Beyond Meat’s first shelf-stable product, first revealed on social media last November, and then reported on by Bloomberg in January, Beyond Jerky is “the first of many plant-based protein innovations” from the JV, which was formed in 2021 to combine Beyond Meat’s technology in plant-based protein and PepsiCo’s commercial capabilities.
Available in three flavors: Original, Hot & Spicy, and Teriyaki, the jerky has been on sale in selected retailers since early March, retailing at $3.98 at walmart.com and $5.29 at Ralph's (Kroger) for a 3oz pack.
Made from a base of mung bean protein and pea protein, each 30g serving of the original Beyond Jerky flavor contains 90 calories, 10g protein, 5g sugar, 1g fiber, 500mg sodium and 0.5g saturated fat. As a point of comparison, each 28g serving of Jack Link's beef jerky has a fairly similar profile, containing 80 calories, 10g protein, 6g sugar, 0g fiber, 520mg sodium and 0.5g saturated fat.
In a press release issued this morning, Beyond Meat said the "marinated and slow roasted” jerky “delivers the delicious, tender bite of traditional beef jerky."
“The nationwide launch of Beyond Meat Jerky will make plant-based meat accessible to millions of households," added Dan Moisan, CEO of PLANeT Partnership, which has leveraged PepsiCo’s market clout to secure distribution for the product in grocery stores, gas stations, club stores to pharmacies.
"It tastes great, it’s a good source of protein, and it’s convenient to eat whether you’re on the go, at the office or out on adventures.”
Meat-free jerky, from mushrooms to wheat gluten
According to data from SPINS (which excludes many outlets that may stock meat-free jerky such as c-stores and Whole Foods), the plant-based meat snacks segment is tiny, although growing fast, with US retail sales up 45.7% to $6.798m in the 52 weeks to February 20, 2022 (natural enhanced and MULO).
A broad selection of brands now feature offerings in the space, from KRAVE, Gardein, Country Archer and Lightlife, to MOKU, Eat the Change, Akua and Upton's Naturals, with products utilizing a range of ingredients from vital wheat gluten and soy, to oyster mushrooms, kelp, and chickpeas.
Ingredients list (original flavor) Beyond Jerky: Water, mung bean protein, brown sugar, pea protein, natural flavors, gluten-free oat bran and fiber, salt, expeller pressed canola oil, onion powder. Less than 1% of vegetable juice color, vinegar, lemon juice concentrate, pomegranate juice concentrate, spice, garlic powder, citric acid, sunflower lecithin.