Beef Jerky Increasing in Popularity and Flavor Trends

Meat snacks are becoming increasingly popular with consumers who choose to focus on adding more protein to their diets, so it’s no wonder that beef jerky is flying off the shelves. As a result, the global jerky market is experiencing impressive growth. Jerky is both convenient and diet-friendly, as well as offering an exponentially-increasing variety of flavors and other options. Here are a few of the top trends we see this year in the jerky category.

 

Novel flavors

 

Coffee-flavored chocolates, beer-flavored chips, and wasabi-flavored crackers are just a few of the endless range of snack foods being marketed with unexpected flavors to meet the demands of adventurous consumers. Jerky is no different, and it’s getting the flavor treatment in many different and interesting ways. Besides your standard beef jerky and the classic flavor options, you can also now find jerky that features bold flavor combinations, such as ginger teriyaki, pineapple habanero, sweet cherry, and maple hickory bacon.

 

Plant-based jerky

 

These days, if you can eat it, there’s probably a plant-based version of it. Whether they’re just trying to lighten up their diets a little or they have embraced fully vegan lifestyles, consumers are clamoring for plant-based jerky. These jerky alternatives are generally made from ingredients such as beans, nuts, coconut, seaweed, and flax. Mushrooms, soy, and seitan also make fantastic plant-based jerkies, especially with the addition of some intriguing flavors. With a little creativity and skill, you can make a wide variety of plant-based “meat” snacks that today’s health-conscious consumer will love.

 

Jerky pairings

 

Jerky is undoubtedly a convenient on-the-go snack, but it is also fabulous when paired with the right beverages or other foods. Some optimal pairings include:

 

  • Jerky and salad: Consumers who favor a high-protein, low-carb lifestyle will love this idea. Adding protein to salad is nothing new, but you can update your salad menu by using jerky, an unexpected twist.
  • Jerky and cheese: Meat and cheese are a classic combination found everywhere from party buffet tables to kids’ lunchboxes. Give this favorite combo a makeover by using jerky instead of sausage or salami. Look for great combinations of flavors, such as smoky jerky with Gouda or Swiss; cherry maple jerky with Havarti.
  • Jerky and beer. Just as wings have always gone great with beer, so, too, does jerky. Consider the type of jerky and the flavor profile of the beer, such as pairing a dry stout with BBQ jerky, a golden ale with teriyaki jerky, or a hoppy IPA with a spicy jerky.

 

No matter how you make it, jerky is a hugely popular snack with enormous potential. It’s lower in carbs and calories and high in protein and taste – and that’s a combination that’s hard to beat.