Ask any South African parent what goes in the school lunchbox and there is a good chance biltong will come up. For generations, children in South Africa have grown up chewing on a stick of biltong or droëwors on road trips, at rugby matches and after school. Now more and more UK parents are asking the same question: is biltong a healthy snack for kids?

The answer is that biltong can be a great occasional snack for children, as long as you get three things right: their age, the portion size and the way you serve it. This guide walks you through all three.

Biltong is traditional South African air-dried beef. Strips of quality beef are marinated in vinegar and seasoned with salt, coarse black pepper and coriander, then hung to dry slowly. Unlike jerky, it is not cooked with heat or smoked, which gives it its distinctive tender texture and rich, savoury flavour.

At Billy Tong, our biltong is made the traditional South African way, with beef, vinegar, salt, coarse pepper and coriander, and many families tell us it is one of the best tasting biltong collections in the UK. Biltong comes in different styles, from soft and moist to firm and dry. Our guide Wet vs Dry Biltong explains the difference, which matters when choosing biltong for younger children.

• It is packed with protein. Biltong typically contains around 45 to 55g of protein per 100g. Protein helps keep children feeling fuller between meals and supports normal growth.
• It is a source of iron and zinc. Beef naturally provides iron, which helps carry oxygen around the body, and zinc, which supports the immune system.
• It is satisfying. Chewy, savoury snacks take longer to eat than a packet of crisps, which can help curb the after-school grazing.
• It is lunchbox friendly. Biltong does not need a fridge for everyday snacking, so it travels well to school, sports clubs and days out.
• It is a taste of home. For South African families in the UK, sharing biltong with the children keeps a much-loved tradition alive.

For a full nutritional breakdown, see our biltong nutrition facts guide.

Salt is a key part of how biltong is traditionally made, so it is a salted food. That does not mean children cannot enjoy it, but it does mean portion size matters. The UK's Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recommends these maximum daily salt intakes for children:

The simplest approach is to treat biltong as a small, occasional snack rather than an everyday staple, check the salt per 100g on the pack, and balance it with lower-salt foods such as fruit, vegetables and plain yoghurt across the rest of the day.

Biltong has a firm, chewy texture, and drier biltong can be quite tough. Young children are still learning to chew properly, and firm or chewy foods can be a choking risk. The NHS advises cutting meat into strips as thinly as possible for young children and always supervising them while they eat.

If your child has any food allergies or intolerances, or follows a special diet, always read the allergen information on the pack before serving. If your family avoids gluten, our guide Is Biltong Gluten-Free? explains what to look for.

There is no official portion size for biltong, but a good rule of thumb is to keep it small. A child-sized portion is a few thin slices or a small handful, roughly the size of the palm of your child's hand. For younger children, that might be just two or three thin strips.

• Choose a softer style. Wet or moist biltong is far easier for small mouths than dry biltong. At Billy Tong you can choose the style you want, and our wet vs dry guide explains the options.
• Slice it thinly. Cut across the grain into very thin slices, or shred it into fine strands with your fingers.
• Remove any tough or fatty bits that could be difficult to chew.
• Sit down to eat. Children should be seated and calm, not running around or travelling in the car.
• Always supervise young children while they eat.

No single snack does everything. Biltong earns its place as a high-protein, filling option alongside fruit, vegetables and dairy in a varied diet.

When buying biltong for children, look for a traditional recipe, a softer texture for younger children, and clear nutrition and allergen information on the pack. At Billy Tong, our biltong is cut and packed to order, so you can choose the style that suits your family:

• Original Biltong. The classic traditional flavour, available in different styles from leaner to wet and fatty. Original is the best starting point for children. Shop Original Biltong.
• Snap Sticks. Thin sticks of biltong, ideal for older children and lunchboxes. Shop Snap Sticks.
• Droëwors. Thin, dried South African sausage that can be sliced into small rounds. Shop Droëwors.
• Biltong Snack Packs. Handy for families who want a mix. Shop Biltong Snack Packs.

Visit our shop at 1 Hollyhedge Road, Cobham, Surrey KT11 3DQ, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, and our team will happily help you choose. Or order online for UK mainland delivery, with free shipping on orders over £75 (excluding the Highlands and Islands).