What Is the Average Price of Beef Jerky?
Consuming beef jerky can be an expensive habit, and there are good reasons why jerky is expensive. This article reviews 13 trending beef jerky products to determine the average price of beef jerky per ounce.
After fully reading this article, you’ll be able to make a more informed consumer purchase the next time you see jerky on sale.
So what is the average price of beef jerky? Based on 13 trending beef jerky products on Amazon, the average cost as of September 2026 for an ounce of beef jerky is $2.81.
For perspective: In April 2023, these 13 products averaged $2.42 an ounce, so the price has climbed about 16% in three and a half years. Back in March 2019, our original list of 15 averaged just $2.08.
Now Let’s Break It Up by Price
For further consideration, we’ll split the list (which appears below) roughly in half, separating them by price.
We’ll create two categories — “high-end” and “low-end.”
We’ll see how the average price changes when we separate the products.
Average Price of High-End Beef Jerky
When we take the six (6) most expensive products on our list and average their cost per ounce, we get an average price of $3.70. They run from $3.08 to $4.30 an ounce.
Average Price of Low-End Beef Jerky
When we do the same for the seven (7) least expensive products, we get an average figure of $2.04 per ounce. They run from $1.12 to $2.69 an ounce.
Comparing Prices for 13 Popular Beef Jerky Products
Here are all 13, from the most expensive per ounce to the cheapest (prices as of September 2026). You’ll find each one in more detail further down.
| Product | Size | Price per Ounce | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayoba-Yo Biltong | 4 oz | $4.30 | High-end |
| Hardtimes Beef Jerky | 8 oz | $4.12 | High-end |
| Mingua Beef Jerky | 6 oz | $3.75 | High-end |
| Righteous Felon Beef Jerky Bundle | 10 oz (6 pack) | $3.50 | High-end |
| Oberto Thin Style Peppered Beef Jerky | 9.6 oz (8 × 1.2 oz) | $3.43 | High-end |
| Chef’s Cut Original Recipe | 20 oz (8 × 2.5 oz) | $3.08 | High-end |
| Buffalo Bills Premium Hickory Beef Jerky | 16 oz | $2.69 | Low-end |
| Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Variety Pack | 18.75 oz (15 × 1.25 oz) | $2.65 | Low-end |
| People’s Choice Beef Jerky | 16 oz | $2.37 | Low-end |
| Country Archer Original Recipe | 7 oz | $2.00 | Low-end |
| Cattleman’s Cut Original Beef Jerky | 10 oz | $1.83 | Low-end |
| Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky | 80 oz (5 × 16 oz) | $1.65 | Low-end |
| Tillamook Country Smoker Beef Jerky | 10 oz | $1.12 | Low-end |
| Average of all 13 | $2.81 |
The Take-Away: Low-End vs. High-End Beef Jerky
This data shows that you can save significant money — about 45% — by choosing the low-end brands.
So what are you paying for at the high end?
The difference between high-end and low-end jerky mainly lies in the quality of the ingredients, production process, and overall taste.
Here are five (5) reasons why higher-end jerky is more expensive.
1. Quality of Meat
High-end jerky typically uses better cuts of meat with less fat, resulting in a better texture and taste. Low-end jerky may use cheaper cuts or even processed meat, which can affect the overall quality and taste.
2. Ingredients
Premium jerky often contains natural ingredients, such as real spices and herbs, and avoids artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Low-end jerky might include artificial ingredients and lower-quality spices.
3. Production Process
High-end jerky brands usually follow traditional methods of marinating, drying, and smoking to ensure optimal flavor and texture. Low-end jerky might be mass-produced using faster and cheaper methods that may compromise the taste and quality.
4. Taste and Texture
High-end jerky tends to offer a better taste experience, with more complex flavors and a tender, moist texture. Low-end jerky might be tougher, drier, and less flavorful.
5. Nutritional Value
High-quality jerky often has a better nutritional profile, with fewer additives and artificial ingredients, lower sodium content, and more protein per serving. Low-end jerky may have higher sodium levels and contain more additives.
Whether those extras are worth paying about 80% more is up to your taste buds and your budget. If you just want a tasty, filling snack, the low-end group has plenty of good options.
High-End Beef Jerky: $3.08 to $4.30 an Ounce
These six cost the most per ounce. They’re listed from most to least expensive.
