What comes to mind when you think of gas station or convenience store snacks? For many, it’s meat sticks, particularly Slim Jims. These meat sticks are marketed as a protein-rich, on-the-go option, and their appeal is understandable: they’re shelf-stable, widely available, and easy to toss into a bag for quick snacking. There are also plenty of varieties to choose from, so you can find the perfect flavor profile for your palate. However, a closer look at the ingredients reveals that they leave a bit to be desired.
What's in a Slim Jim?
What makes a Slim Jim taste so savory? It’s not just the meat itself. Along with beef and pork, you’re consuming hydrolyzed soy protein, maltodextrin, and yeast extract, all of which enhance flavor while cutting down on the actual meat content. Consider a Slim Jim stick, which weighs 55g and contains 10 carbs, the 5th ingredient is soy flour, and the 6th ingredient is corn syrup. 2% (1.1g) makes up the rest of the stuff. That means only 43.9g is actually a combination of beef, pork, and mechanically separated chicken.
There’s also the issue with sodium and preservatives, which are necessary to extend shelf life and keep the meat stick flavorful for weeks or months. Sodium isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as it can support hydration and muscle function. However, too much sodium can pose a problem, leading to bloating and high blood pressure.
One of the biggest surprises about Slim Jims, though, is how carb-heavy they can be. This is because of the added sugars and corn syrup used, which are there to improve flavor and texture. The meat quality is also a concern. Slim Jims tend to be sourced from conventional factory-farmed beef and pork, which means you might be consuming animals raised with hormones, antibiotics, and grain-heavy diets. Higher-quality meat that’s been grass-fed, pasture-raised, or regeneratively-raised tends to have better fat ratios, more omega-3s, and a cleaner protein source.
The Carnivore Diet: A Quick Overview
The carnivore diet is a highly restrictive elimination diet that aims to reduce inflammation, boost energy levels, and improve overall health. Finding snacks for carnivore diet eating is easy if you know what to look for. The trick is to rely on fresh meat and grass-fed and finished meat products instead of canned, overly processed, or other low-quality beef products. When searching for the best snacks to eat on carnivore diet plans, focus on simple and minimally processed options.
Read also: Is Slim Jim Healthy?
Healthy Alternatives to Slim Jims
So, what are some healthy Slim Jim alternatives you can try, especially if you're following a carnivore diet? Here are several options to consider:
1. Meat Chips
Meat chips are pure protein and fat - one of the cleanest high-protein snacks you can eat. Unlike Slim Jims, you won’t get any fillers, artificial ingredients, or sugar. Just meat and salt. They start out light and crispy like a chip but quickly start melting in your mouth as the tantalizing flavors are released. They’re not overly chewy or tough like jerky; they’re air-dried to perfection. Eat them straight from the bag for an easy, high-protein snack, or pair them with cheese, guacamole, or full-fat dips for extra flavor and fat.
2. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky was probably what originally inspired the Slim Jim. it has been a go-to snack for centuries, especially for its convenience and shelf stability. However, most storebought beef jerky is loaded with sneaky plant-based ingredients and also contains added sugar, soy sauce, and preservatives. You may be able to find beef jerky made from grass-fed beef and containing only meat, salt, and authentic spices.
3. Biltong
Biltong is also a great healthy Slim Jim alternative. What makes it unique is that it’s air-dried beef, whereas beef jerky is heat processed. This is how it retains more nutrients and natural tenderness. The ingredient profile tends to be simpler, too. Biltong is usually beef and is pure meat, so it is a great resource for iron, zinc, vitamin B, and selenium.
4. Pemmican
This is the original high-fat, high-protein meat snack used by Native Americans as a survival food in ancient times. Pemmican is made by blending dried meat with rendered fat. It’s ultra-satiating, energy-dense, and perfect for carnivore and keto diets. The only issue with Pemmican is these high-fat low carb snacks can actually be too much in some cases. You’ll need to practice proper portion control with Pemmican to avoid overdoing it.
