Extruded vs. Whole-Muscle Jerky: What's the Difference?

If you've ever bitten into a piece of jerky and felt like you were chewing a leather belt, you're not alone. And if you've had jerky that was soft and easy to eat, you may have wondered why it was so different. Most of the time, the answer is simple: it was made a different way.

There are two main styles of beef jerky: whole-muscle and extruded. Here's how they differ.

What Is Whole-Muscle Jerky?

Whole-muscle jerky is made by slicing solid pieces of beef into strips, marinating them, and drying them. It's the style most people picture when they think of jerky.

• Texture: firm and fibrous. Depending on the cut and how long it's dried, it can be chewy or even tough.
• Shape: irregular strips, every piece a little different.
• Best for: people who love a long, hearty chew.

What Is Extruded Jerky?

Extruded jerky starts with beef that's ground and seasoned, then formed into flat strips or sticks before it's dried. Because the meat is formed rather than sliced, the seasoning is mixed all the way through instead of just sitting on the surface.

• Texture: tender and easy to bite through, without tough fibers.
• Shape: uniform flats or sticks, so every piece is consistent.
• Flavor: seasoning in every bite, not just on the outside.
• Best for: anyone who wants jerky flavor without the jaw workout, including kids, grandparents and anyone with dental work.

Which One Is Better?

Neither is "better." It depends on what you like. If you want a long, tough chew, whole-muscle is your style. If you want something tender that's easy to eat on the go, extruded is the way to go.

That said, a lot of people who think they don't like jerky really just don't like tough jerky. Extruded flats are often what changes their mind.

Why Stevie G Makes Extruded Flats

Our beef jerky flats are artisan extruded from our family recipe, which is more than 30 years old. We make them this way because we wanted jerky that everyone in the family could enjoy. The result is a tender, easy bite with bold flavor all the way through.

It must be working: three of our flavors, Original, Hot Honey BBQ and Teriyaki, won bronze at the 2024 International Jerky Awards. And if you read our customer reviews, one word keeps coming up: tender.

Try It for Yourself

Not sure where to start? Our Award Winners 3-Pack gets you all three medal winners for under $25. Or try a little of everything with the Variety Pack.

FAQ

Is extruded jerky real beef?

Yes. Ours is made from beef that's ground, seasoned and formed into flats, then dried.

Is extruded jerky softer than regular jerky?

Generally, yes. Because it isn't made from sliced muscle fibers, it's usually more tender and easier to bite through.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

No. Our beef jerky is shelf-stable, so you can keep it in your car, desk or pack.