Are you on the hunt for a savory, satisfying snack that you can feel good about eating? Look no further than Chomps Beef Sticks. These increasingly popular meat snacks are not your average gas station jerky or Slim Jims. Chomps has elevated beef sticks to a whole new level with their premium ingredients, mouthwatering flavors, and commitment to quality.
As a discerning snacker myself, I‘ve tried my fair share of beef sticks over the years. Some have been greasy, artificial-tasting disappointments while others are dry and bland. When I first discovered Chomps, I was intrigued by their promise of a wholesome, flavorful beef stick made from 100% grass-fed beef with no added sugar, gluten, dairy, artificial preservatives or fillers. Too good to be true? I had to find out for myself.
In this comprehensive Chomps beef sticks review, I‘ll give you the full scoop on these mighty meat snacks. We‘ll dive into the brand‘s background, the key features that make Chomps stand out, a detailed look at their most popular flavors, and how they stack up to the competition. Plus, I‘ll share some helpful info on where to buy them and how to save a few bucks on your next Chomps haul. Let‘s dig in!
The Chomps Story: How Two Friends Set Out to Craft the Perfect Beef Stick
Chomps is the brainchild of Pete Maldonado and Rashid Ali, two friends and fitness enthusiasts who were frustrated with the lack of healthy, high-quality snack options on the market. As Pete shared in an interview, "I would constantly see people eating these terrible, greasy gas station meat sticks and I thought to myself, there has to be a better way."
Pete and Rashid set out on a mission to create a beef stick that would adhere to their own high standards: made from humanely-raised, 100% grass-fed beef with only real, natural ingredients. No hormones, no antibiotics, no sugar, no gluten, no artificial additives – period. They also wanted their beef sticks to be compatible with popular diets like paleo, keto, and Whole30.
After countless hours of research and development (and plenty of taste testing!), Pete and Rashid finally landed on the perfect formula. In 2012, Chomps was officially born. The brand started out small, selling their beef sticks online and in CrossFit gyms. But thanks to word-of-mouth buzz and a growing fan base, Chomps quickly took off.
Fast forward to today, and Chomps has become a go-to snack for health-conscious folks across the country. The brand has expanded its offerings to include turkey and venison sticks as well as the "Chomplings" mini beef sticks. But even as the company has grown, Pete and Rashid have stayed true to their original vision of creating "a snack with a conscience." Chomps remains dedicated to sustainable sourcing, humane animal treatment, clean ingredients, and superior taste above all else.
What Makes Chomps Beef Sticks Special? Uncovering the Key Features
So what exactly sets Chomps beef sticks apart from your typical jerky or meat snack? Let‘s break down the key features:
100% Grass-Fed Beef
Unlike most mass-produced beef sticks made from conventionally-raised cattle, Chomps beef sticks are crafted using only 100% grass-fed beef. The cattle are humanely raised and never given any hormones, steroids or antibiotics. This is not only better for the animals and the environment, but it also results in beef that is more nutrient-dense and flavorful.
Clean, Real Ingredients
Take a look at the ingredient label on a Chomps beef stick and you‘ll find a refreshingly short list of whole food ingredients that you can actually pronounce. Chomps keeps it simple with just beef, salt, spices, garlic, celery juice and encapsulated lactic acid (a natural preservative). You won‘t find any sugar, corn syrup, MSG, artificial preservatives or mystery fillers here.
Certified Gluten-Free, Paleo and Keto-Friendly
Whether you avoid gluten for health reasons or are trying to stick to a paleo or keto lifestyle, Chomps has you covered. All of their beef sticks are certified gluten-free and paleo-friendly. And with 0g of sugar and only 1g of carbs per serving, they fit into a keto diet as well.
Whole30 Approved
For anyone who has ever attempted a Whole30, you know how challenging it can be to find compliant snacks that still taste great. Chomps to the rescue! The brand‘s Original beef stick flavor is officially Whole30 Approved, making it a clutch choice when you‘re in need of a satisfying snack to power you through.
Portable and Shelf-Stable
One of the greatest perks of beef sticks like Chomps is their ultra-portable, non-perishable nature. Toss a few in your backpack, gym bag, office drawer or glove compartment and you‘ll always have a nourishing snack at the ready – no refrigeration required. Each stick is individually wrapped for grab-and-go convenience.
High in Protein
With 9g of protein per serving, Chomps beef sticks are an easy way to get a quick hit of this essential macronutrient. The protein comes from the beef itself, without any added protein isolates or powders. Whether you‘re looking to squelch hunger, support your fitness goals or just keep your energy levels stable, the protein in Chomps has you covered.
Top Chomps Beef Stick Flavors: Which One Will Be Your Favorite?
Now for the really fun part – let‘s talk Chomps flavors! The brand offers several classic and creative varieties of their signature beef sticks. Here are the heavy hitters you absolutely must try:
Chomps Original Beef
Sometimes you just can‘t beat an original. This is the flavor that started it all for Chomps. Their Original Beef stick has an authentic, smoky beef flavor with the perfect amount of salt and spice. It‘s an instant classic.
Chomps Italian Style Beef
Take your taste buds on a trip to Italy with this zesty number. Featuring a traditional blend of aromatic basil, oregano and garlic, the Italian Style Beef stick is like a pepperoni stick all grown up. Flavorful and satisfying with just 100 calories.
