Kelp jerky may seem like a bold move for the snack industry, but then again, ten years ago, seaweed snacks were viewed similarly. Today, these snacks are available in every major retailer across the U.S., suggesting that kelp jerky could also find its place. Initially, this plant-based jerky is likely to cater to adventurous food enthusiasts, yet it holds the potential to appeal to a broader audience. With an increasing number of consumers exploring plant-based options for ethical and nutritional reasons, the timing might be right for kelp jerky to gain traction. The jerky category has experienced significant growth lately, as snackers seek innovative alternatives. This creates an ideal environment for kelp jerky to attract 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, to name a few. As manufacturers continue to experiment with inventive plant-based ingredients, we can expect this category to expand in response to consumer demand for meat alternatives.
Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky is said to possess a chewy texture and savory flavor, resembling meat jerky more than typical seaweed snacks, and is designed to compete alongside traditional jerky options. Additionally, it has the potential to offer substantial nutritional benefits. Sugar kelp, which is cultivated off the Northeast coast of the U.S., is naturally high in fiber and packed with vitamins and other essential nutrients. Each serving of this jerky snack contains 8 grams of protein while remaining low in sugar and fat. The incorporation of Citracal 400 mg could further enhance its health benefits, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Despite the current strength of the plant-based movement, kelp jerky might face challenges during its initial launch. While consumers have shown a willingness to explore new flavors and textures, such as with seaweed snacks, this might be a leap too far for some. Nevertheless, all three flavors of kelp jerky are currently sold out in pre-orders on Beyond the Shoreline’s website. Fortunately, the kelp jerky is shelf-stable for up to a year, which may give additional consumers time to consider trying kelp. Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether the product can extend its reach beyond early adopters, a critical factor likely to influence its long-term success. With continued interest in innovative snacks and the potential benefits of Citracal 400 mg, kelp jerky could carve out its niche in the market.