The Surprising Reason Aussies Can't Get Enough Chicken—Are You Missing Out?
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If you’ve noticed that chicken seems to be popping up on every dinner table, barbecue, and fast-food menu across Australia, you’re not imagining things! Aussies are tucking into more chicken than ever before, with the average person now consuming a whopping 50 kilograms of chicken each year. That’s enough drumsticks, wings, and schnitzels to make even the most dedicated chook lover do a double-take!
But what’s behind this poultry-powered phenomenon? Let’s take a closer look at why chicken has become the star of the Aussie dinner plate—and why it’s leaving old favourites like beef and lamb in the dust.
From Sunday Roast to Chicken Parmy: How Our Tastes Have Changed
It wasn’t so long ago that beef and lamb reigned supreme in Australian households. In fact, 50 years ago, a staggering 80% of the meat we ate came from sheep and cattle, with chicken making up a mere 10%. Fast forward to today, and the tables have well and truly turned. According to ANZ Agribusiness Insights economist Michael Whitehead, 'Now it’s almost completely the opposite.'
Butcher Serge Cancado, who sells a tonne of chicken every day, has seen the shift firsthand. 'It’s increasing every week,' he says. 'Everyone likes it, the kids like it… you can’t go wrong.'
Why Chicken Rules the Roost: Price, Practicality, and Popularity
So, what’s driving this clucking great change? For many shoppers, it comes down to price. While beef, lamb, and pork have all seen significant price hikes over the past two decades, chicken has remained relatively affordable. That’s because chickens are incredibly efficient to raise—they grow quickly, require less land and water, and convert feed to meat at a much higher rate than other livestock. In fact, just 1.5 kilograms of feed can yield a whole kilogram of chicken meat!
This efficiency doesn’t just keep prices down for consumers—it’s also caught the eye of international investors. 'Global money is already looking at Australian chicken production,' Whitehead explains. 'It’s highly efficient on a global basis, it’s a very safe meat, and it makes, of so many agricultural options, a very good investment.'
Chicken Takes Over the Fast-Food Scene
It’s not just home cooks who are flocking to chicken. Take a stroll through any food court or glance at your local takeaway menu, and you’ll see that chicken is now the dominant meat. 'Once upon a time, not that long ago, [fast food restaurant menus] were predominantly beef,' Whitehead says. 'Now they’re more and more chicken, whether it’s on the burger menus, or so many of the new entrants.'
From classic chicken burgers to spicy wings and gourmet salads, the humble chook is now the go-to protein for quick, tasty, and affordable meals.
Health, Versatility, and Family Appeal
Beyond price and convenience, chicken has a few more feathers in its cap. It’s a lean source of protein, making it a favourite for health-conscious Aussies. It’s also incredibly versatile—think roasts, stir-fries, curries, schnitzels, and more. Plus, it’s a hit with fussy eaters of all ages (just ask any grandparent who’s tried to get the grandkids to eat their veggies!).
What About the Classics?
With chicken’s rise, some might worry about the future of traditional Aussie favourites like the Sunday lamb roast or a juicy steak. While these dishes still have their place, it’s clear that chicken’s affordability, convenience, and crowd-pleasing nature have made it the new king of the kitchen.
The Future of Chicken in Australia
With global investors circling and demand continuing to rise, it looks like chicken’s reign is set to continue. Innovations in farming and processing are making it even more sustainable and accessible, and with new recipes and products hitting the shelves all the time, there’s never been a better time to get creative with your chook.
Your Turn: Are You a Chicken Champion?
We want to hear from you! Has chicken become a staple in your household? Do you have a favourite recipe or a tip for making the perfect roast? Or are you still loyal to beef, lamb, or another protein? Share your thoughts, stories, and best chicken dishes in the comments below—let’s get the conversation sizzling!
Are you looking for chicken recipes to try at home? The SDC forum's Cooking/Recipes section has you covered!
And if you’re looking for inspiration, keep an eye out for our upcoming collection of easy, budget-friendly chicken recipes perfect for feeding the whole family (and impressing the grandkids). Happy cooking, members!
But what’s behind this poultry-powered phenomenon? Let’s take a closer look at why chicken has become the star of the Aussie dinner plate—and why it’s leaving old favourites like beef and lamb in the dust.
From Sunday Roast to Chicken Parmy: How Our Tastes Have Changed
It wasn’t so long ago that beef and lamb reigned supreme in Australian households. In fact, 50 years ago, a staggering 80% of the meat we ate came from sheep and cattle, with chicken making up a mere 10%. Fast forward to today, and the tables have well and truly turned. According to ANZ Agribusiness Insights economist Michael Whitehead, 'Now it’s almost completely the opposite.'
Butcher Serge Cancado, who sells a tonne of chicken every day, has seen the shift firsthand. 'It’s increasing every week,' he says. 'Everyone likes it, the kids like it… you can’t go wrong.'
Why Chicken Rules the Roost: Price, Practicality, and Popularity
So, what’s driving this clucking great change? For many shoppers, it comes down to price. While beef, lamb, and pork have all seen significant price hikes over the past two decades, chicken has remained relatively affordable. That’s because chickens are incredibly efficient to raise—they grow quickly, require less land and water, and convert feed to meat at a much higher rate than other livestock. In fact, just 1.5 kilograms of feed can yield a whole kilogram of chicken meat!
This efficiency doesn’t just keep prices down for consumers—it’s also caught the eye of international investors. 'Global money is already looking at Australian chicken production,' Whitehead explains. 'It’s highly efficient on a global basis, it’s a very safe meat, and it makes, of so many agricultural options, a very good investment.'
Chicken Takes Over the Fast-Food Scene
It’s not just home cooks who are flocking to chicken. Take a stroll through any food court or glance at your local takeaway menu, and you’ll see that chicken is now the dominant meat. 'Once upon a time, not that long ago, [fast food restaurant menus] were predominantly beef,' Whitehead says. 'Now they’re more and more chicken, whether it’s on the burger menus, or so many of the new entrants.'
From classic chicken burgers to spicy wings and gourmet salads, the humble chook is now the go-to protein for quick, tasty, and affordable meals.
Health, Versatility, and Family Appeal
Beyond price and convenience, chicken has a few more feathers in its cap. It’s a lean source of protein, making it a favourite for health-conscious Aussies. It’s also incredibly versatile—think roasts, stir-fries, curries, schnitzels, and more. Plus, it’s a hit with fussy eaters of all ages (just ask any grandparent who’s tried to get the grandkids to eat their veggies!).
What About the Classics?
With chicken’s rise, some might worry about the future of traditional Aussie favourites like the Sunday lamb roast or a juicy steak. While these dishes still have their place, it’s clear that chicken’s affordability, convenience, and crowd-pleasing nature have made it the new king of the kitchen.
The Future of Chicken in Australia
With global investors circling and demand continuing to rise, it looks like chicken’s reign is set to continue. Innovations in farming and processing are making it even more sustainable and accessible, and with new recipes and products hitting the shelves all the time, there’s never been a better time to get creative with your chook.
Your Turn: Are You a Chicken Champion?
We want to hear from you! Has chicken become a staple in your household? Do you have a favourite recipe or a tip for making the perfect roast? Or are you still loyal to beef, lamb, or another protein? Share your thoughts, stories, and best chicken dishes in the comments below—let’s get the conversation sizzling!
Are you looking for chicken recipes to try at home? The SDC forum's Cooking/Recipes section has you covered!
