There are many exotic jerky options available such as kangaroo, jerky, ostrich jerky, and so on. But are they worth a try? Read on to find out!

Is jerky one of your comfort foods? Have you had beef jerky, venison jerky, turkey jerky, and even tuna jerky thousands of times and are now looking for some new taste and flavor?

Then there’s news for you. Did you know that there are many more exotic jerky options available such as kangaroo jerky, alligator jerky, ostrich jerky, and so on? But are they worth a try?

Keep scrolling to find out all other alternatives to your typical jerky and decide if you’re adventurous enough to try them out!

 

 

1.   Kangaroo Jerky

Australian kangaroo is an exotic jerky that is becoming famous worldwide.

Kangaroo meat has a unique gamey taste and is extremely lean. Due to the abundance of kangaroos in Australia, the price of meat is relatively cheap. But the demand for this exotic jerky is increasing around the world.

It’s sweeter and more tender than ordinary beef jerky, which is why it tends to become everyone’s favorite.

Also, kangaroo meat is packed with isoleucine, threonine, and valine, and is a great source of iron. On the other hand, it is lower in methionine-cysteine and arginine amino acids than farmed meats. All of these properties make kangaroo jerky a healthy choice.

 

2.   Ostrich Jerky

Ostrich is the highest-quality red meat on Earth, but it still hasn’t been tried by everyone. But this newly introduced snack is doing wonders and winning the hearts of snack lovers.

Its meat is very lean and has a texture similar to beef with a richer flavor than the meat of other birds. Those with red meat sensitivities are doing well with this exotic jerky.

Ostrich jerky offers many health benefits including high iron, low cholesterol, high protein, vitamin B-12, and less fat than beef. So buy and enjoy this jerky if you find it in any snack shop.

 

3.   Wild Boar Jerky

Wild boar meat is sweeter than regular pork and slightly nutty, with more complex flavors. And when you eat wild boar jerky, you will notice and enjoy those flavors.

It also contains a lot of protein and is a rich source of monounsaturated fats and zinc.

Though it’s not the healthiest snack option, being very lean and low in cholesterol makes it a better beef and pork substitute.

 

4.  Alligator Jerky

Believe it or not, alligator jerky will make you pleasantly surprised.

Alligator meat is extremely soft and unusual. Its jerky is one of the lowest-calorie and lowest-saturated-fat jerkies available, but it’s still high in protein, much like traditional beef jerky.

It also contains monounsaturated fat, which is found in almonds, avocados, and vegetable oils and is good for you. Without much seasoning, alligator meat provides a mild flavor and taste.

 

5.  Snake Jerky

Snakes can be scary, but their jerky is not. Most people find it delicious.

Snake jerky mostly comes from pythons or rattlesnakes and tastes relatively less savory than other types of exotic jerky.

But its uniqueness makes it well worth trying. It is sold in a can of seasoned broth and can be eaten on its own or with rice or pasta.

 

6.   Elk Jerky

Because of the elks’ surroundings, elk jerky is a good red meat alternative to ordinary beef jerky.

The best thing about elk meat is that it is a high-protein, low-fat meat that is also high in iron.

Elk meat is healthy because, unlike other meats, it is free of steroids, antibiotics, and growth hormones. Elk jerky buyers may rest assured that they’ll get enough Omega 3 fatty acids and CLA, or “healthy fats” that can aid in the prevention of cancer and heart disease.

 

7.   Alpaca Jerky

For millennia, these Andean llama-like animals have been a staple meal in their native region. And it’s starting to catch on in other countries.

Because of its low cholesterol and fat content, alpaca jerky is popular among health enthusiasts as a sweet yet healthy snack. It’s even been dubbed the world’s lowest cholesterol meat!

It’s also usually lower in sodium than other exotic jerky types. But more than anything, alpaca jerky is unquestionably tasty, with a hint of sweetness and no greasy aftertaste.

 

8.  Snapping Turtle Jerky

Although the snapping turtle’s thick shell is inedible, its meat makes for surprisingly tasty jerky! It is a great source of protein with a lot of calcium, which makes it unique.

With a mild, gamey bite, snapping turtle jerky is chewy but juicy. Different from beef jerky, it doesn’t melt in your mouth. So, it offers a unique eating experience, and jerky enthusiasts shouldn’t miss trying it.

 

9.  Shark Jerky

Sharks are underappreciated. They aren’t the ferocious man-eaters that the media portrays them to be, but they definitely create some great jerky!

An exotic jerky that you should try, shark jerky is often produced from hammerhead or mako sharks. It has a texture comparable to a well-done beef steak. It has a saltier, fishier flavor than beef, but not as much as other aquatic jerkies.

 

Bottom Line

For generations, cultures all around the world have made jerky from their local animals. You can easily find them near you at convenient shops or online, thanks to the Internet and international trade.

Now that you know many other exotic jerky varieties, try all of them so that you don’t miss out on the unique taste of those jerkies and find one that suits your palate the best.

Published: 2022-05-26 00:42:42