Nutrition Diet: What is the most consumed meat in the world?

October 18, 2025 •

5 min read

Recent data from sources like the FAO show that global meat consumption is continuing to rise, but the leading type of meat has shifted in recent years, prompting the question: What is the most consumed meat in the world?,. The answer reflects a confluence of economic factors, health perceptions, and cultural preferences that vary widely across the globe.

Quick Summary

Poultry has overtaken pork to become the most consumed meat worldwide, driven by affordability and perceived health benefits. Other major meats like pork and beef remain regionally significant. Global consumption trends are shaped by income, cultural factors, and growing awareness of health and environmental impacts.

Key Points

Poultry is the most consumed meat: Recent data confirms poultry (primarily chicken) has surpassed pork as the most consumed meat globally, driven by affordability and production efficiency,.
Regional preferences vary widely: While poultry is the global leader, specific meats dominate regionally, such as pork in China and beef in the Americas.
Consumption is influenced by many factors: Key drivers include income levels, urbanization, cultural and religious beliefs, health perceptions, and environmental concerns,.
Environmental impact differs significantly: Beef production carries a much higher environmental footprint (emissions, land use) than poultry or pork, influencing some consumers' choices.
Nutritional value depends on the type and cut: Meats offer vital nutrients like protein, iron, and B vitamins, but vary in fat content. Leaner cuts and moderation are often recommended for optimal health,.
Trends are shifting towards leaner options: In high-income countries, there is a trend towards reduced overall meat consumption or a shift from red meat to poultry, driven by health and sustainability consciousness,.

The Global Shift: Poultry's Ascent to the Top Spot

For many years, pork held the title of the most consumed meat globally, primarily due to its popularity and heavy consumption in China and Europe,. However, recent global trends show a clear shift in consumer preference, with poultry now leading the pack. Data from sources like the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Statista confirm this, indicating that in terms of overall quantity and per capita consumption, poultry has surpassed pork,.

This trend is fueled by several factors. Chicken, the most common type of poultry, is often more affordable than red meat, making it a staple protein source in both developing and developed economies. Its versatility in cooking, combined with a perception of being a healthier, leaner option, has also contributed to its widespread adoption,. The efficiency of poultry production, which has a lower carbon footprint and uses fewer resources than red meat production, aligns with growing environmental concerns among some consumers. Future projections suggest this trend will continue, with poultry consumption expected to grow significantly over the next decade, especially in Asian and developing countries,.

Other Major Players in the Global Meat Market

While poultry now dominates, other meat types still play a crucial role in global diets, with significant regional variations.

Pork

Despite being displaced from the top spot, pork remains a major and culturally significant meat source. Its popularity is particularly strong in China, where it is a cornerstone of the national cuisine, and in several European countries,. Outbreaks of diseases like African Swine Fever (ASF) have caused fluctuations in production and consumption in key regions, impacting the global market.

Beef

Beef consumption is highest in the Americas, particularly in countries with strong ranching traditions like the United States and Argentina. However, beef faces significant pressure due to its high environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption. Some high-income consumers are reducing their beef intake due to health and sustainability concerns.

Lamb and Goat

Consumption of lamb and goat meat is strong in specific regions, such as the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Africa. These meats, often categorized together in statistics, are culturally important in these areas, although their total global consumption volume is lower than that of poultry, pork, or beef.

Nutritional and Environmental Profile of Common Meats

When considering a nutritious diet, it's essential to look beyond global popularity and evaluate the specific characteristics of different meats. The nutritional content, including protein quality, micronutrient density, and fat levels, can vary widely. Similarly, the environmental impact of production differs significantly by animal type and farming practices,.


Feature	Poultry (e.g., Chicken)	Pork (e.g., Tenderloin)	Beef (e.g., Lean Cut)
Protein Quality	High-quality, easily digestible protein.	High-quality protein.	High-quality protein.
Key Micronutrients	Niacin (B3), Pyridoxine (B6), Iron, Zinc.	Thiamine, Niacin, Iron.	Bioavailable Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B12,.
Saturated Fat	Generally low, especially in lean cuts like breast.	Can be high, but lean cuts like tenderloin are lower in fat.	Can be high, but lean cuts are available.
Environmental Impact	Generally lower greenhouse gas emissions and land use compared to red meat.	Higher emissions and land use than poultry, but lower than beef.	High greenhouse gas emissions (especially methane from ruminants), land use, and water consumption.

