Beef consumption in the United States reached a new high in 2021, when ** billion pounds were consumed. This is an increase in consumption of about *** 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 exceeded **** million metric tons. To keep up with the production demand, the U.S. was home to about ** 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. ** 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 ***** million kilograms.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

The food demands of the United States (US) impart significant environmental pressures. The high rate of consumption of beef has been shown to be the largest driver of food-borne greenhouse gas emissions, water use and land occupation in the US diet. The environmental benefits of substituting animal products with vegetal foods are well documented, but significant psychological barriers persist in reducing meat consumption. Here we use life cycle assessment to appraise the environmental performance of a novel vegetal protein source in the mean US diet where it replaces ground beef, and in vegetarian and vegan diets where it substitutes for legumes, tofu and other protein sources. We find that relative to the mean US diet, vegetarian and vegan diets significantly reduce per-capita food-borne greenhouse gas emission (32% and 67%, respectively), blue water use (70% and 75%, respectively) and land occupation (70% and 79%, respectively), primarily in the form of rangeland. The substitution of 10%, 25% and 50% of ground beef with plant-based burger (PBB) at the national scale results in substantial reductions in annual US dietary greenhouse gas emissions (4.55–45.42 Mt CO2 equivalents), water consumption (1.30–12.00 km3) and land occupation (22300–190100 km2). Despite PBB’s elevated environmental pressures compared to other vegetal protein sources, we demonstrate that minimal risk exists for the disservices of PBB substitution in non-meat diets to outweigh the benefits of ground-beef substitution in the omnivorous American diet. Demand for plant-based oils in PBB production has the potential to increase land use pressures in biodiversity hotspots, though these could be obviated through responsible land stewardship. Although the apparent environmental benefits of the PBB are contingent on actual uptake of the product, this study demonstrates the potential for non-traditional protein substitutes to play a role in a transition towards more sustainable consumption regimes in the US and potentially abroad.

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.

United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Total Red Meat data was reported at 109.949 lb in 2034. This records an increase from the previous number of 109.867 lb for 2033. United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Total Red Meat data is updated yearly, averaging 109.867 lb from Dec 2022 (Median) to 2034, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 111.600 lb in 2022 and a record low of 106.804 lb in 2027. United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Total Red Meat 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.

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

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.

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 changes du

Purpose: The need to assess the sustainability attributes of the United States beef industry is underscored by its importance to food security locally and globally. A life cycle assessment (LCA) of the US beef value chain was conducted to develop baseline information on the environmental impacts of the industry including metrics of the cradle-to-farm gate (feed production, cow-calf, and feedlot operations) and post-farm gate (packing, case-ready, retail, restaurant, and consumer) segments. Methods: Cattle production (cradle-to-farm gate) data were obtained using the integrated farm system model (IFSM) supported with production data from the Roman L. Hruska US Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC). Primary data for the packing and case-ready phases were obtained from packers that jointly processed nearly 60% of US beef while retail and restaurant primary data represented 8 and 6%, respectively, of each sector. Consumer data were obtained from public databases and literature. The functional unit or consumer benefit (CB) was 1 kg of consumed, boneless, edible beef. The relative environmental impacts of processes along the full beef value chain were assessed using a third party validated BASF Corporation Eco-Efficiency Analysis methodology. Results and discussion: Value chain LCA results indicated that the feed and cattle production phases were the largest contributors to most environmental impact categories. Impact metrics included water emissions (7005 L diluted water eq/CB), cumulative energy demand (1110 MJ/CB), and land use (47.4 m2a eq/CB). Air emissions were acidification potential (726 g SO2 eq/CB), photochemical ozone creation potential (146.5 g C2H4 eq/CB), global warming potential (48.4 kg CO2 eq/CB), and ozone depletion potential (1686 μg CFC11 eq/CB). The remaining metrics calculated were abiotic depletion potential (10.3 mg Ag eq/CB), consumptive water use (2558 L eq/CB), and solid waste (369 g municipal waste eq/CB). Of the relative points adding up to 1 for each impact category, the feed phase contributed 0.93 to the human toxicity potential. Conclusions: This LCA is the first of its kind for beef and has been third party verified in accordance with ISO 14040:2006a and 14044:2006b and 14045:2012 standards. An expanded nationwide study of beef cattle production is now being performed with region-specific cattle production data aimed at identifying region-level benchmarks and opportunities for further improvement in US beef sustainability. Resources in this dataset:Resource Title: Electronic Supplementary Material ESM 1 - Tables S1 to S11 (docx). File Name: Web Page, url: https://static-content.springer.com/esm/art:10.1007/s11367-018-1464-6/MediaObjects/11367_2018_1464_MOESM1_ESM.docx Direct download, docx. Table S1: Feed phase input data (resource use and emissions) from USMARC and IFSM simulations used in the U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment and sources of their life-cycle inventories (LCI). Table S2: Cattle phase input data (resource use and emissions) from USMARC and IFSM simulations in the U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment and the sources of their respective life-cycle inventories (LCI). Table S3: Packing and case-ready phases input data (resource use and emissions) used in the U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment and the sources of their respective life-cycle inventories (LCI). Allocation factor of case-ready (i.e. % packaged at case ready) = 0.63. Table S4: Retail and consumer phases input data (resource use and emissions) used in U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment and their respective life-cycle inventory (LCI) sources. Allocation factor for retail and consumer (i.e. at-home consumption portion of total consumption sold through retail) = 0.47. Table S5: Restaurant phase input data (resource use and emissions) used in U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment and their respective life-cycle inventory (LCI) sources. Allocation factor (i.e. restaurant fraction of total beef consumption) = 0.53. Table S6: Essential raw materials considered in the U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment and respective weighting factors used for the determination of their Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP). Table S7: Scoring system for toxic properties described by H-phrases for U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment (Landsiedel and Saling (2002) before our modification). Table S8: Land occupation and transformation weighting factors for U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment based on Ecosystem Damage Potentials (EDPs) from the Ecoinvent 2.2 life cycle inventory database (Frischknecht et al. 2005). Table S9: Air emissions and their respective weighting (equivalence) factors used in U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment. Table S10: Solid waste relative disposal costs used in U.S. beef life cycle impact assessment (Klein 2011). Table S11: Water emissions categories and their respective weighting factors based on regional regulatory limits used in the U.S. beef life cycle assessment.

