Protein-packed meat snacks dominated the Cool New Products showcase at NACS 2025, reflecting the category’s shift toward cleaner labels, diverse flavors and brands aimed at attracting younger consumers.
NACS estimates that about 30,000 new products enter the market every year and are critical for building loyal customers in search of bold new products.
Meat snacks continue to ride the protein wave, and as the market becomes increasingly crowded, long-time players are diversifying with better-for-you options that connect with younger consumers, while newer companies are gaining an edge on their competitors.
Here are some of the hottest meat snack flavors and varieties hitting store shelves.
Wenzel’s Farm PRO Snack Sticks
Wenzel’s Farm, founded in Marshfield, Wisc., in 1949, featured its PRO Snack Stick, released in May and available in Original, Teriyaki, Jalapeno Cheddar and Pepperoni flavors.
“We wanted to develop a high-quality, high-protein, low-sugar stick to appeal to people that push themselves hard or just want more protein in their diets,” said Wenzel’s President Mark Vieth.
Described as small-batch meat snacks, the PRO sticks come in a single-serve 1.9-ounce package and contain 16 grams of protein, 2 grams of sugar and 610 milligrams of sodium.
Carl Buddig and Co. YUMBO
YUMBO meat snacks hit store shelves this summer in four varieties: Original, Hot & Spicy, Turkey and Honey Brown Sugar Turkey.
The 2-ounce meat sticks are “crafted from premium cuts of meat and slow smoked over real hardwood,” according to YUMBO-maker Old Wisconsin, a subsidiary of Carl Buddig and Co. The sticks contain 11 grams of protein, 1-2 grams of sugar and 810 milligrams of sodium.
The new brand was released in July and targets a younger demographic with its amusing meathead ad campaign that aims to shake meat snacks’ macho image by featuring teenager and self-described meathead Mindy Porter.
YUMBO also appeared to experiment with new flavors, a trend driven by Gen Z and Millennial consumers, according to Conagra’s Future of Snacking Report. While YUMBO has yet to publicize new flavors, the display at the Cool New Snacks showfloor also featured limited-time flavors, including Ginger Teriyaki and Maple Bacon, which could mean more experimental flavors in the future.
Greenridge Naturals Original Beef Sticks
Chicago meat snacks company Greenridge Naturals released its shelf-stable one-ounce snack sticks, made with grass-fed beef, at NACS 2025, and highlighted its brand refresh from design agency Turner Duckworth.
The 110-calorie ready-to-eat beef sticks contain 9 grams of protein, zero sugar and 570 milligrams of sodium. They are certified gluten-free and contain no nitrates, nitrites, artificial colors or flavorings.
Founded in 2008 by brothers Michael and Sebastian Madej, the company also featured its one-ounce refrigerated snack sticks in Original Beef, Jalapeño & Cheddar Cheese Beef and Buffalo-style Chicken Sticks.
“After a year of developing a better-for-you snack stick, with standout packaging, we are excited to show the c-store industry what natural meat snacks can be. Designed for convenience and health, while offering exceptional taste and quality, this product introduction shows our commitment to innovation and meeting the demand for clean, on-the-go protein options,” said Mark Falconi, Greenridge vice president of sales and strategy.
Oberto’s Zero Sugar Grass Fed Beef Sticks
Oberto Specialty Meats highlighted its better-for-you beef sticks, touting its Zero Sugar Grass Fed Beef Sticks in chipotle and original flavors.
“All beef, no bullsh*t,” the Kentwood, Wash.-based company boasts in its marketing, noting that the sticks are 100% grass-fed beef and free of “the things consumers are trying to avoid.”
The 1.15-ounce zero-sugar sticks contain 10 grams of protein and 450 milligrams of sodium.
Oberto also featured its Cattleman’s Cut Yellowstone American Wagyu Beef Jerky at the show, co-branding with Paramount’s TV show, Yellowstone, as part of its broader Yellowstone-branded Western cuisine collection.
Each 0.9-ounce stick contains 5 grams of protein, 120 calories and 300 milligrams of sodium.
Archer Rib Style Seasoning Beef Sticks
Archer has had a busy year, opening a second manufacturing facility in metro Los Angeles, becoming the official meat snack of the Los Angeles Dodgers and launching its “Stick to Real” ad campaign.
The company isn’t resting on its laurels and in October launched its Prime Rib Style Seasoning Beef Sticks.
“Gourmet flavor of prime rib, packaged into a snack you can enjoy in sweatpants,” the company said.
The 1-ounce sticks contain 90 calories, 8 grams of protein, zero sugar and 390 milligrams of sodium. Archer says the sticks “aren’t processed snacks disguised as health food.”
“They’re the real deal: portable, satisfying, packable fuel that fits perfectly into pantries, gym bags and real life,” Archer said.
