In South Africa, ayoba is a phrase for expressing amazement and approval, similar to “superb!” or “fantastic!” in the English language. This brand makes the best biltong and droëwors you’ll ever taste. Their products will have you exclaiming “ayoba!” after just one bite.

Ayoba’s History

The van Blommenstein family moved from South Africa to the United States nearly 15 years ago and has searched to find replacements for the comforts of home they left behind. One thing they were never able to find was the meat. Biltong and droëwors are traditional South African dried beef and sausage snacks that are an integral part of the culture. The van Blommesteins, in lieu of an acceptable replacement, decided to start making their own.

Ayoba’s Mission

Ayoba is bringing the flavors of South Africa to homes around the world. Family, culture, and community are key values of the brand and the people who built it. The van Blommenstein family lives and operates out of Washington, D.C., and does their part to give back to their community through donations, food banks and volunteer efforts.

Benefits of Ayoba

Ayoba products are made from grass-fed, pasture-raised beef that’s high in protein and low in fat. Not only does Ayoba make these foods accessible, but they also do so in a way that is naturally:

Ketogenic, gluten-free, and paleo
Free from antibiotics and synthetic hormones
Soy- and sugar-free

Ayoba Top Products

Looking to add some new flavors and textures to your snack routine? Take a look at three of Ayoba"s top products:

Traditional Beef Biltong

This is a classic South African snack. Ayoba beef biltong is made simply with beef, salt and pepper, coriander, and Worcestershire powder. The seasoned meat is air-dried for two weeks and then sliced delicately into thin pieces of deliciously high-protein biltong. While the final product looks and tastes like jerky, it isn’t.

Beef Droëwors

Rather than a single cut of beef, droëwors are made from multiple cuts that are ground and seasoned, then stuffed into natural casing to dry for about a week. The result is a filling, satisfying beef stick with more substance than your average biltong.

Learn How Meat Fits with Going Keto

Not only are biltong and droëwors delicious, but they’re also an excellent keto snack! If you’re looking to learn more about the low-carb diet, check out these articles from the Thrive Blog:

Breaking Down the Keto Diet

Learn the basics of keto and find out how it could benefit you in this informative article about the diet and lifestyle. It also covers some key nutrients and supplements you should make sure you’re getting if you’re following a strict ketogenic diet.

Beef: It’s What’s For Dinner.

Ayoba offers plenty of products to satisfy your craving for dried beef. If you’re searching for more traditional ways to enjoy beef, take a look at this list of the best beef cuts for the keto diet.

Meal Prepping Like a Master

The key to losing weight on keto is to stick to your diet without cheating, which can be difficult when you’re strapped for time and have non-keto foods in the house. Planning out your meals and prepping them ahead of time with this handy guide is a great way to help you stay on track.