Consumers are buying more meat than ever. In 2024, meat sales hit a record high of $104.6 billion and pounds sold increased 2.3%, according to the 20th annual Power of Meat report released on March 24 at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.
“With most Americans (74%) so confident in meat as a nutrient powerhouse that is top of mind for protein needs, it’s no surprise people are buying more meat than ever,” says Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “Meat Institute members are committed to making the nutrient-dense meat Americans need and keeping America’s farm economy thriving, today and for generations to come.”
Sales and purchase dynamics data provided by Circana for the 52 weeks ending Dec. 29, 2024, show that consumers, on average, purchase meat more than once per week. This keeps meat as the largest fresh department in grocery, according to the report.
Nearly all of American households purchase meat (98%). Meanwhile, 73% of Americans view meat as an overall healthy choice, Circana data shows.
In addition, the report shows that getting enough protein is very/somewhat important to 90% of Americans, and animal proteins, including eggs (83%), chicken (82%) and beef (76%), top the list of foods that most consumers view as protein-rich foods.
The average American shops for meat 54 times per year and spends $16.12 on meat per trip, Circana data highlights. The top three purchases for refrigerated meat include beef, chicken and pork and the top three purchases for prepared meat include lunchmeat, bacon and sausage.
Priorities among meat shoppers include preparing comfort meals, having quick prep options, and getting creative with ingredients. Americans prepare 4.8 dinners per week at home and 90% include meat, the report says.
“As shoppers’ definition of value has expanded to include price, quality, relevance, convenience and experience, they are including meat in 90% of home-cooked dinners and looking for various options to suit their schedules, tastes and interests,” says Rick Stein, vice president of fresh foods for FMI. “Whether shoppers are looking for the convenience of new ground meats or incorporating semi-prepared options in their meal prep, the meat department delivers.”
Editor’s Note: The Power of Meat study was conducted by 210 Analytics on behalf of FMI—The Food Industry Association and the Meat Foundation and sponsored by CRYOVAC Brand Food Packaging.
