What The Power of Meat 2026 Reveals About Today’s Shopper

The 2026 Power of Meat report shows that despite financial pressure, U.S. shoppers continue to prioritize meat and poultry, driving record sales as consumers recalibrate purchasing behavior to balance value, quality and special occasion spending.

By: Steve Markenson, Vice President, Research & Insights, FMI

The meat department closed 2025 at a record $112 billion in sales, proving that even in a year of financial pressure, shoppers are not walking away from the category. According to the 2026 Power of Meat report, dollar sales rose 6.8 percent while pounds sold increased 2 percent year over year. Nearly all U.S. households purchased meat during the year and shoppers averaged more than 56 meat shopping trips annually. Rather than stepping away from the category, consumers adjusted how they buy it, reinforcing meat’s role as a cornerstone of the fresh department.

That recalibration in how consumers buy meat defines many of the report’s key insights. Meat and poultry remain protected in household budgets, with roughly two-thirds of shoppers saying the category is non-negotiable or important when making grocery tradeoffs. Consumers continue to balance value and quality, making deliberate choices across channels, pack sizes and cuts. Price per pound and total package price matter, but the research shows quality and appearance remain the leading purchase drivers, cited by nearly half of those surveyed. This balance has created a marketplace where everyday value and premium occasions coexist, rewarding retailers who execute clearly on both.

The data also highlights how growth comes from behavior, not just pricing. More households bought meat, shopped the category more often and spent more per trip. Beef accounted for most dollar growth while chicken continued to drive strong volume, underscoring meat’s broad appeal across proteins. At the same time, shoppers remain willing to spend more for specific occasions, with 95 percent reporting at least one reason to splurge on meat or poultry, most often tied to holidays, entertaining and special meals.

The full Power of Meat 2026 report reinforces a clear message for the industry. Value still matters, but quality remains a top purchase driver. Shoppers seek simplicity, transparency and solutions that fit busy lives without sacrificing taste or trust. Health perceptions continue to strengthen, with more than three-quarters of shoppers agreeing that meat and poultry are part of a healthy diet, a significant increase compared with earlier in the decade.

In a year defined by recalibration, the message for retailers is clear: deliver value, highlight quality and make it easier for shoppers to put meat at the center of the plate.

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