What Percent of the World Is Non-Vegetarian?

January 7, 2026 •

4 min read

According to various studies, the vast majority of the global population consumes meat, with estimates suggesting that between 70% and 85% of the world is non-vegetarian. This reflects a complex interplay of cultural, economic, and historical factors that shape global eating patterns. While vegetarianism is on the rise in some regions, meat consumption remains the dominant dietary choice for billions of people worldwide.

Quick Summary

This article explores the percentage of the world that is non-vegetarian, examining influencing factors like culture, economics, and religion. It details global consumption trends and regional variations in meat-eating habits.

Key Points

Majority are non-vegetarian: Estimates suggest that between 70% and 85% of the world's population consumes meat, with variations based on region and study.
Cultural and economic drivers: Dietary choices are heavily influenced by cultural norms, religious beliefs, and economic factors, such as rising income levels in developing countries.
India has a large vegetarian population: Due to widespread religious and cultural traditions, India is home to the largest number of vegetarians in the world.
Growing global meat consumption: Despite rising interest in plant-based diets, overall global meat production and consumption are projected to increase over the next decade.
Nuanced trends in developed countries: In high-income countries, per capita meat consumption may be stagnating or declining due to health, environmental, and animal welfare concerns.
Flexitarianism is on the rise: The increasing popularity of flexitarian or 'semi-vegetarian' diets is blurring traditional dietary lines and providing a market for meat substitutes.

Global Dietary Landscape: The Prevalence of Meat Eaters

Recent studies indicate that the majority of the world's population identifies as non-vegetarian. This isn't a static number, however; it's influenced by a multitude of factors, including rising global prosperity, which often correlates with increased meat consumption in developing economies. While plant-based diets gain traction in higher-income nations due to health and environmental concerns, overall global meat demand is projected to continue growing.

The Numbers Behind the Trend

Accurately pinpointing the exact percentage of the world's population that is non-vegetarian is challenging due to several factors. These include varying definitions of vegetarianism (with or without eggs, fish, etc.), the rising popularity of 'flexitarian' or 'semi-vegetarian' diets, and the fact that a significant portion of the population in poorer countries may eat a de facto vegetarian diet out of necessity rather than choice. For instance, a 2023 survey across 21 countries found that 86% of respondents reported their diet included meat. Other sources have cited a broader range, with non-vegetarians making up anywhere from 70% to over 85% of the world.

Regional Variations in Meat Consumption

Non-vegetarianism is not evenly distributed across the globe. Certain regions and countries show significantly higher or lower rates of meat consumption than the global average. Cultural and religious beliefs play a major role, as seen in countries like India, where a high percentage of the population adheres to vegetarian diets for religious reasons. Conversely, in countries with different cultural traditions, meat is a central part of the cuisine and social life.

High Meat Consumption Regions: North America and Oceania consistently show the highest rates of per capita meat consumption. The United States and Australia are frequently cited among the top consumers.
High Vegetarian Population Regions: India is home to the world's largest population of vegetarians due to long-standing cultural and religious practices, with a significant percentage of the population consuming no meat.
Rapidly Increasing Consumption: As emerging and developing economies experience increased prosperity, many are seeing a rapid rise in meat consumption as dietary patterns shift.

Influencing Factors: Why People Eat Meat

The decision to eat meat is shaped by a variety of interconnected factors:

Cultural and Religious Traditions: For many cultures, meat is central to celebratory feasts and daily meals. For others, like Hindus and Buddhists, vegetarianism is tied to religious and ethical principles.
Economic Status: In many parts of the world, meat is a luxury good. As incomes rise, so does the demand for and consumption of meat.
Accessibility: Food availability is a fundamental determinant. In some areas, meat may be less accessible or affordable, leading to a higher rate of de facto vegetarianism.
Health and Nutrition: Many view meat as a crucial source of high-quality protein, iron, and vitamin B12, supporting growth and tissue repair. However, concerns over processed meat's link to certain health issues also influence choices.
Environmental Concerns: A growing number of people, particularly in developed nations, are reducing their meat intake due to concerns about the environmental impact of livestock farming, including greenhouse gas emissions.

The Future of Global Dietary Trends

The global dietary landscape is dynamic. While overall meat consumption and non-vegetarianism are expected to increase with global population growth and economic development, certain trends suggest a more nuanced picture. The rise of flexitarianism, the increasing availability of meat substitutes, and growing awareness of health and environmental issues are creating counter-currents, particularly in higher-income countries. The OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook predicts a continued rise in global meat consumption over the next decade, with poultry being the main driver. This projection, however, notes that per capita consumption in high-income countries may stagnate or decline due to evolving consumer sensitivities.

Global Meat Consumption vs. Vegetarianism: A Comparison


Feature	Global Meat Consumption	Global Vegetarianism
Prevalence	Dominant dietary pattern, followed by the vast majority of the world's population.	A significant minority, with estimates ranging from 10% to 22%.
Primary Drivers	Often driven by cultural tradition, increased income, and perceived nutritional benefits.	Motivated by factors such as religion, ethics, health, and environmental concerns.
Key Nutrients	Excellent source of heme iron, Vitamin B12, and complete proteins.	Requires careful planning to ensure adequate intake of B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3s.
Regional Hotspots	Particularly high per capita rates in North America, Oceania, and certain South American countries.	Highest concentration in India, with significant numbers in other countries like Mexico and Brazil.
Environmental Impact	Generally associated with higher environmental footprint, including greenhouse gas emissions.	Typically associated with a lower environmental impact and resource use.
Growth Trends	Global production and consumption continue to grow, particularly in developing nations.	Increasing awareness and product availability are boosting adoption, especially in high-income countries.

Conclusion: A Diverse and Evolving Picture

In conclusion, the most accurate answer to "what percent of the world is non-vegetarian?" is that it is a substantial majority, likely between 70% and 85% based on various estimates. However, this single figure conceals a world of diversity in dietary habits. The reasons for consuming meat range from deep-seated cultural traditions and economic access to personal taste and nutritional beliefs. The future of global diets will depend on the interplay between rising incomes leading to increased meat demand and growing environmental and health awareness driving a shift towards plant-based alternatives. This makes understanding the regional and demographic nuances crucial for a complete picture of our planet's eating habits.

Optional Outbound Link

For further reading on how dietary patterns and food systems impact global health, visit the Global Nutrition Report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on various studies and surveys, it is estimated that approximately 70% to 85% of the world's population is non-vegetarian.

Generally, yes. As economic prosperity and disposable income increase, particularly in developing nations, meat consumption tends to rise as dietary patterns shift.

Regions with the highest rates of per capita meat consumption include North America, Oceania, and parts of South America, with countries like the US and Australia often topping the list.

It is difficult to get an exact figure because of differing definitions of vegetarianism, the existence of 'flexitarian' diets, and the fact that some people are vegetarian out of economic necessity rather than choice.

Trends vary by region. In some developed countries, young adults are more likely to adopt plant-based diets due to health or environmental concerns. However, in emerging economies, increased meat consumption is common among a growing population.

The primary drivers for meat consumption include cultural traditions, religious practices, economic access, and nutritional beliefs that see meat as a vital source of protein and other nutrients.

Overall global meat consumption is projected to continue increasing, driven by population growth and rising incomes. However, per capita consumption in some high-income regions may decline.