No Change at the Top for Meat Popularity

When it comes to the amount of money spent on the different types of meat in the UK according to ‘The Grocer’s Top Products in 2022’, it may be a surprise to some that the most popular meat in the UK is beef with a worth of £1,898m.

If we include poultry, chicken is not far behind with a total sales value of £1,811m for last year.

Bacon (£726m) and sausages (£634m) beat pork (£431m) and lamb (£355m) followed by poultry in the form of turkey (£148m) and duck (£45m).

So for purists who want to just know the UK’s Top 5 most popular meats, it is a fairly predictable and consistent result:

1. Beef
2. Chicken
3. Pork
4. Lamb
5. Turkey

So what does this tell us about the most popular meat in the country?

‘It can be of comfort to many butchers that while times are changing, tastes haven’t,’ says DB Foods’ Chief Executive, Gary Smith. ‘Knowing the most popular meat gives butchers a foundation on which to adapt by finding new cuts to provide a broader range of values, creating or suggesting recipes that they know will be popular with the customer and understanding the expectation of the customer when they set foot in the shop.’

‘In times of difficulty, people may be more considered, but the knowledge and certainty of knowing what they want and will enjoy to eat provides a sense of comfort and reassurance. Whilst our specialties, rare meats and innovative alternatives are gaining pace and popularity (which may account for a marginal decline in some of the more mainstream produce) it is always good to know the industry’s Greatest Hits.’