Meat Prices and Sales Rose in September

Higher prices for turkey and lamb impacted household grocery spending last month as overall meat sales climbed.

Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Inflation

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The U.S. meat department saw dollar sales increase 1.5% and volume sales rise 1.0% in September 2026. This growth in retail spending was largely driven by a 2.5% increase in dollar sales for fresh meat products.

Why it matters

Rising costs for staples like fresh turkey, which climbed 11.8%, and lamb, up 9.4%, reflect inflation and supply-side pressures such as HPAI outbreaks. These price shifts require households to adjust their monthly grocery budgets to accommodate more expensive protein choices.

Fresh meat dollar sales reached $6.3 billion in September, reflecting a 2.5% gain alongside a 1.6% increase in pound volume. Meanwhile, ground beef sales hit $1.5 billion for the month, contributing to a substantial $18.8 billion in annual sales.

The players

HPAI

A virus strain causing outbreaks in poultry flocks that exerts upward pressure on retail turkey prices.

The details

The growth in meat spending stems from a combination of demand-driven increases and higher price tags for specific items. While fresh meat pound sales grew by 1.6% during the month, processed meat pound sales declined by 0.4% compared to September 2025. Beef volume performed particularly well, with pound sales growing 7.3% during the holiday week in September, signaling that consumers are prioritizing specific protein types despite broader price inflation.

September 2025 served as the baseline for processed meat volume comparisons.
September 27, 2026, marked the end of the four-week September period and the third quarter.

Money Landscape

The current uptick in meat prices follows a pattern set by the historical volatility of HPAI-related poultry supply shocks. This environment of price inflation continues to challenge household grocery budgets as consumers navigate rising costs for essential protein sources.

Expect to pay more for poultry and lamb as supply constraints like HPAI keep prices elevated at the register. Review your monthly grocery budget to account for these specific price hikes, and consider consulting a financial professional if you need to restructure your household spending.

The takeaway

Rising meat prices, particularly for turkey and lamb, highlight the impact of supply shocks on your weekly grocery bill. Track your spending across individual meat categories this quarter to see if your own consumption patterns are shifting in response to these inflationary trends.