Meat Snacks

Global Meat Snacks Market to Reach US$28.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Meat Snacks estimated at US$20.9 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$28.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Jerky, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 4.5% CAGR and reach US$13.1 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Sticks segment is estimated at 4.5% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$5.5 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 5.0% CAGR

The Meat Snacks market in the U.S. is estimated at US$5.5 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$4.5 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 5.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% and 4.3% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 4.1% CAGR.

Global Meat Snacks Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Are Meat Snacks Gaining Popularity Across Global Consumer Segments?
The meat snacks market is witnessing dynamic growth, driven by shifting consumer lifestyles, increased protein consciousness, and evolving snacking habits. Products such as jerky, sticks, bars, nuggets, and sausages made from beef, pork, poultry, and exotic meats (like bison, venison, or wild boar) are now widely perceived as convenient, nutrient-dense, and flavor-forward alternatives to traditional carbohydrate-based snacks. The convergence of health, indulgence, and on-the-go consumption preferences has propelled meat snacks from niche offerings to mainstream grocery and convenience store staples.

Busy consumer schedules and a growing preference for portable, satiating snacks have led to an uptick in single-serve and resealable meat snack formats. Fitness-oriented and ketogenic diet followers increasingly favor low-carb, high-protein snacks, reinforcing the appeal of meat-based products. Additionally, evolving perceptions around "clean-label" protein and minimally processed foods have fostered demand for natural, nitrate-free, grass-fed, and organic meat snack variants. These attributes resonate especially with Gen Z and millennial consumers seeking transparency and ethical sourcing.

How Are Product Innovations and Packaging Trends Shaping Market Expansion?
Innovation in flavor, form, and formulation is a hallmark of the current meat snacks industry landscape. Brands are moving beyond traditional beef jerky to offer a diversified range of meat sources (turkey, chicken, salmon, lamb) and global flavor profiles including Korean BBQ, teriyaki, sriracha, habanero lime, and Mediterranean herb blends. This fusion of culinary trends with snack formats enables market penetration across diverse demographics, from gourmet shoppers to mass-market consumers.

Functional meat snacks fortified with collagen, omega-3s, probiotics, or adaptogens are emerging as a growth category, aligning with wellness and beauty-from-within trends. Sugar-free and low-sodium variants are gaining ground among health-conscious consumers, while paleo, keto, and Whole30-compliant products cater to niche dietary needs. Plant-based meat snacks-although still a minor segment-are evolving to capture flexitarian interest, particularly those formulated with mushroom protein, jackfruit, or fermented soy alternatives.

Packaging is also a critical driver. Vacuum-sealed packs, shelf-stable pouches, transparent resealable bags, and portion-controlled wrappers enhance convenience, shelf life, and portability. Brands are leveraging recyclable and compostable materials to align with sustainability trends. QR codes and scannable labels provide traceability and engage consumers with origin stories, brand ethics, or usage ideas-an important tool for standing out in crowded retail and e-commerce channels.

Which Sales Channels and Regional Markets Are Fueling Demand Momentum?
The market for meat snacks is expanding rapidly across retail, convenience, online, and foodservice channels. Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain dominant, with dedicated meat snack aisles and branded endcap displays. Convenience stores are vital for impulse buys, particularly near checkout counters or in travel hubs such as gas stations and airports. Online platforms-especially D2C and health-focused marketplaces-are increasingly important for reaching niche consumers and offering subscription models or curated sample boxes.

North America is the largest and most mature market, driven by long-standing consumer familiarity with beef jerky and newer demand for gourmet and grass-fed options. The U.S. market has witnessed a surge in artisanal and premium meat snack brands, many of which are expanding through acquisitions or partnerships with major CPG players. Europe is gaining traction, with Germany, the UK, and the Nordic countries witnessing growing meat snacking cultures influenced by paleo diets and protein trends.

Asia-Pacific is an emerging hotspot due to rising urbanization, growing middle-class income, and increased Westernization of eating habits. China, South Korea, and Japan are seeing new product launches in localized formats (e.g., yakitori sticks or fish jerky), while India’s meat snack market is developing with a focus on halal-certified, chicken-based, and spice-rich offerings. Latin America and the Middle East are growing through cross-border e-commerce and rising protein consumption trends.

What Is Fueling Growth in the Meat Snacks Market Globally?
The growth in the global meat snacks market is driven by several factors, including increasing protein-centric diets, a shift toward clean-label snacking, and the proliferation of innovative formats and flavors. The rise of consumer awareness around satiety, energy balance, and muscle maintenance is encouraging frequent consumption of meat-based snacks as mid-meal alternatives or workout companions. As consumers seek variety and convenience, the versatility of meat snacks positions them well across numerous occasions-from travel and office snacking to gym bags and school lunchboxes.

Strategic branding efforts focused on sourcing transparency, ethical meat production, and wellness claims are broadening the consumer base. Manufacturers are expanding their offerings into ethnic flavors, natural preservatives, and diet-specific certifications, allowing deeper penetration into lifestyle-driven segments. Furthermore, investments in advanced dehydration, smoking, and packaging technologies are improving product quality, reducing spoilage risks, and enabling wider distribution without refrigeration.

Retail channel diversification, digital marketing, and influencer collaborations are amplifying visibility and trial, while cross-merchandising with energy drinks, health bars, and savory snacks is enhancing in-store performance. With continued demand for high-protein, low-sugar, and culturally diverse snacking options, the global meat snacks market is poised for robust growth across both developed and emerging economies.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Meat Snacks market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Product Type (Jerky, Sticks, Sausages, Other Snack Types); Distribution Channel (Supermarkets / Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores / Grocery Stores Distribution Channel, Online Distribution Channel, Other Distribution Channels)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.

Select Competitors (Total 44 Featured) -

• Ayoba-Yo
• Bridgford Foods Corporation
• Country Archer Provisions
• Conagra Brands
• General Mills
• Golden Island Jerky
• Hormel Foods Corporation
• Jack Link’s Protein Snacks
• King Elite Snacks
• KRAVE Pure Foods, Inc.
• Marfood USA
• Meatsnacks Group Ltd
• Mighty Organic
• Nestlé S.A. (Wild West Jerky)
• New World Foods Europe
• Old Trapper Smoked Products
• Premium Brands Holdings
• Primal Spirit Foods, Inc.
• The Meat Makers GmbH
• Vermont Smoke & Cure

AI INTEGRATIONS
We`re transforming market and competitive intelligence with validated expert content and AI tools.

Instead of following the general norm of querying LLMs and Industry-specific SLMs, we built repositories of content curated from domain experts worldwide including video transcripts, blogs, search engines research, and massive amounts of enterprise, product/service, and market data.

TARIFF IMPACT FACTOR
Our new release incorporates impact of tariffs on geographical markets as we predict a shift in competitiveness of companies based on HQ country, manufacturing base, exports and imports (finished goods and OEM). This intricate and multifaceted market reality will impact competitors by increasing the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), reducing profitability, reconfiguring supply chains, amongst other micro and macro market dynamics.

Please note: Reports are sold as single-site single-user licenses. Electronic versions require 24-48 hours as each copy is customized to the client with digital controls and custom watermarks. The Publisher uses digital controls protecting against copying and printing is restricted to one full copy to be used at the same location.

The latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view the report. Upon ordering an electronic version, the Publisher will provide a link to download the purchased report.

Prior to fulfillment of an order, the client will be required to sign a document detailing the purchase terms for a publication from this publisher. Show more