American consumers significantly increased their protein consumption during 2024 so that 61% of them increased intake but this was only 48% in 2019. The 2025 Protein Profile by Cargill serves as an annual document that studies shifting dietary patterns and protein usage patterns.
The report shows that animal-based proteins like beef, chicken along with eggs continue holding their place in food choices because consumers enjoy both their nutritional content and versatility and taste. A large group exceeding 75% eats animal protein daily during the evening while 74% state that meat functions as an essential dietary component.
People are changing their methods of consuming proteins. Food trends on TikTok alongside Instagram are steering public opinion through viral carnivore diets as well as experimental recipes and special items from food service chains. Inflation has altered consumer price perception which leads them to find middle ground among price affordability against quality standards. Protein-rich snacks have emerged as an indicator of the transforming position of protein in normal dietary patterns.
Key Findings From The 2025 Protein Profile
Protein Takes Center Stage as a Nutritional Priority
More than one in two U.S. consumers (57%) consult protein labels because they are prioritizing their protein consumption. Millennials together with Gen Z people strongly seek mobile protein-rich food choices that include both protein bar snacks and liquid protein shakes and handheld protein-based foods.
Shoppers Demand Both Affordability and Indulgence
Even though customers face financial restrictions they still give considerable importance to purchasing quality proteins. People buy larger quantities of meat which they store in freezers to cut expenses yet some prefer expensive premium cuts to elevate their home meals. Retail food establishments together with grocery stores implement value-added protein solutions through marinating services and heat-to-eat meals and inexpensive tender cuts of steak.
The consumption of protein gets transformed through the influence of social media platforms.
The influence of social media on consumer food selections results in 52% of people sampling novel foods thus digital channels exert substantial power over protein market shifts. Members of Generation Z demonstrate passionate interest in diverse flavor combinations which combine strong protein content in their food choices. The expanding population using GLP-1 medication produces market demand for protein-rich food portions that control hunger while keeping calories in check.
The food industry has the potential to embrace these changes according to Gonzalo Petschen who serves as Group President of Cargill North American Food Business. Changing consumer attitudes toward protein engagement in the market creates diverse business prospects in the food industry. We focus on developing high-protein snacks and convenient meal solutions and social media food trends to assist our customers with future market leadership and satisfying consumer needs.
The contemporary diet strongly depends on protein so retailers together with foodservice operators along with brands need to keep developing new solutions to match shifting consumer needs. A rising market interest in protein will drive the food industry toward better affordability alongside premium products while social media shapes new trends that meet this need.
The full 2025 Protein Profile of Cargill can be accessed by downloading it from www.cargill.com/meat-poultry/the-2025-protein-profile.
