All these jerky recipes call for ketchup - Can I skip it?

West from Moncks Corner, S.C. asked:

I am going to try to make my own jerky this year. But, the recipes that I have are asking for Ketchup. I am not a big fan of the product. The question that I have is: What does the ketchup do for the meat? Or can I just leave it out?

Ketchup! I have never worked with a recipe that asked for ketchup other than meatloaf lunchmeat. I would bypass that ingredient in jerky for sure. Thanks for the question West!

Brad