Question:
What about the sugar in beef jerky?

I have been trying different kinds of beef jerky, because I have read several places that it is a good source of protein, but every one I check has sugar as like the third item. I know we aren't supposed to have sugar, because of dumping. My doctor doesn't want me drinking protein shakes after surgery, just real protein. Any suggestions on what kind of beef jerky you liked and were able to eat would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.    — Amy T. (posted on October 12, 2001)

October 12, 2001
Sugar is a funny thing. SOme surgeons tell you to look at the ingredient list to find if there is too much. I check the sugar grams in the nutrition lable. for the package of jerky that I have it is 3 grams per oz of beef jerky which is good.. If you check the grams in the nutrition first.. then if it is too high (say 6 grams or more) then check to see where the sugar comes from. Natural sugar shouldn't be too much of a problem. Natural such as from fruit.
   — blank first name B.

October 12, 2001
Hi Amy, I too love Beef Jerky, But yes you are correct, almost all in the stores have sugar in them or are cured in it. At one time , when I was pre op, I followed the Atkins diet, which I follow now too. And he strongly suggested not eating any type of meat with sugar. So after hunting for sugar free beef jerky to no avail, I bought a dehydrator, and a beef jerky recipe book and made my own. I just substituted the sugar with nutra sweet. One roast, makes a lot of jerky and would last me two to three weeks. You can make beef, chicken or turkey jurkey for pennies, on what you spend at the store for a small bag. Dehydrators at one time used to cost an arm an a leg, but there pretty inexspensive now, and the jerky only takes 1 to 2 days to finish. Hope this helps! Take Care.
   — Carey N.

October 12, 2001
I too thought beef jerky would be a great protein source. So I tried it, little pieces, chew, chew, chew. It got stuck in my stoma for 3 days. I ended up in the hospital because of that stuff. My doc told me never to eat it again because no matter how much you chew, it can wad up and block the stoma. Mine was smaller than usual, and I did end up with a scope to stretch it, but I would be VERY careful. I'll never try it again. Talk about pain and vomiting! Yuck.
   — mom2jtx3

October 12, 2001
I know what you mean about sugar. Seems it is in everything. But I've found that I can tolerate 12 grams or less ok. (Probally could more than that, but I try to go sugar free as much as possible). Anyway, I like Wal-Mart's "Jack Link" brand jerky both the Regular and Tereoki. I've not had any problems whatsoever with the little sugar that is in it or any jerky. Perhaps it's because the sugar is somewhat cancelled out by the protein??? I know a dietitian once told me that whenever I eat carbohydrates to ALWAYS have protein with it. In any case it is good you try to keep your sugar intake low, but alittle probally won't hurt. I can't believe the misfortune that Linda had. Seems like you never know what will cause problems. I think most of us can do jerky, but it is a stern warning to ether avoid it or be extremly careful. Linda, I hope you are doing better now. As far as your question about the jerky, probally the best thing to do is to try many different kinds and eat just a little of it, chew it well and wait awhile between bites in case you have a problem. More than likely you won't have. ;)
   — Danmark