TOPEKA, Kan. — According to the 16th annual “Power of Meat” report released last week, Americans are buying more meat than ever, including beef. The national analysis, conducted by the food industry association FMI and the North American Meat Institute (NAMI), shows three out of every four Americans agree meat belongs in healthy, balanced diets, which is up by nearly 20% since 2020. In addition, 94% of consumers say they buy meat because it provides high-quality protein.
“Americans feel better than ever about choosing meat as part of healthy, balanced diets. With COVID-19 deepening demand for convenient, affordable food that tastes good and matches Americans’ values, meat fits the bill,” said NAMI President and CEO Julie Anna Potts.
Nearly all American households (98.4%) purchased meat in 2020, according to IRI data, and 43% of Americans now buy more meat than before the pandemic, primarily because they are preparing more meals at home. The proportion of meals prepared at home peaked at 89% in April 2020 and remained at 84% in December, IRI data indicates. The report shows this is considerably above pre-pandemic levels and particularly impacts millennials, who previously were most likely to eat out.
— Kansas Livestock Association
For more Kansas news, click here.