If you happen to have any food allergies, then you do understand how difficult it can be to get the right jerky for you.
The seasonings and marinade solutions used during the jerky-making process are the main contributors to common allergies. The beauty of it all is that you can control the situation. You only need to substitute the allergens with other ingredients that are safe for you to consume.
A good number of jerky brands use ingredients such as gluten, sugarcane, and soy sauce; all of which could be detrimental to anyone who is allergic to such products. However, you can get a hold of a reputable online jerky store that uses organic and allergy-free seasonings during the jerky-making process.
Common Types of Food Allergies
Food allergies are common to millions of people across the globe. If you are susceptible to allergic conditions, then it is important for you to understand the triggers behind your allergies.
Common sources of allergies in food include:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and macadamia nuts
- Shellfish allergies, usually caused by crustaceans such as shrimp
- Clams (mollusks) allergies
- Egg allergies
- Milk allergies
- Wheat
- Soy sauce
- Fish allergies from species such as tuna and salmon
To avoid any life-threatening allergic reactions, it is important for individuals to recognize if these food types affect them. This also goes a long way in ensuring that you safely navigate your diet.
What is Jerky?
Jerky is sliced, seasoned and dehydrated meat that is infused with healthy preservatives to increase its shelf-life. The most common type of jerky is beef. However, jerkies today have evolved to incorporate meats such as fish, poultry, and exotic breeds.
Usually, lean meat is sliced into thin slices and then marinated in flavorful marinades and seasonings. After about 6 hours of marinating, the meat is then dehydrated or smoked to get rid of its moisture content. The end result is a tasteful delight that can go for days without going bad.
Common Allergens in Jerky
Jerky allergies are relatively uncommon but can pose risks for certain individuals. Soy-based jerky may trigger allergies in those sensitive to soy products, leading to symptoms like itching or swelling. Gluten allergies can be a concern with traditional beef jerky containing wheat-based soy sauce. Additionally, some jerky varieties may include nuts, posing a risk for those with nut allergies. It’s crucial for individuals with allergies to carefully read labels and opt for allergen-free jerky alternatives to enjoy this popular snack safely.
Symptoms of Jerky Allergies
If you were to consume rancid meat, the chances of food poisoning (botulism) are quite high. If you have ever suffered from food poisoning, then you understand how potentially life-threatening the condition can be.
If you suspect that you have eaten bad jerky, be on the lookout for symptoms such as:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Hives
- Itching
- Abdominal pains and cramps
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
The symptoms can range anywhere from mild to severe. If you experience a couple of the symptoms mentioned above, kindly seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Handling Jerky Allergies
The first and most important step in handling jerky is being super vigilant before buying any jerky products. Be keen on the labeling to identify any ingredients that you might be allergic to, such as gluten or soy.
If you are sensitive, choose to settle for allergen-free varieties of jerky. Check out nice options from Jerky Brands. Their products are well labeled and they have clear details on any allergens.
For enhanced safety during jerky consumption, be sure to educate yourself and those around you on what could cause allergic reactions in jerky. It is also important to know how jerky should smell, feel, and look like, to help know in case it is about to spoil.
Alternatives to Traditional Jerky
There are tons of jerky alternatives, especially to individuals with diet-related restrictions. One good option is plant-based jerkies made from ingredients such as legumes, soy, and mushrooms. These alternatives cater to vegans and vegetarians and they offer a great source of healthy proteins.
Seafood jerky is a great choice if you are big on fish species such as tuna and salmon. This delightful snack offers healthy oils, such as Omega-3, in addition to proteins.
Exotic jerkies from animals such as bison and venison offer a unique experience to individuals who like elevating their novelty beyond traditional jerky options. If you are a DIY enthusiast, you can work around with ingredients and seasonings to craft your personalized and most preferred jerky.
In conclusion
Jerky allergies are not as common as other food allergies. However, these allergies require immediate medical attention. There are tons of healthy jerky options to choose from nowadays. Better yet, you can decide to make your own DIY healthy jerky recipes at home and get as experimental as you can be!