Study reveals U.S. beef consumption statistics by age, income, gender, race, etc.

A study released recently by USDA's Economic Research Service shows beef remaining in its number-two spot among the most-consumed proteins in the U.S. In fact, beef consumption averaged 66.1 pounds per person, up 1.2 pounds from last year and second only to chicken's 84.3 pounds in overall consumption.

Consumption does vary widely in Americans of different ages, genders, races, regions, and incomes, according to the study. In terms of age and gender alone, per-capita beef consumption ranged from 109.85 pounds in men aged 20-39, to 43.23 pounds for women over 60. The mix of beef consumption also varies as much as quantity. Male teenagers ruled the ground beef category, eating over 50 pounds per person. Men aged 20-39 dominated steak consumption, consuming 30.35 pounds. Female teenagers led all female age groups in overall consumption at 56.23 pounds, but ate hardly any steak: only 3.96 pounds per person.

Race further plays a role in beef consumption. Blacks consumed the most beef per capita at 77 pounds. Hispanics consumed 68 pounds on average, followed by whites at 65 pounds. Asians (and other races) consumed the least beef, at only 62 pounds per capita.

Geography and income are also factors. Americans in the Midwest consumed the most beef of any region, eating 72.92 pounds per capita. Residents of the Northeast ate the least beef, only 62.53 pounds per person.

The study also found that Americans with lower income ate more beef than those with higher income, and those lower-income residents ate more of their beef at home.

For the full report visit the web site. www.ers.usdagov/publications/ldp/Oct05/ldpm 1350.pdf