The next big thing in meat snacks

A handful of jerky brands are expanding beyond the bag with the introduction of meat sticks.

Created in partnership with the Culinary Institute of America, Krave Stick varieties from Krave Pure Foods, a Hershey subsidiary, feature meat layered with beans and sweet potatoes. Flavors include Sesame Garlic Beef with Sweet Potato, Spicy Red Pepper Pork with Black Beans, and Rosemary Lemon Turkey with White Beans.

“With the growing demand for better-for-you products among consumers, it is an ideal time to showcase our Krave Stick as we look to continue to disrupt the category and elevate meat snacks in the convenience store space,” said Shane Chambers, general manager at Krave. “Krave Stick is a perfect solution for convenience consumers looking for better-for-you snacks on-the-go that still deliver great taste and high-quality ingredients.”

Chef’s Cut Real Jerky has unveiled a line of meat sticks in original smokehouse beef and pork, jalapeño cheddar beef and pork, barbecue chicken, and buffalo-style chicken varieties.

From Field Trip Jerky comes five varieties of meat sticks made with grass-fed beef, vegetarian-fed pork or free-range turkey. Flavors include sea salt, maple barbecue, cracked pepper, spicy jalapeño and pepperoni.

Perky Jerky is introducing a range of grass-fed beef sticks in four flavors: original, teriyaki, pale ale and Jamaican style.