Meat Snacks Heat Up with Bold Flavors, Big Names, and Chicken on the Rise

From buffalo-style chicken sticks and Mike’s Hot Honey beef snacks to high-protein launches and a MrBeast-branded debut, new meat snacks bring variety, clean labels, and star power to the growing category

Archer beef stick line — Country Archer Provisions

Growing Line

Country Archer Provisions, Los Angeles, bolstered its beef stick line with three new flavors sold in multipack formats: Pepperoni Style, Beef Taco and Prime Rib Style. In addition, the company announced expanded distribution at Target, Walmart and other retailers in hopes of surpassing $300 million in annual sales in 2025.

"With the meat stick category growing exponentially, Archer is doubling down on the segment with our new offerings in classic and family-friendly flavors and expanded retailer availability to meet surging consumer demand," said Andrew Thomas, Archer vice president of marketing. "Our latest innovations give busy consumers and families even more convenient, high-protein snacking options made with the real, flavorful ingredients they crave, while providing the variety they need to keep their daily snack rotation fresh and exciting."

Buffalo Wild Wings chicken sticks — *Credit: Conagra Brands, Inc.*

It’s a (Chicken) Wing Thing

Conagra Brands, Inc., Chicago, used the National Confectioners Association's 2025 Sweets & Snacks Expo in Indianapolis to host an entire booth dedicated to its family of meat snack offerings across the Slim Jim, Duke’s, Penrose and FATTY brands.

Slim Jim is partnering with Buffalo Wild Wings to offer two new chicken sticks in Buffalo style and Hot flavors. These sticks feature bold, tangy heat inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings' signature sauces, the company says. Debuting this fall, both flavors are available in the classic Slim Jim Giant Stick size of 0.97oz., with a suggested retail price of $1.99. Conagra noted chicken is one of the fastest growing proteins in meat snacks with 84% growth during the past three years (Circana LLC/CREST Latest 52 Weeks ending February 2025).

Sweet Heat

Tillamook Country Smoker (TCS), Bay City, Ore., partnered with Mike's Hot Honey to create Tillamook Country Smoker Beef Sticks infused with Mike's Hot Honey. Officials said each 1oz beef stick has 8g of protein and is made with all natural ingredients, including 100% pure honey infused with real chili peppers.

“This collaboration between Tillamook Country Smoker and Mike's Hot Honey represents a union of two iconic brands, each with a steadfast commitment to delivering high-quality, flavorful products,” said Bree Randall, TCS chief marketing officer. “Our delicious new beef sticks deliver the perfect balance of sweet, spicy and savory, crafted without any artificial ingredients–a true testament to our shared commitment to excellence.”

Time to Go PRO!

Wenzel's Farm LLC, Marshfield, Wis., extended its meat snacks line with a new PRO Snack Stick line with 16g of protein in each offering. Varieties include Original, Teriyaki, Jalapeno Cheddar and Pepperoni. Each comes in a single-serve 1.9oz package with a SRP of $2.69.

"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. "We are extremely excited we were able to do so, and the flavor and texture of this new line is incredible."

MrBeast's signature branding — *Photo by Liz Parker Kuhn, BNP Media*

New Name in Snacks

Link Snacks Inc., Minong, Wis., announced a partnership with social media creator, businessman, and philanthropist, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) for a new co-branded line of beef jerky and meat sticks in multipacks with “MrBeast's signature branding.”

"We are incredibly excited to partner with MrBeast," said Troy Link, CEO of Jack Link's. "Jimmy's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to his fans align perfectly with our values at Jack Link's. We believe this collaboration will drive a new generation of consumers into the meat snacks category, worldwide."

Choose Chicken

The New Primal, Charleston, S.C. introduced Rotisserie-Seasoned Chicken Sticks with a savory profile, with distinctive notes of garlic, white and black pepper, onion, and parsley, the company says. Each stick delivers 10g of protein with only 60 calories.

“Our customers have been asking for more meat snack options made with chicken. We couldn't think of a better way to expand our assortment than to make a meat snack inspired by familiar, comfort-food flavors,” said Jason Burke, founder and CEO of New Primal.