The US beef cattle production industry is currently marked by tight supply conditions and elevated prices. Over recent years, persistent drought conditions have led to significant herd liquidation, with beef cow numbers falling to historic lows. This contraction has created a bottleneck in calf production and feeder cattle availability, sustaining high cattle prices. In tandem, elevated feed costs have pressured prices upwards and profit down, driving revenue as cattle producers seek to pass on costs and prevent further profit declines. As herd rebuilding has remained slow, cattle supplies have remained low and kept prices high even as feed, energy and other key agricultural input costs have declined from their highs in 2022. Industry revenue has grown at a CAGR of 6.0% during the current period to reach an estimated $95.9 billion after declining by 2.4% in 2025 as reduced consumption and supplies limit sales. Consumer preferences are shifting in the beef cattle production industry. There is an increasing awareness of environmental and health-related concerns associated with beef consumption. Consequently, many consumers are reducing their intake of conventional beef, turning instead towards more sustainable options and alternatives that are perceived as healthier or higher quality, such as grass-fed and organic beef. This shift has spurred growth in these segments as consumers look for transparency and ethical farming practices. Retailers and restaurants have responded accordingly by offering more options that align with these consumer preferences. However, these trends also pose challenges, especially for smaller producers who face significant costs associated with transitioning to sustainable practices or achieving certifications like organic or "sustainably raised." Though opportunities for growth will continue to present themselves, the outlook for the industry as a whole does not look as positive in the next five years. Poultry, pork and plant-based proteins will threaten beef demand as they appeal to health-conscious customers, particularly as cattle prices are elevated. Climate change will also continue to introduce environmental pressures, demanding resilience and adaptability from producers. Periods of stable weather could facilitate herd rebuilding, leading to increased cattle supplies and dropping prices, but continued climatic fluctuations and extreme weather events could reduce the consistency of production and increase revenue volatility. Advancements in technology, such as drones and wearable sensors, promise to help optimize cattle management, improving operational efficiencies and animal welfare. These innovations, however, require investment and broader accessibility through government support to ensure equitable adoption across the industry. Additionally, while global trade disruptions remain a concern due to disease outbreaks and geopolitical tensions, US producers will have opportunities in niche market segments to differentiate themselves, counterbalancing some of these pressures. Overall, revenue for cattle producers is forecast to decline through 2030 at a CAGR of 0.4% to $94.0 billion.

Forecast: Beef Meat Demand in the US 2023 - 2027 Discover more data with ReportLinker!

Current valuations of USD 43,625.2 million in 2025 are expected to surge to USD 70,386.9 million by 2035, supported by a projected 7.4% CAGR during the forecast period. Processed Beef USA market is thus on the upward path, fueled by this trend of people preferring convenient sources of protein content.

United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Red Meat & Poultry data was reported at 236.599 lb in 2034. This records an increase from the previous number of 235.694 lb for 2033. United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Red Meat & Poultry data is updated yearly, averaging 229.515 lb from Dec 2022 (Median) to 2034, with 13 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 236.599 lb in 2034 and a record low of 225.400 lb in 2023. United States Long Term Projections: Per Capita Meat Consumption: Red Meat & Poultry 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.

Analysis of Northern America's beef market, covering consumption, production, imports, and exports from 2013-2024 with forecasts to 2035. Key data includes market value, volume, growth rates, and country-level breakdowns for the US and Canada.