Ever since humans walked this Earth, we have been killing helpless animals to satisfy our own needs and desires. But has our meat consumption gotten out of hand?
Over the years, meat consumption has risen dramatically, with humans now consuming millions of tonnes of meat each year.
Whether you’re a big meat eater, a vegan, or someone who occasionally eats meat here and there (like me), you’ll be surprised to know the facts and figures that come with meat consumption.
Top Most Insightful Stats
- In 2023, Poultry had the highest Growth in the World
- The Third Most Consumed Meat Is from Cattle in the World
- World meat production reached 365 million tonnes
- Almost 46 Million Turkeys Are Consumed by Americans on Thanksgiving
- Per Capita Meat Consumption of the World Was 29.3 Kilos
- Pigmeat output is projected to rise to 130 mt by 2034
- According to Stats, the Meat Industry is worth $1,102.55 Billion
- America Has the Highest Annual Meat Consumption
Most Consumed Meat in the World
Meat makes up a large part of the human diet, so it surely comes as no surprise that we eat millions of tonnes of it every year. But do you know which meats we mostly consume worldwide?
Well, the results may slightly shock you. Take a look at the types of meat below.
- Chicken: 34%
- Pig: 34%
- Cattle: 19%
- Other: 13%
Latest Stats of 2023 Show Chicken Meat Had the largest Growth of 34.2% since 2000 (Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO)
If you were to ask me, “What is the most commonly consumed meat in the world?” I would answer chicken, mainly because over 24% of the world population follows the religion of Islam, and with their beliefs, they avoid pig meat altogether.
According to FAO, in 2023, chicken meat made up 34.2% of the world’s meat production, showing the biggest growth since 2000 with a 116% increase, or 68 million tonnes. Chicken was the most produced meat in 2021. Pig meat also accounted for 33.7% of the total production in 2023, down from 38% in 2000.
Chicken typically takes the top spot of the most consumed meats in the world because it comes in different forms, is easy to preserve, and is a good source of protein. So every time you eat nuggets, wings, drumsticks, or pepperonis, you’re contributing to the most consumed meat in the world.
By 2034, people around the world are expected to eat 173 million metric tons of poultry, making it the top choice for meat globally (FAO)
By 2034, poultry will make up 45% of all meat eaten globally, proving it is the world’s most popular source of animal protein.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the world went into lockdown, poultry was the most widely consumed meat globally, with the population eating more turkey, chicken, duck, and pheasants than ever before.
Why did poultry meat take over, you ask? The reason is likely due to an outbreak of African Swine Fever that spread across various Asian countries and wiped out populations of pigs, limiting the amount of pork available.
The Third Most Produced Meat Is From Cattle in the World (FAO)
Following chicken and pork meat is cattle meat, contributing to 19% of meat consumption worldwide. The proportion of cattle meat decreased from 24 percent in 2000 to 19 percent in 2023.
It’s strange to think that the biggest of all farm animals that produce the most meat per animal comes in third place, isn’t it?
World Meat Production Reached 365 Million Tonnes in 2024 (FAO)
In 2024, global meat production reached 365 million tons, which was 337 million tons in 2020, indicating a significant rise from 2000 to 2024.
While numerous species are raised for meat production, three main types, namely chicken, pig, and cattle, dominated the industry, collectively contributing to nearly 90 percent of global production between 2000 and 2020.
What is the Most Eaten Meat in the World?
According to studies from the OECD, the past decade saw strong growth in the global per capita consumption of poultry (+16%), while the per capita consumption of beef and veal decreased by almost 5% between 2008 and 2017.
- Global poultry, sheep meat, beef, and pig meat consumption is projected to grow by roughly 21%, 16%, 13%, and 5%, respectively, by 2034.
- Global per capita pork consumption is projected to decline by 4% relative to the base period for the Outlook due to zero growth in per capita consumption in high-income regions (130 Mt).
