June 12

National Jerky Day

Celebrate National Jerky Day with a delicious snack - choose from beef, turkey, pork, and more for the perfect jerky experience!

Yearly Date

June 12

Observed in

United States

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Jerky Day on June 12! This special day has been celebrated since the late 1800s and honors jerky, a delicious snack made from dried meat. Jerky is packed with protein and comes in many different varieties including beef, chicken, pork and even vegan options. It's also incredibly versatile - you can eat it as a snack or add it to your favorite recipes for a flavor boost!

National Jerky Day Deals

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National Jerky Day Timeline

1500s

Jerky's Early Beginnings

Native South Americans began creating a dried meat snack, which was the early form of jerky, thus laying the foundation for the tasty treat we know today.

1800s

Jerky’s Popularity Spreads

Jerky became a popular snack among pioneers in North America due its lightweight, non-perishable nature - ideal for long treks and journeys.

1900s

Industrialization of Jerky Making

With the advent of industrial dehydrators, jerky production was scaled up significantly, marking a milestone for commercially available jerky.

1991

USDA Involvement

The United States Department of Agriculture established guidelines for safe meat preparation, including jerky, improving safety standards of jerky sold commercially.

2012

National Jerky Day

The nation-wide observance of National Jerky Day was established by Jack Link's Beef Jerky to celebrate this long-loved snack.

2021

Jerky Varieties Expand

New flavors and types of jerky, including plant-based jerky, continue to emerge, providing a wide range of options for jerky enthusiasts.

How to Celebrate National Jerky Day

1 Make your own jerky

Making jerky is a fun and rewarding experience. Get some lean meat, cut it into strips, add your favorite marinade and spices, then bake in the oven or use a dehydrator to make delicious homemade jerky.

2 Go out for jerky

Check out the local butcher shop or specialty store and see what kinds of jerky they have to offer. You may be surprised at the different varieties that are available.

3 Take a jerky-making class

Search out your local cooking school and sign up for a jerky making class. You'll learn how to make different types of jerky, from beef and pork to poultry, turkey and fish.

4 Throw a Jerky Party

Invite friends over to sample all the delicious flavors of jerky. Serve it as an appetizer or as the main course, with beer or wine pairings.

5 Order Jerky Online

Skip the trip to the store and order some of your favorite flavors online from reliable vendors. Have them delivered right to your door for an added bonus!

Why We Love National Jerky Day

Jerky is a healthy snack

Jerky is an excellent source of protein and other essential nutrients, making it the perfect snack for health conscious eaters. It's low in fat and provides long lasting energy, so you can get all the nourishment you need without feeling weighed down!

Jerky comes in lots of flavors

No matter what kind of jerky you prefer, there is bound to be something to suit your taste buds. Whether you like a classic beef flavor or something more exotic like teriyaki or BBQ, there's sure to be a way to satisfy even the pickiest eater!

Jerky is easy to take anywhere

Since jerky is dried and packaged just for convenience, you don't have to worry about refrigeration or preservatives. That means you can easily bring a few bags of jerky with you on any outing - whether its for lunch at work or an outdoor camping adventure!