Italy Meat Snacks Market Overview, 2030

In Italy, meat snacks have gained significant popularity as part of a growing trend toward health-conscious eating. With the rise of protein-rich, low-carb, and low-sugar diets, such as keto and paleo, Italians are increasingly seeking convenient and nutritious snack options that align with their fitness and weight management goals. Traditional meat snacks like jerky and biltong, as well as artisan options like salami sticks and bresaola, have been making their way into the Italian market. In particular, products like bresaola, an air-dried lean beef, appeal to health-conscious consumers looking for a high-protein yet low-fat snack. Italian consumers are becoming more discerning when it comes to their meat snacks, preferring clean labels, natural ingredients, and minimal additives. This shift reflects a broader cultural movement towards quality over quantity, with a strong preference for lean proteins and artisanal products over highly processed alternatives. The increasing demand for natural, minimally processed snacks has led to a rise in interest in organic and sustainable meat options. Ethical sourcing, organic farming, and eco-friendly packaging are now key factors influencing Italian consumer choices. As consumers continue to prioritize transparency and sustainability, meat snack brands are adapting by offering products that are free from artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors. Additionally, the popularity of jerky and other dried meat products, once considered exotic, has skyrocketed in Italy due to global trends favoring protein-packed, portable snacks. These snacks are particularly appealing for busy individuals, travelers, and those with active lifestyles, as they are easy to carry, require no refrigeration, and provide a satisfying protein boost. In line with Italy’s long history of cured meats, such as salami and prosciutto, the meat snack market is expanding to include high-quality, locally sourced products that reflect Italy’s rich culinary traditions. As consumers increasingly seek healthier and more sustainable snack options, meat snacks in Italy are evolving to meet these preferences, offering both convenience and nutritional value for today’s health-conscious eater.

According to the research report ""Italy Meat Snacks Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the Italy Meat Snacks market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.16% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. There is a growing trend among Italian consumers towards snacking, especially on-the-go foods, which have created a demand for convenient yet high-protein snacks. Consumers are seeking healthier snack options with better nutritional profiles, leading to an increased focus on premium, artisanal, and gourmet meat snacks. High-protein diets are gaining popularity, especially among fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and health-conscious individuals. There is also a rise in demand for clean label products (i.e., products with no artificial preservatives, additives, or colorings), which has made the market lean toward natural, premium meat snacks. Italian consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for high-quality, authentic products, driving the growth of gourmet and artisanal meat snacks. Ferrero Known for its chocolates, Ferrero has expanded into the meat snack market in Italy. Fiorucci Known for its meat products, Fiorucci has been a strong player in Italy’s cured meats market and also sells various types of meat snacks. Biltong Italia is newer entrant that specializes in biltong products, reflecting the global trend of introducing diverse snack options to the Italian market. Mamma's Jerky is an artisanal brand focusing on all-natural, hand-made jerky options. Italian consumers appreciate classic, regional flavors like Parma ham, soppressata, or salami. These flavors are commonly found in premium meat snacks. Companies are introducing new flavors to cater to changing palates, such as spicy, barbecue, smoked, or even exotic blends like garlic and herbs. Consumers in Italy place high value on authenticity and traceability. Sourcing meat from local farms and guaranteeing that animals are treated ethically has become a key differentiator. The meat snacks category is often associated with high sodium content, preservatives, and artificial additives.

Jerky remains one of the most popular meat snacks in Italy. It's typically made from lean cuts of beef, pork, or even game meat, which are dried and seasoned. Italian consumers appreciate jerky for its high protein content, long shelf life, and portability. The traditional flavors like spicy, smoked, or garlic are commonly favored, but there’s also growing interest in gourmet, artisanal varieties made from locally sourced meats. Meat sticks and strips are increasingly popular for on-the-go consumption. These are thin, snack-sized pieces of dried or cured meat. They are often seasoned with a variety of spices, and brands are introducing both traditional and innovative flavors to appeal to the evolving tastes of Italian consumers. The convenience factor and high-protein content make them ideal for busy lifestyles. In Italy, sausages like salamis and salsiccia are traditional and highly appreciated. These snacks are often air-dried or smoked, offering a rich flavor that appeal to Italian tastes. Sausages are available in various sizes and flavors, including gourmet options with local, regional ingredients. Premium sausage snacks are becoming more common as consumers seek high-quality, authentic products. Meat bars are a newer but growing segment. These protein-rich snacks are compact, easy to carry, and often marketed as a healthier, energy-boosting option. Brands are now offering meat bars with added flavors, herbs, and super foods to cater to the health-conscious market. This category includes a wide variety of meat snacks such as bite-sized chunks, crispy meat chips, flaked meats, broths, and pâtés. These products cater to consumers seeking a unique snacking experience, with options that range from indulgent to more functional, offering alternatives to traditional snacks.

