6 Best Jerkies For Trail Running That Won’t Upset Your Stomach

You’re two hours into a long trail run, climbing a steep ridgeline when the dreaded energy bonk begins to set in. You reach into your pack for that trusty jerky, only to find it’s a salty, leathery brick that sits like a rock in your gut. Choosing the right fuel is critical, and when it comes to jerky, not all options are created equal for an active stomach.

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Why Choosing the Right Jerky Matters for Runners

When you’re pushing your body for hours on the trail, you need a reliable source of protein and sodium to aid muscle function and replenish what you lose through sweat. Jerky is a fantastic, packable source of both. It’s lightweight, calorie-dense, and doesn’t require any preparation.

The problem is, most conventional jerkies are a runner’s nightmare. They’re often loaded with excessive sodium, sugar, and chemical preservatives like nitrates. This combination can lead to dehydration, stomach cramps, and the dreaded energy crash that comes after a sugar spike—the last thing you want when you’re miles from the trailhead.

Think of your trail food as performance fuel, not just a casual snack. The goal is to find a jerky that provides sustained energy and critical nutrients without causing digestive distress. It’s a balance between getting the protein and salt you need and finding a product with a clean ingredient list and a texture that’s easy to get down when you’re breathing hard.

Epic Provisions Bison Bar for Whole-Food Fuel

Sometimes you need more than just dried meat. On a long, grinding effort in the mountains, a simple jerky stick might not cut it. The Epic Bison Bar is less of a traditional jerky and more of a savory, whole-food protein bar that’s incredibly easy to eat on the move.

The genius of this bar is its composition. It blends lean, grass-fed bison with ingredients like uncured bacon and dried cranberries. This gives you high-quality protein for muscle repair, fat for long-burning energy, and a small amount of natural carbohydrate from the fruit for a quick pick-me-up. The texture is soft and moist, making it easy to chew and swallow even when you’re out of breath.

The tradeoff here is that it feels more like a small meal. It’s not the "grab-and-go" simplicity of a beef stick, and it’s a bit heavier in the pack. But for all-day adventures or ultramarathon efforts where you need substantial, real-food calories, it’s an unbeatable option that’s surprisingly gentle on the stomach.

Chomps Beef Sticks: Simple, No-Sugar Protein

If your trail running philosophy is all about moving fast and light, Chomps beef sticks are your minimalist fuel source. There’s no fuss here. It’s just a straightforward, high-quality protein stick designed for athletes who need clean fuel without any extra baggage.

The key to Chomps’ success with runners is what they leave out: sugar, nitrates, and fillers. Made from 100% grass-fed and finished beef, these sticks provide a pure protein hit that helps stave off muscle fatigue. Because there’s no added sugar, you completely avoid the risk of an energy spike and subsequent crash, which is a major pitfall of many other processed snacks.

The stick format is also incredibly practical. Each one is individually wrapped, easy to tear open with tired hands, and can be eaten without getting your fingers greasy. They are very savory, so they pair well with a sip of water, but their simplicity is their greatest strength. They’re the perfect fuel to toss in your vest for a two-hour training run or to stock up on for a multi-day stage race.

Kalahari Biltong: Tender and Easy to Digest

Ever tried to chew a piece of tough, leathery jerky while running up a technical ascent? It’s nearly impossible. This is where biltong, a South African style of air-dried meat, becomes a runner’s best friend. Kalahari Biltong is fundamentally different from jerky, and that difference matters when your digestive system is under stress.

Instead of being dehydrated with high heat, biltong is air-dried, a process that leaves the meat incredibly tender. This soft, easy-to-chew texture is a game-changer mid-run. It breaks down easily, requiring less digestive effort from a gut that already has reduced blood flow during intense exercise. The ingredient list is also refreshingly simple—typically just beef, vinegar, and spices—which further reduces the chances of an upset stomach.

Kalahari Biltong is sliced into thin, bite-sized pieces, making it easy to grab a small handful from a pouch without breaking stride. It’s a zero-sugar option that delivers a solid dose of protein and sodium. For runners who have struggled with the tough texture of traditional jerky, biltong is often the solution they’ve been looking for.

