Meat to Americans is more popular than Elvis Presley, Michael Jordan, and Taylor Swift put together. And there’s no end in sight for the meat industry. The “machine” spits it out like the ocean produces shells.
This article gives you the facts about meat consumption in the United States. No doubt, people need to eat. But I believe these numbers are shocking and should, at times, be embarrassing due to the gluttonous overkill the demand creates.
Total transparency: I’m a pescatarian. I eat fish but no other meat and have for almost 30 years (I’ve previously been a vegan and a vegetarian). Having said that, I’m approaching this with a wide-open mind and only want to share the truth with you.
So, let’s look at beef, pork, and poultry consumption to see how it all adds up.
Top 10 Eye-Opening Stats
- As per the USDA, Americans Were To Have Access to 226 Pounds of Red Meat and Poultry
- In 2024, Red Meat and Poultry Production in the US Reached 107.5 Billion Pounds
- In 2025, the Beef Consumption Per Capita in the US Was 56.1 Pounds
- Pork Consumption Per Capita in the US in 2024 was 58.4 Pounds
- In 2024, 101.3 Pounds of Broiler Chicken Were Consumed per Person in the US
- In 2019, Americans Consumed 19.2 Pounds of Fish and Shellfish Per Capita
- Argentina has the highest per capita meat consumption of beef and Pork
- There Are 2,886 Slaughterhouses in the US for Red Meat Production
- The Meat Wasted at the Highest Level in the US Is Turkey
- The Meat Industry Is Feeding More Than 326 Million People in the US
The Great Meat Debate
There’s just no substitute for meat. I’ve tried. Sure, there’s the odd really tasty veggie burger, but when it comes right down to it, nothing beats a good steak.
The North American Meat Institute talks about meat like this:
- It provides essential nutrients. (Proteins that contain 9 essential amino acids, iron, magnesium, zinc, B-vitamins, and more)
- It creates/sustains jobs. (The meat and poultry industry provides 0.6 million jobs.)
- It gives us the opportunity to help our neighbors. (In 2025, the top four export markets for U.S. beef were South Korea, Japan, Mexico, and Canada.)
But how much is too much? The decision is yours to decide whether to politely decline or gobble it up when someone passes the turkey. Now, let’s get into the meat of the matter.
Meat Consumption USA
According to the Latest USDA, based on Per Capita Retail Weight, U.S. citizens had access to 226 Pounds of Red Meat and Poultry in 2025. (USDA)
In 2025, the supply of red meat, chicken, and eggs is expected to increase, mainly because more chicken and pork will be available. To me, access has given rise to excess. The forecast is looking at an increase in 2026 as well.
The latest data shows that in 2025, each person in the U.S. is expected to have about 226 pounds of red meat and poultry, and around 22 dozen eggs available. By 2026, this is expected to increase slightly to 227 pounds of meat and 23 dozen eggs per person. (source)
The global population has grown quickly, especially in the second half of the 20th century. Because of this, total meat production has also increased rapidly.
In 2024, Red Meat and Poultry Production in the US Reached 107.5 Billion Pounds. (USDA)
In 2024, the USDA reported that the U.S. produced about 107.5 billion pounds of red meat and poultry. On average, each person had about 227.7 pounds of meat available to consume that year. Per capita consumption increased during the recent years. (source)
In 2020, during the pandemic, people stayed home, which likely caused more meal planning. Meat consumption is measured in thousand tonnes of carcass weight (except for poultry) and in kilograms of retail weight per capita.
In 2023, America ranked second-highest after Portugal in Meat Consumption. (Our World in Data)
In 2023, the total per capita meat available for consumption in the US was 144 kg, and in Portugal was 153 kg. So America came in second behind a place smaller than Texas that has that much meat consumption. I don’t think that’s something to be particularly proud of. (source)
Since 1961, the Total US Meat Consumption Has Increased by 40%. (Sentient Media)
In 2017, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported an interesting discovery. Americans are eating more meat than is recommended by national dietary guidelines.
