Top 10 poultry consumer trends of 2026 (so far)
Here are the 10 most-read new consumer trends articles during the first half of 2026:
1. Perdue’s ‘6-7’ chicken nugget strategy targets kid trend (blog)
Elizabeth Doughman: The company turned an inescapable meme into a limited-edition product, highlighting the importance of moving on a moment while it still has the attention of the dinner table.
2. Deep fried turkey breast from Boar’s Head is a game-changer (blog)
Elizabeth Doughman: The product aims to satisfy consumers' simultaneous desire for both value and premium experiences, while also supporting the U.S. turkey industry's ongoing recovery through continued innovation.
3. KFC chief ‘leaves beef to the boys’ in McDonald’s jab (blog)
Elizabeth Doughman: When a viral video meant to promote the new Big Arch burger fell flat, the chicken chain responded with strategic creativity.
4. Outdoor access eggs beginning to gain more market share
Supply disruptions due to HPAI outbreaks pushed many consumers to try premium eggs due to their consistent pricing compared to conventional eggs.
5. Chicken prices, demand robust as supply stays tight
Outlook for poultry supports continued growth through 2026.
6. Ground chicken emerges as a pizza crust staple (blog)
Roy Graber: New recipe idea could be a major driver behind the recent jump in ground chicken sales.
7. Tyson placing focus on branded value-added chicken
“It’s less about commodity,” CEO Donnie King says.
8. McDonald’s CEO: Chicken is key growth driver in value war (blog)
Kempczinski doubled down on poultry, citing cost advantages and surging consumer demand and responds to that viral moment.
9. 2025 poultry market strength signals positive 2026
While some regions are performing more strongly than others, favorable feed costs and healthy consumer demand are expected to boost the industry globally heading into 2026.
10. Eggs vs. snacks: a fight for protein? (blog)
Benjamin Ruiz: If protein snacks try to position themselves as healthy products for athletes, maybe eggs should also do so.
Attend the 2026 Chicken Marketing Summit
To learn more about how protein-first eating and other consumer trends are transforming chicken consumption, make plans to attend the 2026 Chicken Marketing Summit, scheduled for July 27-29 at the Innisbrook Resort in Palm Harbor, Florida.