5 New Jerkies, None of Them Are Beef
Once a snack reserved for camping and fishing trips, jerky has become a quick and easy source of protein for everyone from workout junkies to the green-juice set. But we’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill beef jerky—this method of preservation has been applied to a mind-bending number of foods. Here, a tiny sample of the world of alterna-jerky.
Photo by Emma Fishman1/5Watermelon
It’s hard to imagine watermelon without its signature juicy texture, but the healthy snacking gurus at Sakara have transformed this summer fruit into sweet, chewy jerky. Plus, the packaging is pretty enough to display on your counter.
Photo by Emma Fishman2/5Salmon
Would you like a side of good-for-you omega-3s with your jerky? Epic combines wild-caught salmon and coconut oil for a snack fit for Gwyneth Paltrow. A little maple sugar makes it perfect for a sweet-and-salty fix.
Photo by Emma Fishman3/5Coconut
You could pretty much serve this coconut jerky to anyone, regardless of dietary restriction: It’s raw, vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and soy-free. And its three flavors—chili lime, ginger teriyaki, and original—will distract you from the fact that it’s not meat.
Photo by Emma Fishman4/5Eggplant
Eggplant is one of the most popular veggie substitutes for meat, so, naturally, this nightshade makes a mean jerky, too. Power Plant’s is given some sweet heat with a hit of sriracha.
Photo by Emma Fishman5/5Mushroom
Like eggplant, mushroom’s meaty consistency makes it a no-brainer for veggie jerky. This one’s got a whopping six grams of fiber (compared to traditional jerky’s almost-zero) so it’ll keep you full until your next snack.