Meat consumption per person in the U.S. increased from 23.1 kg in 1961 to about 122 kg in 2024. This is an increase of about 428%, meaning people today eat more than four times as much meat as they did in the early 1960s. (source)
The Meat Consumed by Females in the US Is One-Third Less Than That of Men. (Medium – Washington State University)
Data from the US suggests that women’s meat consumption is roughly one-third lower than that of men. Are we surprised by this? (source)
Meat Consumption per Capita by Type
Below is the detail of the most consumed/popular meats in the US:
- Broiler (103.1 pounds) – Chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl
- Beef (56.1 pounds) – Bulls, cows, calves
- Pork (51.4 pounds) – Piglets, 1.5 to 3 months old; the fattening pigs, for pork and bacon, 4 months to one year old; the older pigs, such as sows (female pigs) and boars (uncastrated male pigs).
- Turkeys (13.4 pounds)
- Lamb/mutton (1.2 pounds)
- Veal (0.13 pounds)
Poultry is noticeably ahead of all other meats. I think it makes sense since chicken is far and away the favorite meal choice. You’d get a better idea about its popularity after learning more about how many chickens are killed each year.
Beef Consumption in the US
According to 2024 Stats, Beef Consumption in the US was 59 Billion Pounds. (National Chicken Council)
This stat assesses the year 2024. By 2024, beef consumption per person in the United States had dropped to about 59 pounds, much lower than its peak in the mid-1970s. Even so, in 2024, about 58 pounds of beef per person was still used, showing that demand remained strong despite high prices. (source)
The Latest Stats of 2025 showed that the Beef Consumption Per Capita in the US was 56.1 Pounds. (IBIS World)
In 2025, beef consumption per person in the United States was expected to be about 56.1 pounds, which is a small decrease of 1.5% compared to the previous year.
The “steaks” are rising. How much is too much when this statistic affects the climate and the horrific way animals are treated in slaughterhouses?
The Veal Consumption Per Capita in the US was 0.13 in 2024. (Report Linker)
Veal consumption in the U.S. is expected to keep decreasing from 2024 to 2028. It is about 0.13 pounds per person in 2024 and is predicted to drop to 0.047 pounds by 2028. This shows a clear and steady decline since 2023. (source)
The Annual Beef Consumption Per Capita in 1976 Was the Highest, i.e., 94.1 Pounds. (National Chicken Council)
Beef consumption in the U.S. reached its highest point in 1976 and has been decreasing since then. It has now dropped by about one-third. Meanwhile, people are eating about twice as much chicken as before. (source)
After Argentina, the US Has the Highest Beef Consumption in the World. (World Population Review)
Argentina has the highest beef supply per person, with about 103 pounds per person per year. But the United States leads in total beef consumption, eating 21% of the world’s beef in 2020, even though its per-person supply was lower at 83.5 pounds.
In 2022, Americans ate about 38 kg of beef per person, while Argentinians ate around 46 kg. (source)
In 2025, 94.2 Million Cows Were Raised for Beef and Dairy. (USDA)
We might be hungry when we go for a burger, but are we going hungry? Although I believe that animals are sentient (they can feel emotions), I don’t believe that meat should never be eaten by anyone in the US…
There are nutrients in it that people need. We have great poverty and a lack of food for families, and sometimes people just want some ribs.
But when we’re killing millions of cows inhumanely, that’s another issue; something has to give. We’ve taken advantage of our food wealth.
As of July 2025, the U.S. had about 94.2 million cattle, including 28.7 million beef cows and 9.45 million dairy cows. Around 38.1 million cows were actively producing, down from about 41 million in 2019. (source)
You can also check which state produces the most beef in the United States.
