Look, we need to talk about biltong. If you’re still munching on that gas station jerky while binge-watching Netflix, it’s time for an intervention. The best biltong brands are creating something that makes ordinary beef jerky look like the flip phone of meat snacks – functional, sure, but hopelessly outdated.
This South African dried meat sensation has crossed oceans to revolutionize our snacking game, and for good reason. It’s protein-packed, flavor-loaded, and made with a level of craftsmanship that would make your hipster barista’s pour-over technique look sloppy. Whether you’re a committed carnivore or a curious first-timer, I’ve done the deliciously demanding work of researching the finest biltong producers on the planet. Your taste buds can thank me later.
What Makes a Biltong Brand Worth Your Money?
Before you pull out your credit card, let’s get real about what separates the meat maestros from the second-rate copycats. Creating exceptional biltong isn’t just about hanging meat to dry – it’s an art form with centuries of tradition behind it.
Quality Ingredients (Because What Goes In Matters)
The foundation of mind-blowing biltong starts with what the cow was eating before it became your snack. The best biltong brands are obsessive about:
- Premium, grass-fed beef that actually lived its best cow life
- Meat without the science experiment (no hormones or antibiotics)
- Organic options that make both your body and conscience feel good
- Real spices that weren’t sitting in some warehouse since 2010
- Ingredient lists you can pronounce without a pharmaceutical degree
Brooklyn Biltong, founded by South African native Ben van den Heever, doesn’t mess around with its meat sourcing – they exclusively use USDA-certified organic, grass-fed beef as the foundation of their product. Similarly, when Ayoba-Yo claims “clean ingredients,” they mean it – their labels read like a minimalist’s grocery list rather than a chemistry exam.
Traditional Methods (No Shortcuts Allowed)
True biltong isn’t made in a food dehydrator you bought on Amazon Prime Day. The top biltong brands honor methods that South Africans have perfected over generations:
- Patient air-drying instead of heat-blasting like jerky
- Proper vinegar marination that transforms the meat’s texture and flavor
- Curing times measured in weeks, not hours (we’re talking 14-21 days)
- Climate control that would impress a wine cellar manager
- Hand-cutting that respects the meat’s natural grain
When Brooklyn Biltong says they’re continuing a 500-year-old family recipe, they’re not exaggerating for marketing – they’re literally using techniques passed down through generations. Their air-drying process takes patience in an age of instant gratification, but that’s precisely what creates biltong’s distinctive texture.
Flavor That Makes Your Taste Buds High-Five
Great biltong brands strike that perfect balance between consistency (because no one likes meat roulette) and flavor variety that keeps things interesting:
- Traditional profiles with perfect spice equilibrium
- Peri-peri varieties that bring the heat without torching your palate
- Garlic versions that keep vampires (and possibly first dates) at bay
- Creative options that respect tradition while pushing boundaries
- Consistent quality that makes you a repeat customer
Kalahari Biltong exemplifies this balance beautifully. Their Rosemary Citrus and Chili Lime offerings push creative boundaries while their Original maintains the authentic profile that biltong purists demand. Meanwhile, Stryve has mastered consistency across their flavor range, ensuring that whether you grab their Original or Zesty Garlic, you’re getting that signature Stryve experience every time.
The Elite Eight: Best Biltong Brands Worthy of Your Snack Budget
After sampling enough biltong to make a lion jealous, I’ve narrowed down the best biltong brands that deserve your hard-earned dollars. Each brings something special to the dried meat party.
Stryve: America’s Biltong Ambassador
If biltong had a spokesperson in America, it would be Stryve. As the country’s largest biltong producer, they’ve taken on the mission of converting jerky loyalists to the biltong lifestyle – and they’re succeeding spectacularly.
