Some foods are more than something you eat. They reflect place, people, and time. Biltong is one of them.
At Beef OC, heritage isn’t marketing language — it’s personal. It’s the foundation that shaped how we think about beef, flavor, and craftsmanship, and it’s what continues to guide everything we make today.
Beef OC was founded by Jeff Wain, who grew up in South Africa where biltong isn’t a trend or a specialty item — it’s part of everyday life. It’s found in homes, markets, road trips, and family gatherings. Made simply, shared freely, and trusted as real food.
Biltong has been part of South African culture for more than 400 years. Long before refrigeration, people relied on air-drying beef with vinegar and spices as a practical way to preserve meat. Over time, that necessity became a craft — one defined by patience, restraint, and respect for ingredients.
That philosophy stayed with Jeff long after leaving South Africa.
At its core, biltong is intentionally simple.
Traditional biltong is made from steak, seasoned with vinegar and spices, then air-dried slowly over time. It is never cooked, never rushed, and never overloaded with unnecessary ingredients. The result is a tender, beef-forward snack that reflects the quality of the meat itself.
Biltong remains popular today because it aligns naturally with modern lifestyles — high in protein, low in carbohydrates, with no added sugar and no gluten. It’s functional food that doesn’t feel engineered or artificial.
Shortly before moving to Southern California in 2022, Jeff’s eldest son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Overnight, finding snacks that were both enjoyable and reliable became a daily challenge.
Many options on the market relied on sugar, fillers, or ingredients that didn’t support clean eating. Returning to biltong — a food Jeff trusted growing up — proved to be a simple solution. Made with minimal ingredients and naturally low in carbohydrates, biltong became a dependable source of protein and daily fuel.
Friends and family who tried it kept asking for more — not because it was “healthy,” but because it was genuinely good. That response sparked the idea behind Beef OC: to bring South African–rooted biltong to a wider audience in the United States.
While biltong is the foundation of Beef OC, it’s not the limit of Jeff’s craft.
Jeff has always loved jerky — especially bold, flavorful jerky made with care. Applying the same mindset he brought to biltong, he began crafting jerky the right way: starting with premium beef, respecting the process, and never cutting corners.
At Beef OC, jerky is made from rich, marbled brisket, chosen specifically for flavor and texture. It’s marinated thoughtfully and dehydrated low and slow to create a satisfying, indulgent experience — without sacrificing quality or integrity.
Biltong and jerky aren’t competing ideas. They’re two expressions of the same philosophy.
Every Beef OC product is built on the same shared principles:
What changes is why people choose them.
Biltong is chosen for function — clean fuel, reliability, and everyday performance.
Jerky is chosen for pleasure — bold flavor, satisfaction, and enjoyment.
Different moments. Same integrity.
Beef OC exists to honor where these foods come from — and to make them relevant today.
From South African roots to careful production in Southern California, everything we make reflects patience, intention, and respect for the craft. Whether you’re reaching for biltong or jerky, you’re choosing beef snacks made with the same care Jeff learned growing up — and continues to insist on today.
We invite you to experience beef snacks built on tradition, shaped by purpose, and made to be enjoyed.
Biltong is a versatile, protein-packed snack that offers a variety of flavors...
We started out mild and then we went wild, crafting sweet creations...