- Global poultry consumption is projected to reach 173 Mt ready-to-cook (rtc) by 2034, accounting for 62% of the additional meat consumed globally.
- Global beef consumption is projected to reach 84 Mt cwe over the next decade, remaining stable at around 6 kg per capita/year rwe.
- While sheep meat consumption is a relatively small part of the global meat market.
Most Popular Meats
So, now we know which meat humans mostly consume, but just how much of it actually reaches our plates each year?
The Popularity of Turkeys, the Sixth Most Eaten Meat, Could Be Assessed by the Fact that Approximately 46 Million Turkeys Are Consumed by Americans on Thanksgiving (US Poultry and Egg Association)
I’m from the U.K. Brits typically only eat turkeys on Christmas Day. Similarly, turkey popularity skyrockets across the pond every fourth Thursday of November when Thanksgiving rolls around.
Americans consumed 4.95 billion pounds of turkey in 2023 and 4.69 billion pounds in 2024, according to USDA ERS data.
Would you believe roughly 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving Day alone? Considering the population of the United States is approximately 349 million, that’s one turkey for every seven people!
5,962,500 tonnes of ducks were produced in China; Hence, They Are the Most Popular Meat in China and the Seventh Most Popular Meat in the World (Helgi Library)
We all know that China has the world’s largest population, and China’s 1.4 billion people seem to love duck meat. Over the years, the amount of tons of duck meat China produces has shot up.
Duck meat production reached 5,962,500 tonnes in 2024 in China, according to Faostat. China has been ranked 1st within the group of 71 countries we follow in terms of duck meat production.
Extremely Popular in Asia, Buffalo Meat Is the Eighth Most Consumed Meat in the World (Stakeholder Foods)
95.8% of all water buffaloes live in Asia, so it probably comes as no surprise that Stakeholder Foods has stated that buffalo meat is a popular choice in many Asian countries.
It’s so popular that Asia has put buffalo meat in the eighth spot for the most consumed animal meat worldwide. This is because Buffalo produces a lot of meat and is a vital source of protein. That’s mostly true in countries where nutritional imbalances are common.
The Ninth Most Consumed Meat Is the White Meat of Goose, Produced by China, Egypt, and Poland (NCBI)
Goose meat is another meat I haven’t and likely won’t ever try, but according to the NCBI in China, Egypt, and Poland, goose meat is a favorite among locals, with Polish people eating goose meat throughout November to celebrate St. Martin’s Day.
China, Taiwan, and Egypt are the leading producers of goose meat, whereas Poland, Hungary, and Belgium are among the main exporting countries.
Asia Accounts for 69.3% of Global Rabbit Meat Production; Popular in Europe and China, Rabbit Meat Is the Tenth Most Consumed Meat in the World (Compassion in World Farming)
Rabbits are not only a popular pet but also a popular meat source. Asia produces a vast percentage of global rabbit meat production. Asia share 69.3% of global rabbit and hare meat production in 2021.
In Europe and China, rabbits are widely consumed; in Malta, the national dish even contains rabbit meat.
Consumption of Meat
Below are some more facts about meat consumption, which are almost mind-blowing.
By 2034, global meat production is expected to reach about 406 million metric tons (FAO)
Global meat production has increased with each and every year, and FAO estimated that World meat production is projected to rise 13% or 46 Mt cwe to an estimated 406 Mt cwe by 2034.
Global meat consumption will grow by 47.9 million tons between 2025 and 2034, with an annual per capita increase of 0.9 kg in edible retail weight. Global meat consumption today is more than quadruple the level in 1961.
The Consumption of Meat Has Doubled between 1988 and 2018 (The World Counts)
With the ever-growing population, The World Counts has stated that meat consumption from 1988 to 2018 doubled, with no signs of it slowing down anytime soon, and it increased fourfold since the mid 1960s.
It Is Expected by 2050, Global Meat Consumption Will Be Projected Between 460 Million and Staggering 570 Million Tons (The World Counts)
In 1961, the world produced 70.57 tons of meat; by 2020, that number had reached 337.18 million tonnes.
