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• My Sugar Free Beef Jerky Is Better Than Anything Store-Bought
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Sugar Free Beef Jerky
• My Recipe Tips
• Sugar Free Beef Jerky Recipe card
• More Savory Snack Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

My Sugar Free Beef Jerky Is Better Than Anything Store-Bought

I’ve tried so many store-bought jerky brands over the years, but they’re always loaded with sugar, mystery ingredients, nitrites, and that weird artificial flavor. So I decided to make homemade sugar free beef jerky instead, and now I’m hooked. It’s sweet, savory, chewy, and totally satisfies that salty snack craving. No dehydrator needed, just a good oven setup and a little patience while it bakes. Here’s why I love this version:

• Sweet and savory flavor – The mix of coconut aminos, spices, and my favorite brown sugar substitute gives it the perfect bold flavor without any added sugar.
• Chewy, just like the real deal – I tested different slicing and marinating methods to get that classic jerky texture. It’s firm, bendy, and just the right amount of chewy.
• Quick prep, hands-off cook time – Zero sugar beef jerky takes just a few minutes to throw together. After that, the oven does the work while you go about your day.
• Natural ingredients – I like knowing exactly what’s in my jerky. This one is high-protein, naturally gluten free, and doesn’t rely on preservatives or artificial sweeteners to taste good.

Make this no sugar beef jerky with me, and you’ll never want to go back to the packaged stuff!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my homemade beef jerky recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Steak – I used flank steak for this batch, but any lean premium beef will work. Top round, bottom round, skirt steak, or even pectoral are all great choices for homemade sugar free beef jerky.
• Coconut Aminos – This gives the jerky that classic salty, savory flavor. I skip soy sauce because I try to avoid soy, but if that’s not a concern for you, feel free to use it or any soy sauce alternative you like.
• Worcestershire Sauce – Just a little for extra depth. It does have a tiny bit of sugar, but since we’re only using a splash, it barely makes a difference. You can skip it if you want to keep things stictly keto.
• Spices – I keep it simple with garlic powder , onion powder , sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if I want a little heat. You can switch it up with smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne, or even a little cumin or coriander for extra depth. For a smoky flavor without a smoker, I sometimes add a tablespoon of liquid smoke to the marinade. It gives the jerky that classic smoky vibe.
• Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – This is the perfect brown sugar substitute for that sweet-salty balance. It has zero net carbs, no weird aftertaste, and helps keep the jerky moist instead of dry or brittle.

VARIATION: Teriyaki Beef Jerky.

Use my sugar free teriyaki sauce instead of the marinade. It gives the jerky that classic teriyaki flavor without all the sugar, and it still gets nice and chewy in the oven. Just use the same method and let it marinate like usual.

How To Make Sugar Free Beef Jerky

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Marinate the beef. Add the sliced beef to a bowl with the the coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce (if using), all the spices, and the Besti Brown. Give it a good mix, then cover and let it marinate in the fridge.
2. Bake the beef. Lay the beef strips in a single layer on a wire rack over a foil-lined pan . Pop it in the oven and let it dry out slowly, flipping the pieces once during baking.
3. Cool . Once the sugar free beef jerky is done, I let it cool completely so it firms up and gets that classic chewy texture.

My Recipe Tips

• For homemade jerky, leaner meat is better. I usually go with flank steak , but skirt steak or top round work great too. Fat adds flavor, but in jerky it just gets chewy and doesn’t dry out well, so I trim off any big chunks before slicing.
• I like to pop the steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes before cutting it. It firms up just enough to make thin slicing way easier, which helps the jerky dry more evenly and gives it that nice, chewy texture.
• Cutting against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers and makes the jerky more tender. I always double-check the direction before I start slicing.
• Let the beef soak up that marinade. Thirty minutes will work in a pinch, but I try to do it overnight or up to 24 hours if I can because the flavor is so much better when it has time to really sink in.
• You definitely want a wire rack set over a foil-lined pan for this . It helps the air circulate around the meat so it dries out evenly. I use this set that comes with both the rack and the sheet pan, and it works perfectly every time.
• I always flip the jerky about halfway through baking so it dries out evenly on both sides. It makes a big difference in texture.
• Once it’s out of the oven, I let the no sugar beef jerky cool all the way before storing it. It firms up more as it cools and keeps better that way too.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 lb Flank steak (thinly sliced into strips, against the grain) ▢
• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos (or soy sauce) ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for flavor) ▢
• 1 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1 tsp Onion powder ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 tbsp Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
• 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Place the sliced beef in a large mixing bowl. Add the coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce (if using), all the spices, and the Besti Brown to the bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, up to 24 hours.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 175 F (79 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe non-stick cooling rack on top (I love this set which includes both) .
3. Arranged the beef strips in a single layer on the wire rack.
4. Bake sugar free beef jerky for 3-4 hours , until it’s dry and firm but still pliable, flipping the beef halfway through.
5. Cool completely. Store in an air tight container.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 ounce

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get tender, flavorful jerky with the best texture. No tough bites, no bland pieces, and no weird chunks of fat!
• Store: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot for 1-2 months.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to a year and thaw before eating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Sugar Free Beef Jerky

More Savory Snack Recipes

If you’re into savory snacks like this sugar free beef jerky, here are a few more favorites to try next:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Sugar Free Beef Jerky

My sugar free beef jerky is sweet, salty, and perfectly chewy. No sugar, no junk, just real flavor with 5 simple ingredients!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/homemade-beef-jerky/

Ingredients

• 1 lb Flank steak (thinly sliced into strips, against the grain)
• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
• 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for flavor)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Besti Brown Monk Fruit Allulose Blend
• 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the sliced beef in a large mixing bowl. Add the coconut aminos, Worcestershire sauce (if using), all the spices, and the Besti Brown to the bowl. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight, up to 24 hours.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 175 F (79 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with foil and place an oven-safe non-stick cooling rack on top (I love this set which includes both) .
3. Arranged the beef strips in a single layer on the wire rack.
4. Bake sugar free beef jerky for 3-4 hours , until it’s dry and firm but still pliable, flipping the beef halfway through.
5. Cool completely. Store in an air tight container.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 ounce

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get tender, flavorful jerky with the best texture. No tough bites, no bland pieces, and no weird chunks of fat!
• Store: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dark spot for 1-2 months.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to a year and thaw before eating.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)