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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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Beef Market Size 2024-2028

The beef market size is forecast to increase by USD 35.4 million at a CAGR of 3.2% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for protein rich food products. Consumers' preference for high-quality, safe, and sustainable beef is driving market growth. Additionally, the adoption of advanced technologies, such as automation and traceability systems, is revolutionizing beef processing and production. However, stringent government regulations, including food safety standards and animal welfare laws, pose challenges to market players. Cattle prices and disease resistance impact meat quality. Online retail and red meat consumption continue to grow, with retail sales dominating the HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Café) sector and butcher shops catering to authentic dishes. These regulations require beef producers to adhere to strict production and processing methods, increasing operational costs. Overall, the market is expected to witness steady growth In the coming years, with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

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

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The market In the US is experiencing significant growth driven by increasing demand for animal-sourced protein, particularly beef, due to its high nutritional value as a rich source of essential amino acids and iron. Health consciousness and various dietary patterns, including low-carb and high-protein diets, have fueled this trend. Beef-based products and multi-cuisine foods, including ready-to-eat meat items, are gaining popularity in both foodservice and retail distribution channels. The meat distribution network is adapting to these trends by offering a diverse range of beef products catering to various dietary preferences, such as antibiotic-free, grass-fed organic, and natural labels. Labeling regulations play a crucial role in consumer trust and transparency.
The market landscape is evolving with the emergence of alternative protein sources like plant-based proteins, insect proteins, and cultured meat. However, beef remains a significant player due to its rich taste and nutritional profile. Steaks and ground cuts continue to be staples in American households and restaurants. Overall, the market is expected to remain strong, driven by the growing demand for high-protein, convenient food options.

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

The beef industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Geography

  North America

    US


  APAC

    China
    India


  Europe

    Spain


  South America

    Brazil


  Middle East and Africa

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market encompasses the distribution of this animal-sourced protein through various channels, including foodservice, retail, and e-commerce. In the retail sector, major players such as Tesco, Walmart, and Target offer beef-based products, often emphasizing their commitment to food safety certifications and convenience. Supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialty stores, hard discount stores, and convenience stores serve as key offline retail outlets. companies utilize promotional strategies, such as branding and discounts, to attract consumers.
Ground beef, steaks, and other cuts like loin and brisket are popular choices. The market caters to diverse dietary preferences, including low-fat, high-protein, and vegetarian/vegan diets, with alternative proteins like plant-based, insect, cultured, and lab-grown meat emerging. The meat distribution network is crucial, ensuring hygiene and packaging standards are met. Beef production includes grass-fed cattle and high-quality goods, with labeling regulations mandating nutritional content disclosure.

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The offline segment was valued at USD 176.80 million in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 36% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period. The North American market is currently the largest market globally, driven by the significant demand for animal-sourced protein, particularly In the US. Consumers' increasing health consciousness and preference for high-protein, low-fat diets fuel this demand. Beef's versatility in multi-cuisi

The timeline shows the per capita consumption of red meat in the United States from 2017 to 2023, with a projection from 2024 until 2034. The consumption of red meat in the U.S. amounted to 109.5 pounds per capita in 2023.

The grass fed beef market is estimated to capture a valuation of US$ 12.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$ 20.4 billion by 2033. The market is estimated to secure a CAGR of 5% from 2023 to 2033.

Attribute	Details
Market CAGR (2023 to 2033)	5%
Market Valuation (2023)	US$ 12.4 billion
Market Valuation (2033)	US$ 20.4 billion

Country-wise Insights

Countries	Current Market Share 2023
The United States	29.5%
Germany	14.5%
Japan	2.3%
Australia	0.9%

Countries	Current Market CAGR 2023
China	5.7%
India	6.9%
United Kingdom	9.8%

Scope of Report

Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2023 to 2033
Historical Data Available for	2018 to 2022
Market Analysis	US$ billion for Value
Key Countries Covered	The United States, The United Kingdom, Japan, India, China, Australia, Germany
Key Segments Covered	Format Form End Use Distribution Channel Region
Key Companies Profiled	JBS Foods ® (Brand - Grass Run Farms) Tyson Foods Australian Agricultural Company Limited Hormel Foods Corporation Cargill, Inc. ANZCO Foods Conagra Brands, Inc. Creekstone Farms Premium Beef, LLC Sysco Corporation Others
Report Coverage	Market Forecast, Company Share Analysis, Competition Intelligence, DROT Analysis, Market Dynamics and Challenges, and Strategic Growth Initiatives
Customization & Pricing	Available upon Request

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.

North America Red Meat Market size was valued at USD 117.2 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 138.4 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 1.90 % from 2024 to 2031.

North America Red Meat Market Dynamics

The key market dynamics that are shaping the North America red meat market include:

Key Market Drivers
Increasing Per Capita Meat Consumption: The average American consumed around 224.8 pounds of red meat and poultry in 2022, with red meat accounting for approximately 110 pounds of this total, according to USDA Economic Research Service statistics. This is a growth over prior years, indicating robust consumer demand despite health and environmental concerns.

The revenue of the beef market in the U.S. amounted to $X in 2018, remaining constant against the previous year. Over the period under review, beef consumption continues to indicate a slight decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2014 when the market value increased by X% year-to-year. In that year, the beef market reached its peak level of $X. From 2015 to 2018, the growth of the beef market failed to regain its momentum.

The revenue of the beef market in United States Virgin Islands amounted to $X in 2018, standing approx. at the previous year. In general, beef consumption continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2008 with an increase of X% against the previous year. United States Virgin Islands beef consumption peaked at $X in 2011; however, from 2012 to 2018, consumption remained at a lower figure.

This statistic shows the per capita meat consumption worldwide in 2015 and also provides a forecast for 2030, by type. The per capita consumption of poultry was projected to reach 17.2 kilograms in 2030.

Meat consumption - additional information

Meat has been a dietary staple for several millennia. Early hunter-gatherers had hunted large animals for sustenance. Sheep and goats were one of the first animals which had been domesticated as a food source. The domestication of both animals had become typical of nomadic pastoralists. Cattle and pigs had been domesticated somewhat later, as communities converted to more sedentary lifestyles. Meat, which is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, can become part of a healthy and balanced diet. However, some meats contain high amounts of saturated fat, which can increase blood cholesterol levels. Pork was the most popular meat product in 2015, with a global per capita consumption of 15.3 kilograms. Poultry was the second most widely consumed meat product that year, followed by beef. The per capita consumption of poultry worldwide amounted to 13.8 kilograms, while beef consumption was 10.1 kilograms. Nonetheless, the per capita consumption of poultry and beef were forecasted to surpass pork consumption by 2030. In 2013, the net production of pork worldwide exceeded 113 million metric tons. China accounted for more than half of the total pork production that year. The United States was the second leading pork-producing country, generating over 10.5 million metric tons of pork. Furthermore, more than 310 million metric tons of meat was produced during that period.