Meat's Surge in Popularity Fueled by Misinformation and Politics

A planned takedown of plant-based businesses, influencers pushing carnivorous diets, and a new administration fixated on meat have all laid a path for a new carnivorous culture sweeping the nation.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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An investigation reveals that the meat and dairy industries have employed pro-meat and anti-science lobby groups to spread misinformation, distract, and discredit the plant-based movement. This has led to a surge in meat consumption, raw milk popularity, and the glorification of animal products as 'natural, unprocessed, pure, and ancestral' - despite evidence showing the environmental and health risks of a carnivorous diet.

Why it matters

The rise of the 'carnivore culture' is not only concerning from a health and sustainability standpoint, but also highlights the growing politicization of dietary choices and the power of social media influencers to shape public perception, even in the face of scientific evidence.

The details

The meat and dairy industries have employed tactics like a $5 million Super Bowl ad attacking plant-based burgers, narratives positioning plant-based products as 'ultra-processed,' and the romanticization of meat, raw milk, and organ meats as 'natural' and 'ancestral.' This has led to a surge in popularity for influencers like the 'Liver King' and 'Steak and Butter Gal,' as well as policy changes from the new administration to promote meat consumption.

  • In 2024, sales of raw milk shot up 18 percent.
  • In March 2025, the USDA announced plans to overhaul the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines, declaring 'gone are the days where leftist ideologies guide public policy.'

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services who is promoting raw milk and beef tallow as part of his Make America Healthy Again initiative.

Brian Johnson (Liver King)

A Texas-based influencer who built a career and millions of followers by promoting a carnivorous diet of raw liver and other organs.

Bella Ma (@steakandbuttergal)

A Juilliard-trained pianist and former vegan who claims switching to a diet of whole sticks of butter, fatty steaks, and two dozen eggs daily resulted in weight loss, improved mental clarity, and clearing up her eczema and other autoimmune issues.

Mollie Englehart

The owner of the award-winning Sage Plant-Based Bistro in Los Angeles, who announced in 2024 that the eatery would be adding regenerative meat and dairy to its menu.

Daniel Humm

The owner of the Michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park in New York, who walked back the restaurant's 2021 decision to shift to a plant-based menu, citing financial pressures and dwindling patrons.

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What they’re saying

“Now, there are millions of people who have beliefs about meat, animal farming, and protein that are completely off-base, based on nothing but a lie that is said often enough that it sounds like the truth.”

— Victoria Moran, Founder of Main Street Vegan and author of Age Like a Yogi

“There are all of these studies, all of these health scares. People are willing to try anything. People are afraid.”

— Tabitha Brown

“Republicans are meat-eaters; Democrats are vegans. Hence, beef tallow for frying potatoes and seed oils are poison.”

— Marion Nestle, Food policy expert and New York University public health professor

What’s next

The judge in the case involving Keely Farms Dairy and the raw milk incident will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the company to continue selling raw milk.

The takeaway

This case highlights the dangers of the growing 'carnivore culture' fueled by misinformation, political agendas, and the power of social media influencers. It's a stark reminder of the importance of relying on science and facts, and the need for the plant-based community to continue spreading the message of compassion and sustainability.