No offense to the concession stand, but a person can’t live on popcorn alone. Schedules can get pretty wild in the summer and for many of us, that means lots of snacks (and sometimes meals) in the car. Instead of reaching for something sugary or filled with empty calories, why not think outside of the pre-packaged snack box and pack protein-filled beef jerky and beef sticks?
It’s not news to anyone that quick carbs dominate the snacking selections in most stores. From chips to crackers, cookies to candies, we’re told that snacks should be crunchy, starchy, extra salty or sweet, and come in colorful packaging. However, when you consider what your body needs, it can be alarming at how little protein is pushed in the snacking game.
When we fill up on quick-burning carbs, we tend to get hungry again pretty soon. A snack that is higher in protein and fat, however, will fuel us for longer and stave off the carb/sugar crash that sometimes accompanies a big snack binge. This is where we come in! Beef is protein-rich and packed with essential nutrients, so why not add it to your summer snack rotation?
We know protein is important, but when it comes to busy schedules, convenience usually wins out over nutritional value. Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice either. Our beef jerky, beef sticks, and summer sausages are as delicious as they are convenient, and always ready for adventure. They’re great as a standalone snack, but if you’re in the mood for something different, here are a few suggestions.
Beef was made for trail mix. Okay, let’s clarify- beef jerky and beef sticks were made for trail mix. The savory and smokey flavor plays nicely with the sweet flavors of dried fruit, or you could shake things up and add dried vegetables instead. The concept is so simple; start with the beef and add ingredients that suit your palate and/or dietary needs. Here is a simple formula for building your own custom trail mix.
Nuts make a great base for trail mix because you can use as many different kinds as you like. Peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and cashews are all pretty common trail mix nuts, but you don’t have to stop there! Macadamia nuts, pistachios, pecans… go, well, nuts!
Seeds are a good filler for a trail mix. They’re small but can provide an interesting flavor and texture addition. Sunflower seeds are popular trail mix seeds, but pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are also great in a mix.
Nobody can deny the allure of a savory and sweet trail mix! Add a few of your favorite sweet treats to your savory trail mix and you’ll win your snackers’ hearts for life. We like dried fruit (think raisins, craisins, dried bananas, dried cherries, etc.) in ours, but if you’re going for a more decadent trail mix, you could add some small candies or chocolate chips.
This is where the beef comes in! Our fan-favorite beef jerky comes in a flavor-preserving resealable package for the ultimate convenience in on-the-go snacking. Get it in original flavor or teriyaki, for a sweet and tangy kick. We also have beef sticks available in original, honey bbq, and honey habanero flavors. Simply dice it into bite-sized pieces for the ultimate trail mix add-in.
You could always stop there, but if you’re looking to fill out your trail mix a bit more, adding something crunchy is a good idea. Rice or wheat cereal squares are common additions here, but feel free to go a little crazy. Pretzels, popcorn, roasted chickpeas, corn nuts… this is where your trail mix can really get tailored to your own tastes.
It may seem basic, but it’s a tried-and-true classic for a reason: the summer sausage snack sandwiches. All you need is a sleeve of crackers, cheese of your choice, and sliced summer sausage to craft a delicious and satisfying snack. Our summer sausage is available in original flavor or with pepperjack cheese for a slightly spicy kick.
To elevate this snack, try swapping out your typical snack crackers for multi-grain or a flavored cracker. The type of cheese you select can also make a big difference! Cheddar or colby jack are both solid choices, but why not branch out and try something else? Havarti, smoked gouda, or muenster cheeses all pair well with summer sausage.
Wherever your summer adventures take you, whether it’s camping, to the ballpark, on a road trip, bring us along! Our beef jerky, beef sticks, and summer sausages just might become your new favorite go-to summer snacks. Like what you taste? Our beef jerky subscription box ships straight to your door as often as once a month! You select the amount, flavor, and delivery frequency, and we bring the joy of a freshly-stocked jerky stash for summer snacking and beyond.
To learn more about our family-owned beef operation, visit us at www.OakBarnBeef.com or stop in and see us at 706 S. Lincoln St. in West Point, Nebraska.
