Jerky market seen reaching $9.17 billion by 2035

The global jerky market is projected to grow from $5.101 billion in 2025 to $9.171 billion by 2035, driven by demand for high-protein, shelf-stable snacks. The fastest growth is expected in plant-based jerky and online retail, while Asia-Pacific is forecast to lead regional expansion.

Why it matters: - Jerky is moving from a niche meat snack to a mainstream protein category as consumers look for portable, shelf-stable options. - The market’s projected rise to $9.171 billion by 2035 signals continued demand for snacks tied to fitness, convenience and diet trends. - Growth also shows how plant-based and clean-label products are reshaping a traditionally meat-heavy category.

What happened: - The global jerky market was valued at $4.81 billion in 2024. - The market is estimated at $5.101 billion in 2025. - The market is projected to reach $9.171 billion by 2035. - Forecast growth for 2025 to 2035 is 6.04% CAGR. - The report was released July 8, 2026. - A free sample copy is available here.

The details: - Consumer demand is being driven by high-protein, low-carbohydrate snacking among fitness enthusiasts, busy professionals and health-conscious millennials and Gen Z consumers. - Jerky’s long shelf life, portability and low refrigeration needs make it useful for travel, commuting and outdoor activity. - Keto, paleo and other high-protein diets are supporting demand for jerky as an alternative to sugary snacks. - Manufacturers are adding new flavors, cleaner ingredient labels and lower-sodium formulations. - The market includes beef, poultry, pork and plant-based or other protein sources. - Beef jerky remains the largest source segment because of its established base and wide availability. - Poultry jerky, especially turkey and chicken, is growing because it is leaner and often cheaper than beef. - Plant-based jerky is the fastest-growing source segment, helped by vegan and flexitarian demand. - Plant-based versions use inputs such as soy, jackfruit, mushrooms and pea protein. - Supermarkets and hypermarkets remain the largest distribution channel. - Convenience stores are important for impulse purchases from commuters and travelers. - Online retail is the fastest-growing channel because of doorstep delivery, subscription snack boxes and broader reach for niche brands. - Specialty stores, including health food and outdoor sporting goods retailers, remain important for premium products.

Between the lines: - The category’s growth reflects a bigger shift in snacking behavior, where consumers increasingly treat snacks as functional nutrition rather than indulgence. - Plant-based jerky’s rise suggests the market is expanding beyond traditional meat eaters. - Clean-label and premium offerings show that price is not the only growth lever; differentiation now matters across flavor, sourcing and protein type. - The market still faces pressure from raw meat price volatility, food safety rules and competing snack categories such as protein bars and roasted nuts.

What's next: - North America is expected to remain the largest and most mature market. - Europe is gaining from stronger protein-snacking demand and wider acceptance of biltong and similar dried-meat products. - Asia-Pacific is projected to grow the fastest through 2035, driven by urbanization, middle-class growth and Western dietary influence in China, India and Japan. - South America and the Middle East and Africa have room for growth as modern retail expands and traditional dried-meat consumption persists. - Brands are likely to keep investing in sustainable sourcing, product diversification and strategic partnerships.

The bottom line: - Jerky’s growth story is now about more than beef snacks. The category is broadening across proteins, formats and retail channels, and that diversification is helping support a decade of expansion.