In 1974, the average American ate about 117 pounds of beef per year, but consumption started dropping in the mid-1980s. (Sentient Media)
US beef consumption peaked at 117 pounds per person in 1974 but began dropping in the mid-1980s. Since 2008, that number has fallen below 90 pounds annually—a major decline in the American diet. (source)
Pork Consumption in the US
The Pork Consumption Per Capita in the US in 2024 was 58.4 Pounds. (USDA)
Pork is a popular meat choice in the US and is enjoyed in various forms, such as bacon, sausages, pork chops, and ham. The consumption of pork is influenced by factors like taste preferences, cultural traditions, and availability.
The pork consumption forecast for 2025 was estimated to be 51.4. The USDA projects it will gradually rise each year through 2032.
27.803 Billion Pounds of Pigs Were Slaughtered in the US in 2024. (USDA)
In 2024, total pork slaughter was 27.8 billion pounds. Federally inspected pork production in January 2025 was about 2.5 billion pounds, nearly 1% higher than the previous year. (source)
According to this statistic, 268.04 million Americans ate bacon in 2020. (Statista)
Statista, using U.S. Census data and the Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS), found that 268.04 million Americans ate bacon in 2020. This number is expected to rise by 2024. Keep in mind, this is only about bacon consumption. (source)
It was estimated that in 2025, 91.07 Billion Pounds of Pork Will Be Produced. (USDA)
The January 2025 wholesale pork price averaged $91.07 per carcass, up about 4.7% from a year earlier.
Poultry Consumption in the US
The Annual Poultry Consumption in the US Per Capita in 2024 was 116.5 Pounds. (National Chicken Council)
In 2024, the average American used about 116.5 pounds of poultry. The USDA expects this to rise slightly to 117.6 pounds per person in 2025. One of the reasons why poultry is so popular is that consumers are learning how much healthier it is than red meat.
13.4 Pounds of Turkeys Per Capita Were Consumed by Americans in 2025. (USDA)
Since 1970, turkey consumption per capita has almost doubled. Consumers have been educated on the nutritional value and have responded in kind. But the annual per capita consumption of turkeys has decreased from 15.4 pounds in 2021 to 13.4 pounds in 2025.
Chicken Consumption in the US
On average, each person ate 103.1 pounds of chicken in 2025. (Carlisle Technology)
Chicken is the most consumed meat in the US. Poultry has practically taken over the meat industry. In 2024, the U.S. produced 46.99 billion pounds of chicken. This is expected to grow by 1.6% to 47.76 billion pounds in 2025.
Since 1910, Chicken Consumption Has Increased by 540 Percent in the US. (USDA)
Numbers in 1910 were 10.1 pounds per capita and increased to 93.5 pounds in 2018. The consumption of poultry has more than tripled since 1961.
In 2024, 101.3 Pounds of Broiler Chicken Were Consumed per Person in the US. (USDA)
In 2024, Americans ate an average of 101.3 pounds of young chicken, making it the country’s most popular meat. This trend of rising consumption is expected to continue, with the average person projected to eat 103.1 pounds in 2025. The chicken industry is rapidly expanding.
Fish Consumption in the US
In 2025, US Citizens Consumed 15.7 Pounds of Seafood Per Capita (IBIS World)
In 2025, seafood consumption in the U.S. is expected to reach 15.7 pounds per person, a small 0.2% increase from the year before. However, this number is projected to dip slightly in 2026, returning to 15.6 pounds per person. (source)
Americans Consumed 6.3 Billion Pounds of Seafood in 2019. (NOAA)
Although in some religious practices, fish is not considered to be meat, according to science, fish is meat, so we’ll consider it as such. (source)
In 2019, Americans Consumed 19.2 Pounds of Fish and Shellfish Per Capita. (NOAA)
In 2018, there was only 0.2 pounds less consumption per capita. Apparently, Americans weren’t catching on to the benefits of eating fish. (source)
Commercial and recreational fisheries play an astronomical role in the US economy. In 2019, US commercial fishermen landed 9.3 billion pounds of seafood. It was valued at 5.5 billion dollars.
