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Diving overview:
- PepsiCo is entering the fast-growing meat stick market with the launch of a new brand called Good Warrior.
- Each stick contains 10 grams of protein, no sugar, and 100 calories per serving. They also have no artificial colors or flavors and come in two varieties: original and jalapeño peppers.
- PepsiCo said Good Warrior plans to enter additional product categories later this year, but did not provide specifics.
Dive Insights:
Meat sticks once dismissed as overly processed and full of salt are suddenly One of the most popular food segments in snacking This is because of its portability and high protein content.
PepsiCo says Good Warrior is designed to meet the strong demand for protein, and research conducted on behalf of the snack and soda maker found that 86% of Americans want to add more of the nutrient to their diet.
“We created Good Warrior because people deserve a protein snack that doesn’t feel like a compromise,” Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing for PepsiCo Foods US, said in a statement. “Good Warrior delivers bold flavor, protein functionality, and the convenience today’s consumers expect.”
Sales of dried meat snacks, excluding jerky, will hit $3.3 billion in 2024, up 10.7% from the previous year, according to data provided by Circana. Since 2020, this category has added nearly $1.2 billion in sales.
PepsiCo’s Good Warrior will have direct access to a diverse roster of existing products, including recent startups such as Conagra Brands’ Slim Jim and Chomps, Jack Link’s and Archer.
PepsiCo is no stranger to meat snacks.
The food and beverage company has been working with Jack Link’s for several years and recently announced the launch of Jack Link’s. Jack Link’s Doritos Nacho Cheese-Flavored jerky and meat sticks. But PepsiCo executives told Food Business News. Despite the success of the partnership, consumers are now more interested in quality and premium ingredients, and taste is taking a backseat.
Amid slowing snack sales, PepsiCo has been transforming its existing brands to incorporate proteins and other ingredients that today’s shoppers are looking for. Our functional food portfolio includes: doritos protein, SunChips Fiber, SmartFood FiberPop and Quaker Protein products.
