If you enjoy beef jerky, you may have heard of biltong and wondered what makes it different. While both are dried beef snacks, the way they are prepared — and the final flavor and texture — are very different.
Biltong is a traditional South African snack that has been enjoyed for centuries. Today it’s gaining popularity in the United States as a cleaner, high-protein alternative to jerky.
Let’s look at the key differences.
How Biltong Is Made
Biltong is made by air-drying beef instead of cooking it.
The process begins with whole cuts of beef that are seasoned with vinegar, salt, coriander, and spices. The meat is then hung and slowly air-dried for several days.
This slow drying process removes moisture while preserving the rich flavor of the beef.
Because the meat is not cooked, biltong develops a tender texture and deep beef flavor that many people prefer over jerky.
How Jerky Is Made
Jerky is made differently.
Beef jerky is typically:
• sliced thin
• marinated in sauces or sugar
• cooked or smoked at low temperatures
The cooking process gives jerky a firmer texture and often includes sweet flavors from marinades.
Many jerky products also contain added sugars or preservatives.
Texture and Flavor Differences
One of the biggest differences people notice is the texture.
Biltong
• tender and sliceable
• rich beef flavor
• slightly chewy
Jerky
• firmer and drier
• often sweeter
• more heavily seasoned
Because biltong is air-dried, the flavor of the beef itself really stands out.
Ingredients
Traditional biltong uses simple ingredients.
Typical spices include:
• vinegar
• salt
• coriander
• black pepper
At Cornerstone Farms Texas, our biltong is made from Texas ranch beef and traditional South African spices, air-dried in our McKinney butchery.
A High-Protein Snack
Both jerky and biltong are high in protein, but biltong has become especially popular with people following:
• keto diets
• carnivore diets
• low-sugar lifestyles
Because it’s air-dried and traditionally made without sugar, many people consider biltong a cleaner snack option.
Try Biltong for Yourself
If you’ve never tried biltong before, the best way to start is with a sampler.
Our biltong is handcrafted from Texas ranch beef and air-dried for six days using traditional techniques.
You can explore our biltong and droewors products here:
👉 Shop Cornerstone Farms Texas Biltong