Biltong & Best Summer Snacks for BBQs, Picnics & Outdoor Events

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Why Biltong is the Ultimate BBQ & Picnic Snack

Best Snacks for a BBQ in the UK: How to Serve Biltong

Best Biltong Recipes for a BBQ

Best Healthy & Low Carb Snacks for a BBQ

Best Picnic Snacks & Picnic Food Ideas

Best Summer Snacks for Outdoor Events

Summer Snack Ideas for UK Road Trips & Staycations

Biltong vs. Other Meat Snacks: A Summer Snack Comparison

Where to Buy the Best Biltong in the UK

Summertime in the UK is nearly here, and with it comes that familiar flicker of hope that the clouds might part just long enough for a sunny afternoon. It’s the time of year when we dust off the barbecue, throw open the picnic basket and gather friends and family for outdoor feasts on every available patch of grass. 

As the season fast approaches, you'll no doubt be looking for some foodie inspiration to make your outdoor gatherings truly memorable, and we’re here to help!

In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know to transform your summer BBQ food ideas from ordinary to extraordinary. We'll be putting forward our top picks for BBQ party food ideas and no cook snack foods, focusing primarily on one tasty South African dried meat snack that's fast becoming a UK favourite: biltong. Whether you're hosting a garden party, heading to the beach, or planning a hiking adventure, we've got you covered with innovative recipes, serving suggestions, and practical advice for making the most of your outdoor dining experiences this summer.

Why Biltong is the Ultimate BBQ & Picnic Snack

When planning your next BBQ or picnic, why settle for the usual suspects? Biltong, the air-dried South Africa meat snack, is quietly making waves across the UK, and rightly so. It’s the perfect blend of flavour, function and convenience.

High Protein, Healthy Summer Snacking

Yes, crisps and sausage rolls are comforting classics, but biltong offers something different. With high protein content, it's a snack that actually fuels you. Whether you're keeping fit or just craving something more substantial, biltong ticks every box.

And it doesn’t ask much in return. No prep, no mess, no cooking required, just open the packet and you’re good to go. It's high-protein snacking made easy.

No Coolbox? No Worries

If there's one thing British summers aren't known for, it's predictability. Luckily, biltong doesn't need careful temperature control. Unlike fresh meat or dairy-based snacks, it’s perfectly happy out of the fridge.

That means less faffing about with coolers and more time to focus on what matters: good company, great food and sunshine (when it shows up). Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or heading to the hills, this tasty no fridge snack is a fantastic option.

Rich, Savoury Flavour That Complements British Summer Favourites

Biltong's complex flavour profile, featuring notes of umami, subtle spices, and a satisfying meaty depth, pairs beautifully with traditional British summer fare. The savoury intensity of the dried meat creates a delightful contrast with lighter summer dishes like salads and grilled vegetables.

Its versatility means it works equally well alongside a cold glass of cider or beer, complementing rather than competing with staple British summertime tipples. Available in a range of flavours such as garlic and piri piri, our biltong also offers up something different from the usual BBQ flavours, adding an exciting element to your spread.

Best Snacks for a BBQ in the UK: How to Serve Biltong

Biltong isn't just delicious on its own, it's remarkably versatile and can elevate your BBQ party food ideas to new heights. Here are some creative ways to incorporate this South African delicacy into your summer spread:

✅ Grazing Boards for BBQ Parties: Create a visually stunning grazing board with a mix of meat snacks for BBQ, cheeses, olives, cherry tomatoes, pickles, and a few dips. Add a selection of biltong flavours such as garlic, piri piri, and our popular BBQ blend to cater to every palate.

✅ Quick Canapé Ideas: Use small crackers, a dollop of cream cheese, and a strip of biltong for a super simple canapé. Top with a sprig of rocket or a drizzle of hot honey for a flavour punch.

✅ Sprinkle on Burgers: Level up your burger game by sprinkling crushed biltong over the top before serving. It adds a smoky, savoury hit that elevates even the simplest beef patty.

Best Biltong Recipes for a BBQ

Elevate your summer spread with these inspired biltong BBQ recipes that bring together the comfort of familiar favourites and the bold, savoury punch of air-dried meat. Whether you're after something indulgent, hearty, or just a little bit different, these dishes are sure to make your BBQ stand out.

Piri Piri Biltong Mac & Cheese

Classic mac and cheese gets a fiery makeover with the addition of our Piri Piri Biltong. The creamy, velvety sauce pairs effortlessly with the spiced meat, creating a dish that’s rich, warming, and full of depth. It’s a guaranteed hit for anyone who enjoys a little kick with their comfort food.

Potato & Biltong Salad

Give your traditional potato salad a bold new character. Chopped biltong adds a savoury edge and a boost of protein, while spring onions and a tangy sour cream cut through the richness for a well-balanced, satisfying side. It’s a dish that holds its own at the table and complements grilled mains beautifully.

