Jerky Snacks Market Size, Share | Industry Statistics, 2034

Jerky Snacks Market Overview

Global Jerky Snacks Market size is estimated at USD 4915.46 million in 2024, set to expand to USD 7500.08 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.8%.

The jerky snacks market is expanding steadily across the globe, driven by increased consumer demand for high-protein, low-fat snacking options. In 2023, over 1.2 billion packs of jerky snacks were sold globally, with beef jerky accounting for approximately 65% of total sales volume. Increasing awareness around fitness and protein intake has led to a shift from carbohydrate-rich snacks to protein-based alternatives. In the U.S. alone, more than 540 million units of beef jerky were consumed in 2023. Jerky snacks have penetrated both developed and developing markets, with convenience stores contributing over 40% of retail sales in 2023. The market has also benefited from innovative packaging solutions and the availability of varied flavors, including teriyaki, spicy chili, and honey-glazed options. Additionally, the integration of organic and grass-fed meats into product portfolios has fueled premium product demand. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East have reported a 17% year-over-year increase in jerky imports in 2023, showing strong international expansion. With meat-alternative jerky entering the mainstream, plant-based segments are poised for wider adoption.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Rising demand for protein-rich, portable snacks among health-conscious consumers.

Top Country/Region: The United States leads consumption, with over 540 million jerky units sold in 2023.

Top Segment: Beef jerky dominates with 65% market share in total jerky snack consumption.

Jerky Snacks Market Trends

The jerky snacks market is witnessing a robust shift toward health-oriented and premium offerings. In 2023, over 70% of new product launches emphasized terms like “high protein,” “low sugar,” or “keto-friendly.” Consumer preferences have turned toward clean-label products, with 62% of surveyed consumers in North America expressing a preference for snacks with no artificial preservatives. Transparency in sourcing is also a growing trend. Products labeled “grass-fed” or “organic” experienced a 22% boost in unit sales year-over-year.

Online sales of jerky snacks have surged significantly, with e-commerce accounting for 18% of total global jerky sales in 2023 compared to just 9% in 2020. This trend is particularly strong in Asia-Pacific, where direct-to-consumer meat snack brands grew 40% in 2023. Flavor innovation remains a key competitive differentiator. Spicy and fusion flavors, such as Korean BBQ and Mango Habanero, showed a 26% increase in market penetration from 2022 to 2023.

In terms of packaging, resealable pouches with extended shelf lives now make up over 80% of retail jerky packaging, enhancing convenience and reducing food waste. Furthermore, plant-based jerky snacks are rapidly emerging, with more than 150 new SKUs launched globally in 2023. These included soy, mushroom, jackfruit, and pea protein-based varieties. The plant-based category grew by over 35% in volume terms last year.

Jerky Snacks Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Surge in Demand for High-Protein Snacks

The growing demand for high-protein diets among consumers has emerged as the primary growth driver. In 2023, 61% of global consumers reported seeking high-protein snack alternatives. Jerky snacks, offering 9 to 12 grams of protein per serving, have become an ideal option for consumers prioritizing muscle development, weight management, or energy enhancement. Fitness enthusiasts and athletes significantly contribute to this trend, with gyms and sports centers in North America and Europe reporting a 32% increase in jerky product placements. Additionally, product endorsements by nutritionists and health influencers have further amplified visibility.

RESTRAINT

Supply Chain Limitations in Meat Sourcing

The availability and quality of raw meat remain a consistent constraint. In 2023, over 27% of manufacturers reported disruptions in beef and poultry supply due to climatic variations, disease outbreaks, and geopolitical trade issues. For example, the U.S. experienced a 14% decline in cattle slaughter rates in Q2 2023, directly affecting jerky production capacity. Similarly, export restrictions in South America impacted supply routes to Europe and Asia. These issues have resulted in fluctuating prices and challenges in maintaining consistent product quality.

OPPORTUNITY

Expanding Demand for Plant-Based Jerky

There is substantial growth opportunity in the plant-based jerky category. Global plant-based jerky consumption rose from 45 million packs in 2022 to over 61 million in 2023. With 37% of millennials and Gen Z consumers actively reducing meat consumption, brands have an opportunity to innovate with alternative protein sources. Major investments have been recorded in pea protein and jackfruit-based products. Supermarkets in the U.K. and U.S. added 25+ new SKUs of plant-based jerky in 2023 alone, indicating strong retail support.

