The report also shows that meat purchases by volume did not drop significantly (down 2.5% from 2021 volume) even with rising food and beverage prices over the last year applying pressure to consumers’ budgets. Instead of bypassing meat entirely, many consumers adjusted, with 76% of consumers altering the amount, type, cut and/or brand of meat purchased, or changing where they shopped for meat. Forty-two percent focused on buying only the amount of meat needed, 35% looked for coupons and another 35% stocked up on meat when it was on sale.
However, of the 33% of Americans who are looking to eat less meat or chicken, approximately half cited cost as the primary reason (up from 16% in 2020).
According to the report, product quality and appearance still drive meat purchase decisions above all other factors, followed by price per pound and total package price.
The Power of Meat study was conducted by 210 Analytics on behalf of FMI — The Food Industry Association and the Meat Institute’s Foundation for Meat and Poultry Research and Education.
