🍖 National JERKY Day 2026 – Jun 12

🦃 National JERKY Day ORIGIN & HISTORY

National JERKY Day celebrates the prized dried meat snack known as jerky. The enduring popularity of jerky still continues to hold a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many around the world. National JERKY Day is celebrated on the 12th Day in June.

BIRTH of the Day

The holiday began in 2012 and honors the history, popularity, and nutritional value of dried meat snacks. Jack Link’s Beef Jerky teamed up with the Wisconsin Beef Council to create it. They aimed to celebrate jerky and its ever-growing appeal.

WHY that Particular Day?

June 12th was chosen for National JERKY Day because it falls in the middle of summer. This is a time when people are active outdoors and often look for transportable, protein-rich snacks. It also happens to be after National BEEF Month comes to a close. This keeps beef products in the spotlight – smart, eh?

GOALS of National JERKY Day

1. Promote jerky as a healthy, convenient snack.
2. Educate the public about the long history of jerky.
3. Highlight the many types and flavors of jerky available today.

ANCIENT Indigenous Roots

Jerky has been consumed for thousands of years, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilizations, including indigenous peoples in South America like the Quechuan and Incan. Native American tribes also used drying techniques to preserve meat for long journeys and periods of scarcity. Throughout history, jerky has been a staple food for travelers, hunters, and explorers due to its long shelf life and portability.

The English word “jerky” itself originates from the Quechua word ch’arki, meaning “dried meat.” The Quechua people, who lived in the Andes Mountains long before and during the Incan Empire, were the first to perfect this method. Preserving meat was vital for explorers, soldiers, and travelers because it made meat lightweight, portable, and long-lasting, eliminating the need for refrigeration.

They would slice meat – often from llamas and alpacas – salt it, and then dry it in the sun and cold Andean air. This process created a tough, protein-rich food that lasted for months without spoiling. This innovation was key for survival in a region where fresh food was not always available.

Here come the INCAS

The Incan Empire, which later adopted Quechua as its official language, heavily relied on ch’arki. It became a vital part of their society:

• Logistics – The Incas built a vast road system. Along these roads, they had tambos (rest stops or storehouses) that stocked ch’arki. This supplied their armies, chaski (messengers), and travelers.
• Economy – Farmers often paid taxes to the Incan leaders with ch’arki.
• Social Status – While a common food, ch’arki also held special meaning. It was served to priests and leaders during ceremonies, marking it as a food of prestige.

Significance in PRESENT Day

Today, jerky remains a popular snack. It appeals to hikers, athletes, and anyone needing a quick source of protein. Its long shelf life and portability make it a good choice for emergency kits, travel, and everyday snacking.

As interest in healthy snacking options and protein-rich foods has grown, jerky has gained a reputation as a nutritious and satisfying choice for on-the-go consumption. National JERKY Day highlights this evolution and encourages people to enjoy the snack.

🐖 HOW to Celebrate & Observe National JERKY Day?

Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.

Here are some activities you can do on National JERKY Day!

💙 Throw a Jerky TASTING Party

Gather friends and family to sample different types of jerky, including different meats and flavors. Rate each one and declare a favorite at the end of the tasting session. Maybe have a recipe exchange where people share their favorite jerky recipes. Compile the recipes into a booklet or share them digitally with everyone.

💙 Make HOMEMADE Jerky

Try your hand at making homemade jerky using your favorite meat and marinade recipes. Experiment with different tastes and share your creations with others like eggplant jerky or even mushroom and mango jerky.

💙 OUTDOOR Adventure

Pack some jerky for a hiking, camping, or fishing trip. Jerky makes for a convenient and satisfying snack while enjoying the great outdoors or on the TRAIL.

💙 Support LOCAL Businesses

Visit local butchers, specialty food stores, or farmers’ markets to purchase artisanal jerky products made by regional producers. Supporting small businesses helps celebrate National JERKY Day while contributing to the local economy.

💙 RAISE Social Awareness

Use social media posts with the hashtags #NationalJerkyDay, #JerkyDay, #Jerky, #BeefJerky, #FoodHolidays, #JuneHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ National JERKY Day.

LEARN more about the science of JERKY

KIDS TRY & GUESS THE JERKY

THE HISTORY OF JERKY

HOW JERKY IS MADE