COLUMBIA, MO – Higher beef prices appear to be changing meat-buying patterns among lower-income single-person households, with poultry taking a larger role in food-at-home spending, according to new research from FAPRI-MU.
The study compares spending from 2019 through 2024. Beef prices rose 38% during that period, compared with a 21% increase in core inflation. Food-at-home spending increased 58% to 67% across income groups.
Low-income single-person households spent more on poultry than higher-income groups and devoted the largest share of their food-at-home budget to poultry. Researchers say that pattern may indicate substitution away from higher-priced beef.
Beef spending still increased across all income groups. Middle- and high-income households spent more on steak, while lower-income consumers spent more on ground beef and relatively lower-priced poultry.
The findings suggest persistent beef inflation can influence how consumers allocate protein spending, especially when household budgets are tighter.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher beef prices may be shifting some lower-income consumers toward poultry while beef demand remains stronger among higher-income households.