In a further 27 years, experts have estimated that global meat consumption could reach up to 460-570 million tonnes, more than 8 times the amount that the world produced in 1961. Shocking, isn’t it?
Per Capita Meat Consumption of the World Was 29.3 Kilos (OECD, FAO)
How much meat do you think you consume each year? The average amount per person is now 29.3 kilograms. In high‑income regions during 2022–24, people consumed a total of about 57 kilograms of meat per person per year, with poultry and pig meat making up the largest shares compared to beef and sheep.
Although you may eat substantially more than that, it’s important to remember that over 690 million people live in extreme poverty and can’t afford meat, ultimately bringing the mean average down.
From 2022 to 2024, the per Capita Meat Consumption Was Highest in North America, i.e., 78.2 Kilos per Person (Statista)
Of all the six inhabited continents, North America consumed the most meat from 2022 to 2024, and each person consumed a whopping 78.2 kilos of meat. By comparison, the average person living in Africa consumed about 9.6 kilos per year during that period.
The cheap prices of meat, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, really led to boredom eating, didn’t it?
According to Stats for 2024, the Meat Industry is worth $1,102.55 Billion (Maximize Market Research)
When you think of billion-dollar industries, your mind probably goes to film production, healthcare, or tech, but would you believe that the meat industry is nearly a trillion-dollar industry? The meat industry was valued at $961.17 billion in 2022.
It was noted that by the end of 2024, the global meat market crossed $1,102.55 billion US dollars. In 2025, the meat market revenue was projected to reach $1.23 trillion.
By 2034, It Is Predicted Meat Industry Value Will Reach $2.30 trillion (Globe News Wire)
In 2023, the Asia Pacific region held the highest share of the global meat market. It is expected to hit USD 2.30 trillion by 2034, reflecting a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025 to 2034.
Pigmeat Output is projected to rise from 124 million tonnes (Mt) carcass weight equivalent (cwe) to 130 Mt cwe by 2034 (Pig World)
34% of all meat humans eat is pork; over the years, the number of metric kilotons we consume has steadily grown.
The volume of pigmeat produced across the world is predicted to grow from 124 million tonnes (Mt) carcass weight equivalent (cwe) in the base period (2022-2024) to 130 Mt cwe by 2034, equivalent to an annual growth rate of 0.4%.
With pigmeat account for around 13% of the total increase by 2034. This growth is facilitated by more favorable meat-to-feed ratios compared to beef production.
The Best Meat in the World
What one person would consider the best meat in the world would differ from the next because I’m sure your favorite meat will likely differ from mine. When I do eat meat, it tends only to be chicken, but even that’s a rare occurrence.
If you were to consider the health benefits that come along with certain meats, then the best meat in the world would be as follows:
- Fish and shellfish like salmon and lobster
- Turkey
- Chicken
- American Bison
- Pork
- Beef
- Lamb
- Duck
- Venison
Red meats like beef, pork, lamb, veal, venison, and duck are great sources of iron, zinc, and protein. However, they are higher in saturated fat, which can cause cardiovascular diseases. So, if you are a huge meat lover, try to switch red meat out for fish, turkey, or chicken.
Which Countries Eat the Most Meat?
Humans in every country consume meat, but some countries stand out from the rest and eat much more meat than others. How do you think your country ranks?
America has the Highest Annual Meat Consumption of 271 pounds per capita (Carlisle Technology)
It’s no secret that Americans love meat; from fried chicken and meatloaf to beef burgers and hot dogs, meat is a staple in the average American’s everyday diet, making America the largest consumer.
You’ll be as shocked as I was to know that, according to Carlisle Technology, every year, the average American consumes nearly 271 pounds of meat, nearly twice the amount of the average adult male!
In 2025, per capita meat consumption in the United States is expected to reach 226.4 pounds, representing a slight decline of 0.1% rise over the previous year.
