What Is Biltong — And Why Is It Becoming So Popular?

In the age of hyper-processed snacks, sugary protein bars, and mystery meat sticks, it’s no wonder people are beginning to crave something more… real. Something with fewer ingredients, more flavor, and a heritage that predates food marketing and mass production.

Its name is Biltong.

For those unfamiliar, biltong might sound like just another fancy snack trend — but it’s so much more than that. It’s a centuries-old method of preserving meat, a beloved staple in South African homes, and increasingly, a must-have item for health-conscious snackers, foodies, and adventurers around the world.

So what exactly is biltong? Why is it different from jerky? And what’s driving its meteoric rise in popularity across places like New Zealand, Australia, and beyond?

Let’s dive in.

🐂 So, What Exactly Is Biltong?

At its simplest, biltong is air-dried, spiced meat, traditionally made from high-quality beef. The process starts with thick strips of meat, which are marinated in vinegar and rubbed with a blend of spices — typically salt, coriander, black pepper, and sometimes chili or garlic, depending on the regional twist.

The meat is then hung to dry in a cool, well-ventilated environment over several days, allowing it to naturally cure without heat. This method doesn’t just preserve the meat — it enhances it. The result is tender, flavour-packed slices with a satisfying chew, deep umami character, and an incredibly clean ingredient list.

Unlike jerky, which is often thin, sweetened, and cooked at high temperatures, biltong retains a meatier texture and richer taste. It’s usually sliced after drying, not before, and you can often choose your preferred cut — from lean and dry to fatty and soft.

For many first-timers, that first bite of biltong is a revelation. It’s savory, a little tangy, deeply satisfying, and nothing like the leathery, sugary jerky most people are used to.

🌍 From Survival Food to Global Snack Star

Biltong’s story begins centuries ago in southern Africa, where the need to preserve meat in hot, rugged environments gave rise to this ingenious method. The word itself stems from the Dutch settlers who brought early curing traditions with them: “bil” meaning rump, and “tong” meaning strip.

Using vinegar and salt as natural preservatives, and spices to keep the flies away, early farmers and hunters could store meat for long journeys, trading expeditions, or just to feed families in the dry season. What started as survival food became a household favorite — with every family, region, and butcher putting their own spin on the recipe.

Over generations, biltong became ingrained in South African culture. It was snack, sustenance, and pride, rolled into one. And as South Africans emigrated to other parts of the world, they took their love of biltong with them.

Now, thanks to rising global interest in ancestral diets, artisanal food, and clean eating, biltong is no longer a niche item. It’s a modern food hero — one that’s deeply rooted in the past.

💪 The Nutritional Power of Biltong

So why are athletes, adventurers, gym-goers, and nutrition-conscious eaters all gravitating toward biltong?

It comes down to three things: protein, simplicity, and real ingredients.

A small handful of biltong can deliver a massive protein boost — up to 50% protein by weight, depending on the cut. That means it fuels muscles, curbs hunger, and supports energy without the crash of carb-heavy snacks.

And unlike many protein products on the market, biltong doesn’t hide behind artificial flavors, preservatives, or sweeteners. A proper biltong should contain nothing more than beef, vinegar, salt, and spices. That’s it.

No gluten. No sugar. No soy. No additives you can’t pronounce.

It’s a snack that works for:

Keto and low-carb diets

Paleo and ancestral eating

Whole food lifestyles

Anyone cutting out sugar or junk food

It’s also perfect as a post-workout snack, a hiking companion, a workday bite between meetings, or something to keep in your bag for those busy days when lunch is a pipe dream.

🍷 It’s Not Just Fuel — It’s Flavour

While biltong is undoubtedly nutritious, that’s not the only reason it’s growing in popularity. People are falling in love with it for the flavour.

Because of the slow drying and spice-curing process, biltong develops a unique, rich depth that’s almost steak-like. It’s smoky, salty, slightly tangy from the vinegar, and sometimes peppery or spicy depending on the recipe. Each piece tells a story.

Unlike ultra-processed snacks, you can taste the meat, not just the seasoning. And when made well, biltong isn’t just a snack — it’s something you’d proudly put on a charcuterie board next to gourmet cheeses and cured salami.

It pairs beautifully with craft beer, bold reds, or even a crisp cider. It’s savory comfort with a clean conscience — satisfying and nourishing in equal measure.

🌱 Why It’s Catching On in NZ

In New Zealand, biltong is finding its footing among people who care about what they eat and where it comes from. With a strong tradition of farming, clean eating, and outdoor living, Kiwis are naturally drawn to snacks that are:

Made with real, local ingredients

Free from fillers and synthetic preservatives

Portable, high-protein, and family-friendly

And for South African expats living in NZ, biltong is more than just a food — it’s a connection to home. A taste of culture. A ritual.

At The Drying Rack, we’re proud to make our biltong the traditional way: air-dried, hand-crafted, and made from premium New Zealand beef. No shortcuts. No sugar. No compromises.

✨ The Bottom Line

Biltong isn’t just a snack — it’s a movement.

It’s a return to old-school craft in a world obsessed with fast food. It’s nutrition with integrity. Flavour without fluff. A reminder that sometimes, the best things come from slowing down and doing things the right way.

Whether you’re reaching for a post-workout protein boost, setting up a weekend platter, or just looking for a better bite between Zoom calls, biltong delivers.

And once you try it? There’s no going back.

🛒 The Drying Rack

At The Drying Rack, we’re all about creating more than just great biltong — we’re here to enhance the experience for anyone looking to buy biltong that’s made with care and packed with flavour.

We believe biltong should feel special. It should be bold, satisfying, and made the right way — with simple ingredients, traditional air-drying methods, and seasoning that lets the meat shine. No sugar, no shortcuts, no gimmicks — just properly crafted biltong that hits the spot every time.

When you buy biltong from The Drying Rack, you're getting more than a snack. You’re getting a piece of something honest and handmade, made for people who appreciate real flavour and quality from the first bite to the last.

Whether you're a long-time biltong fan or you're trying it for the first time, we’re here to make sure your experience is a good one — every single time.