As the food landscape evolves, so do consumer expectations.

In the 2025–26 food world, snacking hasn’t just been about indulgence and the ‘Sweet Treat’ phenomenon, it’s about smart, health-conscious choices that deliver on flavour, nutrition, and convenience.

At The Dalesman Group, we’re embracing this shift with innovative meat solutions that meet the moment.

So, snack up your things and come with us on this meaty adventure.

 The shift towards healthier snacking

Consumers are snacking with intent. Whether it’s for weight management, gut health, or energy without the crash, they’re looking for snacks that fuel their day and support long-term wellbeing.

• 33.5% of UK consumers actively seek high-protein foods
• The UK gluten-free market is growing at 8.7% CAGR through 2030
• Protein product sales surged 47% in January 2025 alone

This transformation across the board indicates that health and wellness have gone far beyond being just a phase.

Health & Wellbeing: What does it look like?

Consumers are increasingly choosing foods that support weight management, longevity, and nutritional balance. This means:

• Leaner proteins like poultry and fish
• High-protein, low-carb formats
• Gluten-free and allergen-free options
• Low-fat and low-sugar alternatives, without being overly processed.

These preferences are reshaping the meat industry, especially in the snacking and ready-to-eat categories. Whether it’s a post-gym bite or a midday pick-me-up, protein-rich snacks are in high demand. And, with the increasingly diverse market available now, they need to deliver on both taste and health.

Lean Protein: A smarter swap

Traditional meat snacks are being reimagined with leaner proteins like poultry and fish. These swaps offer lower fat content and higher nutritional value, making them ideal for health-conscious consumers.

Try:

• Turkey sausage rolls instead of pork
• Chicken mince pasties for a lighter bite
• Salmon or cod bites for a premium protein hit

These formats retain the comfort and familiarity of classic British snacks, while aligning with modern dietary goals.

Pair this with natural seasonings, minimal processing, and transparent labelling, and you’ve got a product that speaks directly to today’s health-conscious shopper.

High protein, low guilt

Consumers want snacks that energise without the sugar crash. That’s why low-carb, high-protein options like biltong and droëwors are gaining traction. These South African staples are naturally lean, gluten-free, and free from artificial preservatives, similar to those that are found in beef jerky, making them ideal for the sports nutrition and on-the-go markets.

Explore our South African range on Dalesman Direct, featuring:

• Authentic Biltong: air-dried and protein-rich, and in three different flavours!
• Droëwors / Dry Wors: savoury, spiced, and allergen-friendly
• Boerewors: bold traditional sausage with clean ingredients

Allergen free & clean label

The free-from category is now worth £4.2 billion annually, and they don’t just want flavour, they want transparency. That means:

• Gluten-free meat snacks
• No artificial flavours or preservatives
• Clear labelling and minimal processing

With consumers’ growing desire for autonomy in their food choices, allergen and preservative free options are a must-have for all brands and businesses.

Why it matters for your business

By aligning with the Health & Wellbeing trend, meat producers and brands can:

• Expand their better-for-you product lines
• Appeal to flexitarian and omnivore consumers
• Offer clean-label, crave-worthy snacks
• Stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market

Ready to develop your next snack hero?

From leaner formats to global flavours, mini meals to air fryer-friendly packs, our team is here to help you build a snacking portfolio that’s future-ready.

Our team can help you discover the ultimate snacks-perience for your customers. From our product development to our product matching abilities, you’ll have the full support of our team of experts.

Get in touch

Interested in learning how we can help? Explore our range of mixes on DalesmanDirect.com or download our South African Range flyer here.

In addition to the abundance of ‘off-the-shelf’ products we have available, our dedicated team of product development experts can create a wide range of delicious new flavours for your business. Just get in touch on:

Email: taste@thedalesmangroup.co.uk

Phone: 01274 758000

Or leave a message for the team below: