The Short Answer
Chomps is the better overall choice. It delivers a classic, snappy meat stick with strictly zero sugar, clean spices, and independent ownership.
Epic makes high-quality snacks, but they are owned by General Mills and frequently mix high-sugar dried fruits into their meat bars. If you buy Epic, you have to read the labels carefully. Jerky No Sugar
Why This Matters
Finding a clean meat snack used to be impossible. Most convenience store jerky is pumped full of synthetic nitrates and corn syrup. Are Nitrates In Jerky Bad
Chomps and Epic both revolutionized the space by using 100% grass-fed meat and natural preservatives. They proved you don't need artificial chemicals to make a shelf-stable meat snack. Is Jerky Processed Meat
But as the "clean" jerky market exploded, the details started to matter more. Epic sold to a food mega-corporation, which always raises questions about long-term ingredient integrity. Healthiest Beef Jerky
Meanwhile, Chomps remained fiercely independent. They kept their ingredient list incredibly tight, focusing entirely on savory protein without the sweet fillers. Is Chomps Jerky Clean
What's Actually In Chomps and Epic
Both brands share a commitment to better sourcing, but their ingredient philosophies differ drastically. Is Epic Jerky Clean
- Grass-Fed Meat — Both brands use premium proteins. Chomps sticks to beef, turkey, and venison, while Epic branches out into wild boar, bison, and salmon.
- Cultured Celery Powder — This is how both brands naturally cure their meat. It naturally contains nitrates, but avoids the synthetic versions linked to cancer. Are Nitrates In Jerky Bad
- Encapsulated Lactic Acid — This sounds scary but isn't. It's a natural bio-based preservative derived from fermented cane sugar. The final product contains zero sugar.
- Dried Fruit (Epic Only) — This is Epic's biggest red flag. Many Epic bars include dried cherries or cranberries, spiking the carb and sugar counts. Jerky No Sugar
- Beef Collagen Casing (Chomps Only) — This gives Chomps its signature "snap." It's an entirely natural casing made from beef protein.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- 100% Grass-Fed & Finished Beef — Superior fatty acid profiles with higher Omega-3s.
- Zero Sugar — Meat shouldn't be a dessert.
- Independent Ownership — Brands that haven't sold out usually maintain stricter quality controls.
Red Flags:
- Added Fruits and Juices — A sneaky way to add sugar to what should be a savory protein snack. Is Dried Fruit Healthy
- Mega-Corp Ownership — General Mills owns Epic, which means profits often dictate sourcing decisions.
- Synthetic Nitrates — Avoid sodium nitrite and sodium nitrate entirely. Is Jerky Processed Meat
The Best Options
Both brands offer clean choices, but Chomps is the clear winner for everyday snacking. Check out our full Healthiest Beef Jerky guide for more.
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chomps | Original Beef Stick | ✅ | Zero sugar, simple ingredients, independent brand. |
| Epic | Venison Sea Salt & Pepper Bar | ✅ | A great zero-sugar option, despite General Mills ownership. |
| Epic | Beef, Jalapeno & Cheese Bar | ⚠️ | Contains dairy and higher sodium levels. |
| Epic | Bison Bacon Cranberry Bar | 🚫 | Packs unnecessary added sugars from dried fruit. |
The Bottom Line
1. Buy Chomps for consistency. Every single stick is sugar-free, perfectly spiced, and independently made.
2. Check the label if you buy Epic. Stick to their savory, sugar-free options like the Venison Sea Salt & Pepper bar.
3. Avoid the fruity meat bars. Mixing dried cranberries and apple juice into meat snacks just spikes your blood sugar.
FAQ
Is Chomps healthier than Epic?
Yes, for most people. Chomps guarantees zero sugar across its entire product line, while many Epic bars contain added sugars from dried fruit. Is Chomps Jerky Clean
Did General Mills change Epic's ingredients?
Epic still maintains high sourcing standards like the Land to Market seal. However, corporate buyouts often lead to subtle cost-cutting over time, making independent brands like Chomps a safer long-term bet. Is Epic Jerky Clean
What is encapsulated lactic acid?
It's a natural preservative, not a synthetic chemical. It's created by fermenting non-GMO cane sugar, but the process leaves absolutely zero sugar in the final meat stick.
Are the nitrates in celery powder safe?
Yes, when consumed in moderation. Cultured celery powder contains naturally occurring nitrates that cure the meat without the health risks associated with synthetic sodium nitrite. Are Nitrates In Jerky Bad
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