Beef Jerky Chips vs. Beef Jerky: What's the Difference?
The short answer: Beef jerky chips are beef jerky sliced much thinner and dried until crisp, so you get a light crunch instead of a long chew. Both are dried, seasoned beef snacks with plenty of protein. The difference is mostly texture, thickness, and how you like to eat them.
Beef jerky has been a go-to protein snack for generations. Beef jerky chips (sometimes called beef crisps or jerky crisps) are a newer take on the idea. Here's how the two compare.
Quick comparison
| Traditional beef jerky | Beef jerky chips | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Chewy and tough | Light, crispy, snaps when you bite |
| Slice thickness | Typically thicker strips | Ultra-thin slices (Jixx: about 0.07 in / 1.8 mm) |
| Shape | Long strips | Thin, chip-like pieces |
| How you eat it | Bite and chew for a while | Crunch through and keep snacking |
| Great for | Hiking, road trips, long days out | Desk snacking, post-workout, grab-and-go |
Texture: chew vs. crunch
Traditional jerky is made to be chewy. The meat is cut into strips, seasoned, and dried until it is firm and tough, which is part of the charm for many people.
Beef jerky chips go the other way. The slices are cut so thin and dried so thoroughly that they turn light and crispy. If you've ever wanted jerky flavor without the jaw workout, this is the idea behind it.
Thickness and drying
Thickness is what makes the biggest difference. Jixx slices the beef with the grain to about 0.07 inches (1.8 mm), then slowly air-dries it at high temperature until it reaches that chip-like crunch. Thicker jerky strips simply can't get there.
Flavor
Thin slices have more surface area for their size, so the seasoning reaches more of every piece. That is why flavors like Honey Black Pepper, with its sweet-and-peppery balance, come through clearly in a chip format.
How you eat them
Jerky is a slow snack. Chips are quick: you can eat them straight from the bag, and they also crumble nicely over salads, eggs, or soup if you want a savory, crunchy topping.
Protein and nutrition
Both are protein-rich dried beef snacks. Exact numbers vary by brand and recipe, so always check the label. For reference, Jixx Honey Black Pepper Beef Jerky Chips has 25g of protein and 9g of carbohydrates per bag.
Which one should you choose?
- Pick traditional jerky if you like a long, chewy bite and a hearty, rustic feel.
- Pick beef jerky chips if you want crunch, a lighter bite, and an easy snack you can eat anywhere.
Plenty of people keep both around. Curious about the chip side? Try Honey Black Pepper or Hickory Smoke. Shipping is free on U.S. orders over $65.
FAQ
Are beef jerky chips the same as beef jerky?
They start from the same idea, dried and seasoned beef, but jerky chips are sliced much thinner and dried until crispy, so the texture is completely different.
Are beef jerky chips the same as beef crisps?
Yes. "Beef crisps," "beef chips," and "jerky crisps" are different names for the same kind of snack.
What are Jixx Beef Jerky Chips made of?
Thinly sliced USDA-inspected beef, seasoned and air-dried, made in the USA.
How long do they stay fresh?
Jixx Beef Jerky Chips are sealed in food-grade mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Stored in a cool, dry place, they stay fresh for up to 12 months.
Are beef jerky chips healthy?
They are a protein-rich snack. How they fit into your diet depends on your own needs, so check the nutrition label on any product you choose.