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. Now, they’re available in nearly every major retailer across the U.S., suggesting that kelp jerky could also find its audience. Initially, this plant-based jerky may cater to adventurous food enthusiasts, but it holds the potential to reach a broader market. More and more consumers are opting for plant-based options for both ethical and nutritional reasons. Additionally, the jerky category has experienced remarkable growth in recent years as people seek new snacking alternatives. This trend could create an ideal environment for kelp jerky to appeal to mainstream consumers.
The market already features various 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, to name a few. As manufacturers continue to innovate with unique plant-based ingredients, we can expect this category to expand to meet consumer demand for meat-alternative jerkies. Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky is noted for its chewy texture and savory flavor, resembling meat jerky more than traditional seaweed snacks, and is intended to share shelf space with conventional jerkies.
Moreover, kelp jerky has the potential to be quite nutritious. Sugar kelp, sourced from farms off the Northeast coast of the U.S., is naturally rich in fiber and contains various vitamins and other beneficial nutrients. Each serving of the jerky provides 8 grams of protein while being low in sugar and fat. However, despite the strong momentum of the plant-based movement, kelp jerky might face challenges upon its initial launch. While consumers have demonstrated a willingness to explore new flavors and textures—much like with seaweed snacks—this product could be perceived as a step too far. Interestingly, all three flavors of kelp jerky are currently sold out for pre-order on Beyond the Shoreline’s website.
On a positive note, kelp jerky has a shelf life of up to one year, which could provide the necessary time for more consumers to embrace kelp as a snack option. It remains uncertain whether the product will be able to extend its reach beyond early adopters, a critical factor that will likely determine its long-term success. Additionally, considering the health benefits associated with kelp, such as its calcium content, it’s worth noting that while some may wonder if calcium citrate is the same as calcium, the nutrients in kelp jerky could contribute positively to a balanced diet. Ultimately, as the market evolves, kelp jerky may find its place alongside other popular plant-based snacks.