RENO, Nev. [November, 2025] — Ever thought of snacking on squid? The Hermit sure has. The U.S. startup is making waves in the jerky world with something totally new: calamari jerky made from American wild-caught squid. It’s clean, high in protein, and surprisingly addictive.
Jerky’s been done. Beef, turkey, even bison. But squid? That’s fresh. Each two-ounce bag of The Hermit’s calamari jerky packs up to 29 grams of protein, 12 grams of collagen, and nearly 500 milligrams of omega-3s. No added sugar, no junk, and Keto, Paleo, and Whole30 friendly. Think bold flavors like Thai Chili Lime, Ginger Scallion, and Italian Herb. Not your average gas-station jerky.
“Our goal is to give people a better way to snack. It’s one that supports their health and the planet,” said Steven Shonts, founder of The Hermit. “Calamari jerky is something most Americans have never tried, but once they do, they’ll see it’s the future of high-protein snacking.”
The secret behind The Hermit’s growing success isn’t just flavor, but its sustainability. The company sources its squid from Marine Stewardship Council–certified fisheries along the U.S. coast. Early batches used Rhode Island squid, but the team’s now shifting to Del Mar squid from Monterey, California, which offers a steadier and more sustainable supply. With that, The Hermit’s ready to move beyond online sales and hit shelves in coastal stores across the U.S. next year.
People are craving smarter snacks. Real food, real protein, and real flavor. The Hermit is proving that sometimes, the next big thing doesn’t come from a lab. It comes from the ocean.
You can find and purchase The Hermit’s calamari jerky online at thehermit.com and on social media @thehermitsquid. It’s also popping up in select coastal retailers across the U.S. for those craving something wild, clean, and completely different.
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About The Hermit
The Hermit crafts sustainable seafood snacks made from 100% U.S. wild-caught squid. Founded by Steven Shonts, the company combines culinary exploration and clean nutrition to redefine jerky with bold flavors and eco-friendly sourcing. Learn more at www.thehermit.com.
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