THE CARNIVORE DIET BENEFITS
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of gas station or convenience store snacks? For a lot of people, it’s probably meat sticks - more specifically, Slim Jim. These have been a staple for decades as a quick, protein-packed bite for on-the-go.
But have you ever stopped and looked at what you’re actually eating? The ingredients leave a bit to be desired. It’s a concoction of meat blends with textured soy flour, corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin, and other sketchy additives.
The good news, though, is you can find a healthy Slim Jim alternative that offers just as much convenience, even more protein, and better taste and texture - without any of the worry.
We’ve put together a list of some of our personal favorite below, but the #1 healthy alternative to Slim Jim is just a click away at Carnivore Snax. Our meat chips contain just 2 ingredients: meat and salt. They’ve been called meat pastries for how they melt in your mouth and give way to tantalizing flavors. Learn more about our carnivore chips today!
What is a Slim Jim in the First Place?
Slim Jims are one of the most well-known convenience store snacks. These meat sticks are marketed as a protein-rich, on-the-go option. Their signature smoky, salty, and slightly spicy flavor with a chewy texture keeps people coming back for more.
We totally understand the appeal - they’re shelf-stable, widely available, and easy to toss into a bag for quick snacking. They’re cheap, too - just a few bucks for what you believe is a nutritious snack.
There are plenty of varieties to choose from, too, so you can find the perfect flavor profile for your palate. However, these don’t align with certain dietary regimens - most notably those that exclude things like sodium, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
Why You Might Want a Slim Jim Healthy Alternative
What is it that makes a Slim Jim taste so savory? It’s not the meat itself. It’s the flavor enhancers, texturizers, and artificial seasonings responsible for that signature taste and texture.
Along with beef and pork, you’re eating hydrolyzed soy protein, maltodextrin, and yeast extract, all of which enhance flavor while cutting down on the actual meat content. These things might not kill you in small amounts, but they certainly aren’t doing you any favors.
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. A single serving can deliver more than 400mg of sodium!
Be clear, sodium isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s important, actually, as it can support hydration and muscle function. But too much sodium can pose a problem, leading to bloating and high blood pressure. It adds up quickly, especially if you eat more than one Slim Jim.
Meanwhile, preservatives like sodium nitrite and sodium erythorbate may help prevent bacterial growth, but they’ve also been linked to potential long-term health concerns when consumed in excess.
One of the biggest surprises about Slim Jims, though, is how carb-heavy they can be. That’s right - if you’re on the carnivore diet vs keto, you may need a healthy Slim Jim alternative by default.
This is because of the added sugars and corn syrup used, which are there to improve flavor and texture. However, even a few grams of sugar here and there can make a difference for those trying to stay in ketosis or avoid blood sugar spikes.
But our biggest reason for preferring a healthy alternative to Slim Jim comes down to meat quality. After all, the meat is the entire foundation of this snack.
Slim Jims tend to be sourced from conventional factory-farmed beef and pork. That means you might be consuming animals raised with hormones, antibiotics, and grain-heavy diets. Not only is this inhumane and unethical, it affects the nutritional profile of the meat and how your body digests it.
Higher-quality meat that’s been grass-fed, pasture-raised, or ideally, regeneratively-raised, tends to have better fat ratios, more omega-3s, and a cleaner protein source. So if you care about what goes into your body, a Slim Jim healthy alternative is a must.
What’s a Healthy Alternative to Slim Jim?
So what’s a healthy Slim Jim alternative you can try? There are so many cleaner, healthier options at your fingertips that there really is no excuse to bother with these questionable meat sticks!
We’ve put together the 10 best options, but your search for the #1 healthy alternative to Slim Jim ends right here at Carnivore Snax.
Meat Chips
- Protein: 15-20g per ounce
- Fat: 10-15g per ounce
- Carbs: 0g
- Calories: 150-180 per ounce
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. Not just any meat and salt, though - the best the world has to offer.
We use Redmond Real Salt, and you’ll taste the difference. But what really makes our meat chips the #1 healthy Slim Jim alternative is we source the meat from the most elite, ethical regenerative farms in the nation - so you can feel good about indulging in these carnivore treats!
They’ve been called meat pastries because 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. There’s a variety for every preference, too:
You can 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. No matter how you enjoy them, we’re confident you’ll agree this is the best Slim Jim healthy alternative!
Join 110,000 happy customers and counting who choose Carnivore Snax today.
Beef Jerky
- Protein: 10-15g per ounce
- Fat: 1-3g per ounce
- Carbs: 5-10g per ounce
- Calories: 80-120 per ounce
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. It’s packed with lean protein and provides a satisfying chew.
But can you eat beef jerky on the carnivore diet? The unfortunate truth is most storebought beef jerky is loaded with sneaky plant-based ingredients and it also contains added sugar, soy sauce, and preservatives. You’ll need to carefully read labels if you choose this alternative to Slim Jim.
They’re few and far between, but you may be able to find beef jerky made from grass-fed beef and containing only meat, salt, and authentic spices. There’s also the issue of chewiness, though. Beef jerky can be tough to chew through, which isn’t for everyone.
Biltong
- Protein: 14-18g per ounce
- Fat: 3-6g per ounce
- Carbs: 0-2g per ounce
- Calories: 100-160 per ounce
We recently wrote a beef jerky alternative guide because of the shortcomings that snack has, and there, we mentioned how biltong is one of the top choices. It’s free from preservatives and artificial ingredients and naturally softer, easier to chew through than jerky.
