Snack Mates by The New Primal, Chicken Pizza Meat Stick, All

The Verdict

Let’s be honest: most meat snacks marketed as “better for you” are just expensive beef sticks with a virtue-signaling label. The New Primal’s Snack Mates Chicken Pizza version is different — but not in the ways you’d expect.

This is a 0.5-ounce stick made from chicken (not beef), seasoned with tomato powder, oregano, and garlic to mimic pizza flavor. It’s not trying to be a Slim Jim replacement. It’s a clean-ingredient snack for people who actually read labels.

What you get

Each box contains six individually wrapped sticks. At 70 calories and 10g protein per stick, these are portion-controlled, not meal substitutes. The texture is closer to a soft salami than a chewy jerky — think Chomps or Country Archer, but in a smaller format.

The flavor reality

Here’s where the “pizza” claim lives or dies. The first bite hits you with a bright tomato tang, followed by oregano and a mild garlic finish. The chicken base is neutral enough to let the spices carry the show. It tastes like pizza-flavored snack, not a pizza with meat in it — a subtle but important distinction. One Amazon reviewer nailed it: “It’s like pizza goldfish but in meat form. My kids think I’m sneaking them junk food.” Another buyer noted, “I was skeptical but the seasoning is legit. No fake chemical taste.”

Where it falls short

The texture is the dividing line. About 15% of the 229 reviews mention it’s softer than expected. One verified buyer wrote: “I was hoping for a crunch or at least a firm bite. These are mushy — like a wet dog treat texture.” That’s harsh, but fair if you’re expecting jerky. These aren’t jerky. They’re fermented and gently dried, which gives a tender, almost bready chew.

Size is the other issue. At 0.5 ounces, a single stick is a nibble, not a snack. If you’re using these for hiking or a lunchbox, plan on two per serving. The math gets expensive — these run roughly $1.20-$1.50 per stick depending on the subscription, which is steep for something that disappears in four bites.

Who should buy these

• Parents looking for a lunchbox protein that isn’t loaded with sugar or fillers. The small size is actually a plus for kids.
• Low-carb/keto snackers who want pizza flavor without the carbs of actual pizza or processed cheese crackers.
• Travelers who need shelf-stable protein that doesn’t require refrigeration — these hold up well in a backpack.

Who should skip them

• Jerky purists who need that dry, fibrous chew. You’ll be disappointed.
• Big appetites — the cost-per-satiation ratio is poor. You’d be better off with a full-size Chomps or a can of sardines.
• Anyone allergic to chicken or sensitive to fermentation — these use cultured celery juice for preservation, which is fine for most, but it’s not a zero-ingredient product.

Real-world performance

I tested these after a 5-mile trail run and during an afternoon of desk work. The flavor holds up, and there’s no greasy residue on your fingers. The seasoning does linger on your breath — keep a mint handy if you’re snacking before a meeting. Packaging is easy to tear, and the individual wrappers are thin but don’t split prematurely.

FAQ

Are these actually pizza flavored or is it marketing? The tomato and oregano are unmistakable. It’s a cleaner, less salty version of pizza-flavored snacks. Don’t expect mozzarella flavor — there’s no cheese in the ingredients.

Can I eat these on a strict keto diet? Yes. 1g sugar, 0g carbs per stick. The chicken is pasture-raised with no antibiotics, and the fermentation process keeps it shelf-stable without nitrites.

How long do they stay fresh? The best-by date runs about 9 months out. Once opened, eat within a couple of days — they dry out quickly.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want a clean, high-protein snack with genuine pizza flavor and don’t mind paying a premium for small portions. Parents and keto snackers will get the most value.

Skip it if: You need a substantial snack, prefer a traditional jerky texture, or are watching your per-ounce grocery budget.

Rating: 4.6/5 — The flavor and ingredient quality justify the cost for the right buyer. It’s not a bargain, but it’s an honest product that does exactly what it claims. Just know the texture and portion size going in, and you won’t be disappointed.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.