The Short Answer
Epic is one of the cleanest mass-market meat snacks available. Made with 100% grass-fed meat and zero artificial additives, it earns a solid clean rating.
However, some flavors contain up to 8 grams of sugar from added dried fruit. They also rely on celery powder for curing, which is a natural source of nitrates. Are Nitrates In Jerky Bad
Why This Matters
Standard gas station jerky is a chemical cocktail disguised as protein. Most conventional meat sticks are loaded with MSG, artificial smoke flavor, and cheap, factory-farmed beef.
Epic disrupted the snack aisle by proving that you don't have to settle for Is Jerky Processed Meat|Highly Processed Meat. They provide a whole-food alternative to traditional protein bars, making them a massive hit for Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 diets.
But even in the clean jerky space, sugar sneaks in easily. Finding a true Jerky No Sugar|Zero Sugar Jerky requires reading the fine print, as many brands hide sweeteners in their marinades and fruit additions.
What's Actually In Epic Jerky
- 100% Grass-Fed Meat — Epic uses responsibly sourced beef, bison, and venison with more omega-3s than grain-fed beef. Is Beef Jerky Healthy
- Cultured Celery Powder — A natural curing agent that uses naturally occurring nitrates to prevent spoiling. Are Nitrates In Jerky Bad
- Encapsulated Lactic Acid — A safe, dairy-free preservative that creates a slightly tangy flavor and extends shelf life.
- Dried Fruit — Bars like the Bison Bacon Cranberry use fruit sweetened with apple juice, adding up to 8 grams of sugar per serving.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- 100% grass-fed and pasture-raised meats — This ensures better nutrition and ethical animal welfare.
- Zero artificial preservatives — You won't find sodium erythorbate or Red 40 in their ingredient lists.
- Regenerative sourcing — Epic is a pioneer in restoring soil health through the Land to Market program.
Red Flags:
- Hidden sugars in fruit flavors — If you want strictly zero sugar, you have to avoid the cranberry and cherry blends.
- Natural nitrates — Celery powder is still a nitrate, which strict clean-eaters sometimes avoid. Jerky No Nitrates
- High sodium — A single Venison bar hits 750mg of sodium, which is 33% of your daily value.
The Best Options
If you want the benefits of grass-fed protein without the sugar spike, stick to their savory flavors. Healthiest Beef Jerky
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epic | Venison Sea Salt & Pepper Bar | ✅ | 12g protein and 0g sugar with incredibly clean ingredients |
| Epic | Beef Sea Salt & Pepper Bites | ✅ | Simple ingredients and a more traditional jerky texture |
| Epic | Bison Bacon Cranberry Bar | ⚠️ | Clean ingredients, but 8g of sugar from the dried fruit |
| Slim Jim | Original Giant Stick | 🚫 | Mechanically separated chicken and synthetic sodium nitrite |
The Bottom Line
1. Stick to the simple flavors. The Sea Salt & Pepper line offers the cleanest nutritional profile with exactly zero sugar.
2. Watch the fruit. If you are managing blood sugar, avoid the cherry and cranberry blends entirely.
3. Compare with Chomps. If you prefer a traditional meat stick texture over Epic's softer style, Chomps is the closest clean competitor. Chomps Vs Epic
FAQ
Did General Mills change Epic's ingredients?
General Mills acquired Epic in 2016, but they haven't compromised the ingredient quality. Epic still uses grass-fed meat and remains deeply committed to regenerative agriculture.
Does Epic Jerky have nitrates?
Epic uses cultured celery powder, which is a natural source of nitrates. While better than synthetic sodium nitrite, your body processes them similarly. Are Nitrates In Jerky Bad
What is the texture of an Epic Bar?
Unlike traditional tough jerky, Epic Bars are more like modern-day pemmican. They are softer, slightly crumbly, and contain more natural fat than standard jerky.