Chicken Consumption In The Us: Pounds Eaten

Chicken consumption in the United States has been on the rise since the 1940s, and it overtook pork in 1996 and beef in 2010 to become the country's most consumed meat. In 2022, the per capita consumption of broiler chicken in the US was about 98.9 pounds, and this figure is projected to increase to 107.5 pounds by 2033. This is a significant increase from the per capita consumption of 50 pounds of chicken in 1970. Overall, Americans consume 8 billion chickens annually, and chicken makes up the largest portion of meat consumption in the country.

Chicken consumption in the US has doubled since 1970

Chicken consumption in the US has witnessed a significant surge since 1970, with Americans currently consuming twice as much chicken as they did during that period. This trend has propelled poultry to the top of the charts as the most-consumed meat in the country.

In 1970, the average American consumed around 50 pounds of chicken per year. However, this figure has more than doubled, with the average person now eating over 100 pounds of chicken annually. This increase in chicken consumption has contributed to a notable shift in the meat industry. Chicken overtook beef as the country's favorite meat in the 1990s, and its dominance has persisted.

Several factors have contributed to the rising popularity of chicken in the US. Firstly, chicken is perceived as a more environmentally friendly option compared to beef. Intensive chicken farming produces fewer greenhouse gases than intensive beef farming, making it a relatively more sustainable choice for consumers concerned about their environmental impact. Additionally, chicken is generally less costly than beef, making it a more economical choice for consumers.

The expansion of the chicken industry in the US has been rapid to meet the growing demand. Factory farms have become prevalent, with one farm capable of raising millions of chickens annually. These farms contribute to various environmental and animal welfare concerns, including crowded and ammonia-filled indoor spaces for chickens, as well as intense breeding practices that compromise their health and well-being.

While chicken consumption has soared, it's important to consider the implications for public health and the environment. The overconsumption of meat, including chicken, can lead to increased risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Additionally, the intensive farming practices used to meet the high demand for chicken contribute to environmental degradation and animal suffering. As a result, there has been a growing interest in plant-based alternatives, with consumers exploring more sustainable and ethical options.

Chicken is the most consumed meat in the US

In 2021, 68.1 pounds of chicken per person were available for human consumption in the US (on a boneless, edible basis), compared to 56.2 pounds of beef. Chicken overtook pork in 1996 and surpassed beef in 2010 to become the most available meat for US consumption. The rise in chicken consumption can be attributed to several factors, including its lower cost compared to other meats and its perception as being better for the environment. Chicken is also in high demand due to its versatility and the growing popularity of ready-to-eat and convenience foods.

The US chicken industry is rapidly expanding to meet the growing demand for chicken among American consumers. The overall value of all chickens in America was over $1.5 billion in 2019, with an individual chicken worth $3.32. Americans purchase fresh meat about 27 times per year, compared to only 4.3 times for fresh seafood. A 2018 survey found that nearly half of Americans eat chicken a couple of times a week, while only 9% ate chicken daily.

Chicken's dominance in the US meat market has had significant impacts on the industry and consumer behavior. It has led to the spread of US-style factory farms, which are often criticized for their negative environmental and animal welfare impacts. However, it is important to note that intensive chicken farming produces fewer greenhouse gases than intensive beef farming. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental impacts of their food choices, the demand for plant-based alternatives and more sustainable options may increase, potentially impacting the meat industry's dynamics in the future.

Chicken is viewed as better for the environment than beef

Chicken consumption in the US has been on the rise, with 68.1 pounds of chicken available per person for consumption in 2021, compared to 56.2 pounds of beef. In 2022, broiler chicken was the most consumed type of meat in the US, at about 98.9 pounds per capita. Chicken is viewed as a more environmentally friendly alternative to beef, and this perception has contributed to the shift in consumption patterns.

Beef production has a significant environmental impact. It requires grazing land, and forests are destroyed to create these spaces and to grow soy for cattle feed, resulting in substantial carbon emissions. Beef, especially factory-farmed beef, contributes more greenhouse gases per serving to the atmosphere than almost any other food, with methane constituting more than half of its climate impact. Methane is approximately 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in warming the Earth. As a result, reducing the consumption of factory-farmed beef is considered one of the most crucial steps developed countries can take to combat climate change.

In contrast, chicken is perceived as having a lower climate impact. It is argued that eating 100g of chicken is better for the climate than eating the same amount of beef. Chicken production does not require as much grazing land, and the feed conversion ratio for chickens is more efficient than that of cattle. However, the shift from beef to chicken consumption has not been without consequences for the environment.

The increasing demand for chicken has led to the expansion of the chicken industry, with a particular focus on factory farming. This form of chicken production has its own set of environmental and animal welfare concerns. Intensive factory farms provide chickens with processed, concentrated feed, which is primarily made from soy. The demand for soy as animal feed has driven the expansion of soy production in Brazil, leading to the conversion of forests and savannahs, such as the Cerrado, into vast soy bean plantations. This expansion threatens the biodiversity and water sources that these landscapes support.

While chicken may have a lower climate impact than beef on a per-serving basis, addressing climate change requires a holistic approach to our food systems. Simply replacing beef with factory-farmed chicken on a large scale is not a sustainable solution. To make a significant difference, most people need to reduce their overall consumption of meat, including chicken, and opt for better meat options.

Chicken is cheaper than beef

Chicken is the most consumed type of meat in the United States, with 98.9 pounds consumed per capita in 2022, and this figure is expected to increase to 107.5 pounds by 2033. Chicken has been the most available meat for consumption in the US since 2010, and its supply continues to outpace beef. In 2021, there were 68.1 pounds of chicken available per person for consumption compared to 56.2 pounds of beef.

Chicken consumption is expected to increase

Chicken overtook beef as the country's favorite meat in the 1990s, and since 1980, the availability and consumption of chicken per person have more than doubled from 32.7 pounds. In 2021, 68.1 pounds of chicken per person were available for consumption, compared to 56.2 pounds of beef. Chicken is now the most available meat for consumption in the United States, and this trend is expected to continue.

In 2022, the most consumed type of meat in the United States was broiler chicken, at about 98.9 pounds per capita. This figure is projected to increase to around 107.5 pounds per capita by 2033. The overall value of the chicken industry in the United States was already over $1.5 billion in 2019, with an individual chicken worth $3.32. The expanding chicken industry is struggling to keep up with the growing demand for chicken among American consumers.

Americans' obsession with chicken is driving an increase in the overall consumption of meat in the country. Chicken is viewed as a more environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to beef. However, the rise in chicken consumption has led to the spread of U.S.-style factory farms, which are notorious for their negative impact on animal welfare and the environment.

Frequently asked questions