A recent study released by the North American Meat Institute and the Food Industry Association (FMI) shows that meat consumption among Americans remains high, with 80% of Americans describing themselves as meat eaters.

The 19th annual Power of Meat report shows that 98% of households purchase meat.

The number of people looking to decrease their meat consumption has decrease since 2020, by 20%.

Generation X accounts for 32% of meat sales, and Boomers buy meat most frequently at an average of 53 times per year. Data shows that millennials spend the most money per meat purchase.

“As price conscious shoppers look for ways to continue enjoying their favorite proteins, they are cooking more at home and including meat in everything from new recipes found online to their favorite comfort meals and holiday feasts. With shoppers including meat in nearly 87% of home-cooked meals every week and looking to meat to make occasions special, the opportunities to provide great choice, taste, and value continue to grow,” Rick Stein, FMI vice president of Fresh Foods, said.

The report shows that 43% of Americans are cutting back on eating meals at restaurants, while 75% try to recreate restaurant meals at home.

Data also shows that 73% of Americans are making changes to their purchases at the grocery store to save more money. Shoppers primarily saved money by changing the amount of meat purchased, with 30% buying smaller amounts and 42% buying in bulk to save money over time.

“When shoppers hear ‘protein,’ they think ‘meat,’ and the Meat Institute is actively working to maintain and grow Americans’ confidence about meat’s role in healthy, balanced diets. Our Protein PACT initiative drives progress and provides transparent information about how meat contributes to the health of people, animals and the planet, which 83% of consumers are looking for when they make meat purchases,” Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts said.