What makes Stryve the Beyoncé of American biltong:
- Started in 2017 and now publicly traded on NASDAQ (yes, you can literally invest in biltong)
- Zero sugar and up to 50% more protein than regular jerky (gains, bro)
- Clean ingredient list that won’t give your nutritionist a heart attack
- Available practically everywhere with 30,000+ retail locations
- Keto-friendly (because apparently everyone’s doing keto now)
The Good & The Bad:
✓ Pros:
- Most widely available biltong brand in America (30,000+ retail locations)
- Impressive nutritional profile with 16g protein per serving
- No preservatives, MSG, gluten, or nitrates
- Multiple flavor options for different palates
- Successfully brought biltong to mainstream American consumers
✗ Cons:
- Higher price point compared to conventional jerky options
- Some customers report inconsistent texture between batches
- Flavors somewhat adjusted for American palates, losing some authenticity
- Limited availability in certain rural areas despite wide distribution
Their Original flavor hits that perfect savory sweet spot that makes it accessible for biltong newbies while still satisfying the converted. If you’re feeling adventurous, their Spicy Peri Peri brings enough heat to keep things interesting without setting your mouth on nuclear fire.
Brooklyn Biltong: South Africa in New York
When it comes to authentic South African biltong in America, Brooklyn Biltong isn’t playing around. Founded in 2013 by South African Ben van den Heever, this is the real deal – the biltong equivalent of your friend who won’t shut up about how pizza tasted better in Naples.
What makes them special:
- Following a 500-year-old family recipe (older than the United States itself)
- USDA organic, grass-fed beef that had a better life than most of us
- Traditional air-drying instead of taking shortcuts
- Hand-cut by actual humans, not machines
- A staggering 4.7/5 customer satisfaction rating (the Meryl Streep of biltong ratings)
The Good & The Bad:
✓ Pros:
- Uncompromising authenticity from South African founder Ben van den Heever
- Exceptional organic, grass-fed beef quality that purists rave about
- Traditional air-drying methods create perfect texture
- Handcrafted in small batches for quality control
- Highest customer satisfaction rating among American producers (4.7/5)
✗ Cons:
- Premium pricing that can be a barrier for first-time buyers
- Often too dry for Americans accustomed to moist jerky products
- Limited product range compared to larger competitors
- Not as widely distributed as mainstream brands
- Can be difficult to find outside specialty retailers and online
Brooklyn Biltong has become the go-to for South African expats experiencing meat nostalgia. When someone raised on authentic biltong gives it the thumbs up, you know it’s legit. Their traditional approach has earned them accolades at specialty food shows and a cult-like following among meat aficionados.
Ayoba-Yo: When Family Recipes Go Mainstream
The Van Blommestein family didn’t just bring their possessions when they moved from South Africa to Virginia – they brought generations of biltong-making wisdom. Since 2015, Ayoba-Yo has been sharing their family legacy with Americans hungry for authentic experiences.
Why Ayoba-Yo has earned its spot in the biltong hall of fame:
- Shark Tank-featured, bringing biltong to prime-time America
- Family recipe that’s probably better guarded than some state secrets
- 14-day air drying process (while most of us can’t even wait 14 minutes for a pizza)
- Now available at Whole Foods, making it semi-official bougie status
- Expanded beyond biltong to Droëwors and Boerewors (try pronouncing those after a few beers)
The Good & The Bad:
✓ Pros:
- Authentic family heritage from the Van Blommestein’s South African roots
- 14-day air drying process creates excellent texture balance
- High-quality grass-fed beef with no antibiotics or hormones
- Widespread distribution including Whole Foods and Sprouts
- Exceptional customer service consistently mentioned in reviews
- Strong 4.6/5 average customer rating
✗ Cons:
- Occasional inconsistency between production batches
- Limited flavor variety compared to some competitors
- Packaging design could use improvement for better freshness preservation
- Premium pricing that reflects quality but limits casual purchases
- Some customers find certain varieties too dry for their preference
Their consistent 4.6/5 customer rating speaks volumes, with particular praise for their texture – described by many as “perfect, not too dry.” When customers use the word “perfect,” you know you’re doing something right.
Kalahari Biltong: The Athlete’s Choice
When three ultramarathoners discover a protein-packed snack during a South African running adventure, you know it’s going to become an athletic obsession. Kalahari Biltong was born from performance needs but crafted with gourmet sensibilities.
