# Vibrant Vegan Jerky Snacks Upson's Naturals is Launching Wheat Protein-Based Vegan Jerky Bites By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2019-03-11 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-jerky-bites References: [foodbusinessnews.net](https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/13453-slideshow-plant-based-innovation-alive-and-thriving-at-expo-west) & [uptonsnaturals](https://uptonsnaturals.com/products) Upton's Naturals creates a variety of [meat alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegchop) and vegan products like seasoned jackfruit strips and bacon seitan, and it will soon be expanding upon these mealtime offerings with all-new [Vegan Jerky Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantedsteak-bites). These wheat protein-based bites made their debut at the 2019 Natural Products Expo West, where they were exhibited in four unique flavors: Smoky Original, Tarragon Ginger Lime, Tamarind Pepperoni and Pineapple Pink Peppercorn. These nourishing plant-based snacks are packed with tons of flavor, as well as eight to 10 grams of protein and just 100 calories per serving. Now that many consumers are open to adding meatless alternatives to their plates and bowls for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a great number of new and flavorful, [protein-packed plant-based snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosh-veg-bites) are being introduced to fill in the gaps between meals. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 46% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 8% - 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) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Meatless Snacks:** Opportunity to disrupt the snack industry by introducing innovative, plant-based snacks as alternatives to meat-based products. - **Protein-packed Plant-based Products:** Can disrupt the health food industry by creating nutritious and flavorful plant-based snacks with high protein content. - **Expansion of Vegan Food Options:** Opportunity to disrupt the vegan food market by introducing new and diverse plant-based snack options. ### Where This Applies - **Snack Industry:** Opportunity to disrupt the snack industry by introducing innovative, plant-based snacks as alternatives to meat-based products. - **Health Food Industry:** Can disrupt the health food industry by creating nutritious and flavorful plant-based snacks with high protein content. - **Vegan Food Market:** Opportunity to disrupt the vegan food market by introducing new and diverse plant-based snack options. ## 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) - [Sweet Potato Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sweet-potato-jerky.md) - [Jackfruit Jerky Snacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jackfruit-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) - [Non-Processed Meat Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegchop.md) - [Whole Food Protein Bites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivera-protein-bites.md)