LUBBOCK, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — Livestock producers may gain new value-added outlets as meat snacks attract more consumers seeking portable, high-protein foods. Analysts at CoBank report category sales have climbed more than 45 percent in four years to $4.4 billion.
More than $1 billion in investment in meat snack processing has been announced since 2020, including expanded capacity tied to major brands. Beef jerky and beef sticks continue to lead the category.
The beef supply is the main constraint. Tight cattle numbers and strong hamburger demand have increased competition for lean rounds, chucks, and other cuts used in jerky. Finished jerky may require 2.5 to 3.5 pounds of raw beef per pound of product, magnifying higher raw material costs.
Those pressures create room for pork and poultry snacks. Ready-to-eat bacon, pork sticks, turkey, and chicken products could boost demand for producers as processors seek lower-cost protein options.
The market is expanding beyond traditional jerky customers as shoppers prioritize protein, convenience, and smaller portions. Whether growth reaches livestock producers will depend on supply, pricing, and the adoption of new products.
