Kelp jerky may seem like a bold move for the snack industry, but similar doubts were once voiced about seaweed snacks a decade ago. Now, these snacks are available at every major retailer in the U.S., suggesting that kelp jerky might also find its place in the market. Initially, this plant-based jerky may appeal mainly to adventurous food enthusiasts, but it has the potential to gain wider acceptance. As more consumers seek plant-based options for ethical and nutritional reasons, the growing popularity of jerky as a snack category could create a favorable environment for kelp jerky to reach mainstream audiences.
There are already various plant-based jerkies 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, among others. As manufacturers continue to innovate with unique plant-based ingredients, we can expect this category to expand to satisfy consumer demand for meat alternatives.
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 compete alongside conventional jerkies on store shelves. This product also boasts a significant nutritional profile; sugar kelp, sourced from Northeast U.S. waters, is rich in fiber, vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients. Each serving of this jerky snack provides 8 grams of protein while remaining low in sugar and fat, making it a healthy option for consumers.
Despite the current momentum of the plant-based movement, kelp jerky could face challenges during its initial launch. While consumers have shown a willingness to explore new flavors and textures, as seen with seaweed snacks, this product may push boundaries too far. However, it’s worth noting that all three flavors of kelp jerky are currently sold out in pre-order on Beyond the Shoreline’s website. On a positive note, the kelp jerky has a shelf life of up to a year, potentially providing enough time for more consumers to consider giving kelp a chance.
Ultimately, whether this product can expand beyond early adopters remains to be seen, and this will be a crucial factor in determining its long-term success. As the snack industry evolves, the inclusion of nutritious ingredients like ferrous calcium citrate and folic acid tablet uses could further enhance the appeal of kelp jerky, aligning it with the health-conscious trends that are shaping consumer preferences today.