The Dave Chang Show Dried Squid: The Next Big Thing (After the Next Big Thing)
Feb 9, 2026
A crunchy primer on dried squid as a snack and a potential future protein as cephalopods increase in the oceans. A playful product pitch imagining seasoned squid jerky hitting grocery shelves. A quick gochujang-sweet recipe demo and texture-focused tasting. Practical tips for eating well on short trips, including how to choose repeat meals when time is tight.
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Squid's Rising Role As Scalable Protein
- Warming oceans are boosting cephalopod populations, making squid more abundant and sustainable as a protein source.
- Dave Chang predicts dried squid snacks will enter mainstream retail in a few years as demand and supply align.
Childhood Love-Hate With Dried Squid
- Dave Chang recounts growing up with ojingeo (dried squid) as a common family snack and beer-side anju.
- He describes how peers mocked its smell, which temporarily made it uncool despite its deliciousness.
Pitching Squid Jerky In 2018
- Dave pitched a squid-jerky product to his team back in 2018 but met skepticism.
- He still thinks someone should pursue a beef-jerky-style dried-squid product for retail.