Kelp jerky may seem like an unconventional addition to the snack market, yet a decade ago, similar skepticism surrounded seaweed snacks. Nowadays, these snacks are available in nearly every major U.S. retailer, suggesting that kelp jerky could indeed find its place. Initially, this plant-based jerky is likely to appeal to adventurous food enthusiasts, but it holds the potential to reach a broader audience. More consumers are exploring plant-based options for both ethical and nutritional reasons, and the jerky category has experienced significant growth as people seek new snacking alternatives. This trend could create an ideal opportunity for kelp jerky to attract mainstream consumers.
Several plant-based jerky options already exist in the market, including Cocoburg’s Coconut Jerky, Lightlife Meatless Smart Jerky, Louisville Vegan Jerky, Power Plant Organic Eggplant Jerky, and Primal Strips Meatless Vegan Jerky. As manufacturers continue to innovate with unique plant-based ingredients, we can expect this segment to expand in response to consumer demands for alternatives to traditional meat jerky.
Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky is characterized by its chewy texture and savory taste, making it more akin to meat jerky than typical seaweed snacks. It aims to share shelf space with conventional jerky products. Additionally, it offers a nutritional boost, as sugar kelp—sourced from the Northeast coast of the U.S.—is naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and other beneficial nutrients. Each serving contains 8 grams of protein while being low in sugar and fat.
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 seen with seaweed snacks, this might be a bridge too far. However, all three flavors are currently sold out in pre-orders on Beyond the Shoreline’s website. On a positive note, the kelp jerky boasts a shelf life of up to a year, which may be the time needed for more consumers to embrace kelp. It remains uncertain whether the product can expand beyond early adopters, a critical factor that will likely influence its long-term success.
Moreover, incorporating supplements like Bluebonnet Calcium Magnesium Citrate Plus Vitamin D3 may further enhance the health appeal of snacks like kelp jerky, as consumers increasingly seek nutritious options. As the market evolves, the combination of innovative snacks and nutritional supplements could potentially drive greater interest in kelp jerky and similar products.