Vermont Smoke & Cure Leads Poultry Snack Trend with Popular Turkey Stick Lineup

Meat snack category research underscores growing consumer demand for clean-label, poultry-based protein options

The U.S. snacking market has now reached $148.6 billion in annual sales, with protein-forward snacks experiencing rapid growth (Source: Conagra Brands). As consumers continue to seek convenient, protein-rich snacks, Vermont Smoke & Cure delivers one of the strongest turkey snack portfolios on the market, with its Turkey Pepperoni Stick ranking #1 in the Northeast for distribution, sales, and velocity. The acclaimed maker of artisanal smoked meat sticks invites Natural Products Expo West 2026 attendees to Booth N1807 to sample its full product line, including three turkey stick varieties: Uncured Turkey Pepperoni, Hickory Smoked Hot & Spicy, and Oven Roasted Seasoned Turkey.

Harris Poll research reveals that 75% of consumers say the lack of poultry-based protein options adds time and effort to their grocery shopping, signaling a clear opportunity for retailers to strengthen their meat snack assortment with poultry options that reflect how shoppers want to buy and consume protein today.

Vermont Smoke & Cure answers that need with clean-label, flavorful turkey sticks, offering the most turkey SKUs in the category and making it easier for shoppers to find high-quality poultry protein on the go. Vermont Smoke & Cure's turkey stick portfolio includes:

• Uncured Turkey Pepperoni Sticks – A bold stick with pepperoni flavor from paprika, fennel, and garlic in every perfectly sized, crave-worthy bite. Vermont Smoke & Cure is the #1 selling turkey stick in the Northeast. Available in 1 oz (24 ct carton, 6 ct pouch).

• Oven Roasted, Seasoned Turkey Sticks – A homestyle poultry stick with aromatic seasonings and a touch of hickory smoke. Vermont Smoke & Cure will have the most turkey SKUs in the category. Available in 1 oz (24 ct carton, 6 ct pouch).

• Hickory Smoked Hot & Spicy Turkey Sticks – A smoky, Southwest-inspired turkey stick with a bold kick of paprika, chili, and chipotle - hot and spicy without sacrificing flavor. This stick was named "Best New Product" in the Meat Snack Category of the 2025 Convenience Store News Product Awards. Available in 1 oz (24 ct carton, 6 ct pouch).

The clean-label trend continues to gain traction in the meat snack category, reflecting consumer demand for natural ingredients, no additives or preservatives, and gluten-free options—the two most common claims on new meat and poultry launches (Source: Innova Market Insights). Dried meat snacks, particularly sticks, are leading the "better-for-you" snacking movement and are now the fastest-growing snacking subcategory compared to three years ago. This growth is largely driven by Gen Z and millennials, who are 58% more likely to purchase snacks featuring animal diet claims (Source: Conagra Brands).

All Vermont Smoke & Cure products are made from antibiotic- and hormone-free meat with no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Each stick is crafted from hand-trimmed meat or poultry, slow-cooked for over 18 hours, and hardwood-smoked, a process unique to the brand and increasingly rare in today's meat snack category.

"Consumers are telling us loud and clear that they want more poultry-based protein options that don't compromise on taste or quality," said Michael Schafer, Commercial Business Lead at Vermont Smoke & Cure. "Our turkey sticks deliver bold flavor, clean ingredients, and real convenience, giving retailers a differentiated way to meet evolving shopper demand and strengthen their protein snack assortment while driving category growth."

In the past year, Vermont Smoke & Cure has rapidly expanded its distribution, with products available in national and regional retailers, including Costco, BJ's, Walmart, Kroger, and Giant.

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ABOUT VERMONT SMOKE & CURE

Since 1962, Vermont Smoke & Cure has been crafting smoked meats and meat snacks in their Vermont smokehouse. The one-of-a-kind meat snacks are made with meat free from antibiotics and added hormones, artificial colors, preservatives or flavors. Available nationwide at natural food stores, supermarkets, mass merchandisers, club stores, and ecommerce retailers. All products are now available online. For more information, visit vtsmokeandcure.com.