America Is Done Pretending About Meat The trend towards eating less meat in America is reversing, with a notable increase in meat consumption driven by a combination of cultural and nutritional shifts, and amplified by political figures and right-wing influencers. This meat renaissance is partly a reaction against perceived ‘woke’ values and a reclamation of tradition and masculinity, contrasting with earlier health and environmental concerns associated with meat reduction. Despite scientific consensus favoring less meat, public perception is shifting, with many people feeling less guilt about their meat consumption due to widespread similar behaviors.

• There’s a noticeable reversal in the trend of eating less meat, with consumption rising significantly.
• Cultural shifts, a focus on protein intake (partially due to GLP-1 drugs), and the perceived unhealthiness and cost of plant-based alternatives contribute to this ‘meat renaissance’.
• Meat consumption is being framed by right-wing figures and influencers as a symbol of tradition, strength, and masculinity, contrasting with ‘woke’ values.
• Despite scientific recommendations, public guilt over eating meat is diminishing as meat consumption becomes more normalized and widespread.
• The popularity of plant-based meat alternatives is declining due to concerns about cost, taste, and healthfulness.
• Figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump are promoting meat-forward diets, challenging established health and environmental narratives.
• The ‘manosphere’ and certain influencers are advocating for meat-eating as an antidote to perceived attacks on masculinity.