Beef: It’s not what is for dinner

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Beef, it’s not what is for dinner. New numbers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture show chicken overtakes beef as the country’s most popular meat.

At its peak in the 1970’s, Americans were eating 90 lbs. per capita worth of beef a year. That has dropped to about 50 lbs. a year. Chicken on the other hand, saw a 35 lb. increase from 40 years ago with people now eating roughly 55 lbs. a year.

Two factors explain the trend. Chicken is often touted as being a healthier option, and cheaper.