Easter Snacking: Why Jerky Is Better Than Chocolate

Who doesn’t love munching the ears off a chocolate bunny at Easter, chomping through a giant orb or savouring the melty sweetness of a creamy mini egg?  But what if we told you that there was something better than chocolate on Easter?

Whaaaat, we hear you cry…. surely there can’t be anything better than a free pass to gorge on mountains of chocolate?  We’ve got to be kidding, right? 

OK, this mystery item may not seem ‘better’ in terms of a short-lived sugar high especially if you have a sweet tooth, but it certainly is better for you – now and in the future.  And in our humble opinion, it’s just as yummy.  And as irresistible.  And as comforting. And as uplifting.  And, and, and.  

We’re talking jerky.  And yes, we know that salty is the opposite of sweet and you can’t fool your tastebuds into believing that the crunchy munchiness of jerky is the same as the smooth richness of chocolate, but you can certainly train your brain to make good choices!  

But we’re not talking any old jerky.  Not all jerky is the same, and some brands are actually really high in sugars and salt as a result of the various ingredients used in the marinades.  We’re talking premium jerky, made from the finest quality grass-fed Aussie beef and carefully manufactured using only the best natural ingredients with no added nasties.  You may not get a sugar high, but you’ll feel on top of the world when you snack on our DJays beef jerky.

Let’s talk Easter snacking.   What’s in it for you?  

Why do we think jerky is better than chocolate for Easter snacking?

Well, the high fat, high sugar and elevated caffeine content of chocolate brings some risk especially when consumed in large quantities (and let’s be honest, Easter is not about moderation, is it?)  Eating large amounts of chocolate can result in some significant side effects including an increased heartrate, digestive issues, clamminess and the inevitable sugar ‘crash’. 

When you eat sugary and fatty foods like chocolate, your body releases high levels of the ‘feel good’ chemical called dopamine and this in turn stimulates the reward system in your brain.  And you want more of this good feeling, right?  So you reach for another Easter treat, and another, and another.  Until you don’t feel so good.

What happens to your body when you’ve munched your way through an Easter egg mountain?

Your body can only convert a certain amount of sugar into energy, and thereafter the liver turns the excess into fat.  Your body also interprets excess sugar as a threat, so it releases cortisol to counteract the stress, causing your heartrate to increase and your sweat glands to work overtime. 

Overindulgence may feel good for a while, but once your hormone and insulin levels inevitably drop, you will probably feel irritable, bloated, headachy and sluggish – and this is commonly known as a sugar crash.  Add these negatives to your overworked sweat glands – and your Easter celebrations start to feel (and look) more of a burden than a blessing.

Better Easter snacking

We get that jerky doesn’t have cute little bunny ears.  Nor is it wrapped in shiny foil.  And it’s definitely not egg-shaped.  But take it from us – it tastes just as good and makes you feel even better! 

Protein-rich, low fat jerky is nature’s goodness.  When you look at its nutritional make-up, it’s very clear that it’s a powerhouse of energy and is quite possibly the most delectable pick-me-up you can have.  Don’t believe us?  Have a read through this article on whether beef jerky is good for you and make your own mind up!

What makes jerky so good?

Is it the slightly mysterious combo of sweet, smoky and savory?  Is it the chewy tenderness?  Is it the sense of satisfaction from eating something that tastes good and does good?  Is it the slow release of energy that keeps you on top of your game? 

Wait, there’s more. Let’s look at a few more reasons why choccie may not be your best bet this Easter and why you should be choosing a dried meat snack instead.

• Jerky has a long shelf-life and doesn’t need to be kept in the fridge.  No prizes for guessing what happens to chocolate in the heat!
• Uncrushable.  Unlike that giant choccie bunny, jerky doesn’t need to be handled with care if it’s going on an Easter excursion.  Mess and fuss-free, jerky won’t flake, crush or crumble and it will hold its shape and its integrity – despite any rough treatment.
• A protein-rich snack like beef jerky will help you stay fuller for longer, so it will help to curb your cravings for sugar-laden Easter goodies.

A final word

Overindulgence on sweet Easter treats can lead to more sugar cravings and mood swings, so why not look for healthier options that everyone will love?  Of course, Easter wouldn’t be Easter without the excitement and anticipation of chocolate goodies – and it’s ok to yield to temptation in moderation – but remember, beef jerky makes a surprisingly tasty alternative or companion to those sugar-loaded eggs and the health benefits are worth shouting about too!

So hop to it and order your beef jerky online for Easter today.  Visit our website, find your favourite beef jerky flavour (check out our jerky sampler pack if you’re unsure of what to choose) and we’ll have your package delivered to your door with our fast and convenient shipping.  Happy Easter!