Jack Links Original Jerky Chew | Original Shredded Beef Jerk

The Verdict

The Snack That Chews Back — In a Good Way

Most beef jerky is a workout for your jaw. You tear, you tug, you wonder if this strip is actually edible or just flavored leather. Jack Links Original Jerky Chew flips that script entirely. This isn’t a strip — it’s a can of shredded, marinated beef that you scoop out and eat by the pinch. If you’ve ever given up on jerky because it’s too tough, this is the product that brings you back.

What’s Actually in the Can

You get a 3.25-ounce resealable plastic canister — roughly the size of a Pringles tube but shorter. Inside is shredded beef in a dark, glossy marinade. The texture lands somewhere between pulled pork and finely chopped steak. It’s not dry like traditional jerky; it’s soft, slightly chewy, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze that clings to every strand.

The canister matters more than you’d think. The wide mouth lets you pinch out a serving without sticking your whole hand in, and the snap-top lid keeps it fresh between sessions. I’ve had a can open for a week and the shreds stayed moist — no crusty edges, no stale flavor.

How It Actually Performs

Flavor-wise, this is classic Jack Links: smoky, salty, with a brown-sugar sweetness that hits right after the initial salt punch. The shreds absorb the seasoning throughout, so every bite tastes consistent — no bland centers hiding inside a thick strip.

The convenience is the real selling point. You can eat this one-handed while driving, typing, or holding a fishing rod. One reviewer put it plainly: “I can eat this without looking at it. It’s the perfect road trip snack.” Another said, “My dad has dentures and can’t eat regular jerky. This is the only jerky he can actually chew.” That’s a specific, real-world win that strips and bites can’t match.

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the mess. The shreds are oily and stick together in clumps. Shaking the canister helps, but you’ll still end up with sticky fingers and a few stray strands on your desk. If you’re eating this at a keyboard, keep wipes nearby.

The sodium is the bigger issue. At 480mg per serving (about a third of the can), this is not a snack you should plow through in one sitting. It’s also sweet — noticeably sweeter than standard jerky — which some buyers found off-putting. One review summed it up: “The flavor is good but the sugar aftertaste got to me after a few handfuls.”

There’s also the value question. A 3.25-ounce can runs roughly $5-7 depending on the listing, which works out to more per ounce than traditional jerky strips. You’re paying for the format, not a bargain.

Who Should Buy This

• Road-trippers and truck drivers who want protein without taking their eyes off the road
• Older adults or anyone with dental issues who miss jerky but can’t handle tough strips
• Hikers and campers who want a lightweight, high-protein snack that doesn’t require a knife
• Parents packing lunchboxes — the resealable can beats a crinkly plastic bag

Skip it if you’re looking for classic chewy jerky texture or if you’re watching sodium. This is a soft, sweet, messy snack, not a traditional jerky replacement.

FAQ

Q: Is this actually jerky or just wet shredded beef?
A: It’s real beef that’s been marinated and partially dried, then shredded. It’s softer and moister than strip jerky, but it’s still shelf-stable and protein-dense. Think of it as jerky’s softer cousin.

Q: How long does an open can stay fresh?
A: The resealable lid keeps it good for about a week at room temperature. After that, the shreds start to dry out and lose their chew. Refrigerating extends it to two weeks, but let it come to room temp before eating.

Q: Is it gluten-free?
A: No. The original flavor contains soy sauce (wheat), so it’s not safe for celiacs. Jack Links does make gluten-free options, but this isn’t one.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want jerky without the jaw workout, need a one-handed snack for the road, or have someone in your life who misses jerky but can’t chew it anymore.

Skip it if: You’re a traditionalist who wants that dry, chewy strip texture, or you’re watching salt and sugar intake.

Jack Links Original Jerky Chew earns a solid 4.2 out of 5. It’s not the cheapest jerky per ounce, and it’s messier than a strip, but it solves a real problem that no other jerky product addresses. For the right buyer, it’s a game-changer.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.