KANSAS CITY, MO. – The growth of the snacking occasion is reshaping the market for meat snacks. Product developers are working to formulate applications and flavor profiles that give consumers permission to consume more protein-centric meat snacks at different times during the day.

While sticks and jerky formats still dominate the market, manufacturers are bringing bars and bites to the category that not only target adults, but children as well. Hillshire Farm Snacked from Tyson Foods Inc., is one product seeking to catch the attention of parents and children.

“Protein snacks are one of the most popular snack foods consumed, and we know protein helps keep kids full, making it an ideal component of a snack,” said Noelle O’Mara, group president of Tyson Foods. “Hillshire Farm Snacked is an easy, portable and delicious snack that fits in with today’s parents’ and kids’ on-the-go lifestyle.

“The reality of kids’ lunches today is that parents are serving a collection of snacks — versus a main dish like a sandwich and sides. With Hillshire Farm Snacked we saw an opportunity to create a product line that fits this reality …”

Click the slideshow to learn more about how companies are innovating in the growing meat snack category.