Chicken prices at U.S. grocery stores have hit record highs and should stay elevated as Tyson Foods and other companies dial back poultry production to boost margins while inflation-weary shoppers buy chicken instead of beef and pork.

Higher chicken prices should improve earnings at top producers Tyson (TSN.N) and Pilgrim’s Pride (PPC.O), but will pinch consumers’ pockets as they try to save money by turning away from higher-end proteins. One index shows chicken producer profit margins at their highest in a year.

U.S. consumption of chicken is expected to exceed 100 pounds per person this year for the first time ever, data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows.

Beef consumption is forecast to drop to its lowest since 2018, as prices climb due to dwindling cattle supplies. Meanwhile, consumer spending cuts have knocked pork consumption to the lowest since 2015.

Arkansas-based Tyson, which sells all three types of meat, had to deal with a glut of chicken after earning massive profits when meat prices soared during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • @Mr_Blott
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    31 year ago

    Agreed, I’ve tried and tried with tofu, and I’m a good cook. It’s definitely an acquired taste and texture.

    It’s like saying “Well the French eat snails so everyone should”. Yeah they eat them absolutely slathered in butter and garlic for a reason

    • @[email protected]
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      fedilink
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      1 year ago

      Well yeah, you should also add fat and spices to tofu. You wouldn’t eat just plain cooked noodles, but that’s not because they’re bad.

      Edit: Also, if you want to like it, can I ask what kind you got? Texture is key and there’s lots of different consistencies. I tend to like the two extremes: silken tofu and smoked tofu. The silken makes sauces so incredibly creamy, but you have to spice it carefully. The smoked tofu brand I’ve been into lately, on the other hand, is so dense, it works well as a tougher protein cut and holds up well to stewing. I basically only need to salt it.

      You might not like it as much as you like other things, it’s still a matter of preference. It just can be enjoyable for most people. I don’t always use it like a meat, and I think that makes a difference.