# Premium Protein Snack Strips GMI Brands Launches Bobby Van's Gourmet Steak Jerky in Two Flavors By Adam Harrie | Published 2026-10-30 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Steak-Jerky References: [bvbeefjerky](https://bvbeefjerky.com/)  GMI Brands launched 'Bobby Van's Gourmet Steak Jerky,' a [premium beef jerky](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peoples-choice-beef-jerky) inspired by the Bobby Van's steakhouse in Bridgehampton, New York. The product brought steakhouse-style flavor to the snack aisle for shoppers who want a [convenient, protein-rich bite](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/greenridge-naturals) while traveling, working out or heading to the beach. The jerky came in two flavors, 'Original' and 'Au Poivre,' a pepper-forward take on the classic steak preparation. Each $14 bag delivered more than 25 grams of protein and used all-natural, gluten-free ingredients. GMI Brands planned to build distribution through specialty food stores, convenience retailers and other retail channels, with mainstream grocery as a later opportunity. As [protein snacking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/protein-snack-kits) grows, Bobby Van's shows how restaurant heritage can give a jerky brand credibility, turning a steakhouse reputation into premium shelf appeal. Image Credit: Bobby Van's Steakhouse ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 9.2/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 83% | Freshness: 100% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Steakhouse-inspired Snacking:** Restaurant heritage adds credibility to packaged protein snacks, creating room for premium products that translate familiar dining experiences into retail formats. - **Elevated Jerky Flavors:** Pepper-forward and chef-inspired flavor profiles are expanding jerky beyond basic meat snacks, helping brands appeal to consumers seeking gourmet convenience. - **Portable Protein Premiumization:** High-protein snacks with all-natural and gluten-free positioning are reshaping on-the-go eating with more upscale, functional options. ### Who This Affects Most - **Packaged Snacks:** Premium meat snacks are creating white space for brands that combine indulgent flavor cues with functional nutrition claims. - **Specialty Food Retail:** Curated retail channels provide a strong launch environment for gourmet snack products that rely on provenance, quality and niche consumer appeal. - **Restaurant Licensing:** Established restaurant names can extend into consumer packaged goods, turning hospitality reputations into differentiated shelf presence. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Savory Protein Snack Sticks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/takeaways-snack-bars.md) - [Crunchy Jerky Trail Mixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crunchy-jerky-trail-mixes.md) - [Convenient Flavor-Driven Meat Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/good-warrior-beef-sticks.md) - [Value-Minded Beef Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jack-links-carnivore-bites.md) - [Protein-Packed Jerky Chips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crunchy-jerky-chips.md) - [Protein-Packed Beef Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carnivore-bites.md) - [Gourmet Convenience Store Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/premium-meat-snacks.md) - [Barbecue-Inspired Protein Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-cow-trends.md) - [Refueling Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-protein-commuter.md)