“Navigating Shifts in Meat Consumption: Health Concerns, Plant-Based Alternatives, and Consumer Trends”
Amid growing environmental and health concerns surrounding animal protein, meat producers have faced significant challenges in recent years. Yet, despite these issues, beef production and overall meat consumption continue to climb. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, last year, consumers consumed an average of 222.2 pounds of red meat and poultry each, translating to around 10 ounces of protein daily—well above the USDA’s recommended intake of 5 to 6.5 ounces for a healthy diet. The popularity of diets like the paleo diet, which emphasizes high protein intake, may have fueled consumer demand and kept meat sales thriving.
Nevertheless, numerous scientific studies have linked meat consumption to various health problems. While individual studies may be dismissed, the accumulation of findings could catch consumers’ attention, potentially steering them towards more plant-based alternatives. The shift towards plant-based options is undeniable, and companies are taking notice. The Good Food Institute, dedicated to promoting the growth of plant- and cell-based products, estimates that over $16 billion has been invested in alternative meat companies in the past decade—$13 billion of which was invested in 2017 and 2018 alone. The remarkable success of startups like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods has prompted major consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies to enter the market. Firms such as Tyson, Perdue Farms, and Nestlé are eager to capture a share of this burgeoning segment.
To appeal to meat lovers transitioning to plant-based diets, brands like Hormel’s Applegate and Tyson’s new Raised & Rooted are offering hybrid products that blend meat with plant protein. While these hybrid burgers may not represent the future of meat consumption, there remains hope for the meat industry overall. Options such as grass-fed and free-range meat are gaining popularity among consumers seeking responsible eating choices while still wanting to savor traditional meat. Retail sales of fresh grass-fed beef surged from just $17 million in 2012 to $272 million in 2016. According to the recent “Power of Meat” report from the Food Marketing Institute and North American Meat Institute, 54% of consumers expressed a desire for more grass-fed products in retail outlets.
Interestingly, as consumers shift their dietary preferences, they may also be interested in supplements that support overall health, such as calcium citrate malate, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D3 tablets. These supplements can play a role in a balanced diet, especially for those who might be reducing their meat intake while still seeking nutritional benefits. As the meat industry navigates these changes, the integration of health-focused products will likely become increasingly relevant.
