American shoppers have made one thing clear: meat still matters. In a year shaped by financial pressure, changing food habits, and rising expectations around sustainability, meat remains a non‑negotiable staple in US households. According to The Power of Meat 2026, more than 98% of US households buy meat, and protein is top of mind across every generation. Shoppers want food that fuels their lives—nutrient dense, satisfying, and versatile—without blowing the budget.