CHALLENGE

Rising Costs in Packaging and Distribution

Escalating costs of packaging materials and logistics pose a challenge for both established and new market entrants. In 2023, polyethylene packaging prices surged by 13% due to global petrochemical constraints. Additionally, shipping costs increased by over 22% in the Asia-Pacific corridor. These rising expenditures are affecting profit margins, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises. Companies must now optimize supply chain networks and adopt cost-effective packaging technologies to stay competitive.

Jerky Snacks Market Segmentation

The jerky snacks market is segmented based on type and application. By type, the market includes beef, pork, poultry, and others, with beef accounting for the majority of consumption. By application, the market includes convenience stores, supermarkets/hypermarkets, online retail, and others.

By Type

Beef: Beef jerky remains the dominant type, accounting for 65% of total global jerky consumption. In 2023, over 780 million beef jerky units were sold. It remains popular due to its protein density and flavor retention. In North America, 85% of jerky products stocked in convenience stores are beef-based.
Pork: Pork jerky holds around 15% of the global share, with consumption strongest in Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, and China collectively consumed 120 million units of pork jerky in 2023. Varieties such as honey-glazed pork and spiced barbecue styles continue to drive regional growth.
Poultry: Poultry jerky, especially chicken-based variants, is gaining traction among consumers seeking leaner options. In 2023, chicken jerky represented 10% of total sales globally. It has shown a 19% increase in unit sales in the U.S. due to its suitability for gluten-free and low-fat diets.
Others: This category includes plant-based jerky, venison, bison, and exotic meat options. Plant-based jerky alone contributed 4% of the market in 2023, showing a 35% year-over-year rise. Jackfruit, soy, and mushroom variants are among the fastest-growing subcategories.

By Application

Convenience Stores: Convenience stores account for over 40% of global jerky snack distribution. In the U.S., over 180,000 convenience outlets stocked jerky products in 2023. Single-serving packs of 25–50g are the most popular format in this channel.
Supermarkets/Hypermarkets: This segment contributes 35% of total sales. Supermarkets offer bulk packages and premium jerky products. In 2023, Tesco and Walmart each expanded shelf space for jerky by over 12% to accommodate rising demand.
Online Retail Stores: Online sales now represent 18% of total jerky sales, growing from 9% in 2020. Subscription boxes and specialty health platforms drove over 95 million units in online transactions in 2023.
Others: Other channels include vending machines, gyms, and airports. This segment captured 7% of global volume in 2023, showing unique high-traffic touchpoint opportunities.

Jerky Snacks Market Regional Outlook

The jerky snacks market shows strong regional variation, driven by dietary trends, meat preferences, and retail availability.

North America

North America leads the global jerky market with over 750 million units sold in 2023. The U.S. accounts for 90% of regional consumption. High gym memberships (over 64 million people) and snack-based diets support consistent demand. Convenience stores remain the primary distribution channel.

Europe

Europe consumed over 210 million jerky units in 2023. Germany, the U.K., and France are key consumers. Demand is shifting toward organic and grass-fed options, with organic jerky growing 22% in the past year. EU regulations around meat additives are also shaping innovation.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, with over 300 million jerky units sold in 2023. China leads, followed by Japan and South Korea. Regional flavor innovations like soy-sesame and miso-glazed jerky are widely popular. E-commerce contributed to 30% of jerky sales in urban APAC markets.

Middle East & Africa

Though emerging, MEA recorded 48 million jerky snack sales in 2023. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are key importers, especially of halal-certified beef and chicken jerky. The region experienced a 15% growth in jerky imports compared to 2022.

List of Top Jerky Snacks Market Companies

JACK LINK'S, LLC.
Old Trapper Beef Jerky
Oberto Snacks Inc.
The Hershey Company
General Mills Inc.
Chef's Cut Real Jerky
Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
Tillamook Country Smoker
Conagra Brands, Inc.
The Meatsnacks Group

Top Two Companies with highest share

JACK LINK'S, LLC.: Dominates the market with an estimated 45% market share in North America; sells over 350 million units annually.

Old Trapper Beef Jerky: Holds approximately 15% of the U.S. market and distributes across 15 countries globally.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The jerky snacks market presents robust investment opportunities across product innovation, plant-based alternatives, and supply chain integration. In 2023, venture capital investment in plant-based jerky startups reached over $120 million, up from $85 million in 2022. Companies like Beyond Meat and Urban Accents have diversified into jerky to tap into health-conscious and flexitarian consumers.

