Record Meat Sales Highlight Trends Among Younger Generations

According to the latest Power of Meat report, meat sales surged to a record $112 billion in 2025, reflecting a 2% increase in pound volume. Released on March 2 during the Annual Meat Conference, this 21st annual report by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association indicates a robust demand for meat products across American households.

Millennials and Gen Z Driving Growth

Millennials and Gen Z are significant contributors to this growth, representing 67% of unit sales increases. The report, conducted by 210 Analytics, reveals that more than 98% of American households buy meat. Notably, 45% of shoppers are now making an effort to include more meat and poultry in their meals.

On average, families prepare five home-cooked dinners each week, with a staggering 90% featuring some form of meat or poultry. This trend emphasizes the central role of protein in the modern American diet.

Influence of Young Consumers

In households with children, 81% acknowledge that kids influence meat and poultry buying decisions. Particularly, 72% of shoppers with teenagers report that their kids request meat and poultry over other protein alternatives, such as bars and shakes.

Additionally, younger generations are more inclined to seek meal inspiration through social media and artificial intelligence tools, with 24% of Gen Z and Millennials utilizing AI for culinary ideas. This marks a significant rise compared to just 10% of Gen X and 4% of Baby Boomers, illustrating a 650% increase in overall AI tool usage among shoppers in the past two years.

Improved Health and Nutrition Perceptions

Consumer perceptions regarding health and nutrition have also shifted positively towards meat and poultry. Currently, 77% of shoppers agree that these products are part of a healthy diet, which shows a more than 20% increase since 2020. Notably, users of GLP-1 medication consume significantly more meat compared to those who do not use it.

Rick Stein, VP of Fresh Foods at FMI, noted, “The meat department is outperforming because it delivers what shoppers want right now: protein, flexibility, value, and taste.” He emphasizes that retailers who cater to both budget-conscious and experience-driven shoppers will be in the best position for success.

Focus on Smart Food Choices

Julie Anna Potts, President and CEO of the Meat Institute, states, “Americans are more focused on making smart food choices than ever before. This report reinforces meat’s irreplaceable role at the center of healthy, convenient, and affordable meals today and for generations to come.”

The findings of the Power of Meat study were supported by CRYOVAC Brand Food Packaging, with sales and purchase dynamics data collected by Circana for the 52 weeks ending December 28.

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