Kelp jerky may seem like an unconventional addition to the snack industry, but a decade ago, the same could have been said about seaweed snacks. Today, these snacks are widely available in major U.S. retailers, suggesting that kelp jerky could also find its place in the market. Initially, this plant-based jerky is expected to appeal to adventurous food enthusiasts, but it holds the potential to attract a broader audience. With an increasing number of consumers opting for plant-based products for both ethical and nutritional reasons, combined with the significant growth of the jerky category as people seek new snacking options, the conditions may be ripe for kelp jerky to reach mainstream consumers.
There are various plant-based jerkies currently available, 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, this category is expected to expand to satisfy the demand for meat alternatives. Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky is noted for its chewy texture and savory flavor, resembling traditional meat jerky more than a typical seaweed snack, and is designed to be shelved alongside conventional jerkies.
Nutritionally, kelp jerky has a lot to offer. Made from sugar kelp, which is cultivated off the Northeast U.S. coast, it is naturally high in fiber and packed with vitamins and other beneficial nutrients. Each serving contains 8 grams of protein while being low in sugar and fat. 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 explore new flavors and textures, as evidenced by the popularity of seaweed snacks, kelp jerky could be perceived as an overly adventurous option. Nevertheless, all three flavors are currently sold out on Beyond the Shoreline’s website, indicating strong initial interest.
On a positive note, kelp jerky boasts a shelf life of up to a year, which might be necessary for more consumers to warm up to the idea of trying kelp snacks. It remains uncertain whether this product can expand beyond early adopters, a critical factor for its long-term success. Meanwhile, the growing interest in health-oriented products—such as Solgar Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D3 (240 tablets)—reflects a broader trend towards nutritious snacking, which could bode well for kelp jerky’s future in the market. As it stands, the success of kelp jerky will depend on its ability to attract a wider audience while aligning with the current consumer focus on health and sustainability.