What is the most consumed protein on Earth? The Surprising Answer

October 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, pork is the most widely eaten meat globally by weight, accounting for 36% of the world's meat intake. But when considering all sources, what is the most consumed protein on Earth? The answer involves a complex look at meat, seafood, and plant-based protein sources.

Quick Summary

Globally, pork holds the top spot for meat consumption by weight, with poultry following closely. However, the total protein picture changes when factoring in plant proteins like soy and the rise of diverse protein sources worldwide.

Key Points

Pork is the most consumed meat globally by weight, according to FAO data, largely due to high consumption in Asia.
Poultry (chicken) is the second most consumed meat, valued for its affordability and versatility across cultures.
Soy is a colossal source of protein, especially when considering its use in animal feed, meaning much animal protein is derived indirectly from soy.
Protein choices are shifting due to increasing consumer awareness of health, sustainability, and affordability.
Plant-based proteins are growing in popularity as consumers seek healthier and more environmentally friendly alternatives to meat.

Breaking Down Global Protein Consumption

While many people might assume chicken or beef is the most consumed protein source, data from organizations like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveals a more nuanced picture. Understanding global protein trends requires analyzing various categories, including different types of animal protein and the often-overlooked world of plant-based protein.

Animal Proteins: The Usual Suspects

Pork: Historically, pork has been the most consumed meat by weight worldwide. Its popularity is heavily influenced by high consumption in Asia, particularly China, which has a population of over 1.4 billion and where pork is a dietary staple. Despite religious dietary restrictions in some regions, its widespread global appeal solidifies its top spot.
Poultry: Following closely behind pork is poultry, primarily chicken. Its rise in popularity is driven by affordability, versatility, and a perception of being a healthier choice compared to red meats. Poultry is consumed almost universally across different cultures and religions, contributing to its high global consumption figures.
Beef: Consumption of beef varies significantly by region. While the U.S. and Argentina are known for high per-capita beef consumption, its global share is lower than pork and poultry, partly due to cost and environmental concerns associated with its production.
Seafood: In terms of total weight, seafood consumption is also substantial, with some sources placing it ahead of individual meat categories. Its consumption is heavily concentrated in coastal regions and certain countries like Japan.

The Overlooked Champion: Soy and Other Plant-Based Proteins

When posing the question, "What is the most consumed protein on Earth?", it is easy to focus only on meats. However, plant-based proteins represent a massive, often underestimated, portion of global protein intake. Soy is a prime example. The majority of soybeans produced globally are processed into meal for animal feed, meaning that animal proteins like pork and poultry are largely built on a foundation of plant-based protein. Furthermore, a significant portion of the world's population, especially in Asia, consumes soy directly through products like tofu, soy milk, and tempeh. Legumes and other plant sources also contribute massively to the total global protein consumed.

Animal vs. Plant Protein Comparison


Feature	Animal-Based Protein	Plant-Based Protein
Completeness	Generally considered 'complete' proteins, containing all nine essential amino acids.	Many are 'incomplete' (except soy, quinoa), requiring a variety of sources to get all essential amino acids.
Digestibility	High digestibility and bioavailable amino acids.	Can be less digestible due to fiber content, which affects bioavailability.
Sustainability	Higher environmental impact in terms of land use, water, and greenhouse gas emissions.	Generally lower environmental footprint per gram of protein.
Nutrients	Rich in heme iron and Vitamin B12, often lacking in plant sources.	High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals; naturally cholesterol-free.

Factors Driving Global Protein Trends

Understanding global protein consumption isn't just about total numbers; it's about the forces shaping those trends.

Regional Culture and Economics: As seen with pork in China and beef in Argentina, cultural traditions and economic status play a huge role. In developing economies, rising incomes often correlate with an increase in meat consumption, though some are opting for more affordable and sustainable options like poultry.
Health and Wellness: Growing awareness of health issues like cholesterol and saturated fats is pushing some consumers toward leaner animal proteins like chicken and fish, as well as plant-based alternatives.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact: The environmental consequences of animal agriculture, particularly beef, are leading more consumers to consider plant-forward diets. Concerns about greenhouse gas emissions, land usage, and water consumption are driving innovation in the plant-based protein market.
Technological Innovation: Advances in food science are making plant-based protein products more appealing, with better texture and flavor profiles. This innovation broadens the appeal of alternatives beyond just vegetarians and vegans.

Conclusion: The Future of Protein

While pork remains the most consumed meat by weight, the answer to "what is the most consumed protein on Earth?" is more complex, influenced by both direct human consumption and its role in animal feed. The global protein landscape is shifting, with affordability, health, and environmental concerns increasingly shaping consumer choices. Moving forward, the consumption patterns of the human population will likely become more diverse, with continued growth in poultry and a significant rise in the importance of plant-based protein sources, making the ultimate champion of protein a category far more varied than a single type of meat. For further reading on dietary choices and their impacts, consult authoritative nutritional resources like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health's nutrition source.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: The Nutrition Source

Frequently Asked Questions

Pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world by weight, with statistics indicating it accounts for a larger share of global meat consumption than any other single meat type.

Yes, while meat consumption figures are often cited, global protein totals include plant-based sources. For example, a vast majority of soy produced worldwide is used for animal feed, making plant protein an integral part of the larger picture.

Chicken's popularity is driven by its affordability, global availability, and versatility in cooking. It is a widely accepted protein source across many cultures and is often seen as a lean, healthier option.

Beef consumption is lower globally than pork and poultry. Its share of the market is influenced by regional preferences, higher costs, and a larger environmental footprint compared to other meats.

Animal proteins are typically considered 'complete' because they contain all essential amino acids. While many plant proteins are 'incomplete,' a varied plant-based diet can easily provide all necessary amino acids. The choice between them often depends on individual health goals, cost, and environmental priorities.

Shifts in protein consumption are influenced by economic factors like rising incomes in developing nations, increased consumer awareness of health, and growing concerns about the environmental sustainability of certain protein sources, especially red meat.

Some of the most protein-dense food sources include lean meats like chicken and turkey breast, seafood, and high-protein plant sources like soy protein isolate and spirulina.