America’s Appetite in 2025–26
USDA forecasts Americans will eat more chicken, pork, and eggs in the next two years, while beef takes a slight dip.
Bigger Plates Ahead
The latest USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) outlook suggests U.S. consumers will have more meat and eggs available on their plates in 2025 and 2026. “Availability,” the agency notes, isn’t a perfect measure of consumption, but it serves as a strong proxy—covering everything from fresh cuts in grocery stores to what ends up in restaurants.
By 2025, Americans are expected to have access to 226 pounds of red meat and poultry per person, plus nearly 22 dozen eggs. In 2026, that ticks upward to 227 pounds and 23 dozen eggs.
Chicken Rules the Roost
Chicken continues its decades-long rise. Forecasts show broiler meat climbing to 102.7 pounds per person in 2025, nudging even higher to 102.8 pounds in 2026. That cements chicken’s spot as the nation’s most-eaten animal protein.
Turkey tells a different story. Once a more prominent choice, it’s now at a projected 13.0 pounds per person in 2025, with only a modest rebound to 13.6 pounds in 2026.
Pork Gains, Beef Slips
Pork is inching upward. ERS expects 49.7 pounds per person in 2025, followed by 50.9 pounds in 2026. That’s a steady climb from 2024 levels.
Beef, however, is trending in the opposite direction. Projections drop from 58.5 pounds in 2025 to 56.9 pounds in 2026—a decline that reflects ongoing supply challenges and shifting consumer preferences.
Eggs Crack New Highs
Eggs are on track for growth. After averaging 21.5 dozen per person in 2025, Americans are projected to consume nearly 23 dozen in 2026. Rising demand for protein-packed, versatile foods continues to drive the increase.
What It All Means
For farmers, retailers, and foodservice providers, these shifts are signals of where consumer demand is headed. Chicken and pork will likely dominate menus and meat cases, while beef may face tighter competition. Eggs, meanwhile, are poised to remain a daily staple.
In short: The American diet is leaning heavier on poultry and pork, with eggs rising steadily, while beef sees a slow decline.
Source: https://www.porkbusiness.com/news/industry/how-much-meat-will-u-s-eat-2025-and-2026