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Biltong (air-dried cured meat) Calories
Protein-rich, salt-cured and air-dried meat; can be high in sodium.
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 serving (medium) of Biltong (air-dried cured meat) (30 g) has 150 calories. That works out to 500 calories per 100 g. It contains 1.5 g of carbs, 15 g of protein, 1.5 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 1.1 µg of B12 covers 44% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Biltong (air-dried cured meat) Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 30 g
150
KCAL / 30G
Carbs
1.5g
· 1% DV
Protein
15g
· 30% DV
Fat
1.5g
· 2% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 8% · Protein 75% · Fat 17%
Biltong (air-dried cured meat) nutrition facts table · 1 serving (medium) (30 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal | |
| Total fat | 1.5 g | 2% |
| Saturated fat | 0.75 g | 4% |
| Trans fat | 0.06 g | |
| Sodium | 540 mg | 23% |
| Total carbohydrate | 1.5 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 15 g | 30% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Serving of Biltong (air-dried cured meat)?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving (medium) | 30 g | 150 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 5 g | 25 kcal |
| 1 piece (large) | 15 g | 75 kcal |
| 1 ounce (medium) | 28 g | 140 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 50 g | 250 kcal |
| 1 cup (shredded) | 80 g | 400 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 500 kcal |
| 1 pack (medium) | 100 g | 500 kcal |
Calculated from 500 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Biltong (air-dried cured meat)
What is biltong?
Biltong is a South African dried-meat snack made by curing seasoned meat and air-drying it. It is usually sliced thinly to eat, and its texture and flavour vary with the cut of meat and the seasoning.
How is biltong different from beef jerky?
Biltong is typically air-dried in thicker pieces, while beef jerky is usually sliced thin and dried with heat. Biltong recipes often use vinegar and coriander; jerky more commonly has sweet, smoky, or strongly flavoured marinades.
How is biltong made?
Biltong is commonly made by seasoning strips of meat with salt, vinegar, and spices such as coriander, then air-drying them under controlled conditions. The cut, thickness, and drying environment affect the result, so safe handling matters when making it at home.
Is biltong raw or cooked?
Biltong is not cooked; it is cured and air-dried. Properly made biltong is sold ready to eat, but the curing process and safe storage matter. Avoid eating it if it has an unusual smell, slimy texture, or suspicious mould.
Does biltong need to be refrigerated?
Unopened biltong may be shelf-stable when its packaging and storage instructions allow it. Once opened, refrigeration in a sealed container helps protect its quality, especially in warm or humid conditions; keep it away from moisture.
How long does biltong last after opening?
There is no single opened shelf life for all biltong: dryness, packaging, and storage temperature all affect it. Keep it sealed in the refrigerator and discard it if you notice an off smell, sliminess, or mould.
Why is vinegar used to make biltong?
Vinegar adds a tangy flavour and helps acidify the meat before drying. It is one part of the preparation, not a substitute for safe curing, clean handling, and suitable drying conditions.
Can you freeze biltong?
Yes, biltong can be frozen in an airtight, moisture-resistant package to help preserve it for later. Portion it before freezing so you only thaw what you need, and keep thawed biltong refrigerated rather than repeatedly warming it.
Why does biltong sometimes have white spots?
White spots on biltong can be salt crystals or fat that has firmed up during drying; these are usually dry rather than fuzzy. Fuzzy or coloured growth, a bad smell, or a sticky surface can signal spoilage, so discard it.
Is biltong a healthy snack?
Biltong provides protein, but its salt-curing can make it high in sodium. It can fit as an occasional snack, yet eating large amounts may add substantial salt; people limiting sodium for a health condition should be especially mindful.
Biltong (air-dried cured meat) Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
1.05µg · 44% DV
B3
2.4mg · 15% DV
B6
0.09mg · 5% DV
B2
0.06mg · 5% DV
Minerals
Sodium
540mg · 23% DV
Selenium
11µg · 20% DV
Zinc
2.1mg · 19% DV
Phosphorus
120mg · 17% DV
Potassium ⭐
210mg · 6% DV
Biltong (air-dried cured meat) Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Biltong (air-dried cured meat)
To burn the 150 calories in 1 serving (medium) (30 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Biltong (air-dried cured meat)?
Biltong (air-dried cured meat) is a South African snack, traditionally made by seasoning and curing strips of meat—often beef—then drying them in the air. The cut and drying time affect whether it is tender or quite firm. Outside southern Africa, it is usually sold as a ready-to-eat snack rather than used as a regular ingredient in home cooking.
Its savoury, tangy seasoning and concentrated meaty flavour suit nibbling on its own, adding to a lunchbox, or serving with drinks. It is notably protein-rich, while the curing can also make it high in sodium. Pair it with fresh vegetables or unsalted nuts, and keep the portion modest if the rest of your meal is already salty.
How Nutritious Is Biltong (air-dried cured meat)?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Low
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Biltong (air-dried cured meat) Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Biltong (air-dried cured meat) Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Biltong (air-dried cured meat) Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
— Not suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Biltong (air-dried cured meat) Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.75g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.84g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.06g
Omega 6:3 ratio 2.5:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.