Biersticks are slender, fermented salami sticks known for their rich savoury flavour and firm, satisfying bite.
They come from the broader tradition of European smallgoods, where meat, spices, fermentation and time are used to develop flavour and create products that can be enjoyed without cooking.
Biersticks are easy to eat, simple to share and particularly good alongside a cold beer, which helps explain why they remain such a popular snack.
What Exactly Is a Bierstick?
A Bierstick is a ready-to-eat fermented and dried sausage, typically made from pork, beef or a combination of both.
The meat is seasoned with spices such as garlic, pepper and paprika before being fermented and dried. This process develops the characteristic savoury flavour and firm texture that distinguish properly made Biersticks from softer, more processed snack sticks.
Unlike fresh sausages, Biersticks don’t need to be cooked. They’re also shelf-stable until opened, making them convenient for road trips, camping, entertaining, gifting or keeping ready for hungry moments.
Where Do Biersticks Come From?
Biersticks belong to the rich smallgoods traditions of Germany and Central Europe, where generations of butchers developed their own recipes, spice combinations and curing methods.
There isn’t one universal Bierstick recipe. Different regions and producers create their own distinctive flavours and textures.
You can see those influences across the Heck! range. Our Traditional Biersticks are inspired by Westphalian smallgoods, while our Kolbasz Biersticks draw on the paprika-and-garlic flavours associated with Hungarian-style smallgoods. Jalapeño offers a more modern interpretation, with a smooth heat that builds without overpowering the flavour of the meat.
How Are Heck! Biersticks Made?
Our family’s butchery history began in Germany in the 1850s. Today, that knowledge is carried forward at our factory in Nelson, where we make Heck! Biersticks using quality New Zealand pork and beef.
Each variety is naturally fermented and gently Mānuka smoked to develop rich savoury flavour and a firm, meaty bite.
Choose from:
- Traditional Biersticks, inspired by Westphalian smallgoods
- Kolbasz Biersticks, seasoned with paprika and garlic
- Jalapeño Biersticks, with a smooth, building heat
All Heck! Biersticks are completely gluten-free, with no fillers, flour, soy, dairy or MSG.
When Can You Enjoy Biersticks?
Biersticks are just as suitable for everyday snacking as they are for sharing.
Enjoy them:
- Alongside a cold beer or glass of wine
- On a grazing platter with cheese, crackers and pickles
- At work or between meals
- While camping, travelling or spending time outdoors
- As a savoury addition to lunchboxes
- Whenever you want a convenient snack with proper flavour
Because they’re shelf-stable until opened, they’re easy to keep on hand for whenever hunger strikes.
Ready to Try Heck! Biersticks?
If you know what properly made European smallgoods should taste like, we think you’ll notice the difference from the first bite.
Start with our Classic 5-Pack - five full 200g packs containing 20 Biersticks - or choose a larger bundle to keep your favourites well stocked.
Browse the range, choose your flavours and discover your new favourite Bierstick.
Browse our full range of Heck! Biersticks and find your new favourite snack - or the perfect gift for someone who deserves something a little out of the ordinary.