Biltong & Cream Cheese Phyllo Cups

These crisp, golden phyllo cups filled with smooth cream cheese and topped with delicate shavings of biltong make for an irresistible starter or BBQ canapé. They’re light, flavourful, and just indulgent enough to get the party started on the right note. Ideal for guests who appreciate a bite-sized treat with a gourmet twist.

Best Healthy & Low Carb Snacks for a BBQ

Planning a BBQ with a health-conscious crowd in mind? There’s no reason clean eating should mean sacrificing taste (or fun). With a few well-chosen dishes, it’s easy to serve up a summer feast that feels just as indulgent as the classics.

Biltong: A Naturally Low-Carb, High-Protein Summer Snack

Biltong is one of those rare snacks that feels like a treat but behaves like a health food. Naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, it suits a variety of modern diets: especially keto, paleo, or simply lower-carb approaches. It's full of flavour, but refreshingly free from unnecessary sugar or additives.

✅ High-quality protein
✅ All essential amino acids
✅ Rich in key nutrients like B12, iron and zinc
✅ Low in sugar, low in fuss
✅ Satisfies hunger, not just cravings

Other Healthy Snacks for a Summer BBQ

A healthy BBQ spread doesn’t have to be all lettuce and lean protein. These extra options suggested by BBC Food pair really well with biltong and keep carbs low while bringing loads of flavour:

🔶 Colourful crudités with a creamy dip
🔶 Halloumi salad
🔶 Herb-stuffed mushrooms
🔶 Grilled asparagus wrapped in bacon
🔶 BBQ salmon skewers
🔶 Prawn cocktail lettuce boats
🔶 Skewered Greek salad bites

Best Picnic Snacks & Picnic Food Ideas

Liven up your picnics this summer with exceptional food that transcends the ordinary sandwich and crisps combination. The British picnic tradition deserves thoughtful preparation, and with a few inspired choices, you can create memorable outdoor dining experiences regardless of where you spread your blanket.

Best No-Cook Picnic Snacks

When you're heading out for a day of outdoor enjoyment, the last thing you want is complicated food prep. No cook picnic snacks allow you to focus on enjoying the company of friends and family rather than worrying about culinary logistics!

Biltong again is perfect for when you just want something that’s easy, tasty and convenient. Our generous big bags are the ideal picnic meat snacks, requiring absolutely no prep beyond opening the package. Easy to carry in a backpack or basket, they provide substantial protein without the need for cutlery, plates, or refrigeration. The resealable packaging also means you can enjoy some now and save the rest for later in your adventure.

Other excellent no-cook options to accompany your delicious biltong include:

Scotch eggs
🔶 Hummus with pre-cut vegetable sticks
🔶 British cheeses with crackers and chutney
🔶 Marinated olives & antipasti
🔶 Fresh summer berries
🔶 Pre-made quiche slices

Best Snacks with No Fridge Required

One of the most challenging aspects of summer picnicking is keeping food at safe temperatures. Fortunately, there is a great range of snacks no fridge options that solve this problem elegantly, allowing you to venture further from home without concerns about food spoilage.

Biltong's shelf-stable nature makes it the ultimate worry-free picnic treat. Unlike fresh meats or dairy products that deteriorate rapidly in summer temperatures, properly dried biltong remains perfect for hours without refrigeration. This quality is really valuable for extended outings where cooler space is limited or nonexistent.

Other ambient-friendly options that pair beautifully with biltong include:

✅ Mixed nuts and seeds
✅ Quality bread or rolls
✅ Dried fruits
✅ Stable dips like tapenade
✅ Chocolate (dark varieties withstand heat better)
✅ Cereal or granola bars
✅ Traditional pork pies (which were initially designed to be eaten at room temperature)

Healthy Picnic Snacks

Eating well doesn’t have to stop when you’re dining outdoors. In fact, a picnic can be just as nourishing as it is enjoyable; with the right selection of snacks, you can please your taste buds and still stay on track with your health goals.

Biltong is a brilliant place to start. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, free from added sugar, and minimally processed- making it a clean, satisfying option that offers real fuel, not just filler.

Pair your biltong with these wholesome picnic-friendly bites:

🔶 Rainbow salad jars stacked with crunchy veg
🔶 Quinoa salad with roasted veg and herbs
🔶 Energy balls made from dates, nuts, & seeds
🔶 Greek yoghurt pots with fresh berries & a dusting of original biltong
🔶 Cucumber rounds with smashed avocado and biltong crumbles
🔶 Crisp lettuce wraps filled with hummus, carrot, and biltong strips

Best Summer Snacks for Outdoor Events

When summer is in full swing, there's no shortage of opportunities to get outside and soak it all in. From open-air concerts and sports fixtures to weekends at the beach or hikes in the hills, we Brits know how to make the most of the sunshine. But with long days on the go, the right snacks make all the difference, especially when you want something that travels well, tastes great, and actually keeps you going.

Best Snacks & Food to Bring to a Festival or Concert 

Live music and festival vibes call for snacks that are portable, mess-free, and able to survive hours in a backpack. Biltong fits the bill perfectly. It’s high in protein, low in sugar, and available in flavours to match your mood: BBQ, garlic, piri piri, or classic original.

