EatBetterEatBetter
Foods ▾
Ready & Packaged FoodsVegetables & LegumesDesserts & ConfectioneryMeat & ProteinGrains & BakeryBeveragesMilk & DairyNatural & Other Foods

Ready & Packaged Foods

All →
Fast Food & RestaurantBurgers · Pizza · Doner & Wrap · Fried Sides · Restaurant Menu Items

Explore foods by category, subcategory or brand

CompareBrands
Tools ▾

Calorie Calculator

Work out your daily calorie needs

BMI Calculator

Body mass index from your height and weight

Food GuideCompareBlog
TR
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

🥩

⚡High Potassium
💪High Protein

Biltong (Dried Beef) Calories

Protein-rich, salt-cured dried beef; sodium content can vary by recipe.

CALORIES · 100 G

6kcal

POTASSIUM · 100 G

700mg

FIBER · 100 G

0g

Quick answer

1 serving (medium) of Biltong (Dried Beef) (30 g) has 2 calories. That works out to 6 calories per 100 g. It contains 0.6 g of carbs, 22.5 g of protein, 2.3 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 0.9 µg of B12 covers 38% of the Daily Value. Under the NOVA system it is classified as "Processed".

Biltong (Dried Beef) Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 serving (medium) · 30 g

2

KCAL / 30G

Carbs

0.6g

· 0% DV

Protein

22.5g

· 45% DV

Fat

2.3g

· 3% 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 2% · Protein 80% · Fat 18%

Biltong (Dried Beef) nutrition facts table · 1 serving (medium) (30 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories2 kcal
Total fat2.3 g3%
Saturated fat0.75 g4%
Trans fat0.06 g
Sodium540 mg23%
Total carbohydrate0.6 g0%
Fiber0 g0%
Protein22.5 g45%

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.

EatBetter

Log this food in EatBetter

100,000+ people use it

  • Get your daily calorie target
  • Snap your meal, log it in seconds
  • See every vitamin and mineral
QR code to get the EatBetter app

📸 Scan the code to get the app free.

The EatBetter app recognising potatoes, broccoli and salmon on a plate

How Many Calories in 1 Serving of Biltong (Dried Beef)?

ServingAmountCalories
1 serving (medium)30 g2 kcal
1 piece (small)10 g1 kcal
1 serving (small)20 g1 kcal
1 ounce (medium)28.4 g2 kcal
1 serving (large)50 g3 kcal
1 pack (small)50 g3 kcal
100 g100 g6 kcal
1 pack (large)100 g6 kcal
1 cup (shredded)120 g7 kcal

Calculated from 6 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Biltong (Dried Beef)

What is biltong made of?

Biltong is processed dried beef, usually seasoned with salt, vinegar, and spices such as coriander and pepper. The meat is cured and air-dried rather than cooked, and recipes vary in seasoning and texture.

What is the difference between biltong and beef jerky?

Biltong is commonly made from thicker cuts cured with vinegar and air-dried, while beef jerky is often sliced thin and dried with heat. The different methods give them distinct textures and flavors.

Is biltong raw or cooked?

Biltong is usually not cooked: it is cured and dried, so it is not the same as raw fresh beef, but it has not been heat-cooked. Safe production and storage matter, so choose products made and handled appropriately.

How is biltong made?

Biltong is made by seasoning beef, typically with salt, vinegar, and spices, then drying it in controlled conditions. It is a processed meat product; careful hygiene and drying conditions are important because traditional biltong is not cooked.

How should you store biltong after opening?

Follow the storage directions on the package. After opening, keep biltong in an airtight container in a cool, dry place; refrigerate it if the label recommends refrigeration, and avoid leaving it exposed to moisture.

How long does biltong last?

There is no single shelf life for biltong: moisture level, packaging, and storage conditions all affect it. Use the date and storage guidance on the package, and discard it if you notice mold, an off smell, or an unusual texture.

Can you make biltong at home?

Yes, biltong can be made at home, but safe curing and drying depend on hygiene and controlled conditions. Follow a reliable food-safety-tested method rather than improvising the salt, drying time, or environment.

Why does biltong get moldy?

Biltong can mold if it retains too much moisture or is stored in damp conditions. Do not eat moldy biltong or try to salvage it by cutting away the visible spot; discard the affected product.

Is biltong high in sodium?

Biltong can be high in sodium because salt is used to cure the beef, though the amount varies by recipe and brand. If you limit sodium, check the package information and keep your portion modest.

How do you eat biltong?

Biltong is usually eaten in thin slices as a snack, but it also works in sandwiches, salads, and savory snack boards. Its salty, strongly seasoned flavor pairs well with milder foods.

Biltong (Dried Beef) Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

0.9µg · 38% DV

B3

2.55mg · 16% DV

B6

0.12mg · 7% DV

B2

0.06mg · 5% DV

Minerals

Sodium

540mg · 23% DV

Zinc

2.1mg · 19% DV

Phosphorus

120mg · 17% DV

Selenium

7.5µg · 14% DV

Potassium ⭐

210mg · 6% DV

How to Burn Off Biltong (Dried Beef)

To burn the 2 calories in 1 serving (medium) (30 g):

🚶

1min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

1min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

1min

Cycling

🏊

1min

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 (Dried Beef)?

Biltong (dried beef) is a South African speciality, traditionally made by seasoning strips of beef with salt, vinegar and spices, then air-drying them. It is sold in slices or bite-sized pieces, and the cut, seasoning and drying time all affect how firm and salty it tastes.

Expect a concentrated savoury flavour, a slight tang and a chewy texture; it is commonly eaten as a snack in South Africa, at home or alongside drinks. Elsewhere, it works as a portable snack or part of a sharing board. Biltong is high in protein and low in carbohydrate, though its saltiness varies by recipe. Pair it with fresh fruit or vegetables for a lighter snack.

How Nutritious Is Biltong (Dried Beef)?

Nutrient density

High

72/ 100

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

High

69/ 100

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 (Dried Beef) 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 (Dried Beef) Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Biltong (Dried Beef) 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 (Dried Beef) Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.75g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.84g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.09g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 3:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Biltong (Dried Beef)

🥩vs🥩
Biltong (Dried Beef) vs Ground Beef244 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
🥩vs🍢
Biltong (Dried Beef) vs Chicken Skewer134 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
🥩vs🥩
Biltong (Dried Beef) vs Sauteed Lamb224 kcal fewer per 100 g
→
🥩vs🍗
Biltong (Dried Beef) vs Smoked Turkey104 kcal fewer per 100 g
→

Foods Similar to Biltong (Dried Beef)

🥩

Ground Beef

250 kcal

🍢

Chicken Skewer

140 kcal

🥩

Sauteed Lamb

230 kcal

🍗

Smoked Turkey

110 kcal

🥩

Beef Kavurma

230 kcal

🍆🍖

Meatballs with Eggplant Purée

155 kcal

🥩

Beef Cubed

250 kcal

🍗

Chicken (Sauteed)

165 kcal

Have another question about Biltong (Dried Beef)?

Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.

EatBetter

Scan calories with your camera

Instant AI nutrition analysis

App StoreGoogle Play

Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.