Animal Protein Continues to be Plentiful for U.S. Consumers
USAgNet - 06/15/2026
Domestic availability of red meat, poultry, and eggs is projected to increase in 2026 and to rise further in 2027. This increase is drawn from USDA's forecast of per capita supply available for use on the domestic market. Availability serves as a proxy for
consumption and includes fresh and processed meat and eggs sold through grocery stores and used in restaurants.
The latest USDA data indicate 228.8 pounds of beef, pork, broilers, and turkey and 22.5 dozen eggs are available per U.S. consumer in 2026. By 2027, per capita availability is forecast to increase to 229.4 pounds for beef, pork, broilers, and turkey and 22.9
dozen eggs.
Per capita availability of broiler meat has been growing for many years and is projected to reach 105.6 pounds in 2026 and 106.5 pounds in 2027, making it the most consumed animal product in the United States. Turkey availability has been falling in recent
years but is projected to increase to 13.6 pounds per person in 2026 and 13.8 pounds in 2027.
Per capita beef availability for 2026 is projected to be slightly higher than 2025 at 60.0 pounds but is projected to decrease to 59.2 pounds per person in 2027. Pork availability per capita is projected at 49.6 pounds in 2026 and 49.9 pounds in 2027, up
slightly from 49.3 pounds in 2025.
Per capita table egg availability for 2026 is projected at 22.5 dozen and is projected to increase to 22.9 dozen per person in 2027.
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