Beef consumption in the United States reached a new high in 2021, when 30 billion pounds were consumed. This is an increase in consumption of about 8.7 percent compared to the previous year and the highest consumption recorded during the period under consideration.

United States beef production

The United States is the world’s top producer of beef and veal. In 2022, production exceeding 12.6 million metric tons. To keep up with the production demand, the U.S. was home to about 30 million beef cows in 2022, more than three times the number of dairy cows recorded that year.

The shift towards plant-based foods

There is a large trend among Generation Z consumers to adopt a more vegetarian or vegan diet. Over half of Gen Z consumers are mostly vegetarian, at a minimum, as of 2022. 21 percent, however, are completely vegan, meaning they eat no animal products at all. With this shift away from animal proteins, it is no surprise that the consumption of meat substitutes is expected to exponentially grow within the next several years. By 2027, U.S. meat substitute consumption is forecast to reach 292.5 million kilograms.

This statistic shows the per capita consumption of beef in the United States from 2000 to 2024 and includes a forecast from 2025 to 2034. The U.S. per capita consumption of beef amounted to 58.1 pounds in 2023.

This statistic shows the per capita consumption of red meat in the United States from 2010 to 2023, with an estimated figure for 2024, by type. The consumption of beef in the U.S. amounted to 57.6 pounds per capita in 2023, and was estimated to decrease slightly in 2024.

United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Beef data was reported at 55.258 lb in 2034. This records a decrease from the previous number of 55.380 lb for 2033. United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Beef data is updated yearly, averaging 55.360 lb from Dec 2022 (Median) to 2034, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 59.250 lb in 2024 and a record low of 52.840 lb in 2027. United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Beef data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by U.S. Department of Agriculture. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.RI016: Agricultural Projections: Meat Consumption.

Graph and download economic data for Beef and Veal Apparent Consumption for United States (M01062USM149NNBR) from Jan 1916 to Feb 1946 about meat, consumption, and USA.

The statistic shows the per capita consumption of boneless red meat in the United States in 2023, by type. According to the report, the U.S. per capita consumption of beef amounted to approximately 55.5 pounds that year.

Forecast: Red Meat Consumption in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

In 2024, the most consumed type of meat in the United States was broiler chicken, at about 102.1 pounds per capita. This figure is expected to increase to around 110.4 pounds per capita by 2034. Chickens in the United States To accommodate the growing demand for chicken among American consumers, there is a rapidly expanding chicken industry in the United States. The overall value of all chickens in America was over 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2019. In that same year, an individual chicken in the United States was worth 3.32 U.S. dollars. Meat consumption in the United States On average, Americans purchase fresh meat about 27 times per year, compared to only 4.3 times for fresh seafood. A 2018 survey found that nearly half of Americans eat chicken a couple times a week but not every day, while only 9 percent ate chicken on a daily basis. Ready-to-eat meat/poultry is also very popular among consumers in the United States, with about 40 percent of Americans eating ready-to-eat meat at least once a week as of 2017.

The total beef production in the United States is estimated to be 26.96 billion pounds in 2023, down from 28.29 billion pounds in the previous year. Over the last two decades, the total U.S. beef production has fluctuated slightly but remained stable overall.

Beef retail in the United States Beef has the highest retail sales of any fresh meat in the United States, as of 2021. In that year, over 30 billion U.S. dollars worth of fresh beef were sold in the United States. The retail price for 100 percent ground beef in the United States was 4.8 U.S. dollars per pound in 2022, up from 3.95 U.S. dollars in 2020. Beef brisket, on the other hand, was priced on average around 8.84 U.S. dollars per pound in major grocery retailers.

U.S. beef consumption The United States consumes more beef than any other country in the world. Consumption of beef amounted to around 59 pounds per capita on an annual basis. This was projected to decrease slowly until 2032.

