Vegan Jerky Is The Snack You Never Knew You Needed In Your Life

Jerky's made biiiiig strides since it's days as solely a gas-station staple—so much so, in fact, it now comes in gourmet meat-free versions too. Cue: cheers from vegan and vegetarians everywhere, and rightly so.

"Vegan jerky is great for anyone who enjoys savory snacks," says Taylor Wolfram, RDN. "Depending on the ingredients, they can also be a good source of protein." (Think: jerky made of seitan or tofu.)

When choosing your vegan jerky, opt for one that's full of fiber and not "overloaded" with sodium—ideally no more than 240 milligrams—says dietitian Amy Gorin, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition.

That said, some meatless jerkies (think: mushroom, banana, coconut) don't fit into these numbers perfectly and that's okay. They still make for a smart snacking option when you're craving that chewy, savory taste, Gorin adds.

Start with these nutritionist-approved vegan jerky options.