Drivers Behind Global Meat Consumption

Understanding the global trends in meat consumption requires examining the complex web of factors that influence what people eat. These drivers explain why different meats dominate in various regions and why patterns are constantly shifting.

Economic Factors: Income per capita is a major driver of overall meat consumption. As disposable income rises in emerging economies, consumers can afford to incorporate more meat into their diets. Price is also a key consideration, and the affordability of poultry has made it a prime choice for many households.
Cultural and Religious Beliefs: Long-standing traditions and religious restrictions play a significant role. For instance, pork is avoided by Muslim and Jewish communities, while beef consumption is limited in India due to Hindu religious practices,.
Health Perceptions: A growing global trend, especially in high-income countries, is the focus on healthier eating. Concerns about saturated fat and links between red and processed meats and certain diseases (like colorectal cancer) are causing some to moderate their intake or choose leaner, white meats like poultry,.
Sustainability Concerns: In more developed regions, environmental impacts are increasingly influencing food choices. The high carbon footprint of ruminant meat production (like beef and lamb) pushes environmentally-conscious consumers towards alternative protein sources or less carbon-intensive options like chicken,.
Urbanization and Convenience: Fast-paced urban lifestyles have increased the demand for convenience foods. Ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook meat products, including processed poultry, fit well into this modern dietary pattern.

The Evolving Future of Meat Consumption

The dynamics of global meat consumption are in a constant state of flux. While poultry's current dominance is clear, future trends are influenced by a balance of competing forces. Population growth, particularly in developing nations, will continue to drive up overall demand for protein. However, rising incomes and shifting consumer values are creating more complex and nuanced dietary patterns. While some regions are increasing meat consumption, many high-income countries are seeing slower growth or even a reduction in per capita intake as consumers prioritize health and environmental factors,. The increasing availability of plant-based and alternative protein products is also adding a new dimension to the market, further diversifying options for consumers worldwide. For more detailed analysis and projections, authoritative resources such as the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook provide valuable insights into future market trajectories.

Conclusion

In summary, while pork once held the crown, poultry is now the most consumed meat in the world. This transition is a direct result of poultry's economic advantages, production efficiency, and alignment with modern health trends. However, the story of global meat consumption is far from uniform, with significant variations influenced by economic prosperity, cultural traditions, and growing awareness of health and environmental factors. As these drivers continue to evolve, so too will our diets, shaping a complex and diverse global nutritional landscape for decades to come.,

Frequently Asked Questions

Poultry, primarily chicken, is currently the most consumed meat in the world. Recent data shows it has overtaken pork due to its affordability and efficient production,.

Poultry consumption is increasing globally because it is often more affordable than red meat, is perceived as a healthier, lower-fat option, and has a smaller environmental footprint, making it a pragmatic choice for many consumers,.

Pork remains a highly popular and culturally significant meat in certain regions, most notably in China and across many parts of Europe,.

Poultry is typically lower in saturated fat compared to red meat, and some studies link excessive consumption of red and processed meat to an increased risk of certain health problems like bowel cancer,. However, both provide high-quality protein and essential micronutrients.

Income significantly affects meat consumption. As income rises in developing countries, meat consumption generally increases. In higher-income countries, however, consumption can stabilize or decline as consumers consider health and sustainability issues,.

The main environmental concerns associated with meat production include greenhouse gas emissions (especially methane from ruminants), large-scale land use for grazing and feed crops, water consumption, and water pollution,.

Yes, cultural and religious beliefs have a strong impact on meat consumption. Many religions have dietary rules, such as Islamic and Jewish traditions prohibiting pork, and Hindu practices limiting beef, which significantly shape regional eating habits,.