September 20, 2024 – Globally, meat snacks are preferred for their high protein content, convenience, and ability to satisfy cravings while providing a sense of indulgence and nourishment. Innova’s research into meat snacks trends highlights the latest innovations, product launches, top brands, flavors and what may develop in the meat snacks industry.
Meat Snacks Product Launches
Meat snacks is the fourth leading subcategory within the global snacks category, accounting for 9% of launches over the past year. Beef is the leading product base, followed by pork, sausage, chicken and fish. The use of smoked ranges and ingredients like spices, cheese, tomato, seaweed, truffle mushroom, herbs, citrus fruits and nuts drives product development and innovation globally.
Meat snack trends research reveals that nearly 2 in 5 consumers express interest in trying plant-based versions of familiar food and beverage products. This has led to the rise of meat snack launches with vegan and plant-based claims. These launches, including soy-based sausage sticks, jerky made from diverse ingredients, and sisig crunch crafted with soy and wheat protein, cater to this demand. This growth in plant-based meat snacks reflects Innova’s annual Top Trend of 2024, “Plant-Based: The Rise of Applied Offerings,” where brands are adapting familiar dishes into plant-based formats, offering consumers clarity and comfort as they embrace plant-based eating. Brands can continue evolving these formats to meet growing consumer preferences.
Leading Regions in Meat Snack Market
Meat snack trends research highlights that Asia Pacific is the top region for meat snack launches over the past year. Snacks made with chicken and duck feet in multiple flavors, fish strips with sesame, fish skin snacks in salted and spicy flavors, and sausage snacks made with various ingredients and options in local flavors have boosted product development in Asia Pacific. Meanwhile, Europe displays the fastest growth rate at 18% for new product launches during the same period.
Top Brands and Companies
Link Snacks leads the meat snack market, driven by its popular brands Jack Link’s, Peperami, and Bifi. Their offerings, which include beef jerky in various flavor combinations, mini pork salamis, and chorizo sticks, continue to attract consumers.
Aldi is the fastest growing company, with a 39% CAGR among the top 7 companies during the same period. Smoked options, vegan choices prepared with soy protein in herb and tomato flavor, air dried beef steak slices, pork jerky and meatballs made with pork and beef drive the innovation at Aldi. Both companies are responding to evolving consumer tastes, delivering variety and innovation in the meat snacks industry.
Top Claims in the Meat Snacks Market
The source of protein is the top claim in the global meat snacks market, followed by no additives or preservatives, gluten-free, halal, and traditional. Meat snacks trends research shows that the source of protein claim leads in Asia Pacific, North America, and Latin America.
In Europe, vegan, low/no/reduced fat, and low/no/reduced carb claims are on the rise. Asia Pacific consumers are inclined toward no added sugar, low/no/reduced fat, and DHA. In North America, indulgent and premium, sugar-free, low/no/reduced cholesterol claims are rising. This highlights the diverse dietary consumer interests in snacks across the globe.
Meat Snacks Flavor Trends
The top 5 flavors are chili, pepper, barbecue, spices, and smoked. Chili flavor stays ahead in the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America.
In Asia Pacific, there is a rising interest in seaweed, salted egg, and Thai satay flavors. Meat snack trends research displays that North American consumers prefer cheese, cheddar cheese and cayenne pepper flavors. Meanwhile, in Europe, paprika, truffle mushroom and jalapeno chili flavors are gaining popularity. These varying flavor preferences across regions indicate that consumers are increasingly inclined toward bold and locally inspired tastes, driving innovation in snack offerings tailored to regional palates.
What’s Next Meat Snacks Trends?
Asia Pacific is the most active region in the global meat snacks market, with brands emphasizing traditional crafted options, premium-quality ranges, and sauces like brewed soy, lemon and fish.
Europe displays the fastest growth in both launches, making it a key region for brands to watch out for. Free-from and reductionism claims, such as no additives or preservatives, gluten-free, lactose-free, and sugar-free, are driving innovation in the global meat snacks market.
Meat snacks trends research shows that consumers’ growing demand for bold flavors like truffle mushroom, paprika, jalapeno chili, seaweed, and salted egg is shaping product development in the market. Brands are likely to innovate with clean labels and unique, regionally inspired flavor profiles to meet consumer-evolving demands.
This article is based on our report, “Overview of Meat Snacks – Global.” If you are interested in reading this report, feel free to request a demo.
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