#1 – Ayoba-Yo Biltong
MOST EXPENSIVE PER OUNCE OF THE 13 PRODUCTS REVIEWED.
- Thin slices of air-dried beef offer a satisfying change from smoked jerky.
- Vinegar, coriander, and pepper give the beef a tangy, savory flavor.
- The sugar-free recipe suits snackers who prefer their beef without sweetness.
Total beef jerky: 4 ounces Price per ounce: $4.30 (Price as of September 2026)
Biltong is a traditional African style of beef jerky. Instead of being dried in an oven, biltong is air-dried for 14 days. Traditionally, the cool, dry winter air of South Africa aided the process considerably. This brand is made from only grass-fed beef so it’s entirely natural.
#2 – Hardtimes Beef Jerky
- Hand-trimmed beef slices provide a traditional whole-muscle texture.
- Original seasoning offers a straightforward savory jerky flavor.
- Jar format keeps an eight-ounce supply together for easy portioning.
Total beef jerky: 8 ounces Price per ounce: $4.12 (Price as of September 2026)
As the name implies, this brand is meant for long-term storage. It comes in an 8-ounce resealable jar, which is bound to increase its shelf life. I can see how this brand might be a good thing to put into a backpack for a long hike.
#3 – Mingua Beef Jerky
- Thin, hand-sliced beef offers a traditional whole-muscle texture.
- Mild original seasoning suits snackers who prefer less heat.
- Each serving provides 14 grams of protein in a portable snack.
Total beef jerky: 6 ounces Price per ounce: $3.75 (Price as of September 2026)
This beef jerky is exceptionally tender and full of flavor. Although it’s slightly pricey, the quality justifies the cost.
#4 – Righteous Felon Beef Jerky Bundle
- Six spicy selections offer a range of seasonings and heat profiles.
- Mix of jerky and meat sticks adds variety in texture as well as flavor.
- Ready-packed assortment makes an easy gift for a spicy-snack fan.
Total jerky and meat sticks: 10 ounces Price per ounce: $3.50 (Price as of September 2026)
This brand has an edgy name and a cartoonish label. The different sub-types have cool names like “Habanero Escobar” and “Che-Potle Guevara.”
#5 – Oberto Thin Style Peppered Beef Jerky
- Thin slices offer the traditional chewy texture of classic jerky.
- Each 1.2-ounce pouch provides 17 grams of protein.
- Individual pouches fit into packed lunches and travel bags.
Total beef jerky: 9.6 ounces Price per ounce: $3.43 (Price as of September 2026)
This thin-style jerky is well peppered and comes in handy 1.2-ounce pouches, and Oberto bills it as low in fat and carbs. This can be very good if you’re using the jerky as travel food because the little pouches are easy to pack.
#6 – Chef’s Cut Original Recipe
- Soy, horseradish, and Worcestershire give the smoked beef a bold, savory flavor.
- Each serving delivers 10 grams of protein for just 90 calories.
- Eight 2.5-ounce bags tuck easily into a bag for work, travel, or the trail.
Total beef jerky: 20 ounces Price per ounce: $3.08 (Price as of September 2026)
Chef’s Cut calls this its Original Recipe, made from real smoked beef. This pack holds eight 2.5-ounce bags, and at $3.08 an ounce, it’s the least expensive pick in the high-end group.
Low-End Beef Jerky: $1.12 to $2.69 an Ounce
These seven are the budget picks, again listed from most to least expensive.
#7 – Buffalo Bills Premium Hickory Beef Jerky
- Enjoy hickory smoke with a savory hit of garlic and black pepper.
- Tender top-round pieces give you a satisfying whole-muscle chew.
- Split the one-pound bag into smaller packs for workdays and road trips.
Total beef jerky: 16 ounces Price per ounce: $2.69 (Price as of September 2026)
If you like that old-school hickory taste, this jerky delivers, and its price isn’t too bad. And it’s made from very lean meat.
#8 – Jack Link’s Beef Jerky Variety Pack
- Three flavors give you a choice of classic, sweet, or peppery jerky.
- Single-serving bags make it easy to pack a portion for work or school.
- Fifteen packs help keep a household snack supply stocked.
