The meat shopping behaviors and attitudes of consumers are examined in “The Power of Meat Study” by the American Meat Institute and the Food Marketing Institute. While grocery spending patterns have been on the decline over the past few years, this study finds a rise in net spending for the first time in three years.

According to the findings of this study, 36% of shoppers have made changes to their meat and poultry purchases in the last year, compared to 51% who did so the previous year. Supermarkets continue to be a primary point of purchase for meat and poultry purchases for 68% of respondents. Of those who say supermarkets are their primary store for food purchases, the vast majority (88%) also said they purchase meat there.

In other findings:

• Three-quarters of consumers say they research meat deals before going to the store by ways of a circular or specials posted online or in the store.
• On average, respondents cook four at-home meals which contain either meat or poultry per week.
• Less than half of consumers consider themselves to be knowledgeable about cooking meat, poultry, or seafood.
• One out of five shoppers has purchased natural or organic meat or poultry in the last three months. The primary reasons given for these purchases include health benefits (44%) and the belief that the primary benefit is better health and better treatment of the animal (37%).
• Chicken and beef continue to be the dominate meal time meats, however there has been a rise in “heat-and-eat” meats, while consumption of fresh meat has stayed flat.