Biltong has long been recognized in South Africa as the perfect accompaniment to arduous hunting trips, mountaineering expeditions and sitting down to watch a rugby match. With a growing number of expat communities around the world, biltong, a dry-cured meat, has traveled the world and is gaining popularity among other cultures. Probably because it is simply delicious. In terms of health and convenience for those with an active lifestyle, biltong has some considerable advantages. Easy to store, lightweight, packed with nutrients and protein, it’s perfect for long trips that require energy and stamina. In terms of being a healthy option, biltong makes a great low-fat snack and is versatile enough to be used as a base for soups and stews. When it comes to choosing between the game and biltong versions, it is often a matter of taste. Hunting biltong is common in South Africa, where native species such as the Kudu, the Springbok or even the Ostrich have provided their services to create a delicious healthy meal.

Nutritionally, both versions are an excellent source of protein. Fat levels in meat are affected by cutting, although wild game almost always has a lower fat content than the beef version, be it biltong or other meat products. Typical protein, fat and calorie content values ​​for these competing animals are shown below.

• Beef biltong: probably the best known biltong outside of South Africa. Provides, per 25-gram serving, 60 calories, 1.3 grams of fat, and 11.5 grams of protein.

• Play; Springbok, less known to non-South Africans, the Springbok is an extremely successful antelope species, successful in the sense that it has one of the largest growing populations despite being very tasty. For every 25 grams this variety contains 58.5 calories, with 0.2 g of fat and 13.3 g of protein.

• Ostrich; Classified as game, but most commonly sourced from farm birds, this variety also offers a healthy option, if not for the farmer trying to catch it. Contributing 57.3 calories with only 0.6 g of fat and 12.2 g of protein.

It certainly seems that game biltong varieties are the best for those concerned about weight and health, although beef biltong is still a good choice compared to most other snack options. Since Kudu, Springbok, and Ostrich are less easily obtained in the UK, there are other versions of the biltong game available.

Venison is the most common game version of biltong favored by expats and converts alike. This one, like South African game biltong, is considered leaner and contains less fat than beef, although the lead content may be higher, imagine.

Ultimately, biltong is an extremely healthy, adaptable, and wholesome base for a meal. While it can be used as a base for soups or stews, it is an ideal high-protein, low-fat source of energy for active outdoor sports such as running, mountaineering, cycling, and track and field. The choice between game or beef is largely personal and whichever you choose, you will find it more satisfying than a dusty old cereal bar and healthier than a packet of potato chips.