Beyond the Butcher: DIY Meat Kits Meet Growing Demand for Home Crafting

IRON RIDGE, WI – September 15, 2026 – A quiet but powerful shift is reshaping the American kitchen. Fueled by a desire for quality, transparency, and a deeper connection to their food, consumers are increasingly moving beyond mere cooking and into the realm of crafting. This trend intersects with a sustained appetite for protein, which, according to the 2026 Power of Meat report, has grown in importance for 42 percent of Americans. As households look to replicate restaurant experiences at home and gain more control over their ingredients, the age-old practices of sausage making, curing, and jerky preparation are finding a new, modern audience.

At the forefront of this movement is PS Seasoning, a Wisconsin-based company with nearly five decades of expertise. Today, the company launched four new meat processing kits designed to demystify the craft for beginners and empower seasoned enthusiasts. The new lineup—featuring a Fresh Italian Sausage Kit, a Pepperoni Snack Stick Kit, a Smoked Maple Bacon Kit, and a Candied Jalapeño Jerky Kit—is more than just a product release; it’s a direct response to a burgeoning culture of culinary self-sufficiency.

Democratizing a Time-Honored Craft

For many, the idea of making sausage or curing bacon from scratch seems like a lost art, a complex process reserved for specialty butcher shops and old-world artisans. The sourcing of obscure ingredients like cures and casings, coupled with the precise measurements required for both safety and flavor, often represents an insurmountable barrier. PS Seasoning aims to dismantle that barrier by packaging its deep industry knowledge into accessible, all-in-one kits.

Each kit combines pre-portioned seasonings, cures, and casings with detailed, step-by-step instructions. The goal is to guarantee a successful first attempt, building the confidence that encourages further experimentation. “Meat processing is a craft, but you don't have to be an expert to make a great first batch,” said Stephanie Neu, a Master Meat Crafter at PS Seasoning. “Starting with the right ingredients, measurements and instructions makes all the difference. Once people understand the fundamentals, there are so many ways to experiment with different proteins, flavors and techniques.”

The offerings are thoughtfully curated to provide a progressive learning experience. The Candied Jalapeño Jerky Kit ($11.99), for example, offers an easy entry point, transforming beef or wild game into a trendy sweet-and-heat snack. From there, a home crafter might graduate to the Fresh Italian Sausage Kit ($24.99), which includes classic seasonings and natural hog casings for a 25-pound batch. For those seeking a greater challenge, the Smoked Maple Bacon Kit ($11.99) introduces the multi-day process of curing a pork belly before it even sees the smoker, taking them deeper into the craft.

The Science Behind the Seasoning

What sets these kits apart in a growing market of DIY food products is the formidable expertise baked into every box. PS Seasoning isn’t a newcomer jumping on a trend; it's a third-generation family business that has been serving commercial meat processors since 1977. The company’s formulas are not just kitchen-tested; they are scientifically developed by an R&D team that includes four certified Master Meat Crafters.

This certification is no small feat. It comes from the University of Wisconsin–Madison's renowned Master Meat Crafter program, a rigorous two-year course that covers the entire spectrum of meat science, food safety, and advanced processing techniques. Graduates complete intensive workshops, mentorships, and an in-plant research project, making them some of the most qualified experts in the industry. This level of scientific backing ensures that the formulations are not only flavorful but also safe and reliable, a crucial factor when dealing with cured meats.

This commitment to expertise is part of a larger, forward-thinking vision. PS Seasoning operates under the umbrella of Dervati, the Hanni family's newly-formed food experience company that unites flavor and equipment technology. With a new 264,000-square-foot headquarters and innovation center slated for completion in 2027, the company is making a significant investment in the future of food, positioning itself as a bridge between industrial-scale science and the home kitchen.

From Field to Freezer: A Sustainable Harvest

The launch is strategically timed to coincide with the fall hunting season, tapping into a community uniquely positioned to benefit from home processing. For hunters, the harvest is just the beginning of a journey that ends at the dinner table. Processing an animal like a deer can be costly if outsourced and daunting for those who wish to do it themselves. These kits provide a practical, cost-effective solution.

By offering accessible ways to transform wild game into a variety of high-quality products like pepperoni sticks, Italian sausage, or jerky, PS Seasoning empowers hunters to fully utilize their harvest. This aligns with a growing “nose-to-tail” ethos that emphasizes sustainability and minimizing waste. Instead of being left with an overwhelming amount of ground meat, hunters can create diverse, value-added products to feed their families throughout the year, with full control over the quality and ingredients.

The adaptability of all four new kits for wild game is a clear nod to this important user base. It acknowledges that innovation isn’t just about creating something new, but also about providing better tools for long-standing traditions, connecting modern convenience with the primal act of providing.

Bridging the Gap with Digital Tools

Perhaps the most forward-thinking element of this initiative is not in a box, but online. Alongside the kits, PS Seasoning launched a free digital 'Meat Block Calculator'. This tool perfectly illustrates the column's focus on innovation at the intersection of different fields. It allows users who are ready to move beyond the pre-measured kits to scale their operations with professional precision.

A home processor can select a PS Seasoning blend, enter the exact weight of their meat, and the calculator provides the precise measurements for seasoning, cure, and water in grams, ounces, or pounds. This simple digital utility solves a major challenge in meat crafting, where accuracy is paramount for both safety and consistency. It effectively serves as a digital mentor, guiding users as their skills and ambitions grow.

This tool creates a seamless pathway for customers, nurturing them from novice to enthusiast. It shows a deep understanding of the customer journey, ensuring that as a home crafter's passion for the hobby grows, the company grows with them. By blending decades of analog expertise with a simple digital solution, PS Seasoning is not just selling a product; it is building a community of skilled, confident home artisans ready to reclaim a piece of their food chain.