Meat remains a cornerstone of the American diet, shaping everything from weeknight dinners to holiday traditions. Per capita availability is projected to exceed 226 pounds in 2025, highlighting just how central protein is to the nation's table.
From chicken's steady rise to beef's enduring legacy, here's a look at the meats Americans consume most and why they continue to dominate.
Chicken
Chicken has been the king of American protein for more than two decades. Its reign solidified by an expected per capita consumption of 103.7 pounds in 2025. It has held this crown thanks to its winning trifecta: it is easy on the wallet, can star in a million different recipes, and is widely considered a healthier option. Its popularity is absolute, from the drive-thru window to the family kitchen, proving it is a non-negotiable household staple.
Beef
It is the heart of backyard grills and burger joints, cementing its place at our tables. As the world's top beef producer, the United States is projected to consume 58.5 lbs in 2025. Occasional dips from economic or health concerns don't diminish our enduring love for a thick steak or a classic burger-keeping beef a strong second.
Pork
Pork holds strong as the number three most eaten meat in the U.S. Its versatility is a huge reason for that-it is the star of everything from morning sausage to dinner-time pork chops. This steady demand is expected to continue, with per capita availability projected to reach 49.7 pounds in 2025 and rise further to 50.9 pounds in 2026. The stability is partly because the industry is always innovating with new products and smart advertising to compete with all the other proteins available.
Turkey
The American turkey market is uniquely driven by the Thanksgiving holiday, though the industry has made great strides in promoting year-round consumption through products like ground turkey and deli slices, marketed as super lean and healthy choices. However, this has not fully offset its seasonal nature, as evidenced by the latest forecast of a 3 % decrease in production to 4.97 billion pounds for 2025.
Lamb and Goat
When we get to lamb and goat, we're looking at a much smaller segment of the market. Total consumption is low, sitting at just over one pound per capita annually. That said, they've successfully secured a powerful niche. They are fundamental ingredients in numerous ethnic food traditions, particularly across Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Caribbean cooking. Now, that built-in fanbase is being joined by adventurous eaters looking for new taste experiences, which is why these meats are steadily gaining more mainstream recognition.
Fish and Seafood
Fish and seafood, while often grouped separately, are absolutely essential to the protein choices in the U.S. With an expected annual growth rate of 4.2% between 2025 and 2030, fish and seafood are definitely one of the popular non-veg choices for Americans
The undisputed, most popular choices continue to be shrimp, salmon, and the ever-versatile canned tuna. Additionally, it has never been easier to find, thanks to all the fresh and frozen choices at the grocery store these days.
Bison and Other Game Meats
Moving into the speciality segment, we find bison and other game meats, such as venison and elk. It is a small market, but it is definitely on the upswing. Consumers highly value these meats for their lean quality and unique, robust flavour-an appealing combination for those exploring alternatives to traditional red meat. This growing popularity is largely driven by a core consumer group that actively seeks out natural, sustainable, and locally sourced products.
Blended Meats
Nowadays, more blended options are available that mix traditional meat with plant ingredients. These products often combine 30-70 per cent vegetables, grains, or legumes with beef, pork, or poultry. People choose them as they keep the familiar taste of meat while lowering cost, calories, and environmental impact. This shift reflects today's growing interest in balance-enjoying flavor and protein without giving up sustainability.
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