How meat snacks redefine convenience and nutrition

There are more than 132 million jerky consumers in the United States, an increase of 2.91% from 2020. Meat snack brands offer a more nuanced value proposition, from diverse varieties and bite-sized formats to creative packaging designs.

Exotic varieties offer consumers different flavor experiences​

Since 1959, Pearson Ranch has been slow-smoking exotic meat snacks such as elk, venison, buffalo and wild boar over hickory and oak to reduce fat and sugar for healthier snacks. said Jeff Whitmire, Pearson National Account Manager. Lunch told FoodNavigator-USA. The company gained additional exposure and demand for its diverse portfolio after selling in hunting and outdoor chains such as Bass Pro Shop and Cabella’s, he added.

“[For] The exotic meat is actually slow smoked over hickory and oak. [where] 95% to 98% of the industry does dehydration, which locks everything in, but slow smoking allows the fat to leach out. [it]. Because the sugar is broken down, many products can even be registered as sugar-free when finished,” he said.

This family-owned ranch raises grass-fed, free-range, steroid- and hormone-free elk, venison, buffalo, and beef in a New Mexico co-op, and is known for its “many other ranchers. It really helps maintain it.” Additionally, we source wild boar from Texas.

Whitmire said Pearson Ranch incorporates celery powder and organic sea salt in its exotic meats instead of commonly used preservatives such as nitrates, which “leads to the consumption of a lot of exotic meats. ” he added. [snacks] [as] Nitrate free, gluten free, MSG free, soy free. ”