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Old Trapper

Beef Sticks vs. Beef Jerky: Which Snack Do You Choose?

April 29, 2021

beef jerky

beef sticks

When it comes to smoked meat snacks, my credentials speak for themselves. For more than fifty years, I've made the world's best beef jerky from my headquarters in Forest Grove, Oregon. I perfected my world-class recipe during the decades I spent wandering through the wildest parts of North America when smoked meat was all that sustained me. Thanks to years of dedication to my products and customers, Old Trapper is now one of the most recognized and beloved beef jerky companies in the country. I believe this expertise makes me uniquely qualified to weigh in on the age-old beef sticks vs. beef jerky debate.  

Beef Sticks vs. Beef Jerky. Which is Better?

Before I offer my opinion on the beef sticks vs. beef jerky issue, I'll say that I don't intend to change anyone's mind here. I learned long ago that most people hold fast to their dearly-held beliefs, and it's a fool's errand to try and change that. Instead, I'll simply offer a point of view based on my years of observation. If you disagree with my opinions, you can send your complaints to idontreademail@oldtrapper.com, where they will be treated with all the respect they deserve.

Now, let's begin our beef sticks vs. beef jerky discussion with an examination of the sticks.

Point: Beef Sticks are Delicious

I'm going to get straight to the point. Beef sticks are delicious. Take mine, for example. I turn deliciously seasoned ground beef into sticks, which I then smoke using natural wood for a flavor and savory snap that beef jerky just can’t match. My beef sticks are individually wrapped, which means you can grab one (or three) on your way out the door or when you're filling up your car for a handy protein-packed, on-the-go snack. 

In my experience, snackers who reach for beef sticks are high-achievers who don't want to waste their time on inefficient foods. They also tend to be exceptionally smart, choosing healthy beef sticks over carb and sugar-loaded alternatives. So, in the beef sticks vs. beef jerky debate, beef sticks win out for convenience and efficiency.  

Counterpoint: Beef Jerky is Also Delicious

While I am of the opinion that beef sticks are delicious, I also happen to believe that beef jerky is delicious. This is where the beef sticks vs. beef jerky debate becomes treacherous, so I will proceed with caution. In contrast to beef sticks, beef jerky is made from whole pieces of lean beef, seasoned to perfection, and smoked with real wood. I make four beef jerky flavors: Old Fashioned, Teriyaki, Peppered, and Hot & Spicy. Each flavor is delicious in its own way, and each flavor appeals to different people for different reasons. I also package my beef jerky in 3.25 oz, 1/4 pound, 10 oz, and 18 oz bags so that snackers can choose the size that best fits their needs. It is truly a snack for everyone. 

“Beef jerky snackers are generous, good-looking, and kind to animals, children, and the elderly. Basically, they're the best people on earth.”

When pondering the beef sticks vs. beef jerky question, you have to consider these factors. I believe that beef jerky wins out for its broad appeal and versatility. So, where do we go from here?

I Don’t Know, Maybe Buy Both?

As I said earlier, I'm not out to change anyone's opinion. If you prefer beef sticks vs. beef jerky, I encourage you to continue enjoying your chosen snack. If you reach for beef jerky over beef sticks, that's great! Who am I to argue? And if you can't decide between beef sticks vs. beef jerky...maybe buy both? That way, you can taste these snacks side-by-side and make an informed decision free from the influence of a guy like me. Whatever snack you choose, you'll come away satisfied, which is what sets beef sticks and beef jerky apart from every other snack on the market.

P.S. Basically what I’m saying is that you’re right, as usual!