Beef jerky is delicious, packed with protein, and the perfect snack when you’re doing practically anything outdoors. And since you’re reading this article, I’m fairly confident you agree. In this article, we’ll cover where you can buy beef jerky.
Most beef jerky sales come from convenience stores — in fact, it’s one of their most profitable items, so you can expect your local Mom & Pop shops to keep their shelves fully stocked. I’ve seen the stuff at practically every gas station in the country. So much so that it feels like it’d be illegal for one not to carry it.
Beyond the convenience store, jerky can be found in a variety of other locations. Supermarket chains (e.g., Walmart immediately comes to mind) often carry jerky products of varying qualities and flavors. And meat specialty stores are also prime locations to score quality beef jerky.
Much like any other unique product, beef jerky can also be sold at branded locations as an exclusive item. A quick web search of “where to buy beef jerky” should point you in the direction of gourmet beef jerky outlets near you.
Recently, while shopping in a nice mall, I saw a store called “Beef Jerky Outlet.” I was shocked. Beef jerky, I thought? Really? A store just for beef jerky? I mean, we love the stuff, but could a store that only sells beef jerky survive year-round?
So I went in and sampled some of the really expensive stuff they had on display. And boy, was it delicious, albeit expensive!
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I live in Virginia, where this store is popular — your mileage may vary.
There are also trade shows that specialize in homemade and gourmet jerky. You’re sure to find some of the best beef jerky at these locations. And it’ll be made by “experts” who’ve been dabbling in and perfecting jerky for decades.
You Can Also Buy Homemade Beef Jerky Online
Homemade jerky is next-level stuff when it comes to flavor and quality.
I’ve often explained to my friends and family that the best beef jerky is made by the “little guy” in his (or her!) backyard. He’s hard to find, but once you do find him, you’re never going back to store-bought jerky.
So if you aren’t willing to make jerky yourself, there are other means of getting the delicacy.
The web (aka online) is the ultimate domain of shopping convenience, with jerky too only a few clicks away. And it should be no surprise that these “internet outlets” will deliver homemade jerky right to your doorstep!
Check out our recommended guides, or go directly to Amazon for more choices than you’ll have time to review.
Before you buy from an unknown source, though, do your research. If you haven’t purchased online before, be weary of buying the first item you find. You’ll see that jerky online varies significantly, so be prepared to see big variations in price, ingredients, flavors, delivery, and even packaging.
There are reputable sources available for those desirous of the best quality and taste. Check our online jerky directory, which has over 350 places from where you can buy.
But be sure to check customer reviews (when available).
Unfortunately, most of these sites aren’t going to be very polished, so reading customer reviews may prove difficult. Remember, these guys are busy making jerky, which is what you want. They’re jerky masters, not webmasters!
Once I began dabbling into the homemade world of beef jerky, the options near me never had the same luster.
So what’s your favorite jerky place? How about a flavor or a spice that changes up the taste?
"You might be a redneck if you think that beef jerky and moon pies are two of the major food groups."
-- Jeff Foxworthy
