What meat is most consumed in the US?

October 19, 2025 •

4 min read

For several decades, chicken has held the top spot as the most consumed meat in the US, overtaking beef in the 1990s due to shifts in consumer preferences and industry changes. Recent data confirms its continued dominance over other protein sources.

Quick Summary

Chicken is the most widely consumed meat in the United States, surpassing beef and pork decades ago due to its affordability, versatility, and perceived health benefits.

Key Points

Chicken is #1: Chicken has been the most consumed meat in the US since the early 1990s, with significantly higher per capita consumption than beef or pork.
Economic Drivers: Chicken's affordability compared to other protein sources is a primary reason for its popularity among American consumers.
Health Trends: Concerns over saturated fat and cholesterol led to a shift away from red meat (beef) towards leaner poultry, boosting chicken's reputation as a healthier option.
Cultural Shift: While beef historically dominated, its per capita consumption has been on a downward trend for decades, though it retains cultural importance.
Future Outlook: Growing interest in plant-based diets and sustainability, particularly among younger consumers, will likely influence future meat consumption patterns in the US.
Pork's Stability: Pork consumption has remained relatively steady, with strong demand for processed products like bacon and sausages anchoring its market presence.

Chicken Reigns Supreme: America's Top Protein

According to data from sources like the USDA, the National Chicken Council, and industry reports, chicken is by far the most consumed meat in the US. Annual per capita consumption of chicken is significantly higher than that of beef or pork, a trend that has been in place since the early 1990s. This dominance is the result of several long-term market shifts and consumer preference changes that have made poultry an American dietary staple.

Key drivers for chicken's high consumption include:

Affordability: Chicken is consistently one of the most budget-friendly protein options available to consumers, especially when compared to beef. This has made it a reliable and accessible choice for families across all income levels.
Versatility: Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be prepared in countless ways, from roasting and grilling to frying and including it in countless pre-made and restaurant dishes. This makes it a frequent and adaptable choice for home cooks.
Perceived Health Benefits: Following health scares and dietary recommendations in the 1980s that focused on reducing red meat and saturated fat intake, chicken gained a reputation as a healthier, leaner alternative. This public perception, though complex in its nuance, contributed significantly to its popularity.
Convenience: The modern, hectic lifestyle of many American families has increased demand for quick and easy meal options. The abundance of convenient chicken products, such as frozen nuggets, ready-to-cook breasts, and pre-packaged deli meats, fits seamlessly into this demand.

The Changing Plates: Beef and Pork Consumption

While chicken holds the top spot, beef and pork remain significant parts of the American diet, with their own unique consumption patterns and cultural relevance.

Historically, beef was the reigning champion of American meat consumption. However, per capita consumption has been in a decades-long decline since the 1970s, though it remains culturally significant, especially for grilling holidays. Factors contributing to this decline include health concerns and a relative increase in price compared to poultry. Beef still holds a large market share, and consumer demand remains robust for high-quality cuts.

Pork consumption, on the other hand, has remained relatively stable over many years, with some fluctuations. The demand is heavily propped up by popular processed products like bacon, sausages, and lunchmeats. Consumption patterns for pork are more regional and demographic, with variations based on geography and income levels.

Comparison of Per Capita Annual Meat Consumption (Estimated Pounds)


Meat Type	Estimated Per Capita Consumption	Dominant Factors
Chicken	~98-118 lbs	Price, versatility, perceived healthiness
Beef	~57-84 lbs	Cultural significance, taste, higher cost
Pork	~50-66 lbs	Stability, processed products (bacon, sausage)

It is important to note that these figures can fluctuate slightly based on the data source and year, and represent food availability or sales, not just what is actually consumed.

Factors Driving Meat Preferences

American meat preferences are influenced by a complex web of factors beyond simple taste and availability. Economic conditions, including disposable income and the cost of meat, significantly impact purchasing decisions. In tough economic times, consumers often shift towards cheaper proteins like chicken, while times of prosperity may see a higher demand for premium red meat cuts.

Health and dietary trends have also played a decisive role. The focus on reducing saturated fat and cholesterol led to a notable shift towards leaner meats like chicken in the latter half of the 20th century. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly considering environmental concerns and animal welfare, leading to a rise in flexitarian diets and the exploration of plant-based meat alternatives. This trend is adding new layers of complexity to the meat market and creating shifts in consumer priorities.

Authoritative Insights

One analysis of U.S. meat consumption trends notes that while poultry consumption has escalated, red meat consumption has not decreased commensurately, leading to a net increase in total meat consumption over the long term. This suggests that Americans are simply eating more meat overall, not just swapping one type for another. For a deeper dive into the health implications and trends, you can read the study "Trends in meat consumption in the USA" on ResearchGate.

Conclusion

Chicken solidly holds the title for the most consumed meat in the United States, driven by a combination of affordability, versatility, and health perceptions that have cemented its place in the modern American diet. While beef and pork maintain their market presence, especially within specific cultural and culinary contexts, their relative positions have been defined by decades of evolving consumer behaviors. As new generations prioritize factors like sustainability and animal welfare, the landscape of meat consumption will continue to shift, but for the foreseeable future, chicken is likely to remain America's top protein choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Americans eat more chicken primarily because of its lower cost, high versatility in cooking, and decades-long perception as a healthier, leaner alternative to red meat like beef.

After chicken, beef is the second most consumed meat in the United States, though its per capita consumption has trended downward over the last several decades.

Overall meat consumption in the US has generally increased over the long term, though some reports indicate small, recent dips. The increase is largely due to the dramatic rise in poultry consumption, which has more than compensated for the decline in beef.

Factors influencing meat choices include price and affordability, perceived health benefits, dietary trends, cultural preferences, and growing concerns related to environmental impact and animal welfare.

Pork consumption in the US has remained relatively stable for many years. While it fluctuates, it hasn't seen the significant upward or downward trends that have affected chicken and beef, respectively.

The US has historically been among the highest per capita consumers of meat in the world. While global patterns differ, Americans consume meat at rates significantly higher than many other countries.

Recent trends suggest that while overall meat consumption remains high, younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z are more inclined to increase their intake of plant-based alternatives, often driven by health and environmental concerns.