Beef Jerky vs Roast Beef (deli)
Side-by-side macro comparison. Beef Jerky vs Roast Beef (deli) per their standard serving sizes.
Roast Beef (deli)
per 2 slices (56g)
Macro Comparison Table
| Macro | Beef Jerky | Roast Beef (deli) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 116 cal | 70 cal | +66% Beef |
| Protein | 9.4g | 12g | -22% Beef |
| Carbs | 3.1g | 1g | +210% Beef |
| Fat | 7.3g | 2g | +265% 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. Roast Beef (deli) delivers 70 calories with 12g protein, 1g carbs, and 2g fat. The most meaningful difference: Roast Beef (deli) saves 46 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, Roast Beef (deli) gives you 46 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), Roast Beef (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. Roast Beef (deli) delivers 12g 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 Roast Beef (deli) are keto-friendly with under 10g carbs per serving.
Frequently Asked
Which has more protein, Beef Jerky or Roast Beef (deli)?
Roast Beef (deli) has more protein: 12g vs 9.4g per serving. That's a difference of 2.5999999999999996g.
Which has fewer calories, Beef Jerky or Roast Beef (deli)?
Roast Beef (deli) has 70 calories per serving vs 116 calories in Beef Jerky — a difference of 46 calories.
Is Beef Jerky or Roast Beef (deli) better for keto?
Roast Beef (deli) is the better keto choice at 1g carbs per serving vs 3.1g carbs in Beef Jerky.
Is Beef Jerky or Roast Beef (deli) better for weight loss?
For weight loss, Roast Beef (deli) gives you more calorie flexibility (46 cal less per serving). For preserving muscle during a deficit, Roast Beef (deli) delivers more protein per calorie. Most people on cuts benefit from Roast Beef (deli).
Which Is Better for Your Goal?
🔥 Weight Loss
Roast Beef (deli)
Higher protein-to-calorie density + lower absolute fat = more satiety per calorie.
💪 Muscle Gain
Roast Beef (deli)
Higher absolute protein per serving better supports muscle protein synthesis.
🥑 Low-Carb / Keto
Roast Beef (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 Roast Beef (deli) stack up:
Full Beef Jerky guide • Full Roast Beef (deli) guide • All comparisons