#009: The Chicken Coup

This episode of Un:Curve: The Podcast is titled “The Chicken Coup.” The episode examines how chicken became the king of fast food.

Here's a breakdown of what's covered:

• In the 1970s, beef was a staple of the American diet, but reports linking red meat to health problems caused the government to change its dietary recommendations.

• Simultaneously, cattle ranchers experienced rising costs, making beef more expensive to produce.

• Fast-food chains, seeking to cut costs, turned to chicken as a cheaper alternative.

• McDonald's, in particular, played a pivotal role in chicken's rise with the introduction of Chicken McNuggets in 1983.

• The success of McNuggets led to a surge in chicken's popularity, making it a ubiquitous fast-food item.

• Behind the scenes, the poultry industry lobbied for regulations and subsidies that favored chicken over beef, further solidifying its dominance.

• The episode questions whether the shift to chicken was truly beneficial, considering the health concerns associated with fried chicken and the environmental impact of factory farming.

• Finally, it explores the future of chicken in the face of emerging alternative proteins and growing consumer awareness, leaving us to ponder what the food industry will choose next.