In 2025, meat sales soared to an impressive $112 billion, marking a 2% increase in volume. This growth is largely attributed to younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, who are shaping market trends. Their enthusiasm is highlighted in the latest Power of Meat report presented at the Annual Meat Conference by the Meat Institute and FMI—The Food Industry Association.
According to Circana, over 98% of American households buy meat. Interestingly, 45% of shoppers aim to prepare more meals that include meat or poultry. On average, meat features in 90% of the five dinners families cook at home each week.
Millennials and Gen Z are significant players in this market, accounting for 67% of the growth in meat sales. Gen Z shoppers are particularly keen, with 50% aiming to increase their meat consumption, while 57% of Millennials share this goal. Families with children also show strong interest, as 81% say kids influence meat purchases. In homes with teenagers, 72% report that teens specifically request meat and poultry over other protein sources, like shakes or bars.
Social media is another area where younger shoppers excel. Around 24% of Gen Z and Millennial shoppers use AI platforms for meal ideas, a sharp contrast to just 10% of Gen X and 4% of Boomers. This indicates a 650% increase in the overall use of AI tools by shoppers in two years, reflecting changing behaviors in meal planning.
The perception of meat in diets is also positive. A survey found that 77% of shoppers believe meat is integral to a healthy diet, a jump of over 20% since 2020. Interestingly, users of GLP-1 medications tend to consume more meat than those who don’t, indicating that health perspectives may be influencing purchasing habits.
Rick Stein, a vice president at FMI, noted that the meat department thrives because it meets consumer needs for protein, flexibility, and taste. Retailers that blend budget-friendly options with high-quality cuts can attract a wide range of shoppers.
Meat Institute CEO Julie Anna Potts emphasized the growing emphasis on smart food choices. This report highlights meat’s vital role in creating healthy, convenient, and affordable meals now and in the future.
The Power of Meat study was conducted by 210 Analytics on behalf of FMI and sponsored by CRYOVAC Brand Food Packaging, with sales data sourced from Circana for the year ending December 28, 2025.
For more insights on this topic and access to the full report, check out the Mass Market Retailers.