In Italy, the source of meat used in snacks is closely tied to local culinary traditions and preferences, with a strong emphasis on quality, regionality, and authenticity. Beef is a cornerstone of Italy’s meat snack market, particularly for products like jerky, bresaola, and beef sticks. Italian consumers value high-quality beef, often sourced from local farms. Regions like Piedmont and Tuscany are known for their premium beef, which is often grass-fed and used in artisanal meat snacks. Beef jerky and dried beef are gaining popularity due to their high protein content and the desire for more diverse snack options. Pork is perhaps the most traditional meat in Italy, used extensively in snacks such as salami, soppressata, and prosciutto. Italian consumers appreciate the rich, savory flavors of pork, which is often cured or air-dried. Premium Italian sausages made from pork are common in the snack category, and the slow-cured pork products are valued for their artisanal qualities. Regional varieties like Cacciatore and Finocchiona are also popular. Poultry, particularly chicken and turkey, is becoming more prominent in the Italian meat snack market, especially as health-conscious consumers look for leaner options. Turkey jerky and chicken snacks are gaining popularity due to their lower fat content and high protein. These are often marketed as healthier alternatives to beef and pork snacks. While less common than beef or pork, lamb and goat meat snacks are seen as premium products in Italy. These meats are often used in more specialized, gourmet meat snacks or regional offerings, such as Cinghiale (wild boar) or lamb sausage. There is growing interest in exotic meats like venison, bison, and even wild boar in Italy, appealing to adventurous consumers. Seafood snacks like salmon jerky are also starting to emerge as consumers increasingly seek protein alternatives. These products appeal to the market segment looking for novel, health-conscious or eco-friendly meat options.

Hypermarkets and supermarkets dominate the retail landscape for meat snacks in Italy. Major chains like Carrefour, Esselunga, and Coop are key players in distributing packaged meat snacks. These stores offer a wide variety of products, from traditional cured meats to new, innovative snack options. The convenience of large retail outlets, alongside frequent promotions and discounts, makes them a primary choice for Italian consumers seeking affordable and accessible meat snacks. Convenience stores and smaller grocery outlets also play a significant role in the distribution of meat snacks. These stores are commonly found in urban areas and cater to consumers looking for quick, ready-to-eat options. They often stock a smaller selection of popular snacks like jerky, meat bars, and sticks, focusing on convenience and accessibility. These channels are particularly important for consumers who need snacks while on the go. Specialty stores, including butcher shops, gourmet food stores, and delicatessens, cater to a more discerning consumer base interested in high-quality, artisanal meat snacks. Italy’s strong culinary heritage and appreciation for premium, locally sourced ingredients make specialty stores a key channel for high-end products like aged cured meats, wild game snacks, and other gourmet options. These stores emphasize quality and authenticity. E-commerce is a growing sales channel for meat snacks in Italy, particularly among younger, tech-savvy consumers. Platforms like Amazon, Eataly, and specialized online stores provide convenience and access to a wide range of meat snacks. Online shopping is especially attractive for those looking for niche products or premium options not readily available in traditional stores. Quick service restaurants (QSRs), such as McDonald’s and Autogrill, provide ready-to-eat meat snacks or meat-based products to consumers on the go. Airport and travel retail outlets have emerged as a notable channel for premium meat snacks, as travelers often seek convenient, high-protein snacks while traveling.


Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Meat Snacks Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Jerky
• Sticks & Strips
• Sausages
• Bars
• Others (Chunks, Bites, Chips, Flakes, Broths, Pâtés)

By Source
• Beef
• Pork
• Poultry
• Lamb & Goat
• Others(Salmon & Other Seafood, Exotic Meats (Venison, Bison, Others)

By Sales Channel
• Hypermarkets/Supermarkets
• Convenience Stores & Grocery Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Online Retailers
• Others(Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), Airport & Travel Retail)

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary as well as secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and listing out the companies that are present in the market. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual report of companies, analyzing the government generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources primary research was conducted by making telephonic interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducted trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this we have started doing primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting consumers in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us we have started verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations & organizations related to agriculture industry, government bodies and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing & presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.