It has said that the consumption of meat snacks, such as jerky, have increased in adults by 18% over the past five years, as consumed view them as a convenient source of protein, and a more healthy option than other traditional snacks.
According to NPD Group, cases of turkey jerky shipped from foodservice distributors to restaurants and other foodservice outlets, saw triple-digit growth in the year to April 2015.
In terms of the most popular snacking times, between lunch and dinner, or as a late night snack, was the preferred option for most, although 18- to 24-year-olds were more likely to snack throughout the day. The research also found that 24% of consumers looked for the inclusion of protein on nutritional labels, with 50% of adults believing that animal protein was the best source.
Annie Roberts, vice-president of NPD Group’s SupplyTrack service, said: "Meat snacks are an example of not all snacks being equal in terms of meeting different consumer needs. Knowing the needs products address is important in making sure you’re getting the right products in the right places for the right people."