How has meat consumption changed from 1960 to today?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

Global average per capita meat consumption nearly doubled between 1961 and 2020, rising from 23 kg to 43 kg, and continues to trend upward. This dramatic increase and transformation in how meat consumption has changed from 1960 to today reflects a complex interplay of socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental factors across different regions.

Quick Summary

This analysis details the evolution of global meat consumption patterns from 1960, highlighting the rise of poultry, increased demand in emerging economies, and recent shifts in high-income regions. Key drivers explored include rising incomes, urbanization, and growing awareness of health and environmental impacts. It also addresses the impact on the global food system and future trends.

Key Points

Global Consumption Has Risen: Since 1960, global per capita meat consumption has nearly doubled, largely due to population growth and economic development.
Poultry's Ascent: Poultry has emerged as the dominant meat, driven by its affordability, lower perceived health risks, and efficient production.
Consumption Shifts by Income: High-income countries are experiencing stagnating or declining per capita meat consumption, while demand surges in emerging economies.
Influential Drivers: The shift is propelled by factors such as urbanization, rising incomes, and the global expansion of the fast-food industry.
Environmental and Health Concerns: Growing awareness of meat's environmental footprint and health impacts is pushing some consumers, particularly in wealthier nations, toward alternatives.
Alternative Protein Market Growth: The market for plant-based and cultured meat alternatives is expanding rapidly, offering new options for consumers seeking to reduce their meat intake.
Regional Variations: While developed regions show a preference shift towards poultry and away from red meat, rising incomes in many developing countries will continue to increase demand for meat overall.

A Global Trend: Overall Growth in Meat Consumption

Since 1960, global meat production has increased exponentially, with total volume more than tripling between 1961 and 2020. Per capita consumption followed a similar trajectory, moving from an average of 23 kg in the early 1960s to approximately 43 kg by 2020. This surge is largely attributed to a rising global population and significant socioeconomic development, particularly in middle-income and emerging economies.

The Rise of Poultry: The New Favorite Protein

One of the most significant shifts in meat consumption has been the rapid increase in poultry consumption relative to other meats.

Efficiency: Poultry farming is more resource-efficient than red meat production, making it a more affordable protein source for a growing middle class worldwide.
Health Perception: It is often perceived as a healthier option due to its lower fat content, appealing to health-conscious consumers in high-income countries.
Versatility: Its adaptability and consistent product quality have made it a global staple, with robust growth in developing nations like China, India, and Peru.

Comparing Meat Consumption Patterns: 1960s vs. Today

This table outlines the primary contrasts in global meat consumption over the past six decades.


Feature	1960s	Today
Dominant Meat Type	Regional variation, but red meat (beef, pork) common in many high-income countries.	Global shift towards poultry due to cost and health factors.
Key Consumption Drivers	Post-war economic recovery, population growth, and local agricultural practices.	Urbanization, rising incomes in emerging economies, fast-food industry growth.
Major Growth Regions	Primarily high-income countries (North America, Europe).	Asia, Latin America, and other developing regions.
Ethical/Environmental Concerns	Low public awareness of livestock's environmental impact.	Growing consumer awareness of climate change, animal welfare, and health concerns, particularly in high-income countries.
Dietary Alternatives	Extremely niche or non-existent market.	Rapidly growing market for plant-based and cultured meat alternatives.
Per Capita Consumption	Much lower globally, with significant regional disparity.	Higher global average, though regional disparities persist, with some high-income regions stabilizing or declining.

Driving Forces Behind the Change

Several interconnected factors have shaped the dramatic changes in global meat consumption over the decades.

Economic Development and Urbanization

As countries experienced economic growth and a shift from rural to urban living, meat often became more accessible and a marker of improved living standards. Rising disposable incomes in emerging markets, especially in Asia, spurred a surge in demand for animal protein. This urbanization trend also fostered the growth of fast-food chains and processed meat products, which further drove consumption.

