But where to buy beef jerky can elude its aficionados because there are so many options. You might wonder where to buy beef jerky in bulk to make sure you have a steady supply.
If you want to know “Where can I get beef jerky cheap?” or “Where can I buy beef jerky online?” then you’ve come to the right place. You can choose from some excellent beef jerky vendors — both on the web and in person.
Also, read on to find out the answers to questions like “Can I buy beef jerky with EBT?” and “Can you buy beef jerky with food stamps?”
Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack that many people love to eat on-the-go or as a tasty treat, But can you purchase beef jerky using an EBT card? This comprehensive guide will provide answers on whether beef jerky is an approved purchase with food stamp benefits
What Foods Can You Buy with EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer and it is the system used for distributing food stamp benefits, also known as SNAP benefits to eligible low-income individuals and families. EBT works similar to a debit card, allowing recipients to swipe their EBT card and make food purchases at authorized retail stores and farmers markets.
In general, EBT cards can be used to purchase most grocery food items. This includes fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, breads, cereals, dairy products, and seeds and plants for growing food at home.
However, there are certain restrictions on what can be purchased with EBT. These restricted items include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and medicines
- Prepared or hot foods
- Non-food items like pet food, household supplies, hygiene items or cosmetics
The goal is to ensure EBT benefits are used to purchase nutritious foods that support a healthy diet. Items like beef jerky wouldn’t be considered a hot prepared food, but could potentially fall under restricted items depending on the state.
Checking Beef Jerky Eligibility by State
The eligibility of beef jerky is one area where EBT guidelines can vary by state. While the USDA provides overarching regulations on approved EBT purchases, individual states have some flexibility in imposing additional restrictions based on their specific program goals.
As a result, some states allow beef jerky purchases with EBT cards while other states prohibit it. It depends on whether beef jerky is considered an “accessory food item” or a “staple food” under that state’s classification system.
Staple foods make up the core groceries of a nutritious diet. Accessory foods are snack items or prepared foods. States wanting to restrict EBT benefits to staple groceries only may classify beef jerky as an accessory food, making it ineligible.
To find out if beef jerky is EBT-approved in your state, check with your local social services agency or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website. You can also look for beef jerky purchase restrictions printed on your EBT card paperwork or account statements.
Purchasing Beef Jerky at Grocery Stores
If beef jerky is allowed by your state’s EBT program, you’ll want to know the best places to purchase it. Your regular grocery store is one option.
Grocery stores often stock both national brand name jerky like Jack Link’s alongside generic store brand jerky. You may find jerky sold in the dedicated meat section or the snack aisle. Beef jerky can range from $3-$8 per bag on average, with national brands usually costing more.
Flavored varieties like teriyaki, peppered, or spicy are common. Be sure to check labels for any other seasonings or ingredients if you have food sensitivities. Your grocery store may also sell beef jerky in bulk for a lower cost per ounce.
One tip is to look out for coupons, sales, and store loyalty discounts when purchasing beef jerky. This can help you maximize your EBT benefits. Just present your EBT card at checkout for payment as usual.
Buying Beef Jerky at Convenience Stores
Another place to purchase beef jerky with EBT is convenience stores. Brands like Jack Link’s, Oberto, Tillamook, and Slim Jim are convenience store staples. You’ll often find jerky in small bags by the checkout counter.
Gas stations that also function as small convenience stores similarly offer brands like Jack Link’s and Matador beef jerky in 1-2 oz bags. Their selection may be more limited than standalone convenience stores. Prices for jerky are comparable to grocery stores.
The same EBT purchasing guidelines apply at any store – check if beef jerky is approved by your state program before attempting to buy. Present your EBT card for payment when checking out.
Ordering Beef Jerky Online with EBT
In recent years, EBT recipients have gained the ability to purchase groceries online through participating retailers. Large chains like Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi accept EBT for online grocery orders. Smaller independent online grocers also take EBT online in certain states.
When ordering beef jerky online with EBT, first verify the retailer accepts EBT for online orders. Only purchase jerky from EBT-approved online sellers.
You can use your EBT card on file to pay at checkout. Shipping timeframes, delivery fees, and jerky availability may vary between online retailers. Make sure to review shipping costs in advance.
