Oct 6, 20253 min read

Consumers' meat purchasing trends offer insights into how to grow category units and sales and will come to life at the Annual Meat Conference 2026.

By: Rick Stein, Vice President, Fresh Foods, FMI

Multi generational family preparing a meal of turkey and vegetables in a kitchen.

When we unveiled The Power of Meat 2025 report back in March, it struck me how consistently this research has served as a compass for our industry. Two decades of insights give us a unique vantage point, and I’ve found myself reflecting on how those numbers play out in the marketplace each day.

One of the most encouraging findings was that 98% of U.S. households purchased meat or poultry in 2024, spending an annual average of $871. That tells me protein remains non-negotiable at the dinner table, even as shoppers face tighter household budgets. People may adjust cuts, package sizes, or where they shop, but they aren’t stepping away from meat.

Beef continues to dominate, accounting for 55% of fresh meat sales, with ground beef leading the way. At the same time, pork held steady at $8.4 billion, and chicken once again claimed the top spot in volume, representing nearly 40% of pounds sold. These aren’t just numbers — they’re reminders that every protein has a role to play in meeting shoppers’ expectations for versatility, affordability, and taste.

But beyond the dollars, what excites me most is what’s happening in consumer behavior. The Power of Meat 2025 highlights that shoppers prepared an average of 4.2 dinners per week with meat or poultry. That stability signals trust, consistency, and a recognition of meat’s role in both nutrition and enjoyment. It also underscores an opportunity: if we can help consumers expand their skills in the kitchen, whether through new cuts, recipes, or preparation tips, we can deepen their loyalty to the meat case.

Equally important, only 22% of shoppers now say they’re trying to cut back on meat and poultry — the lowest level in years. That’s a powerful reminder that, despite shifting trends and louder conversations around diet choices, most consumers continue to see meat as an essential part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

As I look ahead, I’m inspired by how these insights will frame our conversations at the Annual Meat Conference (AMC) in 2026. AMC has always been more than an event; it’s where our community gathers to share challenges, explore opportunities, and chart the future together. This year will be no exception.

Registration is now open for AMC 2026, and I hope you’ll join us. Together, we’ll take the insights from The Power of Meat and turn them into strategies that strengthen the role of protein in every household across America.

Annual Meat Conference Registration