WARNING: Montana’s Favorite Meat Is Officially Unsafe To Eat

Right out the gate, I'll tell you that I love myself a tasty ribeye. There ain't anything like it and if you take it medium rare, you're doing it right.

And as much as I love steak, even I had to stop and do a double take of the latest report from the American Cancer Society that is circulating across mainstream media.

Is It Safe To Eat Red Meat In 2026?

I have to admit that this one hurt. I noticed a report from the America Cancer Society circulating social media and mainstream media claiming that red meats and processed meats are, in fact, horrible for you.

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"Eating red and processed meat is linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer," the American Cancer Society said, "These meats may also increase the risk of breast, pancreatic, prostate, and stomach cancer, but more research is needed."

Hey, at least "more research is needed"! Maybe these same researchers will backpedal in a few months and find something that says red meat is good for us... right?

Probably not.

The American Cancer Society says red meats that are "probable carcinogens" include "beef, pork, veal, lamb, mutton, and goat." These meats can be fresh, ground, or frozen.

Is It Safe To Eat Processed Meat In 2026?

It's not just red meats like steak that are getting some negative attention from this research either. Processed meats including "bacon, ham, deli meat, sausage, and hot dogs" are all "known carcinogens" according to the American Cancer Society.

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Both the red meats and processed meats are linked to a higher risk of colorectal cancer and can also increase the risk of "breast, pancreatic, prostate, and stomach cancer, but more research is needed."

The American Cancer Society also says that the saturated fats in both processed and red meats could also cause unhealthy weight gain and problems associated with excess body weight, "chronic inflammation and increase your risk of cancer."

Meats To Eat Instead Of Red And Processed Meats

I have to admit that it'll be tough for me to abandon steak altogether. But, if you have more willpower than I do, there are a few meat replacements you can go with in place of red and processed meats.

The American Cancer Society suggests having poultry, fish and other seafood, low-fat dairy products like milk and yogurt, and of course, plant-based sources of protein like beans, soy, mushrooms, and more.