South Africans have been perfecting a method of preserving meat that is a cultural staple, biltong, long before protein snacks had lined supermarket shelving and were packed into gym bags. Biltong dates back hundreds of years; it was created by indigenous communities and later refined by Dutch settlers in Southern Africa. For settlers traveling vast landscapes without refrigeration, the need was rather simple: to preserve meat for longer. The solution, however, was anything but ordinary.
South African biltong is made by curing whole cuts of meat, typically game or beef, which is then soaked in vinegar with a special selection of spices, and finally hung to air-dry slowly over several days. Biltong is not the same as jerky. Jerky is often heat-dried or cooked, whilst biltong relies on airflow, time, and a carefully balanced seasoning to develop its signature taste and texture. Biltong has a savory, deep flavor, often compared to prosciutto, but with a rich, tender South African flair.
Besides South Africans’ beloved biltong, another type of meat using the same methods emerged, Drywors. The name Drywors comes from the Afrikaans language and means “dried sausage”. Drywors is made with a stuffing of spiced, minced meat in natural casings, then air-dried until firm. While it shares some similarities with a traditional sausage, the drying process gives it a unique snap and allows the flavors to concentrate, setting it apart.
Biltong and Drywors are a part of South Africa’s rich culinary identity. It’s a much-loved snack enjoyed at sporting events, on road trips, or in lunch boxes. Thanks to passionate entrepreneurs, these traditional foods are finding audiences worldwide.
A Passion Project
Husband-and-wife team SJ and Virginia Botha founded Biltong Depot in 2014 with a clear, personal vision: to introduce authentic South African biltong and drywors to a diverse audience seeking meat snacks as a natural alternative. When the couple opened a local butchery in Franklin, Tennessee, they set out to share a piece of heritage with their community. For SJ, the inspiration has deep roots from his upbringing in South Africa, where biltong and drywors are staples in everyday diets. And what began as a small venture quickly evolved into something larger.
In 2020, the Botha’s turned their passion project into an expanded, 20,000-square-foot facility, and the project moved into full-scale operation. The brand, officially emerged as a dedicated dried-meat snack company, known for its high-quality standards and exceptionally tasty biltong and drywors. It quickly gained recognition as a leader in the air-dried meat snack category, thanks to its commitment to quality and authenticity. They have earned endorsement from Jack Link’s, an industry giant, a validation and a reinforcement of what their customers had already discovered: biltong and dry-words and not your average meat snack.
In 2025, Biltong Depot continued its growth with education and innovation, from DIY kits to empower customers to try their hand at making their own biltong to co-branded products, the brand’s focus steadily remains on sharing not just their product but the South African tradition behind it. From a once locally operated butchery to its presence today in major retailers such as Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops, what truly sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to their products, using time-honored processes with no artificial additives or flavorings and no sugar.
Biltong Depot Sliced Biltong with Fat
Sliced Biltong with Fat is at the heart of the lineup and is their flagship product. The Sliced Biltong with Fat delivers an authentic South African experience in every bite, featuring a flavorful, traditional biltong. Their biltong is made with carefully selected cuts of beef, perfectly seasoned with clean ingredients. The biltong is then traditionally, slowly air-dried, allowing the natural flavors to intensify while still preserving a buttery, tender texture.
A special inclusion is the natural beef fat along the side, giving an even more natural, tasty flavor. This fat plays a crucial role in biltong’s flavor, adding depth and richness that elevate the experience. If you’re looking for a steak-like taste in a ready-to-eat and convenient form, the Sliced Biltong with Fat delivers flavor in spades. From a nutritional viewpoint, the Sliced Biltong with Fat checks all the modern consumers’ boxes:
- High in protein
- 15 grams of protein per oz
- No sugar
- Gluten Free
- No nitrates, artificial preservatives, or MSG
- Carnivore, keto, and paleo diet-friendly
- 100% All Beef
- Made in the USA
- USDA Certified
The key advantage of the brand’s biltong is its simplicity: most snacks contain additives and are overly processed, but this aligns perfectly with the growing demand for clean-label, whole foods. The Sliced Biltong with Fat reflects an ideal balance of thoughtful preparation, quality, and tradition. If you’re looking for a protein boost post-workout, on a road trip, or just for a satisfying, delicious anytime snack, this biltong offers a level of authenticity and flavor that’s hard to match.
A Commitment to Quality and Heritage
In an industry driven by speed and scale, what defines the brand is its commitment to authenticity. The Botha’s remain steadfast in their path of traditional methods and ingenuity, adaptable to modern-day consumers. Take, for example, air-drying; this is not a fast process; it requires precision, patience, an understanding of the process, and knowing that ultimately, they will produce the most unique, nutritious, and flavorful combination.
Trust is a cornerstone of the brand’s success, as it ensures its products don’t contain artificial additives and deliver on taste and transparency. Customers know exactly what they are eating. The company has blossomed into offering DIY kits that allow individuals to make their own biltong at home, using the same traditional South African air-drying method and seasoning blends, fostering a shared tradition.
Biltong Depot Original Drywors
The Original Drywors has earned a loyal following for good reason. It’s a product capturing the essence of South African tradition and heritage. It’s made with the same premium ingredients as their biltong and is a delicious blend of careful craftsmanship.
Current meat sticks on the market are made with fillers and processing shortcuts, but the Drywors is made with a 100% American beef. The meat is blended with a classic selection of spices, salt, and vinegar, and stuffed in natural sheep casings. It is an attention to detail that gives it its authentic flavor and texture, staying true to its roots.
The true magic happens in the drying process. Drywors is made without heat treatments or cooking; instead, the wors is slowly air-dried in a controlled environment to perfection. It’s a method of preservation that preserves the meat’s integrity. When ready, the drywors has a slightly coarse, firm texture. A South African favorite, drywors comes in a long stick shape, allowing you to do the signature snap, breaking it in half, and when you bite it. Drywors has a perfect flavor balance: satisfying and savory with delicious hints of the authentic spices. It’s a snack that is both indulgent and hearty without being heavy.
As with the brand’s flagship biltong, the Drywors has no sugar, nitrates, or MSG, and is free from artificial preservatives. Drywors is naturally high in protein and is ideal for a wide range of lifestyles, including carnivore, paleo, and keto. Drywors is the ultimate portable and nutritious snack. The easy-to-go sticks are perfect for outdoor adventures, a traditional snack, or as a quick energy boost after a workout. Drywors, though, goes beyond its simplistic portability; it offers a taste of a culinary tradition that’s stood the test of time.
A Tradition Worth Sharing
Biltong Depot has taken a time-honored South African traditional snack and brought it into the modern era, without losing any of its essence or flavor. Biltong and drywors are a story of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride, and offer an authentic taste. These air-dried meat snacks have proven their staying power both locally and abroad.
In a crowded market of options, Biltong Depot’s dedication to doing things the right way is special and shows a dedication to both honoring the past and embracing the future. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to biltong and drywors, you can rest assured that its products are a flavorful reminder that the best things are made with care, time, respect, and tradition.