What sets Kalahari apart from the protein pack:
- A 21-day marinade followed by 18 days of drying (that’s commitment)
- 100% grass-fed beef free from antibiotics and hormones
- A whopping 32g of protein per 2oz serving (more than that protein shake you choke down)
- Zero carbs and keto-certified for the carb-phobic among us
- Innovative flavors like Rosemary Citrus that make your protein fix exciting
The Good & The Bad:
✓ Pros:
- Industry-leading 32g protein per 2oz serving – highest in category
- Exceptional 39-day process (21-day marinade + 18-day drying)
- Clean, minimal ingredients list appeals to health-conscious consumers
- Zero carbs and certified keto-friendly for specialized diets
- More tender texture that many first-time biltong eaters prefer
- Creative flavor options not found with other brands
✗ Cons:
- Higher price point than mainstream protein snacks
- Some flavor varieties described as too subtle by traditional biltong fans
- Packaging size complaints – consumers feel portions are small for price
- Acquisition by Stryve in 2020 has raised questions about maintaining original quality
- Limited retail availability compared to parent company Stryve
Though now under the Stryve corporate umbrella (acquired in 2020), Kalahari maintains its distinct identity and production methods. Their tender texture consistently earns praise from reviewers who find traditional biltong too chewy – it’s the gateway biltong for the uninitiated.
Ember Snacks: Britain’s Sustainable Biltong Pioneer
The UK biltong scene has its champion in Ember Snacks, a brand that proves the British can indeed create exceptional meat products (beyond the questionable glory of black pudding). Founded in 2017, they’ve quickly become the sustainability-focused leader in European biltong.
Why Ember deserves a spot in your snack drawer:
- Committed to sustainable British farming when others just talk about it
- Direct farmer relationships that ensure ethical meat sourcing
- Animal welfare standards that would make your vegetarian friends slightly less judgmental
- Genuinely committed to plastic-negative packaging
- Flavor innovations that reflect European culinary influences
The Good & The Bad:
✓ Pros:
- Industry-leading sustainability practices and ethical sourcing
- Direct relationships with British farmers supporting local agriculture
- Higher animal welfare standards than most competitors
- Innovative carbon-negative packaging initiative
- Creative flavor profiles with European culinary influences
- Strong environmental credentials appeal to conscious consumers
✗ Cons:
- Premium pricing reflects ethical practices but limits accessibility
- Very limited availability outside the United Kingdom
- Newer brand (est. 2017) without the long-term reputation of older companies
- Some customers report inconsistent texture between product batches
- Smaller production capacity sometimes leads to stock shortages
- Flavors may not appeal to traditional biltong purists
Their environmental commitments have earned them devoted followers among the eco-conscious carnivore crowd. While primarily available in the UK, they’re setting standards for sustainable meat snacking that producers worldwide are starting to emulate.
The Savanna: The UK’s South African Embassy of Meat
For over three decades, The Savanna has been the culinary connection between South Africa and the UK. Established in 1990, it’s become the largest and most trusted source of authentic South African foods in Britain, with biltong as its crown jewel.
What makes The Savanna special:
- 30+ years of experience – they were making biltong when many of us were still eating Play-Doh
- Direct imports from South Africa for uncompromising authenticity
- Multiple physical stores plus a robust online presence
- The widest variety including traditional, dry, and wet (moist) styles
- A stellar 4.5/5 average rating from thousands of customers
The Good & The Bad:
✓ Pros:
- 30+ years of experience creates unmatched reliability and consistency
- Direct imports from South Africa ensure complete authenticity
- Widest product variety including rare traditional South African items
- Multiple physical locations in the UK plus comprehensive online store
- Excellent 4.5/5 average rating from thousands of verified customers
- The closest experience to South African biltong available in Europe
✗ Cons:
- Products can taste too salty for non-South African palates
- Inconsistent stock availability for certain specialty products
- Online ordering system occasionally experiences delays
- Higher shipping costs for international customers
- Some traditional varieties are very firm/dry for newcomers
- Premium pricing compared to mass-market jerky alternatives
The Savanna offers perhaps the most authentic South African biltong experience outside the country itself. Their reputation among expats as providing a genuine “taste of home” is the highest compliment a cultural food purveyor can receive.
