NASHVILLE, TN — It’s National Jerky Day — a time to celebrate one of America’s most beloved high-protein snacks. But for Joburg Meats, it’s more than a holiday. It’s a powerful reminder of tradition, innovation, and the journey from the open plains of Southern Africa to health-conscious snack aisles across the U.S.

Rooted in authentic South African culinary heritage, Joburg Meats specializes in biltong and droëwors, time-honored air-dried meats that have been staple sources of nutrition for centuries. Unlike traditional American jerky, biltong is crafted using a natural curing process without sugar, artificial preservatives, or high heat — preserving the rich flavor and nutrients of the meat.

“Biltong is what jerky wishes it could be,” laughs Joburg Meats founder Themba Radebe, a Johannesburg native who launched the brand in the U.S. in 2020. “It’s cleaner, more tender, and packed with natural protein. We didn’t just bring a snack to America — we brought a piece of home.”

Today, Joburg Meats is making waves in the fitness and wellness world. With zero sugar, minimal carbs, and up to 16 grams of protein per serving, the products are ideal for keto, paleo, Whole30, and low-carb lifestyles. Their clean label ingredients — grass-fed beef, vinegar, coriander, salt, and spices — make them a favorite among athletes, busy professionals, and health-conscious parents alike.

We even love snacking on them in the NFM office!

And the numbers back it up: Joburg Meats has expanded into over 1,000 retail locations, and is now one of the fastest-growing premium jerky brands in the U.S. Their bestselling items — including the Garlic & Herb Droëwors and Peri-Peri Beef Biltong — consistently sell out online within hours of restocking.

“We’re proud to bring African flavor and philosophy to a global audience,” says Radebe. “At our core, we believe in nourishment — not just for the body, but for culture and community.”

That commitment extends beyond the snack bag. Joburg Meats works with ethical farmers and donates a portion of proceeds to food access programs both in the U.S. and South Africa.

So this National Jerky Day, skip the overly processed snacks and experience the bold taste of tradition with Joburg Meats — a brand that’s redefining what it means to snack smart, snack clean, and snack with soul.

Visit their website or follow their Instagram to celebrate National Jerky Day the right way.

Author: Tala Shatara