What is the most commonly eaten protein in the world?

November 11, 2025 •

3 min read

According to data cited by the USDA, pork is the most widely consumed meat protein globally, accounting for 36% of total meat intake. However, when considering all food sources, the picture of what is the most commonly eaten protein in the world becomes more nuanced, including significant contributions from plant-based foods.

Quick Summary

Pork is the most consumed meat protein globally, heavily influenced by demand in China and Europe, but plant-based sources like cereals contribute significantly to the total protein supply worldwide, particularly in less affluent regions.

Key Points

Pork is the most consumed meat protein globally: UN-FAO data indicates that pork accounts for 36% of worldwide meat consumption.
Plant-based proteins are a global staple: Cereals and legumes form the basis of the protein supply for a majority of the world, especially in developing nations.
Poultry is a close second in meat consumption: Chicken and other poultry are highly popular due to affordability and lack of religious restrictions.
Consumption varies by region: Wealthier countries tend to consume more animal protein, while developing nations rely more on plant sources.
China drives pork's dominance: With its large population and cultural preference for pork, China's consumption heavily influences global statistics.
Defining 'most common protein' is key: The answer differs significantly depending on whether you are considering only meat or all protein sources, including plant-based foods.

Global Protein Landscape: Beyond the Obvious

While many people might immediately think of chicken or beef, the data shows a more complex reality. The question of what is the most commonly eaten protein in the world depends on whether you are analyzing total protein intake from all sources or specifically animal protein consumption. It's crucial to differentiate between these categories, as the statistics provide different, but equally important, insights.

Pork's Dominance in Animal Protein

Based on United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) data, pork consistently ranks as the most consumed meat globally. This can be attributed to several key factors:

High demand in China: China, with its vast population, is the world's largest consumer of pork, significantly skewing global statistics. Pork is a staple in many Chinese dishes, from dumplings to traditional stir-fries, and is a deeply embedded part of the national cuisine.
Cultural significance: Pork is also a popular protein source in many European countries, including Germany, Spain, and Poland, where various cured and fresh pork products are central to the culinary culture.
Affordability and versatility: Compared to beef, pork is often a more affordable protein option, making it accessible to a larger percentage of the global population. Its versatility also makes it suitable for a wide range of preparation methods, from slow-cooked roasts to quick-cooking sausage.

The Rise of Poultry and Competition with Beef

Following closely behind pork is poultry, primarily chicken. Its rising popularity is due to a few significant reasons:

Global religious neutrality: Unlike pork and beef, which have religious dietary restrictions in certain parts of the world, chicken is widely accepted. This broad acceptance makes it a highly accessible protein for most of the world's population.
Health and cost-effectiveness: Poultry is often perceived as a leaner, healthier protein option and is typically one of the most cost-effective meats to produce. These factors have contributed to its explosive growth in consumption over recent decades.

Beef consistently ranks as the third most consumed meat, with a strong presence in the Americas and Europe, though it generally represents a smaller percentage of global meat consumption than pork and poultry.

Plant-Based Proteins: The Global Foundation

While animal proteins get much of the spotlight, plant-based proteins form the foundation of the dietary protein supply for a majority of the world's population. A significant portion of the global protein supply comes from vegetal sources, including:

Cereal grains: Rice, wheat, and maize are staples for billions of people and contribute significantly to their daily protein intake.
Legumes: Lentils, beans, and peas are packed with protein and fiber, making them a crucial part of diets in many regions, particularly in South Asia and Africa.
Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts are important supplementary sources of protein, especially in vegetarian and vegan diets.

Wealthier regions, like the United States and Europe, tend to have a higher percentage of their protein intake from animal sources, while regions in Africa and Asia rely more heavily on plant-based foods.

Comparison of Major Protein Sources (Global Meat Consumption)

To provide a clearer picture of meat protein distribution, here is a comparison based on UN-FAO data cited by the USDA.


Protein Source	Percentage of Global Meat Consumption	Key Consumption Regions
Pork	36%	China, Europe, Southeast Asia
Poultry (Chicken)	33%	Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia
Beef	24%	Americas, Europe, Australia
Sheep/Goat	5%	Middle East, Central Asia, Africa

Conclusion

So, what is the most commonly eaten protein in the world? The simple answer is pork, if you are strictly referring to animal meat. However, a more comprehensive analysis reveals that plant-based protein sources, particularly cereal grains and legumes, make up the fundamental protein supply for a larger portion of the global population. The high global consumption of pork is heavily driven by large-scale demand in regions like China, while poultry's rise is due to its global accessibility and versatility. As dietary habits continue to evolve with economic development and growing environmental concerns, the balance between animal and plant-based protein consumption is also likely to shift.

For more detailed information on global dietary protein trends, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Frequently Asked Questions

According to data, countries like Iceland and Hong Kong have some of the highest per capita protein consumption in the world, largely due to diets rich in fish and meat.

While sometimes referred to as 'the other white meat,' the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) classifies pork as a red meat, due to its higher myoglobin content than chicken or fish.

Plant proteins, such as those from cereals and legumes, are a fundamental source of dietary protein for billions of people worldwide. In many regions, they form a more significant part of the overall protein supply than animal products.

Chicken's popularity stems from its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and the absence of major religious restrictions on its consumption, making it a globally accessible protein.

In recent decades, overall meat consumption has increased sharply worldwide, especially in developing countries. Poultry's share has grown significantly, while the proportion of beef has decreased relative to total meat production.

While not dominant on a global scale, insects are a traditionally eaten protein source in many regions, particularly in parts of Africa, Asia, and South America. Their role as a sustainable protein source is also growing.

It's difficult because the answer depends on how you define 'protein.' If you mean meat protein, it's pork. If you consider all dietary protein, including plant sources, the data shows plant-based foods contribute the largest share to the total global supply.