How Much Caffeine is in Perky Jerky? Surprising Facts!

A good piece of jerky can hit the right spot when you need an afternoon snack or a quick bite to hold you over while on the go. In 2009 the all-natural Perky Jerky caffeine products hit the open market, and they took off within a matter of months.

Their brand became renowned for its all-natural ingredients and caffeine-infused beef and turkey options. All Perky Jerky products are free of preservatives, MSG, gluten, and nitrates.

But if you are someone who’s trying to monitor your caffeine intake or avoid it altogether, you may be wondering exactly how much caffeine their jerky products contain? Well, you’ve come to the right place for the answer. Perky Jerky doesn’t currently contain any caffeine at all. There used to be 250 mg of caffeine, but the guarana has been removed. Keep reading to see why!

What is the Perky Jerky Caffeine Content?

Today, the Perky Jerky products are actually caffeine-free. But, their once caffeinated jerky products contained roughly 250 milligrams (mg) of caffeine through guarana, which is a natural caffeine derived from Brazilian berries.

However, this ingredient is no longer included in the jerky. So, if you’re looking to enjoy these tasty treats without the extra kick, you can feel free to eat them, knowing that you won’t have to worry about any afternoon jitters. The Perky Jerky products still have the same bold flavor and texture that consumers have grown to love.

Since that question has been answered, let’s answer some more questions that you may have about Perky Jerky and other jerky products, in general.

Can Jerky Help You Lose Weight?

Both beef and turkey are high in protein. Protein is essential in weight loss because it takes longer to digest, unlike carbohydrates. It also helps you feel for longer and is essential for building muscle. Beef and turkey jerky are also low on the glycemic index. They typically won’t spike your insulin levels the way that starches such as bread, some fruits, and other carbs may (high insulin levels contribute to fat retention).

Where Did The Word “Jerky” Come From?

The origins of jerky go back to a native South American native tribe in South America, the Quecha Indians. This tribe originated from the Inca Empire and preserved meat using salt as a way to prevent rancidity and slow enzymatic activity. The meat was referred to as “charqui, “ which means “dried meat”. Eventually, the term “char-qui” became known as “jerky”.

Is Turkey Jerky Better Than Beef Jerky?

Overall, turkey jerky has less saturated fat than beef jerky. While you can find beef cuts that are up to 95% lean (5% fat), turkey cuts are available at 99% lean meat with 1% fat. Overall, fat-free turkey has fewer calories and way less fat than lean beef per serving.

Both types of meat jerky contain all nine amino acids commonly found in most meats. However, beef contains about 26 proteins per 100-gram serving, while turkey contains about 28.5 grams of protein per 100-gram serving. So, even though the turkey Perky Jerky caffeine content is no longer existent, it seems to still be the winner if you’re looking for the least fat and most protein.

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Is Beef Jerky Good for You?

While beef jerky contains a suitable amount of protein that can help you reach your daily protein requirements, it is fairly high in things that aren’t necessarily good for you. For one, it’s pretty high in sodium and saturated fat. Both sodium and saturated fat have been linked to heart disease, heart failure in numerous studies.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting your saturated fat intake to about 13 grams per day and sodium intake to 2300 mg per day. A 100-gram serving of beef jerky contains about 11 grams of saturated fat and 2,081 mg of sodium. So, while beef jerky may be a powerhouse for protein, you may want to consume it in moderation if you’re trying to lower your body fat percentage or sodium intake.

Does The FDA Regulate Jerky Products?

Yes, the FDA does regulate turkey and beef products sold in the United States. However, the production process is more carefully monitored by the Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

Under these guidelines, all jerky products have to be heated to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit before the dehydrating process begins. This will ensure that any bacteria or other microorganisms within the meat will be killed by the time the meat is sent to dehydration equipment.

And if you’re considering making your own homemade jerky, the FDA has also published helpful guidelines for this as well. Most tips include recommendations for the heating process and steps for dehydration.

Is There A Vegan Jerky Option?

Yes, you’ll be happy to know that a number of different vegetarian and vegan jerky options have hit jerky the market, including the Beyond Meat, Krave, and Primal Spirit brands.

The production process is pretty much the same for these products as it is with turkey and beef, except substitutes such as eggplant, tofu, and jackfruit are often used instead. You can also make your own vegan jerky using cauliflower or portobello mushrooms in addition to other vegetables.

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Is Jerky Good For Keto?

Both beef and turkey jerky are great for keto because they’re super low in carbs and very high in protein, which are the main selling points of the keto diet. Also, turkey typically isn’t high and fat, so you can pair it with cheese or nuts for the perfect Keto lunch or afternoon snack.

Can Jerky Go Bad?

Yes, unfortunately, jerky can go bad just like any other food. This explains why jerky is usually vacuum-sealed after it’s packaged. This ensures that the meat remains fresh as long as possible. Though most jerky meat contains nitrogen (which helps stave off the oxidation process), it can still go bad once it is left out in the open air.

This also means that you should immediately store any home-based jerky products that you make at home. Homemade jerky meat will keep for about 1 to 2 months if it’s stored in airtight containers. This can be a Ziploc bag or a vacuum-sealed plastic wrap.

You can also place small packets of moisture absorbents inside your jerky jars. If you prefer to store your jerky in the refrigerator, you can expect it to last about 1-2 weeks tops. This can reduce the oxygen level and bring it down to less than .1%.

Are The Nitrates in Jerky Dangerous?

Nitrates, which are commonly found in cured meats such as hot dogs, jerky, and types of salami, can have negative health effects. Nitrates have been shown to set off chemical reactions that lead the formation of carcinogens in the human body and animals. So to say, when consumed in large amounts,  jerky meat may not be the healthiest food choice.

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How Long Do You Dehydrate Homemade Jerky?

Beef jerky typically takes anywhere from four to six hours to dehydrate, depending on how thinly you slice it. Turkey jerky may take anywhere from three to five hours as it has a lower fat content. And note that this time guideline is based on a dehydrator that is set at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, per FDA guidelines. If you use higher temperatures, less time may be required.

Can Eating Too Much Jerky Cause Constipation?

The jerky products themselves are not known to cause constipation specifically. However, the beef or turkey does not contain fiber, and eating too much in a short period of time may contribute to constipation.

So, if you do consume a lot of jerky, you may want to ensure that you’re drinking a sufficient amount of water and getting enough fiber to keep things flowing smoothly–no pun intended.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a caffeinated snack, you’ll have to look in a different direction than Perky Jerky. But, if you’re looking to enjoy the popular Perky Jerky products without the added caffeine, you can now do so without worrying about exceeding your daily caffeine limit.

Though many nutritionists would not consider jerky a “health food” due to its high sodium content, it is keto-friendly and packed with protein. And while jerky is great for an occasional treat to enjoy, it’s helpful to balance it out with healthy and whole plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables.

See Also: How Much Caffeine is in Caffeinated Maple Bacon Lollipops?