Forecast: Beef and Veal Meat Domestic Consumption in the US 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

The U.S. Beef Marketsize was valued at USD 102.00 USD Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 141.62 USD Billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.80 % during the forecast period. This type of meat comes from cattle and is favored for its advantageous nutritive value as well as tenderness and palatability. It has multiple subcategories, which include; Prime, choice, and Select, all of which are sorted depending on the marbling and its age. Some of the top severs include Rib-eye, tenderloins, and briskets with their own differences in texture and taste. Tenderness and juiciness are examples of qualities that may well differ greatly depending on which cut of meat and even how it was prepared for consumption. Beef is a cut with a broad variety of applications, from steaks and roasts, right through to ground beef for burgers and casserole dishes amongst a plethora of other uses making it a form of quality steak for consumption all over the world. Recent developments include: January 2024 – Greater Omaha Packing Inc. announced the acquisition of Heartland Proteins, solidifying its commitment to meeting the increasing demand for bovine-originated products. This strategic move significantly expands Greater Omaha’s capabilities, allowing the company to serve a broader customer base better., September 2022 – American Foods Group, LLC (AFG) opened a new state-of-the-art beef processing facility in Warren County, Missouri. This major development will benefit Missouri's agricultural producers and consumers in getting products easily, with USD 94 billion contributing to its economy annually., November 2021 – AFG invested in a new beef processing facility to advance processing capacity and organically expand its portfolio to align with its growth strategy. As per the company, once fully operational, the facility should process around 2,400 cattle per day. The effort to bring the new AFG facility to Missouri has also included the Missouri Departments of Agriculture and Economic Development, Greater St. Louis, Inc., and the Missouri Partnership., August 2020 – Agri Beef Co. partnered with producers in the Jerome, Idaho area to build a new processing facility known as True West Beef. The partnership aims to provide processing solutions to companies affected by COVID-19 pandemic-induced disruptions., June 2020 – Harris Ranch Beef delivered premium USDA Choice steaks and ground beef. The company launched an online store that features its most popular hand-cut steaks, ground beef, and other unique selections. This online store helped the company increase its sales in the U.S. market.. Key drivers for this market are: Increasing Per Capita Spending on Beef Products in the U.S. to Drive the Market Growth. Potential restraints include: Escalating Inclination of Consumers Towards Plant-based Protein May Hinder the Market Growth. Notable trends are: Increasing Involvement of Consumers in E-commerce to Support the Market Growth .

Forecast: Beef and Veal Meat Human Domestic Consumption in the US 2024 - 2028 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

This statistic shows the consumption of meat snacks and beef jerky in the United States from 2011 to 2020 and a forecast thereof until 2024. The data has been calculated by Statista based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS). According to this statistic, 128.73 million Americans consumed meat snacks and beef jerky in 2020. This figure is projected to increase to 132.58 million in 2024.

Learn about the expected growth in the United States beef market over the next decade, driven by increasing demand for cattle meat. Market performance is projected to gradually increase in both volume and value terms, with a forecasted CAGR of +0.0% for volume and +0.2% for value from 2024 to 2035.

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US Beef Market Size 2025-2029

The US beef market size is forecast to increase by USD 9.1 billion at a CAGR of 3.5% between 2024 and 2029.

The US beef market is experiencing significant growth due to rising consumer preferences and demand for protein-rich foods, particularly beef. However, this market faces challenges in areas such as beef preservation and sustainability. Innovations like cell culture technology and plant-based meat alternatives, made from wheat gluten and other plant-based proteins, are gaining popularity among health-conscious consumers, especially those with type 2 diabetes. 
Logistics and dining out continue to be major areas of focus, with the need for efficient supply chain management and food safety regulations. Overall, the beef market In the US is undergoing significant changes, driven by consumer preferences, technological innovations, and sustainability concerns.

What will be the Size of the US Beef Market During the Forecast Period?

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The US beef market, a significant segment of the animal-sourced protein industry, continues to exhibit robust growth In the food sector. With increasing health consciousness among consumers, beef's nutrient-dense profile, including high protein value, essential nutrients, and relatively lower calorie content compared to other meats, positions it as a preferred choice for many. The market's sizeable consumer base includes cafes and eateries catering to middle-class populations and the working population, who seek convenient food options. Beef's versatility, with offerings ranging from steaks and ground cuts to burgers and rolls, appeals to diverse dietary preferences. The industry's focus on sustainable practices and the use of feed materials ensures a steady supply of high-quality beef.
However, the rise of plant-based proteins and changing dietary habits, particularly among younger generations, may impact the market's growth trajectory. The beef industry remains a vital contributor to the food sector, offering a rich source of essential nutrients for consumers.