Technological Advancements in Agriculture

Innovations in breeding, feeding, and management techniques have made meat production more efficient and cost-effective. This has allowed the industry to scale up rapidly to meet global demand. Productivity improvements, particularly in poultry and pig meat production, have helped mitigate some of the environmental impact, though overall emissions continue to rise due to sheer volume.

Growing Environmental and Health Consciousness

In recent years, especially in high-income countries, consumers have become more aware of the environmental and health consequences of high meat consumption. The livestock sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. Health concerns related to red and processed meat consumption, such as links to cardiovascular disease and cancer, have also influenced dietary choices. This has led to a plateauing or slight decline in per capita consumption in some regions, with a clear preference shift towards poultry and plant-based options.

The Rise of Alternative Proteins

In response to these changing consumer attitudes, the market for meat alternatives has exploded. Plant-based meat substitutes, made from ingredients like soy, legumes, and wheat protein, have become widely available and increasingly sophisticated. The market for these alternatives is projected to continue its significant growth, driven by health, ethical, and environmental considerations.

The Role of International Trade

Global trade patterns have also shifted dramatically. The rise of new exporting powerhouses, such as Brazil and Australia, has changed the flow of meat products around the world. Meanwhile, large importing nations like China have seen their import needs fluctuate based on domestic production and economic conditions, impacting global prices and supply chains.

Conclusion: A Complex, Evolving Food System

The trajectory of meat consumption from 1960 to today illustrates a complex global story of progress and paradox. While rising incomes and a growing population have driven an overall increase in consumption, particularly in emerging economies, a counter-trend is emerging in wealthier regions. Here, a combination of environmental and health awareness, coupled with the innovation in plant-based alternatives, is leading to stagnating or declining per capita consumption of some meat types, particularly beef and pork. As the global population and economies continue to grow, the tension between these opposing forces—increasing demand from new markets and conscious reduction in established markets—will continue to shape the future of meat production and consumption.

For a detailed overview of global meat market projections, refer to reports from organizations like the OECD and FAO, which provide extensive analysis on future trends, including the continued rise of poultry consumption and potential impacts of disease outbreaks.

The Outlook for Meat Consumption

Looking ahead, several trends are poised to continue influencing how meat consumption changes. The dominance of poultry is expected to grow further, especially in developing countries where it offers an affordable path to meeting protein needs. At the same time, the alternative protein market will likely mature, with ongoing innovations in flavor, texture, and nutritional value. The future of meat consumption will be a balancing act between global population growth, rising incomes, and a growing collective awareness of the associated health and environmental costs, pushing food systems toward greater efficiency and diversification.

Frequently Asked Questions

The increase is primarily driven by a combination of global population growth and rising incomes, particularly in developing and emerging economies. As more people move to urban areas and gain purchasing power, their diets often shift to include more animal protein.

Poultry's popularity is fueled by its affordability and efficiency of production, making it accessible to a wider consumer base. Additionally, it is often perceived as a healthier, lower-fat option compared to red meats, appealing to health-conscious consumers globally.

Growing environmental awareness, especially in high-income countries, has led some consumers to reduce their meat intake, particularly beef, due to its significant environmental footprint. This concern has also spurred the growth of the plant-based and alternative protein markets.

Yes, consumption patterns have diverged. High-income countries have seen per capita meat consumption stabilize or even decline slightly, driven by health and environmental concerns. In contrast, low and middle-income countries are experiencing significant growth in per capita consumption as incomes rise and dietary preferences shift.

Urbanization plays a significant role by increasing access to a wider variety of foods, including processed and fast-food meat products. The urban lifestyle and proximity to markets often lead to a greater integration of meat into daily diets, especially in developing nations.

Reports from organizations like the OECD and FAO project continued total growth in global meat consumption over the next decade, primarily driven by population growth and rising incomes in developing regions. However, this growth will likely be led by poultry, with a continued shift away from red meat in some developed countries.

The market for alternative proteins has grown significantly, moving from traditional plant-based foods like tofu to modern meat substitutes designed to mimic animal products. Innovations now include a wide range of plant-based meats, and research is ongoing for cultured meat (lab-grown).