Is Jerky Direct a legit side hustle or just another multi-level marketing trap? Read our updated 2025 review to see if it’s still worth joining, the real earning potential, and better alternatives.
What Is Jerky Direct?
Jerky Direct was once a unique opportunity in the network marketing space – combining everyone’s love for snacks with the promise of passive income. But in 2025, is this side hustle still relevant?
Jerky Direct is (or was) a direct sales company that lets individuals sign up as independent distributors to sell gourmet beef jerky products. Their pitch? Sell high-quality jerky, build a downline of other sellers, and earn commissions through repeat orders and team sales.
The company operates under a multi-level marketing (MLM) model, which means distributors are encouraged to recruit others in addition to selling products themselves.
How It Works
- Sign Up Fee: Distributors typically pay a monthly autoship fee (often around $12–$15) to stay active.
- Compensation Plan: You earn money by:
- Selling jerky directly to customers
- Recruiting others into your downline
- Earning overrides on team sales
- Products: Beef jerky, turkey jerky, and specialty snacks – sold via your replicated website.
Can You Actually Make Money with Jerky Direct?
Let’s get real – the earning potential is very limited unless you’re exceptionally good at recruiting.
Here’s the reality for most distributors:
- Direct sales of jerky = low margins
- Autoship fees eat into profits
- Income is heavily dependent on building a large, active team
- Most participants earn less than they spend
A 2018 income disclosure from similar MLMs showed over 80% of distributors earned under $500 per year – and Jerky Direct was no exception.
Red Flags to Watch For
| Concern | Description |
|---|---|
| MLM Structure | Heavy recruitment focus and reliance on downlines |
| Autoship Requirements | Monthly product orders needed to stay active |
| Low Visibility | The company has become harder to research in recent years |
| Stagnant Business Model | No recent innovations or product updates |
Pros
- Low entry cost (compared to other MLMs)
- Physical product that people actually like
- Passive income possible with a big enough team
Cons
- Limited earning potential without recruiting
- Products are expensive compared to store-bought jerky
- Low brand visibility in 2025
- Potentially inactive or outdated business structure
Who Is It Best For?
Honestly? It’s not ideal for most people in 2025.
If you’re looking for a casual product to share with friends who love jerky, and you don’t mind breaking even – maybe. But if you’re trying to build a real, sustainable side hustle or income stream – look elsewhere.
Better Alternatives in 2025
- Start a Snack Review YouTube Channel
Low cost, long-term potential, monetizable via affiliate links. - Join Amazon Associates
Promote high-converting snack products and earn per click. - Sell Gourmet Jerky on Etsy or Shopify
If you’re crafty or have access to local producers, this can scale fast. - Consider Reputable Affiliate Programs
Like Thrive Market, ButcherBox, or Carnivore Snax.
Final Verdict: Is Jerky Direct Worth It in 2025?
Verdict: ? Not recommended
While Jerky Direct might have been a fun hustle a decade ago, it doesn’t stand up to the modern demands of online income. The MLM structure, outdated business model, and low earning potential make it a poor option for serious side hustlers.
Adam
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I am a distributor… most of what you had stated is way out of date due to changes made working with distributors with feet on the ground, and the company is focusing effort on helping folks work online to be able to increase their odds of success.
Still not perfect, but the bags are now 3 oz each, the jerky is better than before, and there are new snack sticks in bbq flavor that are very good.
On the whole MLM thing… you really can’t afford $24 a month to buy continually, but with 11 reps working under me right now, I am making around $19 a month and should soon have my jerky for free. So I really like that I get my snacks at almost no cost at this point. And if folks follow in my footsteps, should be able to at least buy a pizza or two a month in another 6 months to a year. 5 years… should be some decent extra money. It is not a get rich quick scheme in any way shape or form…. it takes work. But if you like jerky and residual income… there is nothing to fear…. virtually nothing to lose because of the low entry cost… and the teams are very friendly and helpful.
Am I biased… well, maybe a little…. but I could not find a much better company to get started with and not have potential loss. Average MLMs have $100 startup or more and you have to learn their product. If you don’t know what jerky is… I probably won’t talk to you much as a prospect.
There will be more changes coming, but nothing to be scared about.
Talking about re-launch…. the new is not affiliated with the old Jerky Direct… it was a buy out with no plans to close the doors. Hope that answers lots of questions. If you have more, feel free to email me.
I was a distributor. My last two orders of the leader pack should have 8 packs of jerky. It came with 4 packs and 8 of the sticks they have now.I wanted the 8 jerky packs.The sticks are much cheaper and they save a lot of money.I have put in support tickets with on reply.I will not order from Jerky Direct ever again.
Daniel closed the MLM side of the business down only selling retail now a lot of the distributors did not get their money back.
I used to sell Jerky Direct..loved their jerky! I recently did a search and found a link to sign up as a distributor dated 2018…however after filling out all the required info…it ended up being a link to a heath product company…scam.