The income elasticity of meat: a meta-analysis

The demand for meat has been estimated by many studies utilizing various data and estimation methods. In this study, we perform a meta-analysis of the income elasticity of meat that involves regressing 3357 estimated income elasticities, collected from 393 studies, on variables that control for study characteristics. Across several meta-regression specifications, we find significant differences in income elasticities tied to the type of meat being studied, as well as a few functional forms, data aggregations, publication characteristics, and locations of demand. However, many study characteristics do not significantly influence reported income elasticities. Less concern should be given to such characteristics when choosing an income elasticity from the literature.