salt content.
– Nitrates – Look for uncured options if concerned about nitrates used in curing salts.
– Allergies – Avoid jerky containing ingredients like soy, wheat, and nuts if you have related allergies.
Following basic food safety practices helps you prevent risks and enjoy your jerky without worry. Moderation is key for the high sodium content.
FAQs
Get answers to some common questions about jerky pack sizes and amounts:
How much jerky is in 2 ounces?
A 2 ounce pack contains about 55-60 grams or 5-10 jerky strips. It’s a convenient portable size.
What’s the largest pack of jerky you can buy?
Jumbo packs around 1 pound or 16 ounces offer the most jerky in one package. But 5-8 ounces is more common.
Why are some packs only 2-3 ounces?
Small pouches keep the price lower on individual servings. They easily slip into pockets and bags.
How many pieces of jerky in 5 ounces?
A 5 ounce pack averages around 15-20 strips depending on the jerky’s size and thickness.
Is it better to buy in bulk?
Bulk packs usually offer the lowest cost per ounce. But only buy what you’ll eat before it expires.
How long does an open pack last?
Consume within 1-2 weeks of opening for maximum freshness and texture. Jerky dries out over time.
Can you freeze jerky to make it last?
Yes, freezing extends shelf life. Let it thaw in the fridge before eating for best texture.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to jerky pack sizes, typical options range from 2-8 ounces, with 3-5 ounces being the most common. Consider how and when you snack on jerky to choose a pack that suits your appetite and budget. Read labels closely and calculate the cost per ounce. Store properly and enjoy within a couple weeks for the best flavor. With so many brands and flavors on the market today, jerky makes for a protein-filled and convenient snack anytime.
