The amount of red meat, poultry and eggs available to each American consumer is projected to increase in 2026 and rise further in 2027, according to a Chart of Note from USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS).

The figures come from USDA's forecast of per capita supply available for use on the domestic market. Availability serves as a proxy for consumption and covers fresh and processed meat and eggs sold through grocery stores and used in restaurants. The latest USDA data put 228.8 pounds of beef, pork, broilers and turkey and 22.5 dozen eggs available per U.S. consumer in 2026.

By 2027, per capita availability is forecast at 229.4 pounds for the four meats and 22.9 dozen eggs.

Broiler chicken remains the most consumed animal product in the United States, and its per capita availability has been growing for many years. It is projected to reach 105.6 pounds in 2026 and 106.5 pounds in 2027. Turkey availability has been falling in recent years but is projected to turn up, to 13.6 pounds per person in 2026 and 13.8 pounds in 2027.

Beef availability for 2026 is projected at 60.0 pounds per person, slightly higher than in 2025, before easing to 59.2 pounds in 2027. Pork is projected at 49.6 pounds in 2026 and 49.9 pounds in 2027, up slightly from 49.3 pounds in 2025. Table egg availability is projected at 22.5 dozen per person in 2026 and 22.9 dozen in 2027.

For livestock and poultry producers, the outlook describes a market that is well supplied across every category, with chicken still gaining ground and beef the one product expected to tighten in 2027. The chart, prepared by ERS economist Grace Grossen, is drawn from the ERS Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Outlook of May 2026.

Source: USDA Economic Research Service