Biltong Chief: Britain’s Premium Meat Artist
Since 2004, Biltong Chief has been catering to Britain’s most discerning meat enthusiasts. Their small-batch approach prioritizes quality over quantity, creating biltong that’s more craft than commodity.
The Chief’s distinctive qualities:
- Unwavering commitment to traditional South African recipes
- Small batch production that ensures quality control
- Premium ingredients sourced for flavor rather than cost savings
- Diverse varieties that respect tradition while offering options
- Texture and flavor profiles that rival South African-made products
The Good & The Bad:
✓ Pros:
- Exceptional quality control through small-batch production
- Strictly authentic South African recipes without compromise
- Premium ingredient sourcing focuses on quality over cost
- Perfect texture consistently praised in customer reviews
- Outstanding customer service with personal touch
- Excellent for South African expatriates seeking authentic taste
✗ Cons:
- Shipping times occasionally longer than competitors
- Higher price point than mass-market alternatives
- Less brand recognition than larger competitors
- Limited innovation in flavor development
- Not as widely reviewed online as major brands
- Packaging prioritizes function over aesthetic appeal
Customer reviews consistently highlight their exceptional texture and authentic flavor. Their attention to detail extends from production to packaging, making them a favorite gift option for introducing friends to the biltong experience.
M-Eat!: The Gift-Worthy Gourmet Option
When presentation matters as much as product quality, M-Eat! delivers on both fronts. Established in 2015, this UK brand has carved out a niche in gift-worthy biltong experiences that impress even before the first bite.
What puts M-Eat! on the must-try list:
- British grass-fed beef that supports local farming
- Flavor profiles developed with culinary expertise
- Packaging designed to impress (no hiding this in the pantry)
- Distribution through high-end retailers that understand quality
- Gift sets that have converted countless jerky loyalists to biltong believers
The Good & The Bad:
✓ Pros:
- Focus on premium British grass-fed beef supports local agriculture
- Sophisticated flavor development with culinary expertise
- Visually appealing packaging perfect for gifting
- High-end retail presence in premium UK stores
- Attractive gift sets that introduce new consumers to biltong
- Strong emphasis on quality over quantity
✗ Cons:
- Limited retail availability outside specialty shops
- Higher than average price point limits everyday consumption
- Smaller product range than more established competitors
- Relatively new to market with less established reputation
- Portion sizes smaller than some competitors
- Limited online presence and customer review base compared to major brands
Their attention to aesthetic details alongside product quality has made them the go-to choice for corporate gifting and food enthusiasts wanting to share premium biltong experiences with uninitiated friends.
Global Biltong Showdown: International vs. Local Players
The world of biltong has gone global, creating fascinating variations as different countries put their spin on this South African classic.
South African Originals: The Authenticity Champions
South African brands remain the gold standard for traditionalists, offering uncompromising authenticity:
- Biltong Man: South Africa’s pioneering commercial producer that somehow maintains artisanal quality at scale
- Cape Diem: Specializing in game meats that let you snack like a 19th-century explorer
- Braaitime: Creating export-ready authentic biltong that passes strict international regulations
These brands have the advantage of generational knowledge and the perfect South African climate for traditional drying. The downside? Import regulations and shipping times can make getting your hands on them challenging outside their home country.
American Interpretations: The New Frontier
American producers have embraced biltong with characteristic enthusiasm, respecting tradition while innovating for local palates:
- Stryve: Making biltong mainstream in America’s snack aisles
- Brooklyn Biltong: Bringing uncompromising South African traditions to the American market
- Ayoba-Yo: South African family expertise with American business savvy
- Kalahari Biltong: Performance-focused approach that appeals to the fitness community
American brands have successfully positioned biltong as a premium protein alternative in a crowded jerky market, emphasizing nutritional benefits alongside authentic production methods.
