Salt: A Matter of Taste and Tradition
Salt is a hot topic—whether in the media, our factory, or among customers. How much is too much? Why does one person find something salty while another doesn’t? It often comes down to habit. If you're used to shaking salt onto your food before tasting it, less salty meals may seem bland. But if you season during cooking, you’re less likely to reach for the shaker at the table.
Taste is personal, shaped by upbringing and routine. But when it comes to preserved meats like bacon or biltong, salt plays a role beyond flavour—it’s essential for safety.
Salt in Biltong: Safety First
Think of bacon. Sometimes a packet tastes saltier than usual, even if it’s the same brand. Biltong is similar. Though we follow a strict recipe for every batch, no two slices taste exactly the same to every person. That’s because individual salt sensitivity varies.
At Biltong Direct, we use a precisely measured amount of salt based on the weight of the meat. This consistency ensures safety and shelf life. Reducing salt too much would result in a product that spoils quickly and can’t be stored for more than a few days.
Salt Isn’t the Enemy
Despite its reputation, salt is vital to your health. The human body needs about a teaspoon of salt daily to maintain fluid balance and proper function. That’s why a bacon sandwich leaves you thirsty—your body is asking for water to restore equilibrium.
Biltong offers a protein-rich snack with a modest salt content, unlike many processed alternatives. Just remember to enjoy it with a glass of water.
Sugar: The Real Debate
While salt gets the spotlight, sugar and carbohydrates are increasingly seen as the bigger health risks. Many doctors now argue that fat isn’t the main concern—it’s sugar and refined carbs. For those managing diabetes or watching their weight, cutting sugar is essential.
So what about biltong?
Yes, we use sugar—but only a trace. It helps tenderise the meat during drying and adds a subtle sweetness. In our spice blend, sugar is a minor ingredient. When distributed across a batch of over 10 kilograms of meat, it becomes nearly undetectable.
Still, if you're avoiding sugar entirely, we can make a special batch with no sugar at all. It may take a few extra days to prepare, and the texture will be a bit chewier—but it’s absolutely doable.
Final Thoughts
Taste is personal, but safety and quality are non-negotiable. At Biltong Direct, we balance tradition, health, and flavour in every batch. Whether you're watching your salt intake or cutting sugar, we’re here to help you enjoy biltong your way.