Cargill report concludes US consumption of protein hits record-high levels

Americans are eating more protein than ever before, according to a report from Cargill Inc. The company’s 2025 Protein Profile revealed that, in 2024, 61% of US consumers increased their protein intake compared to 48% in 2019.

Cargill’s third annual protein trends report was compiled by the company’s North American Food Business Marketing and Insights team to provide a comprehensive look at protein consumption trends.

This year’s report found that animal proteins like beef, chicken and eggs are preferred sources of protein for most consumers due to their taste, nutrition and versatility. On average, three out of four people will include animal protein in their evening meals, with 74% saying meat is an important part of their diet.

“How consumers think about and engage with protein is evolving, and that presents new opportunities across the food industry,” said Gonzalo Petschen, group president at Cargill North American Food Business. “Whether it’s developing high-protein snacks, offering convenient meal solutions, or tapping into social media-driven food trends, our goal is to help our customers stay ahead of what’s next while delivering on consumer demands.”

Social media is one factor driving change in the sector. Inspired by influencers, consumers are gaining interest in food experimentation from secret menus at foodservice chains to high-protein diets like the trending “carnivore diet.” Cargill found that over half of consumers are trying new foods as seen on social media.

Meanwhile, GLP-1 users are shifting portion sizes in favor of smaller, high-protein meals that satisfy without excess calories.