Jack Link's

Beef Jerky Original

Barcode 4251097402888

Scanned 33 times by Nomi users

Yes — Beef Jerky Original is ultra-processed.

The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA: maltodextrin (an industrially processed sugar), hydrolysed corn protein (a flavor enhancer and industrial protein extract), yeast extract (a pre-identified UPF ingredient and flavor enhancer), and flavourings (industrial flavor additives). Therefore it is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Ingredients

2 ultra-processed markers

OK

beef

A basic animal protein ingredient derived from cattle; commonly used as meat.
OK

sugar

Granulated sugar derived from sugarcane or sugar beets; a basic, single-ingredient sweetener.
OK

sea salt

A basic mineral-rich salt derived from evaporated seawater, used as a seasoning and preservative.
OK

dried soy sauce (wheat, soybeans, salt, maltodextrin)
OK

hydrolysed corn protein
UPF

yeast extract

A flavor-enhancing extract produced from yeast cells, rich in amino acids and natural glutamates, commonly used to augment savory flavors.
OK

spices

diverse plant extracts used to flavor foods; can refer to a mix of single or blended seasonings.
OK

curing salt (salt, preservative (sodium nitrite))
OK

rosemary extract antioxidant

A plant-derived antioxidant used in foods to prevent oxidation and extend shelf life; typically derived from rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extracts.
OK

citric acid

A natural organic acid used to balance acidity and preserve foods; a common food additive.
UPF

flavourings

Flavourings are additives that are used to enhance or impart flavor to food products. They are considered ultra-processed as they are synthetic or natural substances that are typically extracted, isolated, or synthesized for their flavor properties.
OK

pineapple powder
OK

wood smoke

Healthier alternatives

Reviewed by Nomi

Similar products that aren't ultra-processed — swap and keep the flavour.

Not Ultra-Processed

Natural Beef Jerky Teriyaki

Trader Joe's

View product →

Swap it for something less processed

See all Meat & Poultry →

Other meat & poultry Nomi has checked — these ones aren't ultra-processed.

Common questions about Beef Jerky Original

Is Beef Jerky Original ultra-processed?

Yes — Beef Jerky Original by Jack Link's is ultra-processed, so it counts as a UPF (ultra-processed food). The product contains several ultra-processed ingredients/additives according to NOVA: maltodextrin (an industrially processed sugar), hydrolysed corn protein (a flavor enhancer and industrial protein extract), yeast extract (a pre-identified UPF ingredient and flavor enhancer), and flavourings (industrial flavor additives). Therefore it is classified as ultra-processed (UPF).

Which ingredients in Beef Jerky Original are ultra-processed?

Nomi flags 2 ingredients in Beef Jerky Original as ultra-processed markers: yeast extract, flavourings. See the full ingredient breakdown above for what each one is.

What are healthier alternatives to Beef Jerky Original?

Nomi has reviewed similar products that are not ultra-processed, including Natural Beef Jerky Teriyaki by Trader Joe's. See the healthier alternatives above for details.

What does "ultra-processed" (UPF) mean?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are industrial formulations made with ingredients and additives you wouldn't find in a home kitchen — such as emulsifiers, artificial flavourings, colourings and modified starches. The classification is based on the NOVA system used by researchers and dietitians worldwide.

How can I check whether other foods are ultra-processed?

Scan any barcode — or photograph the ingredients label — with the free Nomi app for iOS and Android. You'll get an instant ultra-processed verdict with every ingredient explained in plain English.

Product information comes from public databases and Nomi's own analysis, and may contain errors. Always check the packaging. Ultra-processed classification is based on the NOVA food processing system.