Meat Snacks Market Report

The demand for meat snacks is expected to rise due to the rise in per capita consumption of meat. As per the data of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, the major driver for the increased consumption of meat is population growth, which is estimated to increase by 14% by the end of the year 2030. Furthermore, global meat consumption per capita is expected to increase by 0.3% per annum and will reach 35.4 kg in retail weight equivalent by 2030. This growth is expected due to higher per capita consumption of poultry meat. Additionally, as per the data of the National Hotdog and Sausage Council, the retail sales of dinner sausages in the year 2022 amounted to US$ 5.3 billion and summed at 1.2 billion pounds of sales. Also, the rise in the demand for jerky snack food is expected to drive the demand for meat snack market. According to the data of the National Library of Medicine, the jerky snack food holds a high demand due to its nutritional value, rich flavour, and storage stability without refrigeration. Jerky is the result of the application of hurdle technology, which involves factors such as temperature, water activity, and preservatives in the preparation. Thus, due to the rising meat consumption and snacks, the meat snack market is expected to expand.  

Rising health concerns regarding meat snacks, which include high sodium content, preservatives, and saturated fats, are impacting the industry. Consumers are becoming more health-conscious and avoiding products with excessive sodium, leading to a trend towards lower-sodium alternatives. The use of artificial additives and chemicals in preserved meat snacks is also a concern, as consumers seek out natural and organic options. Consumer education on nutrition and health risks is influencing purchasing decisions towards healthier snack options. Dietary trends like low-carb and keto diets are further shaping consumer preferences away from high-carb and processed foods. Intense competition, such as emerging alternatives like plant-based snacks, innovative brands introducing unique products, and differentiation. The rise of plant-based and hybrid protein snacks adds to the competition, appealing to health-conscious consumers. Innovative companies disrupt the market with new flavours and ingredients, pushing traditional brands to evolve quickly. Competitive pricing strategies are common, leading to price wars that impact profit margins and pose challenges for smaller or premium brands trying to maintain their market positions.

In March 2023, US-based natural meat snack brand, Chomps, unveiled two new flavour innovations to add to its portfolio, Taco Beef and Habanero Beef. Chomps' new Habanero Beef stick was made with habanero peppers, red pepper, and coriander. Meanwhile, Taco Beef spotlighted features the flavours of a taco in a “portable and mess-free format”, with each bite delivering a zesty kick including notes of paprika, cumin, and chilli powder. The new sticks packed 10g of protein, 100 calories, and zero sugar. They had beef collagen casings and consisted of grass-fed and finished beef with no hormones or antibiotics. Chomps Taco Beef and Habanero Beef sticks were sold online at $24 for a 10-count box or $50 for a 24-count box. In August 2023, Country Archer Provisions, the nation’s number one better-for-you meat snack brand, announced the launch of two new products: Rosemary Turkey Mini Sticks and Original Beef Jerky Snack Packs. These perfectly portioned protein snacks offered clean-label ingredients for health-conscious consumers who sought irresistibly flavourful, better-for-you snacking options for themselves and their families.

The meat snack market is expected to rise in the European region due to its snacks and meat consumption habits. According to the data of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the top 5 snack markets in the European Union are Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and France, which account for 66.3% of the global snack retail value sales market. The snack market in the European Union reached the mark of US$ 138.2 billion in 2021, and with a compound annual growth rate of 4.6%, it will reach above US$ 175 billion in total retail sales for the forecast period. Also, the Oceania region is considered one of the important markets due to the rising consumption of meat. According to the data of the World's Top Exports in 2021, Australia has achieved rank one by exporting 62 million kg of meat, and New Zealand, who holds second rank, has exported a total of 31 million kg, as both countries belong to the Oceania region, which presents itself as a promising market. Furthermore, North America can also be considered a lucrative market, as according to the data of the World Population Review United America, per capita consumption of meat is recorded as 128.63 kg in 2024. In the list of consumption of meat for 2024, Hong Kong, an Asia Pacific country, tops the list by recording a per capita consumption of 136.31 kg, which makes China and Asia Pacific a lucrative market.