Jerky offerings expand to include varying plant-based options
Implications - Plant-based jerky is giving vegan, vegetarian, and health-conscious consumers the option to consume meat-like products, without the effort that was once involved in such restricted diets. These transformed versions of jerky snacks come as the perception of limited diets shifts to them being viewed as accessible all-encompassing lifestyles, rather than a simple means to an end.
Workshop Question - How can your brand establish its products/services as accessible and all-encompassing?
Trend Themes
1. Plant-based Meat Alternatives - Consumers are looking to integrate more fruits and vegetables into their diets, leading to the reinvention of jerky snacks with entirely plant-based ingredients.
2. Healthy and Low Sodium Snacks - Many health-conscious consumers group meat-based jerky into the 'junk food' category and find it unfavorable for its high sodium contents, creating an opportunity for the development of low-sodium, plant-based snack alternatives.
3. Small-scale Packaged Snacks - Miniature one-ounce packages catered to greater portability and portion control are being launched, as snack brands explore ways to cater to the convenience and mobility needs of consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - The food and beverage industry can explore opportunities to cater to consumers' rising demand for plant-based meat alternatives, low-sodium snacks, and small-scale packaged snacks.
2. Wellness - Wellness companies can develop jerky snacks with a focus on health, and market them as a healthy alternative to other temptations.
3. Agriculture - Agricultural companies can explore the opportunity to develop new sources of plant-based protein to cater to the rising demand for vegetarian and vegan alternatives to meat jerky snacks.