The FDA’s Dietary Guidelines Recommend People Eat Two 8 Oz Servings of Seafood Every Week. (FDA)
For a 2,000-calorie diet, it is recommended to eat at least 8 ounces of seafood each week, though children should eat less. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should aim for 8 to 12 ounces weekly, choosing varieties that are low in mercury. (source)
At least the government is aware of the benefits of fish. But they don’t always tell us the truth. Case in point:
NOAA Fisheries (government overwatch) states that when consumers buy fish caught and harvested in the US, they can know “…it has been caught or farmed responsibly.”
But not so fast…
There are marine mammals that have become extinct due to overfishing and waste runoff from fisheries, and more species are in danger of becoming so.
World Wildlife Fund also explains how commercial fishing waste and ocean pollution can change the reproduction and size of fish and how that affects the rest of the ocean.
What this means to consumers of meat/fish products is that since fish are being irresponsibly caught and processed, adopting a vegan diet is a responsible choice. It will produce less demand for fish.
Meat Consumption Trends
Chicken has the highest per capita meat consumption of beef and Pork. (Farm Doc Daily)
There has always been a shift in trends when it comes to consuming chicken, beef, and pork. But now, chicken has the highest per capita meat consumption.
In 2024, meat consumption per capita was 110.4 pounds, and total poultry was 116. In 1960, the total red meat was 133.0, and the total chicken was 34.2. Yes, they were that far apart.
In 1999, Beef Consumption in the US Was Higher Than Chicken and Pork. (Farm Doc Daily)
This stat clearly shows how much real estate the poultry industry has gained since then. Forecasters don’t see that changing any time soon.
Pork Consumption Has Remained Stable From 1999 to 2019. (Farm Doc Daily)
The stats were 52.5 pounds per capita in 1999 and, in 2019, 52.4 pounds. Americans eat 66.18 pounds of pork per capita annually. Chicken consumption increased: In 1999, 76.4 pounds per capita, and in 2019, 93.4 pounds per capita.
How Many Slaughterhouses Are in the US
According to Stats for 2023, There Are 2,886 Slaughterhouses in the US for the Production of Red Meat. (USDA)
Slaughterhouses are establishments where farmed animals (cows, pigs/hogs, and sheep) are taken to be killed and harvested, primarily for food. The existence of 2,886 slaughterhouses in the US underscores the scale of red meat production in the country.
I would be completely remiss without saying that, due to the high speed of slaughter that is necessary/demanded, animals are routinely abused.
As per the stats of 2025, the Poultry Slaughter Plants in the US under Federal Inspection are ~350. (Inside Animal AG)
This stat is for federally inspected institutions only. Federal inspectors oversee about 350 poultry slaughter plants, which handle more than 99% of all poultry.
There are approximately 1,000 livestock slaughter plants under federal inspection. Young chickens were slaughtered in 38 states. Young turkeys were slaughtered in 30 states. (source)
There Were 1,100 Federally Inspected Livestock Slaughter Plants in the US in 2025. (USDA)
Of these 1,100 plants, 911 slaughtered at least one cattle head. In the US, there were also 1,825 federally inspected poultry plants (slaughter and processing). Note: “Federally inspected” is key due to the fact that not all plants are inspected. (source)
Each Year, More Than Half of the Cattle Are Slaughtered by Dozens of Cattle Houses in the US. (Inside Animal AG)
Top livestock and poultry slaughtering states:
- Nebraska – Cattle
- Minnesota – Turkey
- Georgia – Broiler
- Iowa – Pigs
3,773 Plants in the US Process Red Meat, but They Don’t Slaughter. (Choices Magazine)
In Fiscal Year 2018, in the US, there were 2,979 federally inspected poultry slaughter and processing plants. There are at least 29 cuts of beef and 6 cuts of pork.
How Much Meat Is Wasted in the US
According to the USDA, almost 30–40% of Purchased Food Is Wasted in the US. (USDA)
The USDA’s revelation that nearly 30-40% of purchased food is wasted in the US is concerning, especially when considering meat products. We’re a wasteful, First World country. The train is moving at out-of-control speeds with a broken track ahead.
