Meat Snacks Market

Global Meat Snacks Market:

The global meat snacks market size reached USD 10.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 18.9 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.19% during 2025-2033. The growing demand for healthier and protein-rich snack options, introduction of meat snacks in exotic flavors, and their increasing availability across online retail channels are some of the key factors driving the growth of the market.

Meat Snacks Market Analysis:

• Major Market Drivers: The escalating demand for healthy and convenient snacking items on account of hectic lifestyles and inflating disposable incomes represents one of the major factors catalyzing the global meat snacks market growth.
• Key Market Trends: The growing trend of premium meat snacks that are processed with lamb, grass-fed beef, wild boar, pasture-raised venison, coho salmon, and cage-free turkey and chicken is offering lucrative growth opportunities to the market. Additionally, the introduction of gluten-free and low-sugar variants with no additives and preservatives is also contributing to the market growth.
• Competitive Landscape: Some of the leading meat snack companies operating in the global market include Bridgford Foods Corporation, Conagra Brands Inc., General Mills Inc., Hormel Foods Corporation, Jack Link's LLC, Monogram Food Solutions LLC, Nestlé S.A., Meatsnacks Group Ltd. (New World Foods Europe Limited), Tyson Foods Inc., and Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks Inc., among many others.
• Geographical Landscape: According to the report, North America currently dominates the global market. Consumer preferences for portable, convenient, and indulgent snack options drive the dominance of the region in the global market. Moreover, the trend of snacking throughout the day has become habitual across all age groups, with consumers opting for snacks over traditional meals.
• Challenges and Opportunities: In the meat snacks market, challenges include addressing health concerns related to processed meats and navigating fluctuating raw material costs. Opportunities lie in catering to the growing demand for high-protein snacks and innovating with healthier, sustainable ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers. These opportunities are anticipated to positively impact the meat snacks market price trends.

Meat Snacks Market Trends:

Rising Demand for Convenient Snacking Options

Consumers increasingly favor convenient snacking options on account of their hectic schedules and inflating spending capacities, which is creating a positive outlook for the overall market. Furthermore, the escalating working population requiring ready-to-eat food options, like frozen meat snacks, is also contributing to the market growth. According to Convenience Store Products magazine, meat snacks in 2021 generated approximately US$ 2.16 Billion in sales across convenience stores in the United States, with Old Trapper ranking as the third best-selling traditional jerky brand. Additionally, according to IMARC, the global ready-to-eat (RTE) food market size reached US$ 181.5 Billion in 2023. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 262.4 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.18% during 2024-2032. Such a significant growth in the ready-to-eat food market indicates an impelling demand for convenient snacking options like meat snacks, which is anticipated to propel the meat snacks market share.

Increasing Popularity of High Protein Snacks

Consumers are increasingly prioritizing protein-rich diets for various health benefits, including muscle building, weight management, and sustained energy levels. Meat snacks, such as jerky, offer a convenient and portable source of high-quality protein, appealing to fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious individuals alike. This, in turn, is positively impacting the meat snacks market outlook. Additionally, consumers tend to look for snacks with high protein and traditional meat items reinvented with more complex flavor combinations and formulations for a natural product image. For instance, in March 2021, Cherkizovo Group launched its new meat snack product range under the Cherkizovo Premium brand in three groups: pork, chicken, and turkey snacks. The snacks are made of cured and dried meat. Moreover, the introduction of less conventional protein sources like turkey, seafood, and game meats, along with the expansion of product offerings such as power packs, bars, and deli bites in the refrigerated section, is revitalizing the category and creating new opportunities for snacking occasions.

Emerging Preferences for Plant-Based Meat Snacks

The growing consumer interest in plant-based alternatives due to health, environmental, and ethical considerations is offering lucrative growth opportunities to the overall market. These snacks offer a meat-like experience without animal-derived ingredients, appealing to vegetarians, vegans, and flexitarians seeking protein-rich options. As a result, various leading manufacturers are now introducing plant-based meat to expand their consumer base and propel sales. For instance, in February 2022, VegaBytz introduced their plant-based, 100% vegan meat products in India. Meat/Chicken/Tuna ready-to-eat meals and curry products are all vegan and made entirely from plants in the VegaBytz product line. In addition, companies operating in the market are focusing on adopting strategic measures to achieve a strong foothold in countries that have a high vegetarian or vegan population. This, in turn, is expected to bolster meat snacks market growth over the forecasted period.

Global Meat Snacks Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global meat snacks market report, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, source, flavor, and distribution channel.

Breakup by Product Type:

• Jerky
• Sticks
• Sausages
• Others
   

Jerky currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes jerky, sticks, sausages, and others. According to the report, jerky currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market.

As per the meat snacks market statistics by IMARC, jerky is favored for its long shelf life, making it convenient for storage and on-the-go consumption. Its high protein content appeals to health-conscious consumers looking for nutritious snacking options. Additionally, the variety of flavors and meat types available in jerky caters to diverse consumer preferences, contributing to its popularity in the market. As a result, numerous manufacturers are including jerky in various flavors in their menus. For instance, in March 2024, Jack Link’s and Dr. Pepper teamed up to introduce a one-of-a-kind flavorful experience with the release of Jack Link’s WILD Dr. Pepper inspired flavored meat stick, and Jack Link’s Dr. Pepper inspired flavored beef jerky. 