How is this US Beef Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The beef in US industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Type

  Loin
  Brisket
  Shank
  Others


Product

  Fresh beef
  Processed beef


Geography

  US

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The US beef market caters to the demand for animal sourced protein In the food sector, with beef being a preferred choice due to its high nutritional value, particularly in terms of protein, iron, and zinc. Middle class consumers and the working population prioritize beef for its taste and health benefits, leading to its popularity in cafes and eateries. Convenience foods, such as steaks, ground cuts, burgers, rolls, and roasts, are widely consumed due to their ease of preparation and long shelf life. companies In the beef industry focus on sustainability, offering premium and organic beef, as well as sustainable farming practices and traceability.

Food safety and nutritional content are key concerns, with an increasing emphasis on disease resistance and meat quality through genetic engineering and sustainable practices. The market includes various cuts, such as brisket, shank, and loin, and cater to diverse consumer preferences, including Kosher and Halal requirements. Distribution channels include meat processing facilities, retail outlets, and online channels, with branded products and premiumization trends driving growth. Research organizations and industry reports highlight the importance of sustainable farming practices, environmental impact, and consumer preferences in shaping the future of the beef market. The market is expected to grow, driven by increasing health consciousness and dietary preferences, as well as the availability of plant-based protein alternatives, such as soy, peas, and wheat gluten, and lab-grown meat.

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The Offline segment was valued at USD 38.00 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Market Dynamics

Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.

What are the key market drivers leading to the rise In the adoption of Beef in US Industry?

Rising consumer preferences and demand for beef is the key driver of the market.The US beef market is experiencing significant chan

This study evaluates Mexican consumers' perceptions of the potential connection between COVID-19 transmission and food consumption and assesses changes in consumers' preferences for beef product attributes before and during the pandemic. Data for the study was collected through two online surveys of 2,020 Mexican consumers: 1,000 observations were collected before the pandemic (Dec 2019) and 1,020 during the pandemic (Dec 2020). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and linear regression.
Originality/value - Several institutions collect and report data on quantities and prices of food products and consumers’ income, data on consumers’ perceptions of food quality attributes are not readily available. This study focused on consumer concerns and perceptions regarding COVID-19 and meat consumption. Keywords Preferences, Perception, COVID-19, Beef Resources in this dataset:Resource Title: Dataset Mexican Beef Preferences. File Name: Mexico_dataset.xlsxResource Description: Dataset_1: The first round of surveys (Dec 2019) Dataset_2: The second round of surveys (Dec 2020)Resource Software Recommended: Microsoft Excel ,url: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/excel

This product provides information on the per capita consumption of meats (beef, veal, mutton/lamb, pork and poultry) in Canada and United States for a thirty-year period. Trend of Beef and Poultry consumption comparison is included.

Forecast: Veal and Beef Consumption at Farm Gate in the US 2022 - 2026 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Per capita beef consumption represents the total retail weight of beef available for consumption per person per year. Data is sourced from the US Department of Agriculture.

Ground Beef Market Outlook 2032

The global ground beef market size was USD 69.4 Billion in 2023 and is likely to reach USD 81.9 Billion by 2032, expanding at a CAGR of 2.4% during 2024–2032. The market growth is attributed to the increasing demand for meat-based protein and fast food.



Rising consumption of meat worldwide is a major factor fueling the market. Increasing awareness among the public regarding the health benefits of beef consumption propels its demand. This surge in demand creates lucrative opportunities for the market players to expand their businesses.

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  According to a recent report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global meat production was estimated to be 360 million tons in 2022, with a 1.2% growth from 2021.

  
  
  
  
  

The production of meat is expected to increase during the forecast period, and is likely to reduce due to the growing producer margins in input costs, animal fertilizers, and energy. However, the consumption of meat is steadily growing in several places of the world. For instance,

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  According to a recent report published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the bovine meat output in 2022 was approximately 70.5 million tons, with a rise of 1.2% from the year prior.

  
  
  

  The culinary world has long embraced the rich and savory flavors of Beef Gravy, a staple that complements a variety of dishes. As the ground beef market continues to expand, the demand for quality beef products like Beef Gravy is also on the rise. This delicious accompaniment not only enhan