How many Americans are meat eaters and what are the trends?

December 21, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a recent May 2025 report from the North American Meat Institute, 80% of Americans describe themselves as meat eaters, indicating that meat consumption remains a deeply ingrained part of the national diet for the vast majority. The study further highlighted that 98% of American households regularly purchase meat, reflecting its widespread presence in home-cooked meals.

Quick Summary

Most Americans regularly consume meat, but shifting dietary patterns are emerging, with increased interest in plant-based alternatives. Demographic factors like age, gender, and education influence these consumption habits and drive broader changes in the food industry.

Key Points

High Consumption Rate: The vast majority of Americans are meat eaters, with recent studies showing that over 80% identify as such and nearly 98% of households purchase meat.
Demographic Shifts: Younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) are more likely to explore plant-based diets, while older generations and men generally consume more meat.
Rise of Flexitarianism: While full vegetarianism and veganism rates remain low (4-6% and 1-4%, respectively), a large number of Americans are reducing their meat intake, defining themselves as 'flexitarian'.
Health and Environment Drive Change: Increasing awareness of the links between high red meat consumption and chronic disease, as well as the meat industry's environmental impact, are major motivators for dietary changes.
Varying Meat Preferences: Consumption differs by meat type, with poultry gaining popularity as a healthier alternative, while beef and pork consumption have specific demographic and regional patterns.
Market Response: The food industry is adapting to these trends by increasing the availability and affordability of plant-based alternatives and offering leaner or more sustainably sourced meat options.

The Prevalence of Meat Eating in the United States

Despite growing media attention on plant-based and vegan diets, statistics consistently show that the vast majority of Americans are meat eaters. A comprehensive study from May 2025, conducted by the North American Meat Institute and the Food Industry Association (FMI), found that 80% of Americans identify as meat eaters. This figure is supported by other surveys, such as a 2021 Ipsos poll which found that 89% of Americans include meat in their diet. While these figures might seem to indicate little change, deeper analysis reveals a more complex picture, including a growing segment of "flexitarians"—those who are reducing their meat intake without eliminating it entirely.

Demographic Differences in Meat-Eating Habits

Meat consumption habits are not uniform across the American population. Several demographic factors play a significant role in determining how and what types of meat people consume.

Age: Younger generations, specifically Millennials and Gen Z, show a greater tendency to explore and adopt plant-based diets compared to their older counterparts, like Gen X and Boomers. However, Boomers still buy meat most frequently, averaging 53 times per year.
Gender: Studies indicate that men, particularly those aged 19-50, consume more meat on average than women. Women are also more likely to engage in meat reduction strategies like 'Meatless Mondays' or adopting vegetarian lifestyles.
Race and Ethnicity: Consumption patterns vary by racial and ethnic groups. For example, some data shows that Hispanic Americans consume more beef, while Black Americans consume significantly more chicken, turkey, and fish. Older analyses have also noted regional and racial differences in pork consumption.
Education and Income: Some research suggests that higher-educated individuals may be less likely to consume processed and total meat. Income levels can also influence choices, though trends vary depending on the specific meat product.

The Rise of Plant-Based Diets

While the majority of the country eats meat, the plant-based movement is not insignificant. Surveys offer slightly different numbers, but a significant portion of the population is either vegetarian, vegan, or actively reducing meat intake.

Key statistics on vegetarian and vegan populations in the U.S. include:

Vegetarianism: Recent estimates place the vegetarian population at around 4-6%. This includes individuals who do not consume meat but may still eat dairy or eggs.
Veganism: The percentage of Americans identifying as vegan is lower and varies considerably by poll, with recent figures ranging from 1% to 4%. This variation can be attributed to survey methodology and potential confusion over definitions.
Flexitarians: The largest shift is seen among the 'flexitarian' or 'meat reducer' group. A 2022 poll noted that 45% of households eat vegetarian or vegan meals at least occasionally. This large segment indicates a significant shift away from traditional, daily meat consumption.

Influencers of American Dietary Choices

Numerous factors beyond personal taste are driving changes in American eating habits. These influences are multi-faceted and reflect evolving societal priorities.