The New Primal Turkey Stick for a Leaner Option

On a hot, humid day, the thought of eating a heavy, greasy snack can be unappealing. Sometimes you crave something lighter that still packs a protein punch. The New Primal Turkey Sticks are an excellent choice for runners who prefer a leaner protein source or want to switch things up from beef.

Turkey is naturally lower in fat than beef, which can make it feel less "heavy" in your stomach during a hard effort. The New Primal focuses on clean, simple ingredients, using free-range turkey without antibiotics or added hormones. Many of their products are also certified Paleo and Gluten-Free, making them a safe bet for athletes with dietary restrictions.

The main consideration with turkey is that it can sometimes be a bit drier than its beef-based counterparts. However, the milder flavor profile can be a huge plus, especially after you’ve been consuming sweet gels or chews for hours. It provides that necessary savory, salty contrast without being overpowering.

Louisville Vegan Jerky for Plant-Based Runners

For a long time, plant-based runners were left out of the jerky game, but that’s no longer the case. Louisville Vegan Jerky offers a fantastic, textured soy-protein jerky that delivers the salty, savory satisfaction you crave on the trail, entirely from plant sources. This isn’t just for vegans; it’s a great option for any runner looking to diversify their protein sources.

Made from non-GMO soy, these jerkies are satisfyingly chewy and come in bold flavors that can really hit the spot when your palate gets fatigued. The protein content is solid, helping with muscle endurance and recovery just like traditional jerky. It’s a lightweight, shelf-stable option that’s easy to throw in a running vest.

The thing to watch for with any vegan jerky is the ingredient list. To achieve the right flavor and texture, some brands rely on more sugar or complex sauces. Louisville does a great job of keeping things relatively clean, but it’s always smart to check the nutrition panel to ensure it aligns with your fueling strategy. For plant-based athletes, it’s a game-changing way to carry savory protein on long runs.

Prevail Jerky: Tender, Allergy-Friendly Beef

For the runner with a truly sensitive stomach or specific food allergies, finding safe trail fuel can be a major challenge. Prevail Jerky was seemingly created for this exact person. Their entire brand is built around producing a clean, tender, and allergy-friendly beef jerky that tastes amazing.

Prevail is free from the top 8 allergens, including soy and gluten, and is certified Paleo and gluten-free. They use 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef and sweeten their jerky naturally with things like coconut sugar, which many athletes find easier to digest. This meticulous attention to ingredients means you can trust what you’re putting in your body when it matters most.

Beyond the clean label, the texture is outstanding. It’s exceptionally tender and easy to chew, putting it in the same category as biltong for mid-run accessibility. It might come at a higher price point, but for runners who have been burned by GI issues from other snacks, the peace of mind and reliable fuel source is worth every penny.

Key Factors: Sodium, Sugar, and Texture Level

When you’re standing in the aisle looking at a wall of options, it can be overwhelming. Instead of focusing on brand names, narrow your choices by looking at three critical factors on the nutrition label. These are what separate a good running jerky from a bad one.

• Sodium: Runners need to replace sodium lost in sweat to prevent cramping and hyponatremia. However, the 800mg+ of sodium in some gas station jerkies is overkill and can lead to bloating. Look for a moderate amount, typically in the 250-450mg range per serving, to get what you need without overdoing it.
• Sugar: This is the biggest red flag. Many popular jerkies are essentially meat candy, loaded with high-fructose corn syrup or refined sugar. This will cause a sharp energy spike followed by a debilitating crash. Your jerky should be a protein source, not a sugar delivery system. Aim for 5g of sugar or less per serving, with 0-2g being the ideal range for sustained energy.
• Texture: This is a practical consideration that’s easy to forget until you’re on the trail. A tough, dry jerky is difficult and distracting to eat while running. It forces you to slow down or stop completely. Prioritize softer, more tender options like biltong, meat bars, or sticks that can be consumed easily with minimal effort.

Ultimately, the perfect trail jerky is the one that fuels your run without upsetting your stomach. Don’t be afraid to experiment on shorter training days to see what works for your body and your taste buds. The goal isn’t to find the single "best" product, but to build a fueling strategy that keeps you feeling strong so you can focus on the trail ahead.