Tag: Global diet trends

According to a 2024 study, the United States is the global leader in ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption, with UPFs accounting for nearly 60% of daily caloric intake. This high level of consumption makes the U.S. a central focus when examining which country has the most processed food in the world.

In 2018, nearly a quarter of the world's population, or 23.9%, was estimated to consume at least one 100g serving of unprocessed red meat daily, according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health. However, answering precisely what percent of the world eats red meat is complex, as consumption varies dramatically by geography, income, and cultural norms.

According to data cited by Newsweek and World Population Review, Hong Kong SAR, China, consumes the most meat per capita, with citizens eating over 136 kilograms annually. This article explores the factors behind which country eats a lot of meat, examining leading nations and the forces that shape dietary habits around the world.

Recent data reveals that Bahrain leads the world in average daily calorie supply, with its citizens consuming over 4,000 calories, surpassing even the United States. But what country eats the most calories per day when accounting for various factors, and what drives these significant international differences in food intake?

While there is no single, definitive global figure, estimates suggest that the vegetarian population ranges widely depending on the country and data source. The vast diversity in cultural, religious, and economic factors makes determining the exact percentage of the human population that is vegetarian a complex and challenging endeavor.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a reduction to less than 5% of total daily energy intake from free sugars provides additional health benefits. Examining global dietary trends reveals significant variations, leading to the question: which country eats less sugar? This analysis dives into the countries leading the way in low-sugar consumption and the influences behind their dietary habits.

While there is no country with a 100% non-vegetarian population, some nations have extremely low percentages of vegetarian inhabitants due to deep-rooted cultural and environmental factors. The nation widely regarded as having the least vegetarian population, based on tradition and statistics, is Mongolia.

While surveys show that a high percentage of people in many countries eat meat, determining exactly what percentage of the world eats meat daily is impossible due to vast differences in regional economies, cultures, and religious beliefs. Global consumption varies dramatically, with high-income nations consuming far more per person than low-income regions.

According to a 2023 study based on UN data, the average person in Bahrain consumes over 4,000 calories per day, making it the country with the highest caloric intake. This surprising statistic challenges common perceptions and highlights how average national calorie levels are influenced by economic development, food supply, and dietary habits.

According to a 2025 World Population Review study, the United States leads in fast-food consumption, but determining which country has the most junk food involves looking beyond quick-service restaurants to overall dietary habits. The answer is complex, influenced by a blend of economic, cultural, and lifestyle factors that dictate global consumption.