Which Country is the Most Non Vegetarian Eater?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2024 report, Hong Kong leads the world in per capita meat consumption, suggesting it could be considered a strong candidate for the country with the most non vegetarian eater by this metric. However, the answer is complex and depends heavily on how one defines 'most non-vegetarian,' considering both total quantity and demographic percentage.

Quick Summary

This article explores and compares the nations with the highest non-vegetarian eating habits, analyzing countries by both per capita meat consumption and the percentage of their population who eat meat. It delves into the cultural, economic, and geographic factors that drive these global dietary patterns.

Key Points

Metric Matters: The title of 'most non vegetarian eater' depends on the metric used, either per capita consumption (quantity) or population percentage (prevalence).
Hong Kong's High Volume: By per capita consumption, Hong Kong is often cited as the world leader, with residents eating significantly more meat annually than most nations.
Lithuania's High Percentage: By population percentage, Lithuania boasts one of the highest rates of meat-eaters, with over 96% of its population including meat in their diet.
Cultural Influence: Countries with deep-rooted culinary traditions centered around meat, like Argentina's beef culture and Portugal's high pork and fish intake, rank highly.
Economic Drivers: Higher incomes in developed nations like the USA and Australia generally correlate with higher per capita meat consumption.
India's Exception: India is a notable exception, with a large vegetarian population and the world's lowest per capita meat consumption despite rising incomes, due to cultural and religious factors.

The question of which country is the most non vegetarian eater is not as straightforward as it seems. There is no single, globally accepted metric for this title. Instead, the answer depends on whether you measure the quantity of meat eaten per person or the sheer percentage of the population that consumes meat. While some countries consume a staggering amount of meat individually, others have a culture so entrenched in meat-eating that vegetarianism is an extreme rarity.

Per Capita Consumption: The Quantity Kings

When measuring by the sheer volume of meat consumed annually per person, the picture becomes clearer, with a few nations consistently appearing at the top of the rankings. These are typically high-income countries where meat is a dietary staple and widely affordable.

Hong Kong: The Per Capita Leader

As of recent reports, Hong Kong often tops the list for per capita meat consumption, with its citizens eating over 136 kilograms per person annually. This astonishing figure is largely driven by a high predilection for pork and chicken, which are staples of Cantonese cuisine.

The Americas: USA and Argentina

Following closely behind Hong Kong are other high-consuming nations. The United States is a consistent contender, with its residents consuming a very high amount of meat annually. Argentina is another powerful example, renowned worldwide for its beef-centric culture and asado barbecues. Even with economic challenges, beef remains a centerpiece of the Argentine diet.

Population Percentage: The Demographic Dominators

Another way to assess a country's non-vegetarian status is by looking at the percentage of its population that consumes meat, excluding vegetarians and vegans. This method highlights countries where a meat-inclusive diet is the overwhelming cultural norm.

Lithuania: Almost Unanimously Non-Vegetarian

With a reported 96% of its population identified as meat-eaters, Lithuania presents a powerful case for the most non vegetarian eater country based on population percentage. Its diet, influenced by its Baltic climate, is historically heavy on pork, beef, and chicken. This high percentage reflects a long-standing culinary tradition where meat plays a central role in nearly every household's diet.

Portugal: A Nation of Meat and Fish

Portugal is another strong candidate in the percentage category, often noted for being one of Europe's least vegetarian-friendly countries. Some estimates place the vegetarian population at only around 1.2%, meaning a vast majority of the country eats meat or fish. Traditional dishes often contain hidden animal products, making it difficult for vegetarians.

Factors Influencing High Non-Vegetarian Consumption

Cultural and Culinary Tradition: Deeply ingrained cultural practices, like Argentina's asado or Portugal's meat and fish-heavy Atlantic diet, dictate that meat is central to the culinary landscape.
Economic Prosperity: In general, higher per capita income correlates with higher meat consumption, as people can afford more expensive protein sources. This explains the high per capita figures in places like Hong Kong and the US.
Geographic and Climatic Conditions: In some regions, like Mongolia, harsh climates historically made animal-based food a necessity for survival, solidifying meat's place in the national diet.
Religious and Social Beliefs: While some religions promote vegetarianism, many others have no restrictions, allowing for widespread meat consumption. The contrast with India, which has the world's largest vegetarian population, highlights this influence.

Comparison Table: Per Capita vs. Population Percentage


Country	Per Capita Meat Consumption (approx.)	Percentage of Population Consuming Meat (approx.)	Primary Non-Veg Focus
Hong Kong	136.3 kg	79% (China data)	Pork & Chicken
Lithuania	Not specified (high)	96%	Pork, Beef, Chicken
USA	128.6 kg	80%	Beef & Poultry
Argentina	110.1 kg	94%	Beef
Portugal	High (above EU average)	~98.8%	Pork & Fish
India	3-4 kg	62-67% (two-thirds)	Very low consumption overall

Conclusion: A Global Look Reveals Nuance

In conclusion, naming a single country as the most non vegetarian eater is not straightforward and depends on the chosen measurement. If we consider the sheer volume of meat consumed per person, then places like Hong Kong and the United States often top the charts due to high income and cultural preferences. However, if we focus on the prevalence of meat-eating across the population, countries like Lithuania and Portugal emerge as strong contenders, with very high percentages of non-vegetarian residents. These patterns are shaped by a complex interplay of cultural heritage, economic development, and geography, rather than a single global standard. As vegetarianism and veganism grow in popularity in many parts of the world, these statistics are constantly in flux, making ongoing analysis vital.

For further reading on this topic, data from the OECD provides detailed insight into global meat consumption trends: OECD Meat Consumption Data.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the United States has very high per capita meat consumption, recent data often places Hong Kong slightly higher. Other nations like Australia and Argentina also rank among the highest for annual meat intake per person.

Hong Kong's high per capita meat consumption is attributed to its prosperous economy and culinary traditions. The Cantonese cuisine widely practiced there heavily features pork and chicken, contributing to the high volume of consumption.

According to some reports, Lithuania has one of the highest percentages of meat-eaters in the world, with approximately 96% of its population consuming meat regularly.

Cultural and culinary traditions are significant drivers of meat consumption. For example, Argentina's asado barbecue tradition and Mongolia's climate-driven animal-heavy diet ensure meat's central role in the national diet.

Yes, there is a strong correlation between rising income and higher meat consumption globally. As developing nations become more prosperous, their meat consumption generally increases, though cultural factors can sometimes counteract this trend.

India has the largest vegetarian population in the world by a very significant margin. Cultural and religious beliefs contribute to its famously low per capita meat consumption.

Yes, vegetarian and vegan diets are gaining traction in many countries with traditionally high meat consumption, particularly among younger generations. Environmental and health concerns are key drivers of this shift.