Maui Nui Venison: Pros and Cons of this Reinvented Jerky
Is Maui Nui Venison Jerky worth the hype, or just another fancy snack? Touted as the “healthiest red meat on the planet,” this jerky claims to deliver on taste, nutrition, and sustainability.
But does it really live up to its bold promises?
I took a deep dive into this wild-harvested, Hawaiian venison to find out if it’s a game-changer—or just another overrated product.
Maui Nui Venison Jerky Overall
Essential Nutrients: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Ingredient Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Health Benefits: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Value: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Overall: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Bottom Line
Maui Nui Venison Jerky is a premium, nutrient-dense snack for those looking for a high-protein food source. Unlike many commercial brands that rely on low-quality meat, preservatives, and additives, Maui Nui uses wild-harvested venison that is sustainably and humanely sourced. This jerky provides a clean, high-protein option that’s approximately 30% less fat and 20% more iron than beef, while providing similar protein content. You also get a whopping 9 grams of protein in only 60 calories for one stick
One of its standout qualities is the ethical sourcing—helping control the overpopulation of axis deer in Maui while promoting ecosystem balance. Plus, the meat comes from stress-free animals, resulting in tender, flavorful jerky that doesn’t rely on heavy processing.
Though pricier and with limited flavor variety, the quality and sourcing practices make the investment worthwhile. For those who want a clean, guilt-free on-the-go protein source with a unique and flavorful taste, Maui Nui Venison Jerky beef sticks are the best option on the market.
Maui Nui Venison
From The Manufacturer
THE HEALTHIEST RED MEAT ON THE PLANET
Our Original venison stick is naturally hardwood smoked, made with just a hint of brown sugar and the highest quality protein on the planet. With 9 grams of protein and only 60 calories, this healthy snack has no equal.
As we near our current harvesting capacity, supply is very limited and this item will only be available as a subscription in the near future. Please secure your spot now.
INGREDIENTS
Wild Harvested Venison, Brown Sugar, Water, Contains less than 2% Salt, Spices, Natural Flavors (Garlic Powder, Non-GMO Cultured Celery Powder), Non-GMO Cultured Celery Powder (Celery Powder, Sea Salt), Encapsulated Citric Acid, in a Dye-Free Beef Collagen Casing.
What’s in Maui Nui Venison Jerky?
All Natural Jerky Ingredients:
Wild Harvested Venison
Brown Sugar
Water
Less than 2% of:
Salt
Spices
Natural Flavors (Garlic Powder, Non-GMO Cultured Celery Powder)
Non-GMO Cultured Celery Powder (Celery Powder, Sea Salt)
Encapsulated Citric Acid
Dye-Free Beef Collagen Casing
Sugar-Free Pepper Jerky Ingredients:
Wild Harvested Venison
Less than 2% of:
Sea Salt
Water
Spices
Red Pepper
Garlic Powder
Non-GMO Cultured Celery Powder
Non-GMO Cherry Powder
Encapsulated Citric Acid
Dye-Free Beef Collagen Casing
Selling Points
Nutrient powerhouse: Contains approximately 30% less fat and 20% more iron than beef, while providing similar protein content. You also get 9 grams of protein in only 60 calories per venison stick.
Sustainable and ethical: Helps manage the overpopulation of axis deer, contributing to ecosystem balance.
Great taste: Often described as leaner and more flavorful than traditional beef.
Humanely raised: Stress-free environment leads to higher quality meat.
Supports local economy: Consuming Maui Nui Venison contributes to the sustainability of the Hawaiian community.
Drawbacks
Limited availability: As a niche product, Maui Nui Venison might not be readily available in all regions.
Higher price Point: It’s venison, high quality, and it’s from Hawaii so it’s expensive.
Not many varieties: They stick to the basics—original and pepper-flavored—without venturing to different types. I could use some variety.
Who Do I Recommend It For?
Health-conscious people: This is the ultimate guilt-free, nutrient-dense protein source. Maui Nui venison is an excellent choice. It’s naturally low in fat, rich in vitamins and minerals, and free from antibiotics and hormones.
Sustainable and ethical meat lovers: For those who care about the environmental impact of their food, Maui Nui venison offers an eco-friendly option. The deer are humanely harvested from overpopulated areas, helping to restore balance to Maui’s ecosystem while offering wild, free-range meat.
Parents who want a quick, healthy, and sustainable snack for their kids.
Adults who want a healthy and satiating snack.
Those who aren’t hitting the Minimum Effective Dose of protein.
Tips
Stash them in places for when you need a quick snack. The car for after a gym workout, the office for a mid-afternoon snack, or in the stroller during a walk with kids (and for the kids.
Don’t feed them to kids too young. While I give them to my kids, jerky is still tough meat and there’s a bit of a learning curve to learn how to safely eat them. I’ve never had a choking scare but make sure your kids are old enough to enjoy them.
Check out the rest of their site. Venison jerky is just one of many things they sell. Others include ground beef, medallions, tenderloins, rib chops,born broth, breakfast links, supplements, and more.
My Experience
Honestly, I used to associate jerky sticks with Hulk Hogan and gas stations. I don’t have anything against either of them but the idea of dried meat in packaging didn’t sound too appealing. Then I heard so much about these Maui Nui venison jerky sticks that I had to see if the rubber met the road with the hype.
It did.
I went from jerky skeptic to having a stash of jerky near me at all times. It’s in the backpack I wear to work, stashed above my pantry for easy reach, with me in the car or walks in the stroller, and as an easy-to-grab and guilt-free snack for the kids who love it too.
When it comes to making sure I hit my protein goals (0.82 grams per pound of body weight), there are few non-processed on-the-go protein sources. Sure there’s IQBars and Levels protein powder which I use to help but the jerky sticks tend to help me get those extra 20-40 grams that I tend to be short.
It’s important to point out that many popular jerky brands are far from healthy. Those brightly-packaged sticks lining grocery store shelves often use low-grade, highly-processed meat pumped full of harmful chemicals and preservatives. While red meat can be great for you, this kind of sub-par jerky does more harm than good. Maui Nui, on the other hand, sources high-quality venison from stress-free animals, free from unnecessary additives and chemicals. Knowing that I’m supporting ethical practices and consuming clean, natural meat lets me sleep a bit better knowing that I’m not compromising my health—or the environment—for convenience.
The flavor is surprisingly tender and juicy, not dry and chewy like I expected. It’s like they’ve managed to capture the essence of a steak and condense it into a portable snack. But the best part? No weird aftertaste. Just pure, clean venison flavor. Both flavors are great but I prefer the pepper which has a little bit of a kick without being overpowering.
I’m officially converted. This isn’t your average jerky. It’s a game-changer.
The Final Verdict
Maui Nui Venison Jerky has completely changed my perception of jerky. It's a flavorful, high-protein snack that's perfect for on-the-go and guilt-free indulgence.