All things considered biltong is also a great healthy Slim Jim alternative. It also has a higher fat content than jerky so it’s great for carnivore dieters trying to fuel their body without carbs.
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. Just know it’s harder to come by than beef jerky and Slim Jims, for that matter, and can be pricey.
Pemmican
- Protein: 10-15g per serving
- Fat: 15-25g per serving
- Carbs: 0g
- Calories: 200-300 per serving
This is the original high-fat, high-protein meat snack used by Native Americans as a survival food in ancient times. While it’s a bit less common today it still has its place, especially as a healthy alternative to Slim Jim for road trips or camping adventures.
Pemmican is made by blending dried meat with rendered fat. It’s ultra-satiating, energy-dense, and perfect for carnivore and keto diets. Sometimes it contains berries, too, so those trying to avoid plant-based foods or carbs will need to do their due diligence.
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. The taste and texture can be offputting for some, too - but it’s still worth trying if you haven’t yet!
Cleaner Meat Sticks
- Protein: 8-12g per stick
- Fat: 6-10g per stick
- Carbs: 0-3g per stick
- Calories: 100-150 per stick
Slim Jim is the quintessential meat stick - but there are plenty of other brands you can choose from if you like this type of snack but not the ingredient profile or meat sourcing standards.
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. More importantly, though, you’re getting higher-quality meat with a better fat balance.
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. Stick with meat chips for peace of mind
Pork Rinds & Cracklings
- Protein: 17g per ounce
- Fat: 5-9g per ounce
- Carbs: 0g per ounce
- Calories: 150 per ounce
Pork rinds and cracklings are some of the best high protein snacks for the carnivore or keto diet, but truthfully, anyone can benefit from adding these to their rotation!
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. We have a pork rinds carnivore diet if you’d like to learn more about that!
Pork rinds have a light, airy texture, while cracklings are denser with a more satisfying crunch due to the attached fat. Either way, you can eat these snacks straight from the bag, dip them in sour cream or guacamole, or crush them as a crispy topping for meat dishes.
Smoked Salmon or Fish Jerky
- Protein: 20g per serving
- Fat: 10-15g per serving
- Carbs: 0g per serving
- Calories: 150-200 per serving
Smoked salmon and fish jerky are loaded with high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids to support heart health and brain function, something few other options on this list provide.
Unlike Slim Jims, which rely on processed, low-quality meats, fish-based snacks give you essential nutrients without unnecessary additives. The only problem is not everyone likes fish and wants to carry around potentially stinky snacks all day. Spoilage is a bigger issue, too.
Regardless, 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. Just make sure you stick with wild-caught varieties for the highest nutrient content and best flavor.
Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Protein: 6g per large egg
- Fat: 5g per large egg
- Carbs: 0.5g per large egg
- Calories: 70 per large egg
You may be wondering, can you eat eggs on carnivore diet? As a matter of fact, this is one of the best snacks at your disposal! Hard-boiled eggs are nutrient-dense as a complete protein source packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
They’re also easy to prepare in bulk, making them one of the most convenient, high-quality snacks around. The combination of protein and fats in eggs provides long-lasting energy without the blood sugar spikes found in carb-heavy snacks.
You can eat them with salt, mash them with butter for a richer texture, or slice them onto cheese crisps for an added crunch. Oh, speaking of cheese…
Cheese Crisps
- Protein: 6-7g per ounce
- Fat: 9-12g per ounce
- Carbs: 1g per ounce
- Calories: 100-120 per ounce
Cheese crisps deliver big flavor and a satisfying texture while keeping things simple - just cheese, baked until crisp. They’re a crunchy snack without the carbs.
But, can you eat cheese on carnivore diet? Absolutely! As long as your body isn’t responding negatively to dairy in the form of digestive upset, it’s fair game since cheese is animal-based.
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 possibilities are endless!
Cured Meats
- Protein: 5-8g per ounce
- Fat: 8-14g per ounce
- Carbs: 0-2g per ounce
- Calories: 100-150 per ounce
The final healthy alternative to Slim Jim we want to mention is among the most simple - cured meats straight from your local deli or butcher shop. Be it salami, prosciutto, or chorizo, these are some of the best carnivore diet foods because they’re pure protein and 100% animal-based.
Different varieties bring different taste profiles, so you can keep things fresh and flavorful. Salami is savory and fatty, prosciutto is rich and delicate, and chorizo packs a spicy punch.
Slice and eat them on their own, pair with cheese for a well-rounded snack, or wrap prosciutto around eggs or meat crisps for an extra hit of protein.
Watch out for the high sodium content along with the nitrates and nitrites these might contain, though. At the end of the day, the best healthy Slim Jim alternative is just a click away at Carnivore Snax, with zero concerns from a nutrition perspective. Get your meat chips today!
Final Words on Our Favorite Healthy Slim Jim Alternative
That does it for our overview of the top substitutes for Slim Jims. Don’t get us wrong, we get the appeal. They’re convenient, affordable, and a good source of animal-based protein.
But all the additives and fillers, and the quality of the meat, means there are better snacks for carnivore diet. We hope you find your new favorite healthy alternative to Slim Jim here on this list, from biltong to smoked salmon, meat chips, cheese crisps, and much, much more.
Remember, though, the best of the best is right here at Carnivore Snax ready to be discovered. Stock up on the cleanest, crunchiest meat chips now to experience the difference firsthand!