Health Concerns: The link between high consumption of red and processed meats and chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer has been a growing public health concern for decades. Conversely, plant-based diets are often associated with lower risks for these conditions. This awareness, particularly among younger, health-conscious consumers, is a major driver of change.
Environmental Impact: The meat industry's environmental footprint is a significant motivator for many people to reduce their consumption. Concerns include greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water pollution, and deforestation. Beef production, in particular, has a notably high environmental impact.
Ethical Considerations: Animal welfare concerns are a critical factor, especially for those adopting fully vegetarian or vegan lifestyles. Many people are becoming more aware of industrial animal farming practices and seek alternatives that align with their ethical beliefs.
Economic Factors: Consumer purchasing is highly influenced by price. Inflation and perceived value can affect meat purchases. However, the increasing affordability and accessibility of plant-based alternatives also make them a more attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.

Comparison of U.S. Meat Consumption


Characteristic	Per Capita Average (Raw)	Demographic Variations	Driving Factors
Beef	~85g per day (2007 loss-adjusted)	Higher consumption among men and certain ethnic groups; declining among higher-educated and older adults.	Cultural traditions, price, health concerns, environmental impact.
Poultry (Chicken/Turkey)	~55g per day (2007 loss-adjusted)	Higher consumption among women and Black Americans; increased over recent decades as a leaner alternative.	Health perception, affordability, wide availability.
Pork	~51 pounds per year	Rural consumers and Black Americans consume more; decreasing consumption in the Northeast and West, and among higher-income consumers.	Price point, regional culinary traditions, changing demographics.

The Health and Environmental Equation

As Americans continue to navigate their dietary choices, the potential health and environmental trade-offs of meat consumption remain central to the discussion. A 2021 study on meat consumption across North America provides a detailed look at some of these issues.

Health Implications: While meat is a source of essential protein, iron, and B vitamins, high intake, particularly of processed and red meat, is linked to chronic disease risk. A key aspect is the preparation method, as high-temperature cooking can create carcinogens. However, the promotion of lean cuts and poultry over the past decades has slightly reduced the saturated fat content from meat in the U.S. food supply.
Environmental Implications: The environmental burden of U.S. meat consumption is significant. One recent study quantified that annual meat consumption in American cities contributes millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions. Shifting from beef to poultry could reduce this footprint by over 50%. The meat industry as a whole is also associated with issues like land degradation, water pollution, and deforestation.

The Future of American Eating

In conclusion, while Americans remain a country of meat eaters, the dietary landscape is unmistakably changing. The traditional 'meat-and-potatoes' plate is evolving as younger generations and health-conscious consumers drive demand for plant-based options. The growing awareness of the health and environmental consequences of high meat consumption is pushing consumers to make more deliberate choices. The market is responding with a wider variety of alternative protein sources and flexitarian-friendly products. This dynamic suggests a future where meat remains a staple but is consumed with greater awareness and moderation, potentially altering the country's collective plate for decades to come.

For a deeper dive into the health and environmental factors related to meat consumption in North America, this study from the National Institutes of Health offers valuable context.

Frequently Asked Questions

According to a May 2025 report by the North American Meat Institute, 80% of Americans describe themselves as meat eaters.

Figures vary by poll, but a 2023 Gallup survey suggests around 4% of Americans are vegetarian and 1% are vegan. Other sources have slightly different figures but confirm that full vegetarianism and veganism remain minority diets.

Yes, studies indicate that younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to reduce or eliminate meat from their diets compared to older generations.

Changes are primarily driven by growing awareness of the health impacts of red and processed meats, environmental concerns related to livestock farming, and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.

While beef traditionally dominated, poultry has become increasingly popular. Per capita consumption varies, but overall, total meat consumption remains high, with different meat types showing varied trends.

Meat production, particularly beef, is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation, water pollution, and deforestation. Shifting towards leaner meats like poultry or plant-based alternatives can help reduce this environmental footprint.

No, despite the rise of plant-based diets, total per capita meat consumption has generally trended upward over the last century, primarily fueled by increased poultry consumption, which offsets a slight decline in red meat.

Yes, some data suggests that consumers with higher income levels may consume less pork, and those with higher education levels may be less likely to consume total and processed meat.