Biltong has long been recognised in South Africa as the perfect accompaniment to arduous hunting trips, mountaineering expeditions and sitting through a rugby game. In terms of a health and convenience for those with an active lifestyle biltong has some considerable advantages. Easy to store, lightweight, packed with nutrition and protein it's perfect for long trips that require energy and stamina. In terms of being a healthy choice, biltong is an excellent low fat snack and is versatile enough to be added to quiches, muffins, dips, sandwich spreads and used as a base for soups and stews.
When it comes to the choice between game and beef versions of biltong this is, in many cases, one of taste.
Nutritionally both are an excellent source of protein. The levels of fat in meat is determined by the cut, although wild game is lower in fat content than beef - whether biltong or other meat products. Typical values for protein, fat and calorie content are:
• Beef biltong: Probably the best well known biltong outside South Africa this provides, per 25 gram portion, 60 calories, with 1.3 grams of fat and 11.5 grams protein.
• Game; Springbok - Per 25 grams this variety contains 58.5 calories, with 0.2g of fat and 13.3g or protein.
• Ostrich: provides 57.3 calories with only 0.6g fat and 12.2g of protein.
It certainly seems that game varieties of biltong come out on top for the weight and health conscious, although lean beef biltong is still a good choice compared to most other snack choices. Kudu, Springbok and Ostrich can be sourced in the UK from
Biltong specialist shops.
Perfect for athletes, mountaineers and cyclists, biltong is high protein, nutritious and healthy. Game and beef are both used to create great tasting biltong! Which taste do you prefer, game or beef biltong?
