Kelp jerky might seem like an unconventional addition to the snack industry, but a similar sentiment could have been expressed about seaweed snacks a decade ago. Fast forward to today, and they are widely available in major U.S. retailers, suggesting that kelp jerky could have a chance to succeed. Initially, this plant-based jerky is likely to appeal to adventurous food enthusiasts, yet it holds potential to reach a broader audience. More consumers are exploring plant-based options for ethical and nutritional reasons. Additionally, the jerky category has experienced significant growth in recent years as people seek new snacking options. This trend could create an ideal environment for kelp jerky to gain traction among mainstream consumers.
There are several plant-based jerkies already available, such as 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 innovate with unique plant-based ingredients, the category is expected to expand in response to consumer demand for meat alternatives. Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky is noted for its chewy texture and savory taste, resembling meat jerky more closely than traditional seaweed snacks, and is designed to share shelf space with conventional jerky products.
Moreover, kelp jerky has the potential to deliver a significant nutritional benefit. Sugar kelp, cultivated off the Northeast U.S. coast, is naturally rich in fiber and contains essential vitamins and other beneficial nutrients. Each serving of this jerky snack packs 8 grams of protein while remaining low in sugar and fat. Additionally, it is worth noting that kelp is a natural source of calcium citrate, which is important for bone health.
Despite the current strength of the plant-based movement, kelp jerky may 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, this might be a more daring step. However, it’s encouraging to see that all three flavors of kelp jerky are currently sold out in pre-orders 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 the time needed for more consumers to warm up to kelp. Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether this product can extend its reach beyond early adopters, a critical factor that will likely influence its long-term success in the market.