Global Meat Snacks Market Set to Hit $16.57 Billion by 2033 as High-Protein Trends Surge

Introduction

According to Renub Research Latest Report meat snacks market is on a strong growth trajectory, projected to reach USD 16.57 billion by 2033 from USD 9.56 billion in 2024, registering a CAGR of 6.30% between 2025 and 2033. Rising consumer demand for convenient, high-protein snacks, coupled with innovative flavors, clean-label products, and a busy, on-the-go lifestyle, is driving this expansion. Emerging markets and premium offerings also significantly contribute to the robust growth of this sector.

Meat snacks—ranging from jerky and sticks to sausages and biltong—are ready-to-eat, protein-rich foods that cater to modern dietary preferences. They are increasingly popular among fitness enthusiasts, travelers, and busy urban professionals seeking nutritious, convenient snack solutions.

Global Meat Snacks Market Overview

Meat snacks are made from a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and turkey, often cured, smoked, dried, or seasoned to enhance flavor and prolong shelf life. They are commonly spiced with herbs, marinades, or bold flavors such as teriyaki, spicy chili, or honey barbecue, appealing to diverse taste preferences.

Highly portable and long-lasting, meat snacks are ideal for post-workout protein intake, outdoor activities like hiking and camping, or social occasions, including parties and charcuterie boards. They cater to modern diets emphasizing low-carb, high-protein, and healthy snacking, establishing themselves as a preferred choice over traditional chips or sugary snacks.

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Key Growth Drivers

1. Rising Demand for High-Protein Snacks

Health-conscious consumers are increasingly seeking protein-rich foods that provide energy, satiety, and muscle recovery benefits. Meat snacks fit perfectly into low-carb and ketogenic diets, positioning them as a healthier alternative to conventional snacks.

In October 2024, the UK’s best-selling pork pie brand launched Meateors, a meat-snacking line of protein-packed pork meatballs, demonstrating the growing consumer appetite for innovative, high-protein snack options.

2. Convenience and On-the-Go Lifestyles

Modern lifestyles prioritize ease and convenience, fueling demand for portable, ready-to-eat snacks. Meat snacks’ long shelf life, minimal preparation, and single-serve packaging make them highly suitable for office, travel, or outdoor consumption.

For instance, Country Archer Provisions will feature Ancestral Beef Blend Meat Sticks and Pasture-Raised Bison Jerky at Natural Products Expo West 2024. These products expand premium, high-protein offerings for consumers seeking convenient nutrition.

3. Product Innovation and Flavor Diversification

Flavor innovations and new product formats are vital growth drivers in the meat snacks market. Manufacturers are introducing:

Low-sodium, organic, grass-fed meats

Plant-based alternatives for flexitarians

Global spice-infused flavors

In September 2024, Chomps launched its Smoky BBQ Beef LTF (Live To Fire) product, made with natural hardwood smoke, no sugar, and aligning with consumer preferences for clean-label snacks.

Product Segment Insights

Jerky Products

Jerky remains the leading product segment, prized for portability, extended shelf life, and protein density. Its variety in flavors and textures appeals to athletes, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts, solidifying its market dominance.

Traditional Meat Snacks

Conventional meat snacks maintain a large market share due to consumer familiarity and wide availability. Their long-standing appeal, flavor variety, and convenience ensure steady demand despite the rising popularity of alternative meat products.

Distribution Channel Insights

Supermarkets and Hypermarkets

These retail formats hold a solid market position due to extensive product offerings, accessibility, and promotional capabilities. Supermarkets and hypermarkets ensure consumers have ready access to a wide variety of meat snacks, boosting sales through brand visibility and bulk availability.

Convenience and Online Stores

Convenience stores cater to on-the-go consumers seeking single-serve and portable snack options, while online retail platforms expand market reach and product visibility, particularly among younger, tech-savvy shoppers.

Regional Insights

United States

The U.S. dominates the global meat snacks market, driven by high protein-centric consumer culture and robust distribution networks. According to the Food and Health Survey Spotlight 2022, nearly 73% of U.S. consumers snack once a day, with 14% snacking multiple times daily. Diverse flavors and ready-to-eat formats strengthen U.S. market leadership.

France

France’s meat snacks market is growing, supported by urbanized consumers seeking convenient, high-protein foods. Traditional charcuterie preferences blend with modern jerky, sticks, and organic products. Flavor innovation and premium artisanal options further boost market adoption.

China

China is witnessing rapid market growth, fueled by urban consumers embracing Western-style meat snacks alongside traditional dried meats like pork jerky. Rising health consciousness, e-commerce penetration, and flavor innovations are accelerating market adoption.

Saudi Arabia

Halal-certified meat snacks dominate Saudi Arabia, catering to religious dietary requirements. Urban professionals and younger consumers increasingly demand protein-enriched, convenient snack options, with spicy and herb-infused flavors gaining popularity. Expansion of retail and online channels enhances product accessibility.

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Market Segmentation

Product Type: Jerky, Sticks, Sausages, Others

Nature: Conventional, Organic

Distribution Channels: Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, Others

Regions: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East & Africa

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the global meat snacks market focus on innovation, product diversification, and strategic distribution:

Nestlé S.A.

Hormel Foods

Conagra Brands

Bridgford Foods

Hershey

Associated British Foods plc

Tyson Foods, Inc.

Danish Crown

Kerry Group plc

Notable recent launches include:

Doki Foods (April 2023): Introduced chicken chips and buffalo jerky in India, featuring Korean Gochujang, Tokyo Teriyaki, and Telicherry Pepper flavors.

Chomps (March 2023): Launched Taco Beef and Habanero Beef meat snacks in the U.S., each offering 10 grams of protein, 100 calories, and no added sugar.

These developments showcase the industry’s emphasis on protein-rich, convenient, and flavor-diverse products targeting a broad consumer base.

Market Outlook

The global meat snacks market is poised for steady growth, fueled by:

Increasing demand for high-protein, low-carb snacks

Convenience-driven consumption patterns

Product innovation and flavor diversification

Expansion of retail and e-commerce channels

Emerging markets, particularly in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, are likely to experience accelerated growth as urbanization, health awareness, and disposable incomes rise. Simultaneously, premium and artisanal meat snacks will continue to gain traction in mature markets like North America and Europe.

Manufacturers are expected to continue investing in product innovation, clean-label options, and online retail strategies, ensuring the global meat snacks market remains dynamic and responsive to evolving consumer trends.

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