Chomps Jalapeno Beef
If you like your snacks with a kick, reach for the Jalapeno Beef stick. It delivers a bold, medium-level heat from real jalapeno peppers – nothing artificial here. The spiciness is balanced out by the savory beef for a crave-worthy combo.
Chomps Cranberry Habanero Beef
This flavor is not for the faint of heart! The Cranberry Habanero Beef stick brings together the natural sweetness of real cranberries with the fiery habanero heat. It‘s a unique sweet-spicy flavor adventure.
Chomps Sea Salt Beef
Prefer to keep it simple? The Sea Salt Beef stick showcases the clean, beefy flavor of Chomps‘ 100% grass-fed beef with the ideal amount of sea salt. It‘s a great choice for purists or Chomps newbies.
How Chomps Compares to the Competition
The meat snack market has exploded in recent years, with tons of brands vying for a piece of the high-protein pie. So how does Chomps measure up to some of their biggest competitors? Let‘s take a closer look.
One of the most well-known players in the beef stick game is Slim Jim. While these classic sticks may be a nostalgic favorite, a peek at the ingredient label reveals some unsavory additions like corn syrup, dextrose, hydrolyzed soy protein and sodium nitrite. Chomps has the clear edge when it comes to clean ingredients.
Another popular choice is Jack Link‘s beef sticks. They offer some meaty flavor and protein, but most Jack Link‘s varieties contain added sugar, corn syrup, dextrose and preservatives like BHA and BHT. Once again, Chomps wins out for keeping things simple and natural.
Some of Chomps‘ closest competitors are emerging meat snack brands that also focus on higher-quality ingredients. Epic Provisions and Nick‘s Sticks both offer grass-fed beef stick options, although Chomps still stands out for their Whole30 approval and wider range of flavors.
At the end of the day, Chomps sets the gold standard when it comes to taste, nutrition, ingredient integrity and the overall snacking experience. In my opinion, they are well worth the slightly premium price point compared to some more basic meat sticks out there.
Where to Buy Chomps Beef Sticks
Ready to chomp down on some Chomps? You‘ve got plenty of options for stocking up:
Chomps Website: Ordering directly from the brand‘s website at Chomps.com has its perks. You can easily browse the full selection of flavors and choose between 10-count and 24-count packs. Chomps also offers variety packs and build-your-own bundles. Plus, you can save 10% when you subscribe for regular deliveries.
Amazon: Chomps beef sticks are available on Amazon with Prime shipping options. Just be aware that prices and flavor availability may vary from the brand‘s direct site.
Health Food Stores: Many natural grocery chains like Whole Foods, Sprouts and Vitamin Shoppe carry Chomps beef sticks. Check the jerky or snack section and keep an eye out for sales or promotions.
Retail Stores: You may be able to find Chomps at larger retail chains like Walmart, Kroger, Walgreens and 7-Eleven, although the flavor selection is likely to be more limited than the health food stores.
Chomps Beef Sticks FAQ
Still have some burning questions about Chomps? I‘ll address a few common queries here:
Are Chomps beef sticks healthy?
With simple, clean ingredients, no added sugar, and plenty of satiating protein, Chomps beef sticks can definitely be a part of a healthy snacking routine. Of course, beef sticks are still a processed snack, so enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
How many calories are in a Chomps beef stick?
Most Chomps beef sticks clock in around 90-100 calories each, although a few flavors have slightly more. For example, the Cranberry Habanero stick has 110 calories due to the addition of cranberries.
Are Chomps beef sticks gluten-free?
Yes, all Chomps products are certified gluten-free. They are also free from dairy, soy, and grain.
Are Chomps beef sticks Whole30 compliant?
The Chomps Original Beef flavor is officially Whole30 Approved. Some of their other flavors may be compatible during a Whole30 as well, but be sure to check the full ingredient list.
Do Chomps beef sticks need to be refrigerated?
Nope! Chomps beef sticks are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration thanks to their natural preservative. Stash them anywhere for up to 9 months (although I bet you‘ll gobble them up long before then!).
Final Thoughts on Chomps Beef Sticks
If you can‘t tell by now, I‘m a raving fan of Chomps beef sticks. In my experience, they truly live up to the hype as a delicious, nutritious meat snack that you can feel good about putting in your body. No weird ingredients, no greasy mess, no carb crash afterward – just real food fuel.
I love that Chomps has managed to create flavors that are simultaneously traditional and inventive. Whether you gravitate toward the Classic Beef, get jazzed about Jalapeno or crush on Cranberry Habanero, your taste buds will not be bored.
From a dietary perspective, Chomps gets major points for accommodating a variety of lifestyles and eating approaches. I have plenty of friends and family members who follow gluten-free, sugar-free, keto and paleo protocols, so I‘m always happy to recommend Chomps as a solution for their snack attacks.
The only slight downside to Chomps is that they are pricier than your average convenience store beef sticks. However, I personally believe the upgrade in quality is well worth a couple of extra bucks. This is not the kind of snack you‘re likely to mow down mindlessly. I find that even one Chomps stick is super satiating and I feel good about the whole food protein I‘m giving my body.
All in all, I highly recommend Chomps beef sticks to anyone seeking a smart snacking choice that doesn‘t sacrifice flavor or fun. Once you‘ve chomped, you‘ll never want to go back to lackluster beef sticks again. Stash a few in your bag and prepare for powerful snacking anytime, anywhere. Happy Chomping!