Breakup by Source:

• Pork
• Beef
• Poultry
• Others
   

Beef accounts for the majority of the global market share

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the source. This includes pork, beef, poultry, and others. According to the report, beef accounts for the majority of the global market share.

Beef is widely recognized for its rich flavor and high protein content, appealing to consumers seeking nutritious and satisfying snack options. Moreover, the convenience and portability of beef snacks cater to busy lifestyles, allowing consumers to enjoy protein-rich foods on the go. As a result, various key market players are increasingly launching beef meat snacks to cater to the escalating demand and propel their sales. For instance, in March 2024, Country Archer Provisions, a purveyor of premium, high-protein snacking, unveiled its latest offerings at Natural Products Expo West 2024. The company introduced two new additions, Ancestral Beef Blend Meat Sticks and the Pasture-Raised Bison Jerky, to the brand's lineup of real ingredient snacks. Besides this, the trend towards healthier snack choices is bolstering the popularity of beef snacks, as they provide a substantial alternative to traditional, less nutritious snack options.

Breakup by Flavor:

• Original
• Teriyaki
• Peppered
• Others
   

Peppered currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the flavor. This includes original, teriyaki, peppered, and others. According to the report, peppered currently exhibits a clear dominance in the market.

As per the meat snacks market overview by IMARC, the demand for peppered meat snacks is primarily driven by consumer preferences for bold and savory flavors. Peppered varieties offer a distinct taste profile that appeals to consumers seeking a more robust snacking experience. This demand is further fueled by trends towards protein-rich and flavorful snack options, as well as the growing popularity of portable and convenient food choices that fit into busy lifestyles. Additionally, peppered meat snacks often cater to consumers looking for alternatives to traditional snacks, offering both taste satisfaction and nutritional value.

Breakup by Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets and Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Stores
• Others
   

Supermarkets and hypermarkets hold the largest market share

The meat snacks market report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes supermarkets and hypermarkets, convenience stores, online stores, and others. According to the report, supermarkets and hypermarkets hold the largest market share.

Supermarkets and hypermarkets play crucial roles in the meat snacks market by offering extensive shelf space and diverse product selections to cater to varying consumer preferences. These retail channels provide convenient access to a wide range of frozen and refrigerated meat snacks, meeting the demand for quick and easy meal solutions. Their strategic locations, coupled with promotional activities and competitive pricing, enhance product visibility and consumer awareness. Supermarkets and hypermarkets also leverage their robust logistic networks to ensure efficient distribution and consistent availability, making them pivotal in driving sales and market penetration for meat snacks.

Breakup by Region:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others
• Middle East and Africa
   

North America currently dominates the global market

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, North America currently dominates the global market.

The dominance of the North American region in the global market is driven by consumer preferences for portable, convenient, and indulgent snack options. The trend of snacking throughout the day has become habitual across all age groups, with consumers opting for snacks over traditional meals. This behavior supports the growing sales of meat snacks as consumers seek nutritious alternatives to supplement their dietary needs. For instance, the Food and Health Survey Spotlight of 2022 revealed that about 73% of consumers snack once a day, and 14% of these consumers tend to snack more than twice a day. Besides this, various key market players are also concentrating on producing premium products, intending to entice North American consumers of the higher income group with their no-preservative and additive products. For instance, in March 2023, Chomps company launched two new flavors of meat snack products in the beef category in the United States. As per the company, the products are Taco Beef and Habanero Beef containing 10 grams of protein, 100 calories, and no added sugar. Such innovations are anticipated to propel the meat snacks market revenue in the coming years.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also analyzed the competitive landscape of the market with the detailed profiles of the following key players:

• Bridgford Foods Corporation
• Conagra Brands Inc.
• General Mills Inc.
• Hormel Foods Corporation
• Jack Link's LLC
• Monogram Food Solutions LLC
• Nestlé S.A.
• Meatsnacks Group Ltd. (New World Foods Europe Limited)
• Tyson Foods Inc.
• Werner Gourmet Meat Snacks Inc.
   

(Please note that this is only a partial list of the key players, and the complete list is provided in the report.)

Global Meat Snacks Market News:

• March 2024: Country Archer Provisions, a purveyor of premium, high-protein snacking, unveiled its latest offerings at Natural Products Expo West 2024. The company introduced two new additions, Ancestral Beef Blend Meat Sticks and the Pasture-Raised Bison Jerky, to the brand's lineup of real ingredient snacks. 
• March 2024: Pork Farms’ Pork Meatballs, Maple Bacon, Frankfurters, and Bratwurst launched a range of ready-to-eat snacks that can also be eaten hot as part of a variety of meal occasions.
• February 2024: A cheese and snack brand, Whisps, announced a new shelf-stable, high-protein snack product, Whisps Protein Snackers. Packaged in multi-compartment snack trays, the new product innovation features Whisps baked cheese bites, premium salami, and dried fruit that don't require refrigeration.

Global Meat Snacks Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the meat snacks market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global meat snacks market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter's five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the meat snacks industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.