Why Beef Biltong is the Ultimate Healthy Snack

wagyu beef biltong cut in small strips with a sharp knife

Biltong has grown in popularity around the world as a favoured protein-rich on-the-go snack.

Originating from South Africa, biltong’s curing and air-drying process has been proven as perfect way to create a tasty and healthy alternative to other processed snack foods.

 Here’s why beef biltong is an unparalleled healthy snack option:

Nutritional Value   

Biltong is a powerhouse of nutritional value, especially when made from premium Wagyu beef, with a substantial amount of nutrients essential for muscle repair and growth.

We sometimes forget that fat is an essential nutrient for optimum health. The human brain is nearly 60% percent fat! Consuming enough fat from the right foods is critical to your brain’s integrity and ability to perform. Fats are required to make hormones in our bodies, and to absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D E and K.

wagyu biltong cut with a sharp knife in small strips

Contrary to popular belief, there is more unsaturated fat in beef than there is saturated. In fact, almost 60% of the fat found in beef is unsaturated, the type of fat to focus on when striving for a healthy diet. Wagyu beef is renowned for its higher concentration of monounsaturated fats compared to other meats (higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids)

The unique air-drying process of biltong helps to retain the natural proteins and vitamins found in high-quality beef. Unlike many other snacks that are high in calories and low in beneficial nutrients, Wagyu beef biltong delivers substantial nutritional value content.  

Biltong in a Balanced Diet

A study by Canada Beef showed that, even when whole-food meals are matched for total protein and calorie content:

  • Eating a meal containing beef led to a more rapid and greater rise in circulating essential amino acids, ~127% higher compared to the vegan meal.
  • This greater amino acid availability after eating a meal with beef resulted in ~47% higher muscle protein synthesis rates compared to a typical vegan meal

Although iron is one of the most common elements in the world, it is also one of the easiest to be deficient in. Iron is derived from both animal and plant-foods; however it is the structure of the iron molecule that plays a major role in the nutritional quality of the iron. Animal derived foods, including red meat like beef, contain haem iron which has an easily absorbable structure and is relatively unaffected by compounds that inhibit absorption.

Red meat is a complete protein source, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids required by the body, and is considered an excellent source of Vitamin B12.

Throughout history, red meat has been a staple in many diets around the world. Its inclusion in traditional diets reflects its importance as a source of essential nutrients. A Wagyu beef biltong snack complements fruits, nuts, and whole grains, thereby enriching a diet that supports sustained energy and nutritional balance throughout the day. It's also perfect for keto and paleo diets due to its high protein and low carbohydrate content.

wagyu biltong

Weight Management Benefits

Beef biltong, and particularly Wagyu biltong, is an excellent aid for weight management.

Due to its high protein content, it can increase satiety and reduce cravings significantly, making it easier to control caloric intake without feeling deprived. Protein is also crucial for boosting metabolic rate, as it requires more energy to digest compared to fats and carbohydrates. Recent studies on adults with type 2 diabetes showed that diets containing red meat lowered fasting glucose and resulted in a marginally significant improvement in insulin sensitivity.

What sets Wagyu beef biltong apart in weight management is its ability to provide lean, high-quality protein with fewer calories. This makes it an ideal snack to help manage weight effectively while still enjoying the pleasure of eating savoury, richly flavoured meat. Wagyu beef biltong is therefore a great guilt-free snack to manage weight and fit into your dietary needs.

Convenience and Versatility

Biltong is easy to store, requires no preparation, and has a long shelf life, making it perfect for busy lifestyles. Whether you're in need of a quick post-workout high-protein snack, a grab-and-go snack for hiking/fishing trips, or simply a healthy alternative to midday snacking, Wagyu beef biltong fits the bill perfectly.

With the versatility of Wagyu beef biltong, you can even incorporate it into various dishes. It can be a high protein topping on salads, an add-on filling to sandwiches and toasties, or a flavourful boost to scrambled eggs. The robust, rich flavour of Wagyu enhances any dish, providing a gourmet experience that’s both indulgent and nourishing.

Explore our Wagyu beef biltong collections here.