# Smoked Plant-Based Jerky Snacks Gardein's Plant-Based Jerky is Hardwood Smoked Like Real Meat By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2020-03-25 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-based-jerky-snack References: [twitter](https://twitter.com/deenashanker/status/1229776858046193664/photo/1) & [gardein](https://www.gardein.com/) [Gardein](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gardein-ultimate-plantbased), which is known for its chick'n, turk'y, beefless, porkless and fishless products, is venturing into the creation of plant-based jerky snacks in Original, Teriyaki and Hot & Spicy flavors. Notably, the alternative jerk snacks are marinated and prepared just like regular beef jerky snacks, including the fact that they are hardwood smoked. Because of this, the new Ultimate plant-based jerky snacks are said to be category-disrupting for their meat-like flavor and texture. Additionally, the snacks are packed with 11 grams of protein per serving and are made with non-GMO ingredients. While many brands are creating jerky-like snacks from dried fruits and vegetables, these new plant-based jerky snacks seem to be reminiscent of the incredibly [meat-like burgers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantedsteak-bites) that are winning over flexitarians. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## 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 - **Plant-based Jerky Snacks:** The rise of plant-based jerky snacks presents an opportunity for companies to cater to an increasing number of flexitarians looking for meat alternatives with authentic flavors and textures. - **Meat-like Flavor and Texture:** The development of plant-based jerky snacks with meat-like flavor and texture disrupts the traditional jerky market, offering a compelling alternative for consumers seeking plant-based protein options. - **Non-gmo Ingredients:** The demand for plant-based jerky snacks made with non-GMO ingredients creates an opportunity for companies to tap into the growing market of health-conscious consumers seeking clean label products. ### Who This Affects Most - **Plant-based Food:** The plant-based food industry can capitalize on the trend of plant-based jerky snacks by expanding their product offerings to include innovative and flavorful meat alternatives. - **Snack Food:** The snack food industry has an opportunity to incorporate plant-based jerky snacks into their lineup, attracting consumers looking for convenient and protein-rich snack options that align with their dietary preferences. - **Health and Wellness:** The health and wellness industry can leverage the popularity of plant-based jerky snacks made with non-GMO ingredients to cater to the increasing demand for clean label, nutritious snacks among health-conscious consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Thai-Style Vegan Jerkies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bangkok-bites.md) - [Vegan Mushroom Jerkys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eat-meati-jerky.md) - [Asian Plant-Based Jerky](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unlimeat-jerky.md) - [Beet Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beet-jerky.md) - [Cinnamon Churro Meatless Jerkies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cinnamon-churro-jerky.md) - [Sweet Potato Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-potato-jerky.md) - [Savory Plant-Based Chicken Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-chicken-pieces.md) - [Plant-Based Summertime Appetizers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gardein-ultimate-plantbased.md) - [Jackfruit Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-jerky.md)