Read also: Achieving Weight Loss Goals
5. Grass-Fed Meat Sticks
Brands like Chomps or Paleovalley may be a bit healthier with sugar-free versions of this classic snack stick. They feature fewer fillers, artificial flavors, and preservatives. Look for pasture-raised or grass-fed meat sticks and choose mild flavors if you want a true Slim Jim replacement that’s actually good for you. Be aware that even the “best” meat stick brands may still use added sugars or questionable ingredients. When creating our snacks for carnivore diet eaters, we don't stop at 0 grams of sugar. Or any other nasty additives and ingredients.
6. Pork Rinds and Cracklings
They make for a great healthy Slim Jim alternative because they contain zero carbs and are free from artificial preservatives and fillers, especially when you make them yourself at home. Pork rinds have a light, airy texture, while cracklings are denser with a more satisfying crunch due to the attached fat. For the healthiest option, you can make your own rinds using this delicious homemade pork rinds recipe. Pork rinds can be healthy snacks on carnivore diet meal plans when you choose high-quality options that aren't cooked in vegetable oils. However, they are high in sodium and lower in beneficial vitamins compared to other animal products.
7. Fish-Based Snacks
Unlike Slim Jims, which rely on processed, low-quality meats, fish-based snacks give you essential nutrients without unnecessary additives. You can eat smoked salmon on its own, pair it with cream cheese for a rich snack, or try fish jerky for a portable, protein-packed option. Salmon crisps are one of the newer snacks for carnivore diet eaters taking the world by storm. Tuna is one of the most filling and tasty carnivore diet snacks to have around the house. As one of the top carnivore diet snack ideas, tuna is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. Tuna is great with a bit of salt and pepper right out of the can. Sardines are definitely an acquired taste, but they are a great option among our list of carnivore diet snack ideas.
8. Eggs
Eggs are one of the best snacks at your disposal! They’re also easy to prepare in bulk, making them one of the most convenient, high-quality snacks around. You can eat them with salt, mash them with butter for a richer texture, or slice them onto cheese crisps for an added crunch. Hard-boiled eggs make perfect grab-and-go options, while scrambled eggs with a bit of salt and pepper create a quick, filling snack.
9. Cheese Crisps and Aged Cheeses
Cheese crisps deliver big flavor and a satisfying texture while keeping things simple - just cheese, baked until crisp. They’re loaded with protein, calcium, and slow-digesting fats that keep hunger at bay. You can snack on them as they are, crumble them over salads or meats for added crunch, or dip them into sour cream or guacamole for a high-fat, satisfying bite. The carnivore diet lets you eat hard, aged cheeses like swiss, parmesan, feta, and other low-lactose dairy products including cottage cheese, kefir, and ghee. Just remember to avoid overly processed and finished cheeses.
Read also: Weight Loss: Slim Shots Examined
10. Cured Meats
Different varieties bring different taste profiles, so you can keep things fresh and flavorful. Look for natural, grass-fed options and avoid any products that contain unnatural flavorings or added sugars. Cured meats are high in protein and fat and offer a good range of minerals. Deli meat is an easy and convenient option to put those rumbles to rest. Chicken, turkey, and beef are all good options. The same rules of quality apply here, though.
11. Bone Broth
It's made from beef, chicken, or fish bones, and these bones are rich in vitamins and nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It's possible to make bone broth at home, but it is a bit time-consuming.
12. Organ Meats
Beef liver is one of our favorite snacks on carnivore diet meal plans because of how nutrient filled it is. Because livers act as our body's nutrient filters, they have an extremely high nutrient profile. The nutritional profile for liver is exceptional.
13. Steak Bites
Steak bites are exactly what they sound like, but that doesn't mean they should be overlooked! Buy some steak in bulk, cook an extra one or two when making dinner one night, cut it into cubes, and ta-da!