Beef and Chicken Flavors EPIC Launches Bold New Meat Sticks
As demand for protein-rich diets continues to grow, meat snacks are gaining popularity among consumers looking for convenient, flavorful options to support their busy lifestyles. According to Circana, the protein-rich food category has increased by nearly 12% over the past year, highlighting the growing interest in protein-focused products. Responding to this trend, EPIC®, a brand known for its meat-based snacks and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, has introduced EPIC Sticks, a new line of portable protein snacks designed for everyday convenience.
The new EPIC Sticks range features four varieties: Original Beef, Wagyu Beef, Rotisserie Chicken and Hot Honey Chicken. The products combine distinct flavors with carefully selected meat and quality ingredients, offering consumers a convenient snack option for workdays, workouts, outdoor activities and other everyday occasions.
EPIC Sticks are now available through Amazon and at Sprouts Farmers Market. The brand plans to expand distribution to retailers nationwide in 2027, making the new products more accessible to consumers seeking convenient protein-rich snacks.
The launch represents EPIC’s latest effort to bring new flavors and formats to the meat-snack category while maintaining its focus on ingredient quality and responsibly sourced protein. By combining familiar favorites with contemporary flavor trends, the company aims to provide consumers with more options for incorporating protein into their daily routines.
EPIC Responds to Growing Demand for Protein-Rich Snacks
The popularity of protein-focused diets has encouraged food manufacturers to develop products that offer convenience, flavor and nutritional value. Meat snacks have emerged as one option for consumers who want portable foods that can be enjoyed between meals or during active days.
EPIC Sticks are designed to meet these needs through a selection of beef and chicken varieties that emphasize protein content and straightforward ingredients. Each stick offers a different combination of meat, seasonings and flavor profiles, allowing consumers to choose according to their preferences.
Scott Baldwin, Vice President and Business Unit Director of Bars at General Mills, said the company wanted to introduce a distinctive product that would bring something new to the snack aisle.
“We knew EPIC had to do what we’ve always done and bring something different to the snack aisle,” Baldwin said. “From the rich taste of Wagyu Beef to the sweet-and-savory combination of Hot Honey Chicken, we wanted to bring some of the delicious, on-trend flavors people already love to a convenient meat-stick format made for wherever your day takes you.”
The product range reflects an approach that combines familiar meat-snack formats with flavors that appeal to changing consumer tastes. Traditional beef flavors sit alongside chicken varieties inspired by rotisserie cooking and the increasingly popular combination of honey and spice.
The compact format also makes the products suitable for consumers who need snacks that can be carried easily throughout the day. Whether packed for a workday, taken along on a hike or eaten after exercise, EPIC Sticks are intended to provide a convenient option without requiring preparation or utensils.
Four Flavors Offer Distinct Taste and Nutrition Profiles
The EPIC Sticks lineup includes four varieties, each with its own ingredients, flavor profile and nutritional characteristics.
Original Beef
The Original Beef variety offers a classic meat-snack experience built around 100% grass-fed beef. Simple seasonings are used to highlight the flavor of the meat rather than overpowering it with additional ingredients.
Each stick contains 8 grams of protein and 110 calories, with no added sugar. The variety is positioned as a straightforward option for consumers who prefer traditional beef flavor and a simple seasoning profile.
Its familiar taste and portable format make Original Beef suitable for a range of occasions, including work breaks, road trips and outdoor activities.
Wagyu Beef
The Wagyu Beef variety introduces a richer flavor profile to the EPIC Sticks range. Made with American Wagyu beef, real honey and savory seasonings, the product combines the distinctive taste of Wagyu with a subtle sweetness.
Each stick provides 7 grams of protein and 100 calories. The addition of honey creates a sweet-and-savory balance, offering an alternative to traditional beef sticks.
This variety is designed for consumers interested in trying a more distinctive meat-snack option while retaining the convenience of a single-serving product.
Rotisserie Chicken
The Rotisserie Chicken variety brings the familiar flavor of rotisserie-style chicken to a portable snack format. Made with free-range chicken, the product is intended to capture the savory taste associated with a rotisserie favorite without requiring a plate, fork or additional preparation.
Each stick contains 10 grams of protein and 100 calories, making it the highest-protein option among the four varieties based on the stated serving information. It also contains no added sugar.
The chicken-based formulation provides an alternative for consumers who prefer poultry over beef or want to diversify their snack choices.
Hot Honey Chicken
Hot Honey Chicken combines free-range chicken with real honey and aromatic spices to deliver a sweet-and-spicy flavor profile. The variety reflects the growing appeal of hot honey as a combination of sweetness and heat across food categories.
Each stick provides 8 grams of protein and 90 calories. Its blend of honey and spices is intended to offer a more adventurous flavor experience while maintaining the convenience of a compact meat snack.
With its combination of sweetness, spice and savory chicken, Hot Honey Chicken expands the lineup beyond traditional meat-stick flavors.
Focus on Thoughtfully Sourced Meat and Quality Ingredients
Alongside flavor variety, EPIC emphasizes the sourcing and composition of its new products. The company states that the range uses protein from 100% grass-fed beef or free-range chicken, depending on the variety.
All four EPIC Sticks flavors are gluten-free, dairy-free and Paleo-friendly. The products are also made without antibiotics or added hormones, according to the company.
These characteristics are intended to appeal to consumers who pay close attention to ingredient lists and food preferences when selecting snacks. By highlighting the meat sources and the absence of certain ingredients, EPIC is positioning the range around both convenience and ingredient transparency.
The formulations also vary in their use of sweeteners. Original Beef and Rotisserie Chicken contain no added sugar, while Wagyu Beef and Hot Honey Chicken include real honey as part of their flavor profiles.
Nutritional values differ by variety, with protein content ranging from 7 to 10 grams and calories ranging from 90 to 110 per stick. This gives consumers the ability to compare options according to their taste preferences and nutritional priorities.
As with any packaged food, consumers can consult the product packaging for complete ingredient lists, nutrition information and details relevant to their individual dietary needs.
Nationwide Retail Expansion Planned for 2027
EPIC Sticks are currently available in individual units and multipacks through Amazon and at Sprouts Farmers Market. The company plans to expand the products’ retail presence nationwide in 2027.
The planned expansion is expected to provide additional opportunities for consumers to discover the four flavors as the brand increases availability across retail channels.
The launch also adds another product format to EPIC’s existing portfolio of meat-based snacks. By introducing individual sticks and multipacks, the company is addressing different purchasing preferences, from consumers looking for a quick snack to those who want to keep several servings available for the week.
The timing of the launch comes as food companies continue to explore ways to meet demand for protein-rich foods while maintaining flavor variety and convenience. For EPIC, the new range combines familiar ingredients and established meat-snack appeal with newer flavor combinations.
With Original Beef, Wagyu Beef, Rotisserie Chicken and Hot Honey Chicken, EPIC Sticks offer four distinct choices for consumers seeking portable snacks made with beef or chicken. The products’ current availability on Amazon and at Sprouts, followed by a planned nationwide retail rollout in 2027, marks the next step in the brand’s effort to expand its presence in the growing meat-snack category.
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