In 2024, the United States’ per capita meat consumption across beef and veal, sheep, poultry, and pork amounted to 80.4 kilograms in retail weight.
Australia Comes Next with a per Capita Meat Consumption of 181.8 pounds per capita (82.5 kg) (OECD)
Following close behind America and its massive meat consumption is Australia. The reason for this is that Australia has access to quality meat at low prices, especially compared to other countries.
Add on the fact that Australia loves throwing things on the barbie, and inevitably, the country’s total meat consumption has soared.
IBIS World expects meat consumption to hike by 0.6% during 2025-26 to 108.8 kilograms per capita. In 2024, Australia’s per capita meat consumption across beef and veal, pork, poultry, and sheep reached 82.5 kilograms in retail weight.
In Israel, 150 pounds (68 kg) per Capita of Meat Is Consumed (OECD)
In 2024, Israel’s per capita meat consumption across sheep, poultry, pork, and beef/veal reached 68 kilograms in retail weight.
Grilled and barbecued meat are staples in Israeli cuisine. Outdoor barbecuing, known as mangal or al ha-esh (“on the fire”), is a cherished pastime in Israel.
However, their preference is chicken and turkey, with fish and lamb meat being popular choices too.
The Fourth Country with the Highest per Capita Meat Consumption Is Canada (OECD)
In 2024, the country or region holding the fourth position is Canada for beef and veal, the OECD average for pork, New Zealand for poultry, and Norway for sheep meat.
Most Eaten Meat in America
So, Americans love meat, and we know that by the fact that each American eats over 224 pounds of meat each year, but which meat do you think is the most eaten countrywide?
According to Stats for 2025, Broilers Are the Most-eaten Meat in the US, with per Capita Consumption of 103.1 Pounds (USDA)
Chicken has become the most popular meat throughout the world; broiler (chicken bred for meat production) is the most popular meat in America.
Broiler production is expected to grow steadily in the coming years, fueled by rising demand both domestically and internationally. Considering that the latest USDA data indicate 226 pounds of red meat and poultry and about 22 dozen eggs are available per U.S. consumer in 2025.
Since 1980, US Chicken Availability per Capita Has Increased by more than Double (USDA)
The reason why chicken consumption is high in America is that, according to the USDA, chicken is the meat that is most available meat to eat, overtaking beef, pork, and fish.
Combine that with chickens’ low price point and health benefits, and it’s really no wonder why Americans eat more and more each year.
It Is Forecasted by 2033, the per Capita Broiler Consumption Will Reach 107.5 Pounds (USDA)
As the years continue to go by, it’s likely that Americans will be eating more and more chicken, with the figures estimated to reach over 100 pounds of chicken consumption by a single American each year. Broiler per capita disappearance is expected to increase steadily, growing from 101.1 pounds in 2025 to 107.5 pounds in 2033.
Chicken is one of the cheapest meat options. With the US currently going through a recession, average Americans are trying to keep grocery costs low, opting for chicken over other, more expensive meats.
In 2024, Beef Was the Second Most Consumed Meat in the US (USDA)
In 2024, however, pork was the second most consumed meat in the US. Considering pork being the second most popular and consumed meat worldwide, it is justified.
You can also have a look at the beef production by US states.
The per Capita Pork Consumption in 2025 in the US Was 51.4 Pounds (USDA)
Pork, at times, was one of the most consumed meats in the US, especially during the 1940s. However, over the past 80 years, Americans have favored beef and, more recently, chicken, putting pork in the third spot for meat consumed by the United States.
The reasons pork is the third most consumed meat in America could be because of religion, as 7.9 million Jewish people and 4.5 million Muslims call the US home, the low price of chicken, and because pork isn’t the healthiest meat option.
Beef Consumption by Country
Beef makes up 20% of the global meat consumed, but in recent years, especially, beef consumption was extortionate, with a few countries, in particular, consuming a lot more than others. Any guesses which?
