U.S. meat consumption decliningU.S. meat consumption declining

U.S. meat consumption climbed steadily from the early 1900s until just a few years ago, when the recession and mounting concerns about the health ramifications of meat—especially red varieties—compelled shoppers to seek more economical and nutritious alternatives. While Americans are eating meat less and choosing leaner cuts, they’re still buying much more than consumers worldwide. Here’s the skinny.

$85 billion: Retail sales of meat and poultry products in 2012, up from
$73 billion in 2008.

$98.3 billion: Meat and poultry products retail sales projection for 2017.

$450 million: Retail sales of meat and poultry alternatives in 2012.

2007: Year total U.S. meat consumption peaked, hitting 55 billion pounds.

270.7: Pounds of meat Americans eat per capita, second only to Luxembourg at 301.4 pounds.

80%: Americans who eat at least some red meat.