Per capita consumption of lamb in the U.S. has remained fairly flat over the past 10 years at approximately one pound per person. The highest consumption of lamb is in the Northeast and California. In a recent consumer survey, 35 percent of the respondents claimed they had never eaten lamb. The study indicates that more men than women eat lamb, and that income plays a role in lamb consumption. Shoppers making more than $75,000 are more likely to eat lamb.

In 2008, American lamb stayed consistent in its one percent share of fresh meat dollar sales and 0.5 percent of fresh meat pound sales, despite the negative impact of the economy. Fresh lamb experienced a tough year as prices for the category increased 4.8 percent for the year, compared to the same period year ago. Lamb prices were up 11.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008. As a result, lamb dollar sales decreased 5.7 percent for the quarter and five percent for the year and pound sales decreased 15.1 percent for the quarter and 9.4 percent for the year compared to the same periods year ago.