Overall, 59.1 million tons of Beef and Veal were Consumed All over the World in 2024 (The Beef Site)
Global beef and veal production in 2024 is forecast virtually unchanged at 59.1 million tons. Global beef consumption is projected to reach 84 Mt cwe over the next decade, remaining stable at around 6 kg per capita/year rwe.
The US ranked the Highest in beef and veal consumption, consuming 37.2 kilograms in 2024 (Report Linker)
Meat consumption is on a steady slide. Starting at 37.2 kg per person in 2024, it’s expected to drop to 35.96 kg by 2028. Since numbers were even higher in 2023, it’s clear that people are consistently eating less meat year after year.
In 2023, the United States led global beef and veal production with 12.29 million metric tons.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit the US a few times, and one thing I noticed was that American portions are twice the size of what we have in the UK.
Combine the overly large portion sizes with the vast amount of takeaway options and fast food restaurants, and it really does make sense why the US ranks at number one.
China accounted for 11% of the World’s Beef Consumption (USDA)
Chinese people consumed almost 11% of the world’s beef, which is less than that of America. Chinese beef consumption is expected to stay flat in 2024, at around 11 million tonnes.
And the reason why China consumes a lot of beef is that beef is used in traditional Chinese medicine, which most of the population swears by.
Brazil consumed 8.5 MMT CWE of beef (OECD)
Third on the list for beef consumption was Brazil, with projected domestic beef consumption in 2024 at 8.5 MMT CWE, a four percent increase from 2023.
Did you know that there are more cows in Brazil than people? And with all-you-can-eat steak restaurants, favorable environments, and land available to cattle, it’s no wonder the country ranks at number 3.
Surprisingly, India Ranked 4th and Argentina 5th on the List of Highest Beef Consumption (OECD)
Both countries have a strong cultural tradition of beef consumption, with Argentina famous for its asado (barbecue) and India incorporating beef into many traditional dishes.
FAQs
What Is the Most Widely Eaten Meat in the World?
Throughout the world, chicken is the most widely eaten meat, as it accounts for 34% of global meat consumption.
Which Is the Most Popular Meat in Japan?
Pork is the most popular meat in Japan, followed by chicken and beef.
With an Increase in Population and Growing Demand, Is Meat Sustainable for the Future?
Meat isn’t sustainable for the future, as the production of meat products increases carbon footprint, which leads to global warming and climate change.
How Much of the Land and Water Is Required for Global Meat Consumption?
The world uses 10% of agricultural land to grow crops for animal feed, more than two-thirds of the world’s agricultural land for grazing animals, and 70% of the world’s freshwater for agricultural purposes.
How is Meat Farming Affecting the Planet?
Meat production is the biggest cause of deforestation, as making room for grazing animals means destroying forests and grasslands.
If deforestation wasn’t bad enough, many animal species are becoming endangered and, even worse, extinct, all while billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide would be released into the atmosphere thanks to the meat production industry.
What is the Healthier and More Sustainable Choice for Future Meat Consumption?
The most sustainable and healthier choice for future meat consumption is to eat less meat or to eat meat raised in pastures rather than factory-farmed meat, which is done on a much larger scale.
Wrap Up
Unfortunately, meat consumption is one of those environmental problems that will likely never end, as humans are conditioned to eat meat.
And even though supplements and a plant-based diet can provide the human body with the nutrients it needs, it will be almost impossible to cut meat from the entire population’s diet.
There are some things you, as an individual, can do to help reduce meat consumption; however, one of the most obvious is cutting down the amount of meat you eat each week.
Do you think you can limit yourself to eating meat only once or twice a week? If so, you could ultimately be helping the planet and the animals that would have once ended up on your plate.
And although cutting meat out of your diet may not seem like a huge benefit in the grand scheme of things, aside from helping the planet and the slaughtered animals who are simply raised for food, there are actually reports that show strong connections between meat and increased risk of cancer.
So, cutting it out really is a win-win.
