Global Meat Consumption Trends
Understanding how many people in the world eat meat requires analyzing global trends, regional disparities, and shifting consumer behavior. The world's total meat consumption has increased significantly over the past decades, largely driven by population growth and rising incomes in developing nations. While this increase is notable, it obscures significant variations on a per-person basis and by geographic location. Surveys consistently indicate that the overwhelming majority of people globally consume meat, but the data reveals nuanced and contrasting trends depending on a country's economic status and cultural norms.
The Developing World's Appetite for Meat
In many low- and middle-income countries, meat consumption is often a marker of increasing prosperity and changing diets. Incomes have risen in nations like China and Brazil, leading to a large spike in per capita meat consumption. For instance, Chinese meat consumption per person more than tripled between the late 1980s and the last few decades, while Brazil has seen its per capita consumption nearly double since 1990. In Africa, population growth is a primary driver for increased meat consumption, although per capita intake remains relatively low compared to higher-income countries. The expansion of fast-food industries and urbanization are also influencing dietary shifts toward more animal products in these regions.
Stagnation in High-Income Countries
Conversely, many high-income countries have seen per capita meat consumption plateau or even decline. Consumers in these regions are increasingly influenced by concerns related to animal welfare, environmental impact, and personal health. This has led to shifts in consumption patterns, such as a preference for poultry over red meat in some areas like the European Union and Canada, or a stagnation in overall consumption. The market for plant-based alternatives is growing rapidly in these countries, though animal-based meat remains the norm for most. The OECD projects continued, albeit slower, per capita growth in high-income nations over the next decade.
The Rise of Plant-Based Diets
Despite the global dominance of meat consumption, vegetarian and vegan diets are gaining traction, particularly in Western countries. While the global vegan population is still a small minority, estimates suggest it is growing, with a projected increase in plant-based food sales. In countries like India, vegetarianism has a long history rooted in cultural and religious beliefs, resulting in some of the world's lowest per capita meat consumption rates, although the majority of the population still consumes some meat. The growing availability and marketing of meat alternatives are also contributing to a broader shift in consumer choices worldwide.
Key Regional Variations in Meat Consumption
Regional differences in meat consumption are significant. For example, North America and Europe have traditionally high per capita consumption, though growth is slowing. In Asia, China's massive consumption has dramatically altered global averages, while India remains a major outlier with low per capita rates despite its large population. In parts of the Middle East, the consumption of different meat types is also significant. For example, Israel has one of the highest per capita poultry consumption rates globally, while pork consumption is low in many Muslim-majority nations.
A Comparison of Meat Consumption in Selected Regions (Per Capita, 2022 Data)
| Region | Total Meat (kg/capita) | Poultry (kg/capita) | Pig (kg/capita) | Bovine (kg/capita) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World Average | 44.5 | 17.0 | 15.3 | 9.4 |
| United States | 122.9 | 53.5 | 29.9 | 38.0 |
| European Union | ~70-90 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| China | 70.6 | 17.7 | 40.2 | 8.1 |
| India | 6.6 | 3.5 | 0.2 | 2.2 |
| Nigeria | 7.6 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 1.5 |
Note: Data for the European Union is presented as a range as specific per-country consumption varies. The figures for the US, China, India, and Nigeria are illustrative examples of regional differences based on 2022 data.
The Future of Meat Eating
The future trajectory of how many people in the world eat meat is complex. Population growth and rising incomes in developing countries will likely continue to increase overall demand for meat, particularly poultry. However, growing awareness of the environmental and health costs of meat production could mitigate some of this growth, especially in developed countries where consumption is already high. The market for plant-based meat and other alternatives is expanding, offering consumers more options, and could play a larger role in shaping diets in the coming decades. Ultimately, the global picture of meat consumption is dynamic, with opposing forces of rising demand in some regions and shifting preferences in others. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) projects that while global meat production is expanding, per capita consumption growth is slowing in high-income regions. A key factor for the future will be how effectively global supply chains can adapt to these evolving demands while addressing sustainability concerns. For further detailed information on global consumption trends and sustainability dimensions, researchers can consult the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook.
Conclusion
While a definitive, real-time census on how many people in the world eat meat is not available, data from recent studies and surveys confirm that the vast majority of the world's population includes meat in their diet. Regional variations, driven by economic factors and cultural practices, create a diverse consumption landscape. The global trend shows increasing total meat consumption fueled by population growth and rising incomes in developing nations, contrasted by a stagnation or even slight decline in per capita consumption within some high-income countries due to health and environmental awareness. The trajectory of global meat consumption will continue to be shaped by these competing forces, as well as the ongoing innovation and adoption of plant-based alternatives.
