High-protein meat snacks are one of the fastest-growing segments of the food industry, a feat even more impressive considering their well-established place in the consumer diet. Already the fourth-largest subcategory of consumer snack foods, trends like meat sticks and related offerings have found new levels of popularity. Find out why snacks high in protein are driving segment growth.
Meat Is Making a Comeback
Meat consumption in the US increased to its highest levels in over a decade in 2022. Two years later, per-capita spending on snacks hit $130. Healthy meat snacks exploded as these two trends converged, spawning 9% of all new snack product launches in 2024, allowing manufacturers to test product line extensions and entirely new offerings within the space.
Today, meat snacks (stick or otherwise) have matured beyond beef to include pork, sausage, chicken, and seafood options. Within product line-ups, you’ll find a constantly expanding range of smoked meats, dozens of spice combinations, cheeses, mushrooms, herbs, even fruits and nuts.
The confluence of high protein, minimally processed (perceived as clean label), and convenience is a core component of the meat snack trend.
The Snackification of Protein
Meat snacks solve a convenience challenge for busy consumers. Instead of three square meals, nearly 1 in 6 adults say they eat several snacks throughout the day. Among trending snack foods, meat checks some of the most important boxes, including:
- High protein
- Low sugar
- Low carb
Established meat snack brands have adapted their existing products and marketing to clearly convey these value propositions. They’re also making adjustments to address other consumer preferences by shifting toward recycled packaging materials, compostable materials, and getting non-GMO certified.
The Meat Snack Market: Trends and Opportunities
The global meat snack market reached a record high of $10.6 billion in 2024, with roughly 43.7% of spending in North America. The category is forecast to hold a 6.19% compound annual growth rate through 2033, with significant opportunities due to market expansion and creative formulations.
- Innovative flavors: Current segment leaders have plenty of room to innovate, including exciting brand collaborations like Jack Links and Dr. Pepper’s “WILD” offering.
- Solutions-based formulation: Expect more products to address other health priorities, such as low-sodium and low-fat meat snack sticks and related options.
- Plant-based meat: 2 in 5 consumers say they’re interested in trying plant-based meat alternatives, recreating the familiarity of beef or pork while meeting vegetarian and vegan requirements. There are already several jerky, sausage, and plant-based meat stick products on the market, with more sure to follow.
On the Label: Meat Stick Ingredients
While formulation varies by product and manufacturing, there are some key ingredients found in meat snack sticks – and broad ingredient categories that rarely make appearances.
- Hydrocolloids like carrageenan and xanthan gum are used as gelling agents and thickeners in meat snacks.
- Starch: Various types of starches are added to help bind water and improve texture.
- Citric and lactic acids: Formulated to lower pH and inhibit bacterial growth, citric and lactic acids also provide meat sticks’ distinctive fermented flavor. Most acid additives are encapsulated to prevent their release until the cooking or smoking process is complete.
While present in some products, very few meat sticks have
- Added sugar (or artificial sweeteners)
- Raw flour, oats, or vegetables (sometimes used as base product filler)
Manufacturers creating new products save valuable time and resources by working with an experienced distribution team. Let our technical experts assist with your formulation and support successful product launches – contact us to speak with a representative today.
Your Dedicated Food and Beverage Distribution Partner
From keeping tabs on high-protein snack trends to working hand in rubber-gloved hand with your in-house experts, Tilley Distribution is invested in your success. With access to the world’s most reputable suppliers and robust distribution resources, we’re built from the ground up to be your long-term partner. Get your toughest operational challenges solved; contact Tilley Distribution to get started.
