If you have ever stood in front of a shelf of jerky wondering whether to reach for beef, pork or chicken — and whether a firm slice of jerky or a softer meat stick suits you better — you are not alone. They are all real-meat, protein-rich snacks, but each has its own character. This guide walks through the differences in plain terms so you can choose what actually fits your taste and your day.
A quick word first: NAKOTNE jerky and meat sticks are made in Latvia from premium meat, produced to the IFS food-safety standard, and sold in handy 8×35g packs. They are snacks — a tasty part of a varied, balanced diet, not a meal replacement.
The three meats: beef, pork and chicken
The biggest difference between the varieties is the meat itself. Here is how they tend to compare.
Beef jerky
Beef is the classic. It has the deepest, most savoury, slightly mineral flavour and a satisfying, robust chew that holds up well to bold marinades. It is also the most concentrated: a good deal of raw beef goes into every pack, because so much of the meat's moisture is removed during drying. If you want the traditional jerky experience — rich, meaty and full-flavoured — beef is the natural starting point. Explore the range in our beef jerky collection.
Pork jerky
Pork sits in the middle. It is a touch milder and often a little sweeter than beef, with a tender bite that carries seasoning beautifully. It is a great pick if you find beef a bit intense but still want something with real depth and a proper chew. Pork is also a good way to add variety to a snack rotation without straying too far from that familiar savoury profile.
Chicken jerky
Chicken is the lightest of the three. It has a clean, mild, delicate flavour and a leaner, slightly finer texture, which makes it the easiest to eat if you prefer something less rich. It pairs especially well with lighter, tangier or herby seasonings. Chicken is a smart choice for anyone easing into jerky, or simply after a gentler everyday snack. Browse the chicken jerky range.
Jerky vs meat sticks: the format matters too
Once you have picked a meat, the second decision is format — and it changes the eating experience as much as the meat does.
Jerky
Traditional jerky is sliced and dried into firm, chewy pieces. It has a more pronounced, drawn-out bite and a longer-lasting texture, which many people find genuinely satisfying. Because it is drier and firmer, it is the format to reach for when you want that classic, slow, chewy snack — at your desk, on a walk, or packed for a trip.
Meat sticks
Meat sticks are made from finely blended, seasoned meat shaped into a stick. The result is softer and more tender than sliced jerky, with a smooth, easy chew that is quick and mess-free to eat on the go. They are a friendly option for children (with adult supervision), for anyone who prefers a gentler texture, or for those moments when you just want something simple to grab. Take a look at our meat sticks.
A simple way to choose
- Want the boldest, most traditional flavour? Choose beef.
- Prefer something milder and a little sweeter, but still rich? Choose pork.
- After the lightest, leanest, easiest taste? Choose chicken.
- Love a firm, long-lasting, chewy bite? Choose jerky.
- Prefer a soft, smooth, grab-and-go snack? Choose meat sticks.
- Not sure? Mix and match — a pack of each is the easiest way to find your favourite.
What about nutrition?
All of these are made from real meat, so they are a naturally protein-rich snack and a source of protein. That said, the exact figures — protein, fat, salt and sugar — differ from product to product depending on the meat and the seasoning. We would always encourage you to check the nutrition table, full ingredients and allergen information on each individual product page before you buy, so you know precisely what is in the pack you have chosen.
As with any savoury snack, jerky and meat sticks are best enjoyed in sensible portions as part of a varied, balanced diet and an overall healthy lifestyle. The 8×35g pack format makes portioning easy: one 35g portion is a tidy, self-contained snack rather than an open bag that is hard to put down.
The bottom line
There is no single "best" jerky — only the one that suits you. Beef brings the boldest flavour, pork a milder richness, and chicken a lighter, leaner bite; jerky gives you a firm, lasting chew while meat sticks offer something softer and effortless. The good news is that every NAKOTNE option starts from the same place: premium meat, made in Latvia, produced to the IFS food-safety standard. If you are still deciding, the honest advice is to try a couple and let your own taste settle it. Still have a question about ingredients, allergens or shipping? Our FAQ has you covered.