Beef Jerky vs Turkey Breast (deli)
Side-by-side macro comparison. Beef Jerky vs Turkey Breast (deli) per their standard serving sizes.
Turkey Breast (deli)
per 2 slices (56g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Beef Jerky | Turkey Breast (deli) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 116 cal | 50 cal | +132% Beef |
| Protein | 9.4g | 11g | -15% Beef |
| Carbs | 3.1g | 1g | +210% Beef |
| Fat | 7.3g | 0.5g | +1360% Beef |
Differences shown relative to Beef Jerky. Positive = Beef Jerky has more.
Quick Take
Beef Jerky delivers 116 calories per serving with 9.4g protein, 3.1g carbs, and 7.3g fat. Turkey Breast (deli) delivers 50 calories with 11g protein, 1g carbs, and 0.5g fat. The most meaningful difference: Turkey Breast (deli) saves 66 calories per serving — meaningful over a week of meals. Both deliver similar protein density.
When to Pick Each
For Cutting / Weight Loss
When cutting on a tight calorie budget, Turkey Breast (deli) gives you 66 more calories of headroom per serving — that's room for an extra snack, more vegetables, or a higher-protein second portion. If protein density matters more (which it does for preserving muscle on a deficit), Turkey Breast (deli) delivers more grams of protein per calorie consumed.
For Bulking / Muscle Gain
For muscle gain, you want calories AND protein. Beef Jerky brings 116 calories — useful when you're chasing a surplus and struggling to eat enough. Turkey Breast (deli) delivers 11g of protein per serving, which directly feeds muscle protein synthesis. The best pick depends on whether you need more total calories or more usable protein.
For Keto / Low-Carb
Both Beef Jerky and Turkey Breast (deli) are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Beef Jerky or Turkey Breast (deli)?
Turkey Breast (deli) has more protein: 11g vs 9.4g per serving. That's a difference of 1.5999999999999996g.
Which has fewer calories, Beef Jerky or Turkey Breast (deli)?
Turkey Breast (deli) has 50 calories per serving vs 116 calories in Beef Jerky — a difference of 66 calories.
Is Beef Jerky or Turkey Breast (deli) better for keto?
Turkey Breast (deli) is the better keto choice at 1g carbs per serving vs 3.1g carbs in Beef Jerky.
Is Beef Jerky or Turkey Breast (deli) better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Turkey Breast (deli) gives you more calorie flexibility (66 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Turkey Breast (deli) delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Turkey Breast (deli).
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Turkey Breast (deli)
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Turkey Breast (deli)
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Turkey Breast (deli)
Lower carbohydrate content fits keto and low-carb macros without burning your carb budget.
Both fit most balanced diets. These verdicts reflect macro-only comparisons — taste, satiety, cost, and personal preference also matter.
Find Your Personal Macros
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Other ways Beef Jerky and Turkey Breast (deli) stack up:
Full Beef Jerky guide • Full Turkey Breast (deli) guide • All comparisons