A 2013 Report on Meat Waste Depicted the Percentage of Beef Waste in the US As 23.5%. (Counting Animals)
This means that out of all the beef produced, almost a quarter of it goes to waste, which has implications for both economic and environmental sustainability. (source)
The Predicted Pork Waste Was 32.1%. (Counting Animals)
In 2020, there were around 51 pounds of pig consumption per capita. The forecast is that it will stay steady over the next several years.
The slaughter process for pigs is unbearable and inhumane at the highest level. Gestation metal crates/pens, just big enough to hold a pig’s body – 6 ½ feet long and 2 ½ feet wide – are used to confine sows, sometimes for months, in a holding pattern.
These crates are banned in some places in the world, but are still used in the US, although some states have passed legislation to increase their size.
The Estimated Chicken Waste Was 18.4%. (Counting Animals)
The “all meat” waste is 26.2%. By-products such as blood, liver, lung, kidney, brain, spleen, and tripe have good nutritional value but are largely left unprocessed due to low demand. By-products have even been fed to the animals themselves. There appears to be no conscience in the meat industry.
According to Oceana, 2 BILLION Pounds of Fish Are Wasted Each YEAR (Oceana)
2 billion pounds of fish is such a horrible number. The excess or unusable amount is used for pet food, fish meal, and oil. Fishermen discard around 20% of what is caught.
Bycatch is the catching of fish and ocean wildlife that isn’t what is being fished for. It is one of the biggest threats to the oceans and has contributed to the dramatic decline of fish populations around the world.
When I was a teenager, I went on a shrimp boat with my dad. After they had brought up one net, I noticed a stingray caught as a byproduct lying on the deck of the boat on its back. I couldn’t shield my eyes fast enough, and I saw his mouth gasping for air. I was sad. I was angry. The experience affects me even still.
(Note: I started crying quietly, and my father asked them to throw it back in. They did. What a win!)
The Meat Wasted at the Highest Level in the US Is Turkey, with an Estimated Percentage of 37.2%. (Counting Animals)
A 2013 study of USDA loss-adjusted food availability also reported beef waste was 23.5%, pork was 32.1%, and chicken was 18.4%. Our throw-away society must make major changes to help the climate and the animals.
The United States Meat Industry
From January to October 2025, commercial red meat production fell 3% from the previous year to 44.6 billion pounds. (USDA)
From January to October 2025, U.S. red meat production dropped 3% to 44.6 billion pounds. This follows a 1% increase in 2024, when total production hit 55 billion pounds.
Meanwhile, chicken production is on the rise: it reached 46.78 billion pounds in 2024 and is projected to hit 47.5 billion pounds in 2025. (source)
The Meat Industry Is Feeding More Than 326 Million People in the US. (Best Food Facts)
I stand by my comment that people in the US must eat. However, our agricultural/production services need a complete overhaul. The meat industry is winning, making billions of dollars yearly. We’re dying of heart attacks and more.
The WHO report on meat outlines the health risks associated with meat consumption. Cardiovascular disease (CDV), and more:
- Coronary artery disease – Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. Eating red meat daily triples heart disease-related chemicals.
- Hypertension – Red meat (and processed foods like hot dogs, sausage, and bacon) are high in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. This can lead to hypertension (high blood pressure).
- High LDL and total blood cholesterol – Red meat can raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is sticky and builds up in artery walls.
- Stroke – Results largely depend on the type of meat being consumed. A high intake of red and processed meats is related to an increase in stroke cases.
9 Billion Chickens Were Processed by the US Meat and Poultry Industry in 2017. (Meat Institute)
For the same year, also processed were:
- 2.2 million sheep and lambs
- 121 million hogs
This is utterly uncalled for and a tragedy to the animals and for human beings.
