# Sweet Jerky Fruit-based jerky options help mix indulgence with nutrition. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Apr 17, 2022 | Category: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/lifestyle-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sweet-jerky ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.9/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Sweet Jerky trend? **Sweet Jerky:** As more consumers opt for vegetarian, vegan or "flexitarian" diets, fruit-based jerky snacks are becoming more popular. Products in this space include everything from grape-based to melon-based jerky. ## The consumer insight behind the Sweet Jerky trend As diet culture slowly shifts to addressing overall wellbeing, and focuses less on weight loss, health-conscious consumers are now more open to indulgence. Now, brands that are able to merge nutrition or health benefits with indulgence are increasingly popular as consumers take a more balanced approach to their wellness. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jun 28, 2021 to Apr 27, 2022 - Published: Apr 17, 2022 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Sweet Jerky trend ### Fruit-Based Jerky Snacks As more consumers opt for vegetarian, vegan or 'flexitarian' diets, fruit-based jerky snacks are becoming more popular. ### Indulgent Nutrition Now, brands that are able to merge nutrition or health benefits with indulgence are increasingly popular as consumers take a more balanced approach to their wellness. ### Spicy Snacks Chuza sees that the demand for spicy snacks will only continue to grow. ## What the Sweet Jerky trend means for industry ### For Healthy Snacks Brands can explore creating more healthy snacks that provide indulgent nutrition, such as fruit-based jerky snacks. ### For Alternative Protein Jackfruit, originally known as an ingredient for vegan meat alternatives, may also be explored as a versatile plant-based snack option. ### For Novelty Foods April Fool's Day-inspired food products, like Sun-Maid's Grape Jerky, may become real products based on consumer demand. ## Workshop question How could your brand better incorporate balance into its customers' lives? ## Trend signals for Sweet Jerky Trend score 3.9 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 44%, freshness 12%. - Popularity: 61% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 12% ## Examples of the Sweet Jerky trend 4 featured examples from Jun 28, 2021 to Apr 27, 2022. - [Chewy Sugar-Free Fruit Jerky](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sugarfree-fruit-jerky): Organic Traditions Introduces its Additive-Free Fruit Jerky (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The healthy snack industry can capitalize on the trend for sugar-free snacks by developing innovative new snack offerings that use natural sweeteners and plant-based ingredients t… - [Grape Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grape-jerky): Sun-Maid's Grape Jerky is a Limited-Time Whole Fruit Snack (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Companies in the food and beverage industry can take advantage of the trend of whole fruit snacks and meatless munchies to create healthy and unique products that cater to a wider… - [Spicy Dried Fruit Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spicy-dried-fruit): Chuza Shares a Taste of Mexican Flavors & Culture (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The spicy dried fruit snack category offers a chance for companies to create unique products with all-natural ingredients to capture the growing demand for spicy snacks. - [Antioxidant-Rich Jackfruit Chews](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-chews): Amazi's Dried Jackfruit Chews “Taste Like Grown-Up Fruit Rollups" (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The food and beverage industry can embrace the trend of plant-based snacks, and explore the use of jackfruit as both a meat alternative and a healthy snack option. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Lifestyle - [Mystery Packaging Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cow-not-laughing) - [Multi-Benefit Protein Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comes-in-three-flavors) - [Creator-Led Learning Series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/learning-series) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) All articles: [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle)