Meat Department Trends: What’s New for 2025

Walking through the grocery store lately feels different, doesn’t it? The prices, the options, and the whole vibe at the meat department have shifted. You are not just imagining it, because major changes are happening, and these new meat department trends are shaping what ends up in your shopping carts and on your dinner table.

It seems like every time you go shopping, you face a new choice. Do you go for the familiar meat brands or the store’s private label? Are people still buying plant-based meats? You deserve to know what is going on so you can make the best choices for your family and your wallet.

What Is Really Happening with Plant-Based Meats?

For a while, it seemed like plant-based meat was going to take over everything. You saw it everywhere, from fast-food chains to the aisle next to the ground beef. Many people tried it, driven by concerns for health, animals, and the planet, which spurred incredible market growth.

But the story has changed quite a bit, and the initial excitement has cooled off. Shoppers are looking at their receipts more closely, and plant-based meat products often come with a higher price tag. NielsenIQ data shows that by the end of last year, meat sales for these products actually dropped by 2.3%, a clear signal of shifting consumer interest.

This decline isn’t just about price; concerns rise among some consumers about the long ingredient lists and heavy processing involved in some meat alternatives. There’s a growing conversation about the actual health benefits of these items compared to unprocessed meat. This change in meat consumption patterns is being closely watched by every food industry association.

Retailers have noticed this dip in interest and are adjusting their strategies. They are starting to give less shelf space to these alternatives, focusing instead on the traditional meat products that people consistently buy. It’s a clear signal that while some shoppers remain dedicated, the massive growth wave has crested, forcing companies to refine product offerings.

Shoppers Are Choosing Value and Store Brands

Have you found yourself reaching for the store brand more often? You are definitely not alone in this. With food prices feeling stretched, people are looking for savings anywhere they can find them, and the meat aisle is a prime spot for it.

Private label or store brands are having a major moment, impacting overall CPG sales. They have been steadily gaining market share for years and now make up a significant chunk of grocery sales. The old idea that store brands are lower quality is fading fast, as many are just as good as their name-brand competitors.

Younger consumers, in particular, are less loyal to legacy brands and more focused on value and affordable meats, directly impacting where they spend their food dollars. Last year, value retailers saw a big jump in their share of consumer spending. This forces national meat brands like Tyson Foods and Hormel Foods to compete harder for your dollar.

You will probably see more promotions and sales from major brands, but a good price is not the only thing that matters. Smart brands know they still have to deliver on quality to keep you coming back. The success of private label is one of the biggest stories in the meat market today.

A Taste for Adventure: The Rise of Ethnic Meats

Your grocery store’s meat department might be looking more diverse these days. As communities become more multicultural, so do our tastes. People are more curious and willing to try flavors from around the world in their own home-cooked meals.

This has led to a growing demand for what are often called ethnic meats. Items like chorizo, a flavorful pork sausage from Spain and Latin America, are seeing impressive growth. Sales for chorizo have climbed nearly 4%, showing that shoppers are actively buying it.

This trend extends far beyond one type of pork sausage. Grocers and meat brands are responding by stocking a wide range of these meat products. You might see lamb cuts popular in Middle Eastern cooking, specific pork chops used in Asian dishes from the Asia Pacific region, or chicken products seasoned for Caribbean recipes.

The food service industry has played a huge role, introducing diners to new flavors they then want to find at the store. It shows that brands are paying attention to local tastes and are learning that a one-size-fits-all approach no longer works. This is creating new growth opportunities for the entire meat industry.

Is Convenience Losing its Appeal?

For years, convenience was the biggest selling point. Pre-marinated chicken thighs, fully cooked processed meat products, and meal kits flew off the shelves. People were willing to pay a little extra to save a lot of time on quick preparation.

However, something interesting is happening with current meat department trends. That intense drive for convenience seems to be taking a backseat, at least for some products. People are re-evaluating where they spend their money and what they can do themselves to save a few dollars.

Sales of items like meat party platters and processed meat combination packs have fallen sharply, both down by more than 22%. This suggests that when budgets get tight, shoppers are happy to do the slicing and arranging themselves. This shift benefits core meat products like ground beef and pork chops that are versatile for many comfort meals.

Instead of buying expensive pre-made items, consumers increasingly buy core meat and other fresh ingredients. This return to basics puts control back in the hands of the home cook. It is a significant change from just a few years ago, where value-added convenience was the top priority to drive demand.

Product Category	Year-Over-Year Sales Change
Meat Party Platters	-22.4%
Processed Meat Combination Packs	-22.5%
Alternative Meats	-2.3%
Chorizo	+3.9%

The Return of Personalization in a Big Way

What if you want your steak cut a little thicker or need just a half-pound of ground chuck? The desire for personalization is making a big comeback and reshaping the meat counter. People want food that fits their specific needs for their families and recipes.

This has led to a revival of the in-store butcher. Having a knowledgeable person behind the meat case who can give you custom cuts and cooking advice creates a better shopping experience. It is a return to a more traditional service model, and shoppers are embracing it.

An in-store butcher can provide tips on meat processing, suggest different cuts for balanced diets, and even handle special meat orders. This personal touch builds trust, a sentiment echoed in findings from many a meat study. Brands that specialize in high-quality products, like Verde Farms with its grass-fed beef, often benefit from this expert-guided sales approach.

This trend extends to online shopping, too. Stores are using data to offer personalized recommendations and promotions for their wide range of product offerings. An overwhelming 86% of grocery sales in North America now involve omnichannel shoppers who buy both online and in-store, so a great experience in both places is critical for retailers to succeed.

What This Means for Your Next Grocery Trip

Knowing these shifts helps you become a smarter shopper. You can understand why certain meat products are on sale or why the store layout might be changing. The power is shifting back to the consumer, especially those who know what they want.

If you are focused on your budget, you know that private labels are a strong option, from ground meat to frozen meat and even canned meat. If you are an adventurous cook, you can be on the lookout for new and interesting cuts. And if you value service, you can seek out stores that have a real butcher on staff.

The entire meat industry supply chain, from meat processing plants to the grocery store, is adapting to people just like you. Your choices, when combined with those of millions of other shoppers, create the very trends that dictate what stores sell. This consumer demand is a powerful force that influences everything from product launches to the overall growth rate of the market.

Even government agencies pay attention to these shifts, as they relate to food safety and labeling standards. A leading meat industry association, the North American Meat Institute, regularly provides analysis on these key trends. Ultimately, your choices have a real impact on the food landscape.

The grocery store is constantly changing, but these latest meat department trends show a clear picture. Shoppers are being more thoughtful about their purchases, driven by tight budgets and a desire for authentic, quality food. You are seeing a decline in the hype around plant-based meat and a big move towards value-focused private label products.