Half of U. S. consumers under the age of 50 have already tried plant-based meat products. It may sound like good news for animals and the environment, but it only makes a small dent in the billion-dollar market for canned meat. People in the U. S. are still eating more meat than ever even if the type of meat has changed over the years. Sometimes people think of burgers and hot dogs when they think of big holidays in the United States, but chicken has become the most popular type of meat.
Beef has long been a dietary staple in the traditional American diet. From hamburgers to steak beef dishes hold an iconic status at backyard barbecues and dinner tables across the nation. But with growing concerns over health environmental impact, and animal welfare, some are scaling back on their beef intake or eliminating it altogether. So just how much beef is the average American consuming per year in this climate of changing attitudes? Let’s crunch the numbers.
Total U.S. Beef Consumption: Billions of Pounds
According to statistics from the USDA, total annual beef consumption in the United States currently sits around 27 billion pounds. This number includes beef products eaten at home as well as in restaurants and other dining establishments.
To put 27 billion pounds into perspective that’s enough beef to make over 45 billion quarter-pound hamburgers – that comes out to about 138 burgers for every single person in America!
Total U.S. beef consumption has risen steadily over the last two decades. Back in 2000, Americans ate around 24 billion pounds of beef. By 2010, that number was up to 26 billion pounds annually. Current consumption remains on an upward trajectory, reaching record highs.
Breaking It Down By Person: Per Capita Consumption
Looking at beef consumption per individual reveals how much the average American eats in a year. According to recent data, annual per capita beef consumption is approximately:
- 81 pounds per person when accounting for boneless, trimmed beef
- 57 pounds per person for retail cuts of beef
That equates to each American eating nearly one pound of retail beef cuts per week on average. Among age groups, adult men tend to consume the most beef per capita at 67 pounds per year.
To satisfy America’s demand for 57 pounds of retail beef per person annually, the U.S. beef industry must produce around 27 billion total pounds each year. Of course, some individuals eat far more or less than the national average.
How Does U.S. Beef Consumption Compare Globally?
Compared to global rates, Americans consume beef at one of highest per capita rates in the world. For example, global per capita beef consumption is less than half of the U.S. rate at around 24 pounds per person per year.
Some of the countries with the highest annual beef consumption per capita include Uruguay (124 lbs), Argentina (101 lbs), Brazil (79 lbs), Australia (75 lbs) and the United States (57 lbs). The worldwide average is skewed lower by many regions like India where religious beliefs limit beef consumption.
Changes on the Horizon?
While beef remains ingrained in American food culture, shifting attitudes among younger generations could allow poultry, pork and meat alternatives to bite into beef’s dominant market share.
Surveys show millennials and Gen Z consumers are more likely to identify as “flexitarian” or vegetarian compared to their parents. Health and sustainability concerns are driving reduced red meat consumption among these groups.
Additionally, the growing plant-based meat market provides more options for consumers seeking to limit beef intake. It will be interesting to see how these factors impact per capita beef consumption stats in future years. For now, the average American is still chowing down on nearly 60 pounds of beef every year!
Frequently Asked Questions About Per Capita U.S. Beef Consumption
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How much beef does the average American eat per day?
Based on consuming around 57 pounds of beef per year, the average American eats approximately 0.16 pounds or 2.5 ounces of beef per day. This is equivalent to about one small hamburger patty.
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What are the current trends in U.S. beef consumption?
Total beef consumption has been increasing over the past two decades, reaching around 27 billion pounds in recent years. However, per capita consumption has declined slightly from its peak in the 1970s and 80s.
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Who eats the most beef in the U.S.?
Adult men tend to consume the most beef per capita at 67 pounds per year. Women eat around 47 pounds of beef per year on average. Older generations also tend to eat more beef than younger consumers.
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How does U.S. beef consumption compare to the rest of the world?
The U.S. consumes beef at one of the highest rates globally, about 57 pounds per capita. That’s more than double the worldwide average per capita beef consumption of around 24 pounds.
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What factors may impact beef consumption in the future?
Consumer concerns over health, environmental issues, and animal welfare along with more plant-based options may reduce beef demand, especially among younger generations. But beef still remains deeply entrenched in American food culture.
What Is the Most-Consumed Meat in the U.S.?
People are eating an increasing number of chickens around the world, a trend that has already led to poultry topping charts as the most-consumed meat. The United States is no exception, and is even leading the charge. Chicken overtook beef as the country’s favorite meat in the 1990s. Now, U.S.-style factory farms — and the many problems associated with them — are spreading to countries around the world.
From a farmer’s perspective, chickens are ideal because they grow so quickly. One factory farm can raise millions of chickens annually. Meanwhile, consumers view eating chicken as at least better for the environment than beef, while also less costly.
Average Meat Consumption Per Person, Per Day
The average person in the United States eats 347.36 g of meat every single day. However, there are some variations, with men eating more meat on average than women.
How much red meat should you eat? | SSM Health
FAQ
How much lb of beef does the average American eat each year?
How much beef does a family of 4 eat per year?
What does the average person spend on beef in the US annually?
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Household budget: Food at home
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Average annual amount
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Beef
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219
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Poultry
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170
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Pork
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170
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Other bakery products
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165
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How many cows does one person eat a year?
How much beef do Americans eat a year?
According to the USDA, Americans consume an average of about 57 pounds of beef per person per year. This is based on the most recent available data, which is from 2019. Beef consumption in the United States has fluctuated over the years, with a peak of 91.9 pounds per person in 1976, and a low of 54.8 pounds per person in 2009.
How much meat does a family of 4 eat a year?
A family of four will need 892 pounds of meat for a year, on average, consisting of 232 pounds of beef, 209 pounds of pork, 385 pounds of chicken and 64 pounds of turkey. Average meat consumption for Americans, per capita, in 2019. Data from National Chicken Council, linked below.
How much meat do Americans eat per capita?
The stats were 68 pounds per capita in 1999 and, in 2019, 67 pounds. Americans eat 66.18 pounds of pork per capita annually. Chicken consumption increased: In 1999 – 89 pounds per capita, and in 2019 – 112 pounds per capita. According to Stats for 2023, There Are 2,886 Slaughterhouses in the US for the Production of Red Meat.
How much meat should you eat a day?
However, excessive consumption of beef and red meat has been associated with an increased risk of colon cancer, heart disease and strokes. According to the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, we should aim to not eat more than 4 ounces of meat, poultry or eggs per day as part of a 2,200-calorie diet.