Checking Your EBT Balance and Transaction History
No matter where you shop, it’s smart to keep close track of your EBT balance and transaction history. This will help ensure your benefits last through the month and that no unauthorized charges occur.
Most states provide an EBT card balance phone number you can call. You may also be able to check your balance at participating retailers.
Reviewing your monthly statement is recommended to monitor spending. Watch for any unknown or fraudulent purchases and report them immediately. Proper account monitoring helps prevent misuse.
Are There Any Other Factors to Consider?
When purchasing beef jerky with EBT, be aware that only the actual jerky is EBT-eligible. Side items often sold alongside jerky like condiments or drinks cannot be purchased with EBT funds.
Flavor and ingredients may also impact eligibility in some states with stricter interpretations of accessory or staple foods. For example, teriyaki jerky may be deemed an accessory whereas plain jerky is classified as a staple protein source. Check labeling and restrictions for your state.
The Bottom Line – Enjoy Your Jerky!
Now that you know beef jerky can be purchased with EBT in many states, take advantage! It’s an easy way to add extra protein to your diet from the convenience of a bag.
Just be sure to verify beef jerky is EBT-approved in your state first and monitor your monthly benefits wisely. With some savvy shopping, beef jerky can provide a tasty and filling snack within your food budget.
Where to Get Beef Jerky
You can buy beef jerky in-store and online from many retailers. Big-box stores like Target and Walmart carry a variety of brands and flavors. Sometimes chain stores have good deals on beef jerky, so if you need some jerky quickly, you should check them out.
However, small retailers may sell excellent beef jerky, too. Youll almost always find some brand of jerky in corner stores. Since the snack is so popular, stores don’t want to lose money by not selling it, so it’s easy to find.
It’s likely that you’ll pay more at smaller stores, but the jerky is usually much better… especially at specialty stores.
More and more people are choosing to buy beef jerky from online retailers. Of course, we recommend checking out BeefJerky. com. We stock an astounding array of flavors, so you have multiple (ridiculously delicious) choices.
From the traditional to the experimental, our range of flavors appeals to all beef jerky lovers. You’re sure to find something you love.
Where Can I Buy Beef Jerky Online?
Online stores are increasingly stocking up on beef jerky. They’re certainly getting the orders, so you should be able to find it on most major retailers’ websites.
Always check out the beef jerky offers that you find online. Stores might mark jerky at half price or offer a buy-one, get-one-free option. Shopping around online is the best way to make sure you get the most jerky for your money.
Even massive online stores like Amazon usually carry beef jerky. However, you might feel more comfortable buying food products directly from an online grocery store. Don’t forget to read reviews — you don’t want to get a great price but a terrible product.
How To Make The Worlds Best Beef Jerky In A Dehydrator!
FAQ
Why are tea bags not covered by EBT?
What can I buy with EBT in Texas?
Can I buy hot food with EBT in Texas?
Where can I buy meat if I take SNAP EBT?
There are a few ways to access meat markets that accept EBT. One, you can shop at supermarkets that take SNAP EBT. Nearly every grocery store sells meat so you can simply get your protein sources there. Two, you can visit a local farmers market. Many farmers or outdoor markets include vendors that raise sheep, cows, pigs and chickens.
Can I buy meat from Omaha Steaks with my SNAP/EBT card?
So, if you have your SNAP/EBT card loaded as your payment option on Amazon, it’s entirely possible that you could buy from Omaha Steaks using your SNAP/EBT benefits. The last place to go to get meat products with your EBT card would be butcher shops. I’m talking about freestanding stores that sell meat.
How do low-income households get SNAP/EBT benefits?
Low-income households get their SNAP/EBT benefits from the state. It comes in the form of a physical card that recipients can use to purchase food at participating retailers, including meat markets. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides eligible individuals and families with benefits to purchase healthy food.
How do I find local meat providers who accept SNAP benefits?
View the database. If you’re looking looking for local meat providers who accept SNAP benefits, the SNAP Retail Locator makes it easy to find nearby farmers, farmer’s markets, and other retailers. Just enter your address and set the range you’d like to focus on (you can search 1 to 25 miles from the address you entered).