Tag: Meat consumption trends

Global meat production has quadrupled since 1961, reaching over 340 million tonnes per year, yet the question of whether individual consumption is rising or falling is complex. While total demand continues to climb, the answer to "Is meat consumption going up or down?" varies dramatically depending on the region and specific type of meat.

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.

According to a 2023 study published in *Nutrients*, the average American aged two and older consumes 42.2 grams (or 1.5 ounces) of beef per day. This figure, however, can be misleading, as it is heavily skewed by a small group of Americans who consume a disproportionately large amount of red meat.

Global meat consumption has more than tripled in the last 50 years, with production now exceeding 350 million tonnes annually. Understanding why is meat consumption increasing requires an examination of significant socioeconomic and demographic shifts, particularly in emerging economies.

Global meat production has more than quadrupled since 1961, driven by rising incomes and population growth, particularly in developing countries. This article investigates precisely how much has meat consumption increased in the last 50 years, analyzing the key drivers behind this dietary shift and its diverse impacts.