European Evolutions: Tradition Meets Innovation
European producers blend South African methods with continental culinary sensibilities:
- Ember Snacks: British sustainability pioneer focusing on local meat sourcing
- The Savanna: The UK’s ambassador of authentic South African flavor
- Biltong Chief: Premium small-batch approach for discerning British palates
- M-Eat!: Gift-worthy presentation with substance to match
European brands often highlight ethical sourcing and sustainable practices alongside traditional production methods, appealing to increasingly conscious consumers.
Where to Score the Best Biltong (Without Breaking the Bank)
Finding exceptional biltong used to require a trip to South Africa or knowing someone who knew someone. Thankfully, times have changed.
Online Options: Digital Biltong Hunting
E-commerce has democratized access to premium biltong, with several reliable sources:
- Direct from producers: Usually offers the freshest product and widest selection (Brooklyn Biltong, Ayoba-Yo, and Stryve all have excellent online stores)
- Amazon: Convenient but check dates carefully (Stryve and Kalahari have strong Amazon presence)
- Specialty food sites: Curated options from platforms like iGourmet and Goldbelly
- Subscription services: Regular biltong deliveries from companies like Carnivore Club
Pro tip: When ordering online, pay attention to production and shipping dates. Unlike heavily preserved jerky, quality biltong has a shorter optimal window of perfection.
Physical Retail: The Hunt in the Wild
For the tactile shoppers who prefer to see before they buy:
- South African specialty stores: The Savanna in the UK is the prime example
- Gourmet food retailers: Whole Foods now carries Ayoba-Yo in many locations
- Farmers markets: Small-batch producers often test products here first
- High-end butcher shops: Some craft their own biltong using traditional methods
In-store shopping offers the advantage of freshness assessment and often includes sampling opportunities – particularly valuable when exploring different styles and brands.
Flavor Matchmaking: Finding Your Biltong Soulmate
Different brands excel at specific flavor profiles. Let me play flavor matchmaker and connect you with your ideal biltong partner.
Traditional Flavor Champions
For the purist seeking that quintessential biltong experience:
- Brooklyn Biltong: Their traditional flavor is South Africa in a bag, with minimal adaptation for American palates
- The Savanna: Offers perhaps the most authentic traditional flavor profile outside South Africa
- Ayoba-Yo: Balances tradition with just enough adjustment to welcome newcomers
These brands let the meat’s natural flavor shine, with spices playing a supporting rather than starring role.
Spice Seekers’ Selections
For those who like their protein with a side of heat:
- Stryve’s Spicy Peri Peri: Brings manageable heat with authentic African pepper flavor
- Ayoba-Yo’s Spicy Biltong: Incorporates traditional spices for complex heat that builds
- Kalahari’s Chili Lime: Balances heat with citrus brightness for a multidimensional experience
These options deliver heat that complements rather than overwhelms the meat, avoiding the common mistake of using spice to mask inferior ingredients.
Flavor Adventurers’ Picks
For culinary explorers seeking new flavor territories:
- Kalahari’s Rosemary Citrus: Herbaceous notes with bright citrus undertones
- Ember’s Smoky Beef Biltong: Subtle smoke reminiscent of traditional South African braai
- M-Eat!’s Garlic & Herb: Mediterranean influences that respect the biltong tradition
While traditionalists might raise an eyebrow, these creative interpretations have introduced biltong to palates that might otherwise have missed out on this protein-packed pleasure.
The People Have Spoken: Customer Verdicts on Biltong Brands
Beyond marketing claims, actual customer experiences reveal what makes certain brands stand out from the pack.
What Biltong Lovers Actually Rave About
Analysis of thousands of reviews highlights what drives customer loyalty:
- Perfect texture: Brooklyn Biltong and Ayoba-Yo consistently earn praise for hitting the ideal moisture level
- Authentic taste: The Savanna and Brooklyn Biltong get enthusiastic thumbs-up from South African expatriates
- Clean ingredients: Kalahari and Stryve customers frequently mention appreciation for simple, natural ingredients
- Value proposition: Despite premium pricing, Ayoba-Yo customers frequently cite good value for money
- Service excellence: Brooklyn Biltong’s customer service receives specific mention in numerous reviews
The brands with the most devoted followings don’t just sell meat – they deliver an experience that builds connection and loyalty.
