When inflation surged in Turkey after 2021, it didn’t just affect rent, fuel, and electricity—it reshaped dinner plates across the country. With red meat prices skyrocketing, many households quietly shifted toward more affordable protein options. The result? Chicken and fish became the unsung heroes of Turkish kitchens.
Red Meat Became a Luxury
From late 2021 onward, prices for lamb and beef exploded. Lamb saw the steepest climb, with beef not far behind. Delicatessen products like sausage and salami also saw significant increases. These sharp jumps hit consumers hard, especially those on low or fixed incomes.
Naturally, this made red meat less accessible. In 2021, the average person in Turkey consumed nearly 23 kilograms of red meat. By 2024, that number had dropped to around 16.6 kilograms—a serious decline in just a few years.
Chicken Held the Line
While red meat became harder to afford, chicken prices rose at a much slower pace. Chicken didn’t stay cheap, but its price growth was far more modest compared to lamb or beef. It essentially kept pace with general inflation rather than running far ahead of it.
This price stability made chicken a go-to option for many families trying to stretch their food budgets. It’s no surprise then that per-person chicken consumption has continued to grow—from just over 21 kilograms in 2021 to nearly 25 kilograms in 2024.
Fish Gained Popularity Too
Fish, long considered a seasonal or coastal preference, started to become a more regular item in homes across the country. Between 2021 and 2023, average fish consumption increased significantly. By 2024, estimates suggest it reached around 9 kilograms per person—up from just 6.5 in 2021.
While fish prices did rise, they roughly matched overall inflation and stayed far below the spikes seen in red meat. This made fish another viable protein source for budget-conscious shoppers.
Behind the Shift: More Than Just Prices
The decline in red meat consumption isn’t just about prices at the butcher. It also reflects a drop in production. In 2024, total red meat production in Turkey fell by over 11%. This tightening supply, combined with already high prices, made red meat even less available and affordable.
So, Did Chicken and Fish Really “Save” Us?
It depends on how you look at it. No, chicken and fish didn’t reverse inflation or fix income losses. But in the face of record food price increases, they gave families more accessible options. They helped prevent a steeper decline in overall protein intake.
So while they may not have saved the day, they certainly kept many dinner tables from going completely meatless.
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