Premium Jerky & Dried Meats

Artisan jerky makers produce small-batch jerky and dried meats with premium ingredients and unique flavors.

With jerky mainstream and protein snacks valued, jerky production generates revenue of $120,000-$400,000 with 60-75% margins through online, retail, and wholesale.

The business requires recipe development and marinating expertise, commercial dehydrators or smokers, meat sourcing relationships, USDA facility or co-packer, and FDA labeling compliance.

Products include beef jerky varieties (original, teriyaki, spicy), exotic jerky (bison, elk, venison), turkey and chicken jerky, bacon jerky and pork snacks, subscription jerky boxes, and bulk and gift packs.

Revenue through online sales, retail, and wholesale.

Success factors include unique marinades and flavor profiles, sourcing quality meat (grass-fed, free-range), USDA-approved facility or co-packer relationship, appealing packaging and branding, and building outdoor and fitness following.

Marketing focuses on outdoor enthusiasts, fitness consumers, paleo/keto dieters, and online.

With protein snacks popular and jerky mainstream in 2025, premium jerky offers meaty opportunities serving protein seekers with quality meat and unique flavors as differentiators.