Your new protein replacement – Biltong!

Biltong is a fantastic source of protein and offers many health benefits. When added to a healthy and balanced diet, it can help aid recovery and assist overall performance. With many supermarkets now stocking biltong, it’s likely you have already seen it. But what is it, and why are fitness buffs incorporating it into their gym bags?

What is biltong?

Biltong is a form of thinly sliced, cured, dried meat made from various meats such as beef, poultry, game or fish. Biltong is not a new phenomenon; it has been around for over 400 years, with its roots tracing back to South African countries such as Namibia, Malawi, and South Africa. Travellers historically used biltong on long-distance journeys as a way of getting all the essential nutrients and vitamins into their bodies.

Is beef biltong the same as beef jerky?

Beef biltong isn’t unlike beef jerky, but it isn’t like it either. Although both products are dried meat products and that were originally used by travellers on long journeys, that’s where the similarities end.

Biltong and beef jerky taste very different. Unlike jerky, biltong can be made with different cuts of meat – from lean to fatty – allowing for a wider range of flavours and textures than jerky.

Can biltong replace my intake of protein in whey powder?

100% yes, of course, it can. Biltong is high in protein and contains all the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy diet. Rather than opting for a protein shake that has been manufactured and processed in a factory, try biltong. It not only is incredibly tasty, but it also contains a huge amount of protein for a relatively small serving. A 25g pouch can contain as much as half of your recommended daily allowance, making it a great and healthy alternative to shakes. Biltong is also super low in carbohydrates, making it the perfect addition to a variety of diets and lifestyles, including keto and paleo. While protein shakes are convenient for many, due to the refinement process the powder goes through in the factory, it ends up losing many of the critical nutrients.

Does biltong taste better than whey protein?

It’s entirely down to personal preference! If you love sweet things like chocolate or fruit and use protein powder as a way of curbing your cravings, then biltong may not be the snack for you. But if you enjoy cured meat snacks such as beef jerky or tend to sway towards savoury snacks in general, then we strongly suggest giving biltong a try. One of the great things about biltong is that it comes in many different flavours – from peri-peri and black pepper to sweet chilli and honey and mustard; there are many flavours to suit your needs.

Is biltong healthy?

You may not think it, but biltong is one of the healthier choices of meat on the market. Eating alongside a healthy, balanced diet can help curb cravings and keep you satisfied until your next meal. biltong is high in protein, low in carbohydrates and is laced with lots of vitamins and minerals to help the body’s red blood cells and central nerve function. Unlike many other cured meat snacks, biltong is really low in fat, with under 5% per 25g serving making it the ideal addition to many low-fat diets. The creation of biltong is very natural compared to a lot of other protein snacks and supplements on the market, making it a snack that is rising in popularity in gym bags and snack drawers around the globe.

The final verdict

Protein plays an important role in the body. It helps to maintain and improve muscle mass, helps with cell function and helps to suppress the appetite much better than high fat or high carbohydrate meal. Biltong contains high amounts of protein, which is why it is one of the better things to snack on. It’s low in fat, has high Vitamin B12 content (which is essential for the proper function of red blood cells), is a great source of creatine and offers a natural alternative to whey protein. While protein shakes are highly convenient and readily available with a number of different flavours, biltong offers a highly nutritious snack that is easy to eat and store in your bag when you need it. With the tastiness of a dried cured meat snack as well as all the amazing health benefits it carries, biltong is a snack you want to be trying this year.