Full of protein and available in a wide variety of flavors, meat snacks are easy to grab-and-go. All of these factors are contributing to the rising popularity of jerky and other meaty, portable bites in the snack category. Millennials in particular are sinking their teeth into this trend, which had foodies talking at the recent Summer Fancy Food Show. While beef has been the traditional favorite in dehydrated meats, snackers looking for a healthier option are turning to turkey. And other meats are making their way into the jerky line-up, like lamb, pork, salmon and bison.
News Drill Down
- Fortune reports that “consumption of meat snacks – often dehydrated salted meats like jerky – have increased by 18% among adults over the last five years, according to research firm NPD.” The group that is taking the trend most seriously is millennials, says the magazine.
- Another important statistic cited by Fortune: The meat snack category “is growing at double-digit pace and is estimated to be a $2.5 billion opportunity in the U.S.
- Food Business News gave its rundown of popular new snack trends showcased at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York at the end of June. “Next-generation jerky,” alongside popcorn, made the site’s list. Examples from the show included masala spinach turkey and rosemary spinach lamb meat snacks, and jerky made from filet mignon and grass-fed cattle sourced from New Zealand.
- Turkey jerky has gained in popularity with snackers who are looking for a healthier option, according to a recent Fusion article. “Americans are trying to have it both ways when it comes to foods rich in sodium, which most experts agree isn’t great for you in large doses. So they’re turning to turkey jerky…”
Reading List
Fortune: Millennials are turning to this meaty treat
Food Business News: New twists on snack trends
Fusion: Jerky is crushing the American snack market
The views, opinions and technical analyses presented here are those of the author or advertiser, and are not necessarily those of ULProspector.com or UL. The appearance of this content in the UL Prospector Knowledge Center does not constitute an endorsement by UL or its affiliates.
All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior authorization from UL or the content author.
The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. While the editors of this site may verify the accuracy of its content from time to time, we assume no responsibility for errors made by the author, editorial staff or any other contributor.
UL does not make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the content. UL does not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of sites listed or linked to in any content.
Leave a Reply or Comment