Kelp jerky may seem like an unconventional addition to the snack market, but a decade ago, the same could have been said about seaweed snacks. Today, these snacks are available in nearly every major U.S. retailer, suggesting that kelp jerky might have a chance to succeed as well. Initially, this plant-based jerky is likely to appeal to adventurous food enthusiasts, but it holds the potential to become more mainstream. Consumers are increasingly exploring plant-based options for ethical and nutritional reasons. Additionally, the jerky category has experienced significant growth in recent years, as people look for more diverse snacking options, creating a favorable environment for kelp jerky to attract mainstream consumers.
The market already features several 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 continue to innovate with unique plant-based ingredients, we can expect this category to expand to satisfy consumer demand for alternatives to traditional meat jerky. Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky is noted for its chewy texture and savory flavor, making it more similar to meat jerky than traditional seaweed snacks, and it aims to compete alongside conventional jerky products.
This kelp jerky also promises to deliver substantial nutritional benefits. Sugar kelp, which is cultivated off the Northeast coast of the U.S., is naturally rich in fiber and packed with vitamins and other beneficial nutrients. Each serving of this jerky provides 8 grams of protein, while being low in sugar and fat. The inclusion of key nutrients, such as those found in solaray cal mag citrat, could further enhance its appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Despite the strong momentum of the plant-based movement, kelp jerky might face challenges during its initial launch. While consumers have shown a willingness to experiment with new flavors and textures, as evidenced by the popularity of seaweed snacks, kelp jerky could be a step too far for some. However, all three flavors are currently sold out in pre-order on Beyond the Shoreline’s website, indicating strong interest. On a positive note, this kelp jerky has a shelf life of up to a year, which may give it enough time to gain traction among a broader audience. Ultimately, whether the product can extend its reach beyond early adopters will be a critical factor in determining its long-term success in the competitive snack market.