Most consumed type of meat (or fish) by country

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Meat has been a part of the Homo sapiens diet since ancient times. The domestication of animals for meat, milk, and wool was a driving power behind the development of permanent human societies starting about 10 thousand B.C.

Scientists assume that higher meat consumption, high in protein and fat, is committed to human life extents and mental growth during that time.

Globally, the consumption of different types of meat varies greatly. Such differences are primarily due to economic, historical, cultural, and religious reasons. The world map below shows the most consumed type of meat by country.

Looking at the map of the world above, several fascinating patterns emerge. Europe shows a clear preference for pork, a tradition dating back to medieval times when pigs were valued for their ability to convert household waste into protein. In contrast, the Americas have embraced chicken, largely due to modern industrial farming practices and its reputation as a healthier meat option.

In absolute numbers, globally, the most consumed types of meat are as follows.

Top Most Consumed Meats In The World in 2021

1. Fish ~ 180 million tons
2. Chicken – 128 million tons
3. Pork – 118 million tons
4. Beef – 92 million tons
5. Lamb Meat – 18 million tons
6. Goat Meat – 12 million tons
7. Turkey – 6 million tons (The U.S. consumed 41% of overall turkey meat consumption. It is about 2.4 million tons)
8. Duck – 5 million tons
9. Buffalo – 4.9 million tons
10. Goose Meat – 2.7 million tons
11. Rabbit Meat – 1.1 million tons
12. Horse Meat ~ 800 thousand tons

Did You Know?

• The average American consumes about 274 pounds of meat annually
• The United States alone accounts for 41% of global turkey consumption
• China consumes half of the world’s pork production
• India, despite its large population, has one of the lowest per-capita meat consumption rates due to cultural and religious factors

It should come as no wonder that fish is the most consumed type of meat in the world. In addition, fish is the most healthy type of meat, full of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids.

The Health Perspective

Not all meats are created equal when it comes to nutritional value. Here’s a ranking of meats based on their health benefits:

The healthiest meats

1. Fish
2. Chicken
3. Turkey
4. Beef
5. Veal
6. Lamb
7. Goat
8. Buffalo
9. Ostrich
10. Emu
11. Sandwich Meats
12. Venison
13. Pork
14. Wild Boar
15. Roast Beef
16. Pheasant
17. Quail
18. Bison

Looking Ahead: Future of Meat Consumption

Global meat consumption patterns continue to evolve. Rising incomes in developing countries, environmental concerns, and health consciousness are reshaping how the world eats. Plant-based alternatives and lab-grown meat are emerging as potential game-changers in this landscape.

For map enthusiasts and geography lovers, here are some excellent world maps available on Amazon:

• National Geographic World Executive Wall Map
• Swiftmaps World Modern Day Antique Wall Map
• Rand McNally Classic World Wall Map

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