With no refrigeration needed and resealable packaging, biltong is a festival essential:

✅ Durable and compact: ideal for tight bag policies
✅ High protein = long-lasting energy
✅ No mess, no crumbs, no fuss
✅ Packs easily into pockets or small bags
✅ A smart, satisfying alternative to overpriced venue food

In addition to your tasty biltong, other concert and festival snack favourites include:

🔶 Trail mix with nuts, seeds & dried fruit
🔶 Energy Bars
🔶 Individually wrapped cheese portions
🔶 Seed crackers in sturdy containers

Best Snacks to Bring to Sporting Events

Whether you're attending cricket at Lord's, rugby at Twickenham, or a local football match,, having the right snacks handy can elevate the match-day experience. Biltong is ideal for stadiums, no greasy fingers or crumby hands, just clean, protein-rich goodness that keeps your energy steady through every innings or extra time.

To keep yourself fuelled, and to avoid paying over the odds for stadium food, consider pair your biltong with:

🔶 Roasted nuts
🔶 Easy fruits like apples or satsumas
🔶 Well packaged sandwiches
🔶 Droewors for variety and another tasty meat treat!
🔶 Chocolate (dark works best if the weather’s warm)

Best Snacks & Food for Beach Days & Hiking

From the sand to the summit, biltong works just as well by the sea as it does in the hills. Unlike perishable snacks, it doesn’t need chilling, and its dry texture means it won’t end up gritty or soggy. Hikers love it for its protein punch without the bulk, ideal for fuelling long walks or demanding treks.

Other smart pairings to bring to the coast or the hills include:

✅ Dried fruit for natural sugars
✅ Nut butter sachets and rice cakes
✅ Granola bars
✅ Droewors for extra protein
✅ Mixed nuts for a slow-release energy boost

Summer Snack Ideas for UK Road Trips & Staycations

With the rise of the great British staycation, more of us are rediscovering the charm of road trips to the coast, countryside escapes, and hidden national park gems. But as any seasoned traveller knows, a smooth journey relies not just on a good route, but on good snacks!

Biltong: The Perfect Road Trip Snack

Biltong makes an exceptional travel snack. It’s tidy, flavourful, and delivers a satisfying hit of protein without the mess of greasy fingers or crumb-covered seats. Unlike some jerky, it’s free from overpowering smells, making it ideal when sharing confined spaces, and it’s filling enough to stave off frequent snack-stop detours.

Best of all, biltong doesn’t need refrigeration- so whether you're stuck in traffic or pulling over for a scenic picnic, it's always ready. 

Other Top Snacks for Road Trips

Pair biltong with other road trip-friendly items for a well-rounded, energy-sustaining mix:

🔶 Cheese portions (individually wrapped)
🔶 Crisp vegetable batons (carrot, cucumber) in leakproof containers
🔶 Homemade flapjacks for a touch of energy-boosting sweetness
🔶 Apples, satsumas, or dried fruit for a natural sugar lift
🔶 Bottled water or cold-brew herbal tea for hydration
🔶 Oatcakes or rice cakes

Best Self-Catering Snacks & Foods for Staycations

If you're heading to a cottage, caravan, or lodge, a stash of biltong is a smart addition to your self-catering supplies. It works as a no-cook protein for lunches, a pre-dinner nibble, or even a midnight snack, all without taking up valuable fridge space. Compact, nutritious, and endlessly versatile, it’s the ultimate self-catering essential and you can even buy biltong in bulk by purchasing our big taste boxes.

Biltong vs. Other Meat Snacks: A Summer Snack Comparison

Meat snacks have become one of the UK’s go-to summer treats:, perfect for on-the-go snacking during road trips, park picnics, BBQs, or festival days. And it’s easy to see why: they’re portable, protein-packed, and satisfyingly savoury.

But with so many options now lining the shelves (from classic salami slices to American-style jerky) it can be hard to know which is best for warm-weather adventures. 

To help you make more informed choices when stocking up for your next outing, we’ve put together a simple comparison table below , showing how our biltong measures up against popular picks like salami and pepperoni. From nutrition to practicality, it’s all there so you can snack smarter this coming summer.

 

Where to Buy the Best Biltong in the UK for Summer Snacking

Finding authentic, high-quality biltong is essential for experiencing its true benefits as a summer snack. While mass-produced supermarket versions exist, they often fail to deliver the authentic texture and flavour that makes this South African delicacy so special.

Our online shop offers convenient access to genuinely premium biltong UK products, crafted using authentic South African recipes but made with the finest British and Irish beef. This combination of traditional methods and local sourcing creates a superior product that honours biltong's heritage while supporting British agriculture.

Our range includes various options to suit different preferences and occasions, including:

🔶 Individual flavour selections including BBQ, original, garlic, and piri piri
🔶 Mixed boxes for those wanting to explore different varieties
🔶 Bulk buying options like our Big Taste Box for summer-long enjoyment or larger gatherings
🔶Complementary products like droewors and limited specials

All of our biltong and droewors are also available with FREE delivery. Shop now!