Rankings That Matter
The numbers tell a compelling story about which brands truly deliver:
- Brooklyn Biltong leads American producers with an outstanding 4.7/5 average rating
- The Savanna tops European offerings with 4.5/5 from thousands of reviews
- Ayoba-Yo’s 4.6/5 rating demonstrates that family businesses can compete with corporate giants
- Traditional flavors consistently outperform experimental varieties in overall satisfaction
- Packaging quality significantly impacts overall brand perception and repeat purchases
These ratings reflect not just taste but the entire customer experience from ordering to final bite.
Burning Questions About Biltong Brands Answered
Let’s tackle the most common questions that pop up when people explore the world of premium biltong.
Biltong vs. Jerky: What’s the Big Deal?
Though both are dried meat, the differences are substantial. Biltong uses vinegar in the curing process, incorporates different spices (notably coriander), air-dries without heat, and is cut after drying rather than before. The result? Biltong tends to be more tender, less sweet, and more complex in flavor than typical jerky. It’s like comparing craft beer to mass-produced lager – both have their place, but one offers a more nuanced experience.
How Do I Keep My Biltong Tasting Amazing?
The best biltong brands recommend storing their products in paper bags or breathable containers at room temperature if you’ll consume it within 3-5 days. For longer storage, transition to airtight containers in the refrigerator, where quality biltong maintains peak flavor for 2-3 weeks. Vacuum sealing and freezing work for long-term storage without significant quality loss. Remember: biltong is less chemically preserved than jerky, which is part of its appeal but also affects storage needs.
Are There Actually Health Benefits to Biltong?
Beyond being delicious, quality biltong offers impressive nutritional credentials. Its protein content can reach 50% by weight, it contains minimal carbohydrates, and provides significant zinc, iron, and B vitamins. Premium brands that avoid excessive additives create products particularly valued in fitness communities. Kalahari Biltong’s 32g of protein per 2oz serving makes it particularly popular among athletes looking for clean protein sources.
Can I Get South African Biltong Shipped to Me?
Several top producers ship internationally, including The Savanna (UK to global), Brooklyn Biltong, and Stryve. However, meat import regulations vary dramatically by country. Before ordering, confirm that your chosen brand can legally ship to your location, and consider how extended transit times might affect product quality. US customers have the easiest access to quality options through domestic producers like Ayoba-Yo, Stryve, and Brooklyn Biltong.
I’m a Biltong Virgin – Where Should I Start?
First-time biltong explorers should begin with traditional flavors from established brands to benchmark the authentic experience. Look for clear production dates, proper vacuum sealing, and simple ingredient lists. Medium-moisture varieties from Brooklyn Biltong or Ayoba-Yo offer the most accessible introduction to biltong’s unique texture. Sampler packs allow exploration without commitment – Stryve and Ayoba-Yo both offer excellent variety options for curious newcomers.
The Last Bite: Finding Your Biltong Bliss
The universe of best biltong brands offers remarkable diversity, from South African traditionalists to innovative American and European interpretations. Your ideal match depends on your texture preferences, flavor adventure level, and how much you prioritize authenticity versus creative innovation.
For purists seeking the most authentic experience, Brooklyn Biltong and The Savanna deliver uncompromising tradition. Flavor explorers should check out Kalahari’s creative varieties or Ember’s sustainability-focused innovations. Those focused on nutritional optimization will appreciate Stryve and Kalahari’s protein-packed profiles.
Wherever your biltong journey takes you, prioritizing quality producers who respect tradition while embracing thoughtful innovation will ensure you’re experiencing this centuries-old delicacy at its finest. The best biltong brands have transformed what was once a practical preservation method into an elevated culinary experience that’s winning converts worldwide.
Ready to graduate from basic jerky to the sophisticated pleasure of premium biltong? Your new protein obsession awaits – and your snack game will never be the same.
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