ARLINGTON, Va. — With 98 percent of U.S. households purchasing meat, and 45 percent of consumers looking to make more meals that include poultry or other meat, has led to meat sales reaching a record high of $112 billion for 2025, with volume increases of 2 percent.
This data is included in the recent 21st annual “Power of Meat” report released during the 2026 Annual Meat Conference conducted by the Meat Institute and FMI (the Food Industry Association).
“Americans are more focused on making smart food choices than ever before, and this latest ‘Power of Meat’ report reinforces meat’s clear and irreplaceable role at the center of healthy, convenient, affordable meals today and for generations to come,” Julie Anna Potts, Meat Institute president, said.
Millennials and Gen Z are generational drivers of these meat sale increases, the associations added. These groups made up 67 percent of unit growth, the report notes. And they are also more likely to prepare meals containing meat items, with Gen Z 50 percent, and Millennials 57 percent more likely.
“In 81 percent of households with children, kids have some level of influence on meat and poultry purchase decisions,” the associations said in their announcement. “Seventy-two percent of shoppers with teens at home say their teens request meat and poultry, far ahead of requests for protein bars, shakes and powders.”
Modern technology is also leading with younger generations and their diet choices, the report says, adding that 24 percent of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers use artificial intelligence (AI) tools for assisting in meal planning, with Gen X at 10 percent and Boomers, 4 percent. The release adds that, overall, 15 percent of shoppers are using AI tools, which is a huge, 650 percent increase from two years ago.
Regarding health choices, the report says that meat and poultry continue to be view positively, noting that 77 percent of consumers feel meat and poultry are part of a healthy diet. This is a 20 percent increase from 2020. Consumers are also reported to be including more meat and poultry options, not just in meals, but also in snacking decisions.
“The meat department is outperforming because it delivers what shoppers want right now: protein, flexibility, value and taste,” Rick Stein, FMI vice president of fresh foods, said. “Retailers that balance convenient ground options with premium, indulgent cuts will be best positioned to capture both budget-conscious and experience-driven shoppers.”