Total beef jerky: 18.75 ounces Price per ounce: $2.65 (Price as of September 2026)
This pack mixes Original, Teriyaki and Peppered flavors. For about $50, you get 15 packages containing 1.25 ounces each. This means you’re paying $2.65 per ounce.
#9 – People’s Choice Beef Jerky
- Enjoy a firm, dry chew from thick-cut strips of beef.
- Get 16 grams of protein per serving with no sugar or carbs.
- A simple beef, water, salt, and spice recipe keeps the meat flavor up front.
Total beef jerky: 16 ounces Price per ounce: $2.37 (Price as of September 2026)
This one is meant to be a healthier choice. It has no sugar, no carbs, no gluten, and nothing unnatural at all.
#10 – Country Archer Original Recipe
- Tender whole-muscle grass-fed beef gets savory smoke and mild black pepper.
- Each 1-ounce serving provides 9 grams of protein for 70 calories.
- The resealable 7-ounce bag needs no refrigeration, so it travels well.
Total beef jerky: 7 ounces Price per ounce: $2.00 (Price as of September 2026)
This is an excellent energy source for hiking and is well-seasoned, making it a delicious choice.
#11 – Cattleman’s Cut Original Beef Jerky
- Long marinating and slow cooking give the steak a tender bite.
- Brown sugar and hardwood smoke balance sweet and savory flavor.
- Open the resealable bag for a snack, then close it for your next break.
Total beef jerky: 10 ounces Price per ounce: $1.83 (Price as of September 2026)
Cattleman’s Cut is another well-regarded and commonly available brand. This one is not fancy, much like Jack Link’s Original. It’s great for those who just want plain beef and nothing else.
#12 – Jack Link’s Original Beef Jerky
- Enjoy savory mesquite-seasoned beef with 11 grams of protein per serving.
- Each resealable one-pound bag lets you snack a little and save the rest.
- Five full-pound bags keep a jerky-loving household well stocked.
Total beef jerky: 80 ounces Price per ounce: $1.65 (Price as of September 2026)
This is Jack Link’s classic Original flavor in one-pound resealable bags, sold here as a five-pack. That’s a handy way to keep a steady supply of a familiar taste.
#13 – Tillamook Country Smoker Beef Jerky
CHEAPEST PER OUNCE OF THE 13 PRODUCTS REVIEWED.
- Enjoy straightforward beef flavor with slow hardwood smoke.
- Take a ready-to-eat portion on a hike or pack it alongside your lunch.
- Each serving gives you 10 grams of protein for lunches or days out.
Total beef jerky: 10 ounces Price per ounce: $1.12 (Price as of September 2026)
The best thing about this jerky is that it has no preservatives or unnatural ingredients. This makes it more like homemade jerky, but with a longer shelf life.
Conclusion
When we take all 13 products and average them, we get $2.81 per ounce. Ounce for ounce, that makes jerky a somewhat pricey snack.
For those of us who enjoy beef jerky, rest assured that there are affordable options, like the low-end picks above, to satisfy your meat tooth. Given the price of beef, and how much of it goes into every ounce of jerky, the cost of jerky appears relatively reasonable.
It’s important to note that beef jerky prices have been increasing recently due to higher production costs, mainly caused by changes in farming regulations, increasing beef prices, and inflation. These prices may fluctuate significantly in the upcoming years.
Considering that commercially packaged beef jerky can be stored for about a year, it might be a good idea to stock up on your favorite varieties now.
If you’re interested in a better perspective on the differences in cost between store-bought and homemade beef jerky, watch the below video.
Homemade Beef Jerky Cost Experiment Comparison (Video)
How much are you paying on average for an ounce of beef jerky? Are you paying less or more than what we’ve cited above?
QUOTE:
"You might be a redneck if you think that beef jerky and moon pies are two of the major food groups."
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About the Author
Charles Joseph
In 2017, a good friend introduced me to the most amazing beef jerky I had ever tasted. And his source was from the most unexpected of places--a random guy in Thailand whom he had met while living there. Although I had been eating jerky since as far back as I could remember, I was genuinely blown away by the flavor. I realized the best beef jerky doesn't come from a store. This experience inspired me to create Beef Jerky Hub and put into writing all the things I've since learned about this amazing food. If you're interested, you can read more about my story here.