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Turkey jerky Calories
High protein, low fat, convenient snack
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
Quick answer
1 piece (medium) of Turkey jerky (28 g) has 73 calories. That works out to 260 calories per 100 g. It contains 2 g of carbs, 10.6 g of protein, 1.7 g of fat and 0.1 g of fiber. Its 0.5 µg of B12 covers 20% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
What is Turkey jerky?
Turkey jerky is lean turkey cut into strips, seasoned and dried until chewy and shelf-stable. Jerky is strongly associated with North America, where dried meat has long been valued as portable food; turkey is a lighter alternative to the more familiar beef versions.
Its savoury, often peppery taste and firm, fibrous texture make it easy to eat straight from the pack as a snack, whether you’re travelling, hiking or adding something handy to a lunchbox. It is high in protein and relatively low in fat, with 38g of protein per 100g. Pair it with fresh fruit or crackers for a more balanced snack, and drink water if you find dried foods particularly salty.
Turkey jerky Nutrition Facts
Selected: 100 g
260
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
7g
· 3% DV
Protein
38g
· 76% DV
Fat
6g
· 8% DV
Fiber
0.5g
· 2% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 12% · Protein 65% · Fat 23%
Turkey jerky Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
1.7µg · 71% DV
B3
10.2mg · 64% DV
B6
0.75mg · 44% DV
B5
1.1mg · 22% DV
Minerals
Sodium
1200mg · 52% DV
Selenium
27µg · 49% DV
Phosphorus
260mg · 37% DV
Zinc
3mg · 27% DV
How Nutritious Is Turkey jerky?
Nutrient density
High
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
Medium
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.
Turkey jerky Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Turkey jerky
To burn the 260 calories in 100 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.
Is Turkey jerky 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 Turkey jerky Contain Allergens?
No known major allergens
Which Diets Is Turkey jerky Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Turkey jerky Fat Profile
SATURATED
2g
MONOUNSATURATED
1.8g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.4g
Omega 6:3 ratio 10:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (10:1).
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Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey jerky
What is turkey jerky?
Turkey jerky is a portable snack made from seasoned, dried strips of turkey meat. It has a concentrated savory flavor and a chewy texture, and is usually eaten straight from the package rather than cooked before serving.
Is turkey jerky cooked or raw?
Commercial turkey jerky is processed to be ready to eat, not served as raw turkey. If making it at home, poultry needs to reach a safe temperature before or during drying; simply drying raw slices at low heat may not make them safe.
Is turkey jerky good for you?
Turkey jerky can be a convenient high-protein, relatively low-fat snack, but some varieties contain a lot of sodium. It works best as one part of a varied snack, rather than a replacement for less salty whole foods every day.
Does turkey jerky need to be refrigerated?
Unopened turkey jerky is often shelf-stable, but storage instructions vary by product. After opening, follow the package directions; refrigerate it if instructed, keep it sealed, and discard it if it becomes damp or develops an unusual smell.
How is turkey jerky different from beef jerky?
Turkey jerky is made with poultry, while beef jerky is made with beef, so their flavor and texture differ. Turkey tends to have a milder taste, but the seasoning, saltiness, and chewiness depend more on the recipe and brand.
How do you make turkey jerky at home?
Slice lean turkey evenly, season it, and dry it using a food dehydrator or an oven method designed for jerky. Because turkey is poultry, use a reliable food-safety method that heats it adequately; drying alone at a low temperature is not enough.
How long does turkey jerky last after opening?
There is no single after-opening shelf life for all turkey jerky; the package’s storage directions are the best guide. Seal it tightly between servings, keep it away from moisture, and discard it if its smell, appearance, or texture changes.
Why is turkey jerky so chewy?
Turkey jerky is chewy because drying removes much of the meat’s moisture, leaving its fibers more concentrated. Thicker slices and more extensive drying can make it tougher; break off a small piece and chew it thoroughly.
Can dogs eat turkey jerky?
Plain, unseasoned turkey may be suitable for some dogs, but human turkey jerky often contains substantial salt or seasonings that are unsuitable for them. Avoid giving it to a dog unless the product is specifically made and labeled as a dog treat.
Can you rehydrate turkey jerky?
Yes, soaking turkey jerky in warm water can soften it, though it will not return fully to the texture of fresh turkey. Use softened jerky promptly, keep it refrigerated while soaking, and cook it into a dish rather than leaving it at room temperature.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.