Which country has the highest protein diet?

November 18, 2025 •

3 min read

According to data from sources like the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Our World in Data, Iceland consistently ranks as the country with the highest protein diet per capita. The nation's high consumption is driven by a diet rich in fish and dairy products like skyr, contributing to an average daily intake well above 140 grams per person. This dietary trend highlights the significant impact of local cuisine and available food sources on national nutritional statistics.

Quick Summary

This article analyzes recent dietary data to identify the country with the highest protein intake. It examines key drivers behind high consumption in leading nations like Iceland, Hong Kong, and Lithuania, comparing animal versus plant protein sources and exploring the role of affluence and local cuisine.

Key Points

Iceland leads protein intake: Iceland consistently has the highest protein diet per capita, driven by its access to fish and dairy products like skyr.
Dietary diversity impacts consumption: Countries like Hong Kong and Lithuania also rank high, demonstrating that high intake can result from diverse protein sources, from seafood to meat and dairy.
Economic factors play a role: Affluent nations and those with strong agricultural sectors generally exhibit higher protein consumption due to better food security and purchasing power.
Plant vs. animal protein varies: While developed countries often have higher animal protein intake, emerging economies like China are seeing significant growth in plant-based protein consumption.
Access to resources is key: Geography heavily influences diet, with coastal countries leveraging seafood resources and agriculturally-rich nations depending on meat and dairy production.
Dietary trends are shifting: Health and environmental awareness are driving changes in global protein consumption, with some regions exploring more sustainable, plant-based alternatives.

Top Contenders for the Highest Protein Diet

Recent data from global nutrition studies places Iceland, Hong Kong, and Lithuania at the top of the list for per capita protein consumption. While the exact figures can vary slightly depending on the reporting agency and year of data, these countries consistently feature at the top.

Iceland's Protein-Rich Heritage

Iceland's lead is no surprise given its culinary traditions. The national diet has historically relied on abundant, high-protein resources from the sea. Cod, haddock, and salmon are dietary staples, providing large amounts of animal protein. Additionally, a traditional Icelandic dairy product called skyr, a thick and creamy cultured dairy product similar to yogurt, is exceptionally high in protein. The combination of a strong fishing industry and a diet rich in dairy forms the backbone of Iceland's high protein intake.

Hong Kong's Diverse Protein Sources

Hong Kong also boasts a remarkably high protein intake, with sources differing from Iceland's. Its diet is a mix of traditional Cantonese cuisine and international influences, leading to a high consumption of a variety of animal proteins. Seafood, pork, and poultry are all prevalent, often prepared through dim sum and other dishes. The high density of population and widespread availability of diverse food options contribute to a diet rich in both protein and overall calories.

Lithuania's Agricultural Output

In Lithuania, a strong agricultural sector and cultural dietary preferences for meat and dairy contribute to high protein consumption. Traditional Lithuanian cuisine features dishes with pork, potatoes, and dark rye bread. The widespread availability of locally produced meat and dairy products, particularly cheese and cottage cheese, drives the high national average.

Animal vs. Plant-Based Protein Trends

While many of the top countries, including Iceland, rely heavily on animal-based proteins, there are broader shifts occurring globally. Some reports highlight that countries like China have been increasing their per capita protein intake, with a significant portion of this growth coming from plant-based sources like soy. This represents a contrast to many Western diets where animal protein consumption is proportionally much higher.

Here are some of the dominant protein trends observed globally:

High-Income Countries: Tend to have higher overall protein intake, with a significant share from animal sources.
Emerging Economies: Often show a rapid increase in protein consumption driven by rising affluence, with significant growth in both animal and plant proteins.
Developing Regions: In many parts of Africa and South Asia, protein intake, particularly animal protein, remains low due to economic limitations.
Plant-Based Shifts: Growing health and environmental awareness are driving interest in plant-based proteins, though this trend is more pronounced in some regions than others.

Comparison of High Protein Intake Countries


Country	Average Daily Protein (g)	Primary Protein Sources	Key Cultural Factors
Iceland	~145	Fish, dairy (skyr), lamb	Abundant seafood access, traditional cuisine
Hong Kong	~142	Seafood, pork, poultry, eggs	Dense population, diverse cuisine
Lithuania	~129	Pork, dairy, meat	Strong agricultural sector, traditional cuisine
United States	~124	Beef, chicken, dairy, processed foods	High affluence, extensive meat and dairy industry
China	~124	Wheat, rice, pork, soy, vegetables	Massive population, rising incomes, shift to plants
Argentina	~119	Beef, poultry, dairy	Strong barbecue (churrasco) culture

The Role of Economics and Geography

Affluence plays a significant role in determining a nation's average protein intake. Developed nations and prosperous city-states typically have higher consumption rates due to greater food security and higher purchasing power. Geographical factors are also crucial. Coastal nations like Iceland and Norway benefit from easy access to high-protein fish, while agriculturally-focused countries like Argentina and Lithuania utilize their strong meat and dairy industries. The ability to import food also heavily influences dietary patterns, as seen in trade-reliant economies like Hong Kong.

Conclusion: Understanding the Global Protein Landscape

While Iceland holds the top spot for the highest protein diet based on recent per capita data, the bigger picture reveals a complex interplay of geography, culture, economics, and evolving dietary trends. What constitutes a high-protein diet varies drastically across the globe, from Iceland's seafood and skyr to China's mix of plant and animal proteins. The shift towards plant-based sources in some regions and rising animal protein consumption in others underscores a dynamic global food landscape. These dietary patterns are a reflection of more than just nutrition; they tell a story about a nation's history, environment, and economy. For a more in-depth exploration of dietary science, resources like Harvard's The Nutrition Source offer excellent insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Iceland's high protein diet is primarily fueled by a tradition of consuming abundant seafood, including cod and haddock, and their unique high-protein dairy product, skyr.

While protein is essential for health, higher consumption does not automatically guarantee better health. Individual needs vary, and excessive protein intake can be accompanied by extra calories. A balanced diet with a variety of protein sources is generally recommended.

Affluent nations tend to have higher overall protein intake per capita due to increased access to and affordability of high-protein foods, particularly animal products. In emerging economies, rising incomes often correlate with an increase in both animal and plant-based protein consumption.

Yes, some countries and regions have significant plant-based protein consumption. China, for example, has increased its protein intake with a high proportion coming from plant sources like soy and grains.

Global organizations like the FAO use national 'food balance sheets' to track the national supply of food based on production and imports, which are then used to estimate the potential protein available for consumption per capita.

Hong Kong's high intake is attributed to a diet rich in diverse animal proteins, including seafood, pork, and poultry, stemming from a blend of traditional cuisine and a trade-reliant economy with access to varied food supplies.

A report from 2016 noted the global average protein consumption at approximately 68 grams per person per day, though this figure has likely shifted and varies significantly between regions.