Kelp jerky may initially seem like an unusual offering for the snack industry. However, a decade ago, seaweed snacks faced similar skepticism before becoming widely available in major U.S. retailers. This suggests that kelp jerky could also find its place in the market. Initially, it is expected to appeal to adventurous eaters but holds potential for broader acceptance as consumer interest in plant-based products continues to rise, driven by ethical and nutritional considerations. The jerky category has experienced significant growth in recent years as snackers seek healthier options, creating an ideal environment for kelp jerky to gain traction among mainstream consumers.
The market already features various plant-based jerkies, including Cocoburg’s Coconut Jerky, Lightlife Meatless Smart Jerky, Louisville Vegan Jerky, Power Plant Organic Eggplant Jerky, and Primal Strips Meatless Vegan Jerky, among others. As manufacturers explore innovative plant-based ingredients, we can expect this category to expand to meet the rising demand for meat alternatives. Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky is noted for its chewy texture and savory taste, making it more akin to traditional meat jerky than a typical seaweed snack, and it aims to occupy shelf space alongside conventional jerky products.
Nutritionally, kelp jerky could be quite beneficial. Sugar kelp, sourced from the Northeast coast of the U.S., is rich in fiber and packed with vitamins and other valuable nutrients, including calcium citrate, which is known for supporting bone health. Each serving of this jerky snack contains 8 grams of protein while remaining low in sugar and fat. Despite the momentum of the plant-based movement, kelp jerky may face challenges during its initial rollout. While consumers have shown openness to trying new flavors and textures, similar to their acceptance of seaweed snacks, kelp jerky might be perceived as too unconventional.
Nonetheless, all three flavors of Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky are currently sold out in pre-orders on their website. An advantage of this product is its shelf stability for up to a year, which could provide ample time for more consumers to embrace kelp. Ultimately, whether kelp jerky can expand beyond early adopters will be crucial for its long-term success, particularly as it competes in a growing market that includes other plant-based options rich in nutrients like calcium citrate.