Iran meat consumption drops significantly due to rising costs

Meat consumption in Iran has seen a significant decline over the past two decades due to soaring prices and reduced purchasing power. Per capita red meat consumption has dropped from approximately 14 kilograms in the mid-2000s to nearly 5 kilograms recently, representing a reduction to about one-third of previous levels. Total meat consumption has also decreased from 35 kilograms to 25 kilograms per capita.

This shift in dietary patterns is driven by economic pressure rather than preference. As red meat prices have surged, many households have transitioned to poultry, with chicken's share of the protein basket rising from 30 percent in the 1980s to nearly 60 percent today. However, the increase in poultry consumption has not been enough to offset the overall decline in total meat intake.

Experts warn of a growing nutritional crisis. The shift toward cheaper protein sources and animal by-products is linked to rising rates of anemia and iron deficiency, particularly among women and girls. There are also concerns regarding long-term developmental impacts, such as stunted growth and impaired cognitive development in children from low-income families, as well as increased risks of osteoporosis and weakened immune systems across the population.