Which is world no. 1 food? Exploring the myth of a single champion

December 26, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), rice serves as the primary staple food for over half of the world's population, with production reaching approximately 510 million tonnes of milled rice in 2023. However, the idea of a single "best" food is a misconception, as what is considered number one depends entirely on the criteria used for ranking.

Quick Summary

This article examines the different ways to measure a food's 'number one' status, contrasting most consumed foods like rice and wheat with critically acclaimed popular cuisines. It explores how cultural, economic, and nutritional factors influence which foods dominate global diets, revealing that no single food can claim the top spot universally.

Key Points

No Single 'World No. 1 Food': The concept of a single best food is a myth; the answer depends on whether you measure by consumption, popularity, or nutrition.
Most Consumed Foods Are Staple Grains: Based on volume, staple grains like rice, wheat, and maize are the world's most consumed foods, providing a majority of calories for billions.
Popularity is Subjective: Rankings based on taste and culinary acclaim differ from consumption data, often highlighting specific cuisines or dishes like pizza and sushi rather than individual food staples.
Nutritionally, Variety is Best: Experts agree no single food is the healthiest; a balanced and varied diet, including nutrient-dense foods like leafy greens and fish, is recommended for optimal health.
Cultural and Economic Factors Shape Diets: What people eat is heavily influenced by their culture, economic status, and environment, not just flavor or perceived health benefits.
Rice Leads in Consumption: The most widely consumed food item, by far, is rice, which is the dietary foundation for over half of the global population, particularly in Asia.

The World's Most Consumed Staple: A Look at Global Diets

When asking the question, "Which is world no. 1 food?", the answer depends on whether you are measuring by total volume consumed, cultural preference, or nutritional value. Statistically, the top contenders are typically cereal grains because they are inexpensive, energy-dense, and nonperishable, making them foundational to global food security. Maize, wheat, and rice collectively provide two-thirds of the human food energy intake and are the dietary staples for 80% of the world's population.

Among these, rice stands out. It is the primary caloric source for billions, particularly in Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South America. Its cultural significance runs deep, symbolizing prosperity and fertility in many societies. While white rice is the most widely consumed, brown rice is often touted for its higher nutritional value, though palatability and longer shelf life make white rice more popular.

Popularity vs. Consumption: The 'Best Cuisine' Awards

In contrast to sheer consumption volume, rankings based on culinary reviews and popularity polls tell a different story. These lists often highlight national cuisines rather than single food items, judging on flavor, technique, and cultural impact. A single dish, like pizza, might be globally recognized and widely available, but it doesn't feed nearly as many people as a staple grain like rice.

The Allure of Acclaimed Dishes

Pizza: Originated in Italy but now a global phenomenon with endless variations. Its addictive combination of fat, sweet, and complex flavors activates the brain's reward centers.
Tacos: A staple of Mexican cuisine, they represent a rich cultural heritage and are loved for their bold flavors and versatility.
Sushi: A Japanese dish that has become a symbol of culinary art and precision worldwide, offering a delicate and fresh flavor profile.
Curry Dishes: Found throughout India, Thailand, and other parts of Asia, curry represents a vast array of sophisticated spice blends and regional styles.

The Role of Nutritional Value

From a health perspective, nutritionists argue that no single food is the healthiest. A balanced diet should include a variety of foods from all food groups. However, some foods are so nutrient-dense they are often labeled 'superfoods'.

Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, crucial for heart and brain health.
Leafy Greens: Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, fiber, and potent antioxidants.
Legumes: A great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and minerals.

Factors Shaping Global Food Consumption

Food choice is a complex interplay of many factors beyond taste and nutrition. These elements shape what becomes a staple versus a luxury or a passing trend.

Economics: The cost of food is a primary determinant. Staple grains like rice and wheat are affordable and provide high energy return, essential for food security in low-income regions.
Geography and Climate: Food production is limited by regional conditions. For example, rice requires high temperatures and abundant water, restricting its cultivation to certain areas.
Cultural Practices: Traditions, religious beliefs, and social interactions heavily influence eating habits and the symbolic meaning of food.
Modernization: Urbanization and lifestyle changes lead to increased consumption of processed foods, shifting diets away from traditional whole foods.

Comparison of Food Categories: Consumption vs. Acclaim


Feature	Staple Grains (e.g., Rice, Wheat)	Acclaimed Cuisines (e.g., Italian, Thai)	Healthiest Foods (e.g., Leafy Greens, Fish)
Ranking Basis	Total Consumption Volume	Critic and Traveler Polls	Nutritional Density
Primary Goal	Sustenance and energy for billions	Culinary experience and flavor	Optimal health and disease prevention
Accessibility	Inexpensive, widely available staples	Varies, from street food to high-end dining	Accessible, but often requires education and choice
Cultural Role	Foundational to diet, often symbolic	Source of national pride and identity	Basis for dietary recommendations
Primary Metric	Production and consumption tonnage	Critical reviews and reader ratings	Vitamin, mineral, and nutrient content

Conclusion: The Answer Depends on the Question

Ultimately, there is no single "world no. 1 food." From a global health and sustenance perspective, foundational staples like rice, wheat, and maize are arguably the most important food group. However, from a culinary standpoint, the "best" food is subjective and constantly debated among critics and travelers. For individual health, the healthiest diet is a balanced and varied one, not centered on a single "superfood." The true top food is a dynamic concept, reflecting humanity's diverse cultures, economic realities, and evolving understanding of nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rice is the most eaten food in the world by volume, serving as the staple for over half the global population, particularly in Asia.

Rice is widely consumed because it is an affordable, energy-dense staple food with a long shelf life. It is also culturally significant and suitable for cultivation in many high-population regions.

No, being the most consumed does not mean a food is the healthiest. A healthy diet is varied and includes foods from different groups to ensure a full range of nutrients.

Wheat and corn are also major global staples. Along with rice, they provide a significant portion of the world's food energy intake, though their regional importance varies.

Cuisines and foods are often ranked based on popularity polls, reader surveys, and critical acclaim from culinary experts, reflecting subjective taste rather than nutritional impact or consumption volume.

Superfoods, while nutrient-dense, are not a single 'number one' food. A truly healthy diet incorporates a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and healthy fats, rather than focusing on one specific item.

Culture dictates what is considered delicious, traditional, and meaningful. A food's importance often goes beyond its caloric or nutrient content, carrying social and historical significance that cannot be measured.