In the United States, the main challenge facing jellyfish as a snack is the “ick factor.” Often labeled as “slimy and tasteless,” jellyfish has not yet gained widespread acceptance. However, several trends are aligning to favor its introduction as a snack option, including a rising demand for healthier snacks, a globalized and sophisticated food market, and a growing number of environmentally conscious consumers. Jellyfish is rich in vitamin B12, magnesium, and iron, and it’s low in calories, making jellyfish chips an excellent alternative to traditional potato chips.
The individual snacking market reached $33 billion in 2017, driven largely by products that emphasize health benefits. Additionally, Pew Research indicates that the Asian population in the U.S. grew by 72% from 2000 to 2015, increasing from 11.9 million to 20.4 million, marking the fastest growth rate among major racial or ethnic groups. This demographic shift is likely to enhance the acceptance of Asian food products in the domestic market.
Furthermore, promoting jellyfish as a mainstream snack could have positive environmental implications due to its oversupply. Jellyfish blooms threaten fish populations, which poses challenges for seafood industries. Incorporating jellyfish into diets could help alleviate this issue while providing nutritional benefits, such as calcium citrate with or without food. Ultimately, the introduction of jellyfish as a snack could serve both health and environmental purposes while meeting the needs of a growing consumer base interested in innovative food options.