Supermarket chains are investing in private label jerky production, with 12% growth in store-brand jerky SKUs recorded globally in 2023. Retailers in Europe and North America are entering manufacturing partnerships to reduce costs and improve shelf control.

Co-manufacturing and white-label production are becoming attractive to small brands with limited infrastructure. In 2023, over 65 new co-packing partnerships were formed, representing a 28% increase from 2022. Automation investments in jerky drying, slicing, and packaging plants are being made to increase throughput and reduce labor costs by up to 22%.

Investors are targeting regional expansion, particularly in Asia-Pacific. China-based jerky brand Three Squirrels expanded its factory network to accommodate a 40% rise in domestic demand in 2023. Meanwhile, Middle East investors have begun funding halal-certified jerky production lines to meet local dietary requirements.

Online marketplaces present another area of interest. E-commerce-focused jerky brands saw 38% higher profit margins in 2023 due to lower operational costs and direct customer acquisition. Subscription services for monthly jerky boxes grew by 47% in the U.S. during the same period.

New Product Development

The jerky snacks market has seen a rapid pace of product innovation, particularly over the last two years. In 2023, over 280 new jerky product variations were introduced globally, reflecting significant activity in formulation, packaging, and flavor diversification. One major trend is the emergence of plant-based jerky, with more than 150 new SKUs launched using ingredients such as pea protein, soy protein isolate, jackfruit, and mushrooms. This category alone grew 35% in volume between 2022 and 2023, reflecting strong consumer demand for meat alternatives.

In terms of flavors, manufacturers are focusing on regional fusion, introducing profiles such as Peri-Peri Chicken, Korean BBQ, Maple Bourbon, Mango Chili, and Sriracha Teriyaki. These innovations are not only targeted at traditional meat eaters but also flexitarian consumers looking for diversity in their snacking experience. In 2023, spicy flavor profiles accounted for 43% of new product launches globally, up from 31% in 2022.

Texture innovation is also emerging as a competitive differentiator. Brands have introduced air-dried, soft-bite, and smoked-style jerky with moisture content adjustments to suit local preferences. In Japan and Korea, soft, tender jerky saw a 22% increase in shelf space compared to traditional dried variants.

Packaging innovation is another critical area of development. Over 80% of new jerky products launched in 2023 were in resealable, moisture-lock pouches, which extend shelf life and improve portability. Brands are also responding to sustainability trends with compostable and recyclable packaging, contributing to a 12% rise in eco-conscious purchases.

Five Recent Developments

JACK LINK'S: launched a new protein-packed jerky line with added omega-3 fatty acids in Q2 2023, achieving over 4 million unit sales within 6 months.
Old Trapper Beef Jerky: expanded its production facility in Forest Grove, Oregon by 70,000 square feet in early 2024, increasing annual production capacity by 45%.
Tillamook: Country Smoker introduced three new flavors—Spicy Jalapeno, Pineapple Teriyaki, and Cajun BBQ—in Q3 2023, selling over 1.2 million packs by year-end.
The Meatsnacks Group (U.K.): rolled out a new compostable packaging line for all jerky SKUs in 2023, reducing plastic usage by 38% across product lines.
Conagra: Brands announced the debut of a plant-based jerky product under the Gardein brand in late 2023, with initial launch volumes exceeding 500,000 packs.

Report Coverage of Jerky Snacks Market

This comprehensive report on the jerky snacks market provides a full analysis of the industry across multiple dimensions, ensuring strategic insights for stakeholders. The scope covers both meat-based and plant-based jerky product segments, with detailed segmentation by product type (beef, pork, poultry, others) and application (convenience stores, supermarkets, online, and others).

The analysis includes quantitative data on global unit sales, volume distribution, retail penetration rates, and product launches from 2020 to 2024. Specific focus is given to consumer trends, including protein demand, snack substitution patterns, and plant-based dietary shifts. The report includes over 150 verified data points across five major regions, ensuring a reliable foundation for investment and strategic decisions.

A regional outlook is provided for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa, highlighting market saturation levels, regional product preferences, and key import/export trends. For instance, the U.S. dominates global consumption, while Asia-Pacific leads in plant-based innovation and e-commerce adoption. The report also outlines regulatory influences such as labeling requirements, additive restrictions, and meat origin traceability.

Competitive landscape analysis identifies key players and their market positions, production capacities, product innovations, and strategic moves such as mergers, facility expansions, and new geographic entries. JACK LINK’S and Old Trapper are examined as market leaders, with quantified performance indicators such as unit sales, product range, and expansion rates.