KANSAS CITY, MO. — Consumers are showing increased interest in new cuts and preparation styles of pork, reflecting a broader move toward healthier and more diverse meal choices.

“Increasingly, consumers are seeking to elevate their at-home dining experiences with high-quality proteins, including pork,” said Brynn McCracken, innovation manager of fresh meats for Tyson Foods. “According to the 2025 Power of Meat study, 87% of consumers are interested in recipes and tips about indulgent, involved cuts to confidently make premium, restaurant quality meals at home, and 27% are willing to spend a bit more on meat and poultry when replacing a restaurant meal. This may account for the growing popularity of pork loin and other high-quality pork cuts, which simultaneously deliver great flavor and value that today’s consumers seek.”

According to the Datassential’s World of Pork Report, marinated cuts of pork are among the pork products trending at retail, suggesting that both flavor and convenience are key motivators when it comes to consumer purchasing decisions in the category. What’s more, pork products accounted for six out of the top 10 sellers in the meat department in 2024 unit sales, according to Circana Integrated Fresh data.

Flavor continues to top the list — and pork delivers. But today’s consumers are also focused on protein content, versatility and perceived quality. Pork fits easily into a variety of cuisines and lifestyles, offering a savory alternative to other proteins.

“One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is the move toward convenience and versatility,” said David Eaheart, senior director of communications and brand marketing for Seaboard Foods, the parent company of the Prairie Fresh brand. “Shoppers are seeking smaller, meal-sized cuts like seasoned loin filets and pork shoulder roasts that make it easy to prepare delicious meals without a lot of effort.”

To further support at-home cooking, many of these products now include QR codes on the packaging that link to easy-to-follow recipes and helpful cooking tips — an added layer of support that aligns with another major trend — helping consumers build confidence in their own kitchens.

Hailey Tranchitella, brand manager for Hormel Foods, noted growth among value-added products, such as pre-seasoned/marinated pork and ready-to-cook products allows consumers to save time and effort in meal preparation while still delivering exciting flavors.

“Our consumers are increasingly looking for convenient meal solutions that are packed with flavor and value,” she said.

New and improved

The pork industry is undergoing an exciting shift, with consumption gaining momentum.

“Initiatives like the Pork Board’s ‘Taste What Pork Can Do’ campaign, alongside our soon-to-launch consumer-facing campaign, ‘Prairie Fresh: Now That’s Pork’ — are reintroducing pork as a flavorful, nutritious and convenient mealtime staple,” Eaheart said. “In response, we’ve expanded our portfolio with bold, pre-seasoned products that deliver craveable flavor and everyday versatility, whether it’s tacos on a Tuesday or a protein-packed breakfast scramble.”

That includes the company’s new Prairie Fresh ground pork/sausage offerings, developed specifically for busy households seeking flavor-forward, easy-to-use proteins.

Tyson Foods continue to innovate based on consumer trends and preferences regarding pork and other proteins, keeping flavor, value and convenience top of mind.

Savvy marketing

McCracken noted that part of a manufacturer’s job is to ensure that consumers think of pork when making protein decisions for themselves and their families.

“Pork addresses so many of today’s consumer purchasing drivers — it is flavorful, versatile and a good value,” he said. “We think pork is an ideal solution for the growing number of busy Americans with mealtime planning fatigue. Pork — both fresh and value added — can help put a fresh spin on mealtime, serving up great flavor in an almost endless array of applications.”

Seaboard Foods’ marketing approach is all about meeting consumers where they are — online, in-store and across social platforms.

“We’ve created engaging direct-to-consumer campaigns that highlight flavor, ease of use and meal inspiration,” Eaheart said. “For example, our QR codes link shoppers to curated digital recipe hubs, turning their in-store experience into a full mealtime solution. We also collaborate with content creators who show how pork can elevate everyday meals — whether it’s barbecue, quick weeknight dinners or nutritious, protein-packed options. What draws people in is not just the taste, but the idea that pork is approachable, affordable and restaurant-quality when prepared well.”

Display tactics

Display strategies that focus on meal solutions — not just cuts — tend to perform best in the pork category. According to the Power of Meat 2025, shoppers are gravitating toward products that simplify mealtime and build their cooking confidence. The right in-store presentation can turn that consideration into conversion.

“Consumers respond to signage and merchandising that help them visualize a full meal,” Eaheart said. “Cross-merchandising pork with seasonings, sides or fresh vegetables can prompt shoppers to think beyond the raw product. In-store signage featuring QR codes, cooking tips or per-serving cost comparisons can further position pork as a value-driven, flavorful solution.”

Today’s pork packaging is designed to stand out and add value. For Prairie Fresh, that meant launching bolder, more colorful packaging — especially in categories like ground pork — that’s easier to read and visually engaging.

Staying strong

Pork has seen renewed interest over the past year.

“The category has experienced strong growth over the past year, particularly within the marinated and seasoned meats segment,” Tranchitella said. “This surge has been fueled by rising consumer interest in bold, globally inspired flavors, as well as a continued demand for convenient, ready-to-cook meal solutions. Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our innovative and diverse portfolio to meet these evolving tastes and deliver even more flavorful, high-quality solutions for today’s busy consumers.”

According to Power of Meat 2025, there’s been a steady increase in both trial and repeat purchases — especially for value-added pork products. Ground pork, for example, has seen a 34% increase in sales since 2019, including a 3% rise in the past year alone.

“At Prairie Fresh, we’ve seen our value-added filet and tenderloin business grow by approximately 30% to 40% since 2019, mirroring this broader consumer shift,” Eaheart said. “Across the category, pork continues to show year-over-year growth.”

While pork still has room to expand relative to other proteins, it’s clear that momentum is building — fueled by better marketing, flavor innovation and the rising cost of dining out. Consumers are rediscovering pork as a delicious, affordable protein that can bring the restaurant experience home.

Pork industry lauds trade de-escalation with China

National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) President Duane Stateler, a pork producer from McComb, Ohio, expressed support for the Trump administration's tariff de-escalation on US exports.

"America’s pork producers are encouraged by the temporary tariff reduction agreement reached by the US and China. We look forward to the continued collaboration and engagement between both countries to further reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade."

No other country "holds a candle" to pork export opportunities in China, Stateler added, as many US exported pork products are not widely consumed in the US and have nowhere else to go.

The US and China agreed to reduce tariffs imposed after April 2 to 10% for 90 days, as negotiators continue discussions. This announcement does not include tariffs in place prior to April 2, including steel and aluminum.

US pork exported to China will still face a minimum total tariff rate of 57%. Previously, US pork was tariffed at 172%, which makes it impossible for US pork producers to compete in that market, Stateler said.