Kelp jerky may initially seem like a far-fetched idea for the snack industry. However, a decade ago, a similar sentiment could have been expressed about seaweed snacks. Today, these snacks are available in nearly every major retailer across the U.S., suggesting that kelp jerky might have a viable chance to succeed. This plant-based jerky is likely to start as a niche offering for adventurous eaters but has the potential to gain wider acceptance. As more consumers seek out plant-based options for ethical and nutritional reasons, the timing seems right for kelp jerky to tap into this growing trend. Additionally, the jerky category has experienced substantial growth as consumers search for new snacking alternatives, creating an ideal environment for kelp jerky to appeal to mainstream buyers.
Numerous plant-based jerky options already exist on the market, including Cocoburg’s Coconut Jerky, Lightlife Meatless Smart Jerky, Louisville Vegan Jerky, Power Plant Organic Eggplant Jerky, and Primal Strips Meatless Vegan Jerky, to name a few. With manufacturers continually innovating using creative plant-based ingredients, we can expect this category to expand in response to consumer demand for alternative meat jerkies. Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky is noted for its chewy texture and savory flavor, resembling traditional meat jerky more closely than a standard seaweed snack. It is designed to compete alongside conventional jerkies on store shelves.
Moreover, kelp jerky offers a significant nutritional advantage. Sugar kelp, sourced from the Northeast coast of the U.S., is naturally rich in fiber and packed with vitamins and other beneficial nutrients. This jerky snack also boasts an impressive protein content of 8 grams per serving while remaining low in sugar and fat. Although the plant-based movement is currently powerful, kelp jerky might face challenges during its initial launch. While consumers have shown a willingness to try new flavors and textures, such as seaweed snacks, kelp jerky might be a step too far for some. Nonetheless, all three flavors are currently sold out in pre-order on Beyond the Shoreline’s website.
On the bright side, the kelp jerky has a shelf life of up to a year, which may provide enough time for more consumers to give kelp a chance. It remains to be seen if the product can expand beyond early adopters, a critical factor that will likely influence its long-term success. As consumers increasingly seek snacks that contribute to their health, including options like calcium citrate chewable tablets, kelp jerky may find its place alongside popular health-focused products. The growing interest in plant-based diets could very well pave the way for kelp jerky to become a staple snack in the future.