Among biltong lovers, few topics spark as much discussion as fat. Some people insist that the best biltong has a generous ribbon of creamy fat running through it, while others prefer their slices as lean as possible.
So who’s right?
As with most things when it comes to food, the answer isn’t quite so simple. Fat plays a far more important role in biltong than many people realise, influencing everything from flavour and texture to the overall eating experience.
At The Biltong Merchant, we often talk to customers about this very topic. Some are devoted fans of richly marbled cuts, while others ask specifically for leaner slices. Understanding how fat works in biltong can help you choose the style that suits you best, and may even change the way you think about it entirely.
Why Fat Matters for Flavour
One of the biggest reasons fat is valued in biltong is simple: fat carries flavour.
When meat dries during the biltong making process, the spices, vinegar, and natural meat flavours become more concentrated. Fat acts as a carrier for these flavours, softening the sharpness of the spices and adding richness to every bite.
Without fat, biltong can sometimes feel slightly one dimensional. Lean cuts may highlight the spice mix, but fat brings depth and balance to the overall flavour.
This is why many experienced biltong enthusiasts favour cuts that include a natural layer of fat. At The Biltong Merchant, we often see customers rediscover fatty biltong after trying it for the first time and realising how much richness it adds to the overall experience.
Fat and Texture: The Difference You Can Feel
Fat doesn’t just affect flavour, it also changes the way biltong feels when you eat it.
Lean biltong tends to be firmer and chewier, which some people enjoy because it emphasises the traditional dried-meat texture.
Biltong with fat, on the other hand, often feels:
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Softer
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Richer
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Slightly more tender
As the fat warms slightly when you chew, it softens just enough to create a smoother mouthfeel, which many people find deeply satisfying.
This difference in texture is one of the reasons biltong lovers often develop strong personal preferences. Some customers who visit The Biltong Merchant even enjoy comparing different cuts side by side to discover which style they prefer.
The Lean vs Fatty Biltong Debate
Ask ten biltong fans whether lean or fatty biltong is better, and you’ll likely get ten different answers.
Lean biltong tends to appeal to people who:
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Prefer a firmer chew
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Enjoy a stronger spice-forward flavour
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Want a lighter snack
Fatty biltong often appeals to those who enjoy:
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A richer taste
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A softer texture
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A more indulgent eating experience
Neither option is inherently better: they simply offer different ways to enjoy the same traditional food. At The Biltong Merchant, we believe part of the joy of biltong is discovering your own preference.
Is Fat in Biltong Unhealthy?
Fat has had a complicated reputation over the years, often being blamed for health concerns without much context.
In reality, natural animal fat in moderation can be part of a balanced diet. It contributes to satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer, and plays a role in carrying certain fat-soluble vitamins.
More importantly, the fat in traditional biltong is simply part of the meat itself. It hasn’t been artificially added or heavily processed.
As with any food, balance is key. Enjoying biltong as part of a varied diet allows you to appreciate both its flavour and its nutritional value.
Choosing the Right Biltong for You
At the end of the day, choosing between lean and fatty biltong comes down to personal taste.
Some people love the rich indulgence of a slice with a ribbon of fat. Others prefer the clean chew of a lean cut. Many biltong lovers enjoy both, depending on the moment.
At The Biltong Merchant, we believe great biltong is about quality, craft, and understanding what makes each cut unique. Once you understand how fat influences flavour and texture, choosing the right biltong becomes part of the enjoyment.
And you might just discover that the perfect slice is the one you hadn’t expected.
Quick Biltong FAQ
Is fatty biltong better than lean biltong?
Neither is better. They simply offer different flavour and texture experiences.
Why does fat make biltong taste richer?
Fat carries flavour compounds and balances the spices used during curing.
Does fat affect how biltong dries?
Yes. Fat slows the drying process slightly and helps maintain moisture in the meat.