The Number of Cattle and Calves Processed in 2017 Was 32.2 Million. (Meat Institute)
In 2017, American meat companies produced:
- 26.3 billion pounds of beef
- 25.6 billion pounds of pork
- 80.2 million pounds of veal
- 150.2 million pounds of lamb and mutton
In 2017, 247.1 Million Turkeys Were Processed by the Meat and Poultry Industry in the US. (NAMI)
In 2017, the poultry industry processed:
- 5.9 billion pounds of turkey
- 42.2 billion pounds of chicken (source)
FAQ’s
Is Meat Consumption Increasing or Decreasing?
It depends on whom you ask. Proponents of the meat industry declare that meat consumption in all forms remains steady or is increasing. Whereas industries focused on introducing plant-based meals are saying that meat consumption is decreasing.
It’s probably somewhere in the middle. The Humane League says:
One study shows that meat consumption generally remains steady, with a slight decrease in per capita beef and turkey consumption but an increase in chicken consumption.
Name the Largest Slaughterhouse in the US.
The largest slaughterhouse in the world is a pig and pork producer – Smithfield Foods, Inc., which is based in Smithfield, VA, U.S. It was founded in 1936. The biggest beef slaughterhouse in the US is located in South Dakota. Tyson Foods is the owner, and they kill 7,000 head of cattle daily.
Why Do Americans Consume a Lot of Meat?
Meat consumption has been ingrained in us since we were able to chew solid foods. Also, it tastes good, and for that reason, Americans are gorging themselves with meat, not thinking of the devastation it’s causing to farm animals and to our planet.
What Will Happen if Meat Consumption Is Decreased?
- Air and water pollution would decrease. Animal agriculture is responsible for the global output of greenhouse gas emissions to the tune of 18.4%.
- Many millions, if not billions, of trees would be saved, which greatly helps climate warming. Deforestation is mainly caused by the agricultural industry. This means the clearing of pastures for animals to graze and clearing fields for access/production of the crops that feed them. We’re rapidly losing our tropical rainforests.
- We would have LOTS more fresh water. Almost 20% of all freshwater use in the world is caused by factory farms. That doesn’t include the water necessary to raise and slaughter animals.
- We would save so much wildlife and certainly farm animals. Animals have become extinct, and more are headed that way due to factory farming.
- We could save ocean life. Agricultural runoff – excrement – from fish farming travels into our oceans.
- We could improve our health. Factory farms spread viruses and zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can be transferred from animals to humans and vice versa.
- We would save human lives. Heart attacks and other ailments from clogged arteries caused by meat are rampant in our society.
- We would stop the abuse of and pain suffered by billions of farm animals. Animals are shot in the head, stunned but awake, and tortured in ways I can’t even write.
Why Is the Term ‘4 Pounds of Red Meat per Year’ Popular?
If each of us dedicated ourselves to eating only four pounds of red meat per year, climate change could be positively affected, and we would stop so much animal abuse from happening. All while still being able to eat meat.
Some Americans are coming around… One in four said they tried to cut back on meat in the last year, and 50% of them said environmental concerns were the major reason why.
How Much Meat Does the Average American Eat?
The USDA says that one American individual eats well over 200 pounds of meat, which includes poultry, per year.
Conclusion
I have never been one to catastrophize, but with this information, it’s hard not to. I’ve written articles that have made me angry, sad, frustrated, and worried, and this is one of them.
I’m in complete agreement that meat tastes great. I’m a (previous) lover of meatloaf and ham myself. But I see absolutely no reason for the production of so much of it and the sheer abuse of animals that happens in order to produce it.
But there’s more to protein than meat. Fish, soy products, beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and seeds all have protein.
It’s no longer a matter of preference; it’s a moral issue. Do you see the value in going meatless for one day a week or a month? The power is in your hands. What you put on your plate makes a difference to our world. It makes a difference to the animals.
As a pescatarian, I save the lives of animals directly and indirectly. I don’t want a medal for it; I only want people to see what’s really happening… the truth. It’s up to you to decide what to do with it.
