Kelp jerky may seem like a bold venture for the snack industry, but a decade ago, the same could have been said about seaweed snacks. Nowadays, these are available in virtually every major retailer across the U.S., suggesting that kelp jerky might also have a chance to thrive. Initially, this plant-based jerky is likely to attract adventurous food enthusiasts, but it has the potential to gain wider acceptance. More consumers are exploring plant-based options for various ethical and nutritional reasons. Moreover, the jerky category has experienced significant growth in recent years, as people increasingly seek out convenient snack options. This sets a favorable stage for kelp jerky to appeal to mainstream audiences.
Several plant-based jerkies are 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, to name just a few. As manufacturers introduce innovative plant-based ingredients, we can anticipate this category expanding to meet the rising demand for alternative meat jerkies.
Beyond the Shoreline’s kelp jerky boasts a chewy texture and a savory flavor profile that is more reminiscent of traditional meat jerky than a typical seaweed snack. This product is designed to sit alongside conventional jerkies on store shelves. Notably, kelp jerky offers impressive nutritional benefits; sugar kelp, cultivated off the Northeast coast of the U.S., is naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. Each serving contains 8 grams of protein while remaining low in sugar and fat, making it a healthy option that could rival the best calcium citrate 500 mg supplements in terms of nutritional value.
Despite the strong momentum behind the plant-based movement, kelp jerky may face challenges during its initial launch. While consumers have shown a willingness to try new flavors and textures, as evidenced by the popularity of seaweed snacks, kelp jerky might push the envelope too far for some. On a positive note, all three flavors are currently sold out on Beyond the Shoreline’s website, indicating strong interest. Additionally, the kelp jerky has a shelf life of up to a year, which may allow enough time for more consumers to consider giving kelp a chance. Ultimately, whether this product can extend its reach beyond early adopters will be crucial for its long-term success, especially in a market eager for innovative snacks that can rival even the best calcium citrate 500 mg options.