Every January, millions of consumers commit to healthy goals for the new year. Retailers can help them keep those resolutions by merchandising items such as high-protein snacks that offer filling, nutrient-dense alternatives to calorie-laden sweets. Consumers primarily snack to fight off hunger, according to Technomic’s 2018 Snacking Consumer Trend Report, and they are well aware of the satiating effects of protein consumption.
In fact, protein is the most highly sought-after nutrient in foods and beverages, according to Technomic’s 2018 Healthy Eating Consumer Trend Report. Forty-one percent of consumers said they specifically seek out items that are high in protein, the report found, and most of those said they would pay more for such items. That percentage is even higher, at 44%, for consumers ages 18 to 34. What’s more, 71% of consumers said they consider high-protein items to be healthier, the report found.
But consumers are not ready to give up their enjoyment of snacks for the sake of health. Flavor and taste are the top attribute consumers seek in a snack, cited by 81% of consumers, according to the report. This is yet another reason meat snacks have become an increasingly important category for convenience-store operators.
“As consumers have less time for meals and increasingly replace meals with snacks, look for heartier meat-based snacks and energizing, protein-packed beverages to step up and fill the hunger gap,” the report said.
As previously reported by CSP, beef jerky is one of the most promising snack segments in the c-store channel, with sales up 4.6% in 2018, according to IRI data for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 30, 2018. In addition to being high in protein and packed with flavor, jerky and other meat-based snacks offer the added benefit of portability, giving consumers the ability to consume their snack whenever they choose: immediately as a quick fix to stave off hunger, or later when they know they’ll need a healthy, filling snack to hold them over between meals.
Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, currently the #1 growth driver in the meat snack category, offers a range of protein snacking options that meet a wide range of consumer needs.
Jack Link’s new Beef Bars, for example, weigh in at only 70 calories per serving and pack 8 grams of protein, providing consumers with a better option than sugary granola bars or chalky protein bars for handheld snacking on the go.
Other Jack Link’s options include Zero Sugar Beef Jerky, which is also high in protein and low in calories, making it a great Keto friendly option.
Available in a variety of flavors and protein types, Jack Link’s offers consumers snacking solutions to meet their 2020 resolutions. Retailers can help their customers achieve their goals—and drive incremental impulse snack sales—with an assortment of Jack Link’s products.
This post is sponsored by Jack Link's