Who is the largest consumer of meat in the world? A look at global dietary patterns

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Based on recent data, Hong Kong has been identified as the largest consumer of meat in the world on a per capita basis, with citizens consuming an average of 136.31 kilograms annually. This article investigates who is the largest consumer of meat in the world and explores the factors influencing these global dietary patterns.

Quick Summary

An analysis of global meat consumption trends indicates that high-income areas like Hong Kong and the United States have the highest per capita intake. These patterns are shaped by complex factors, including economic development, cultural traditions, and consumer preferences for different types of meat.

Key Points

Hong Kong leads in per capita consumption: On an individual basis, Hong Kong is the top consumer, not a large continental country.
Consumption varies by income and culture: Higher income is strongly correlated with increased meat consumption, while culture and religion also play significant roles.
Per capita vs. total volume: While countries like the US lead in per capita intake, populous nations like China drive much of the total global volume due to sheer population size.
Health and environmental concerns influence diets: In developed nations, growing awareness of health risks and environmental impacts is leading some consumers to reduce their meat intake.
Global trends show a complex picture: Overall meat demand is expected to continue rising, primarily driven by developing countries, despite stagnation or slight declines in some high-income regions.
Preferred meat types differ globally: The types of meat consumed vary significantly by region, influenced by local agriculture and cuisine, from Argentina's beef to Hong Kong's pork and chicken.

Identifying the largest meat consumers

While the total volume of meat consumed is dominated by large, populous nations, the most revealing metric for understanding human dietary habits is consumption per capita. This measurement highlights the average individual's consumption rather than a nation's total output, revealing which countries have the most meat-intensive diets. Recent data from sources like the World Population Review frequently point to Hong Kong as the top consumer, followed by other high-income regions.

Per capita consumption leaders

According to an August 2024 report by Newsweek, citing data compiled by the World Population Review, Hong Kong leads the world in per capita meat consumption. Other countries that consistently rank high include:

Hong Kong: At 136.31 kilograms per capita annually, its citizens show a particular preference for pork and chicken, which account for over 80% of their total meat intake.
United States: Ranking second, the U.S. consumer annually eats approximately 128.63 kilograms of meat per capita, fueled by a high overall caloric intake.
Australia: Following closely behind the U.S., Australians consume 121.53 kilograms per capita, with strong preferences for poultry and beef.
Mongolia: With 111.56 kilograms per capita, meat is central to the traditional nomadic diet, with a heavy emphasis on mutton.
Argentina: Historically a major meat-consuming country, Argentinians eat around 110.16 kilograms per capita, though recent economic struggles have impacted beef consumption.

Drivers of meat consumption patterns

The disparities in meat consumption across the globe are not random; they are shaped by a complex interplay of economic, cultural, and social factors.

Economic factors

Globally, a key driver of increased meat consumption is rising income. As people in developing nations move into higher income brackets, they tend to increase their meat intake, viewing it as a status symbol and an indicator of improved well-being. This is particularly evident in middle-income countries like China and Brazil, where consumption has surged significantly in recent decades. Conversely, economic downturns and high inflation can lead to a decrease in meat consumption, as seen in Argentina, where high beef prices have led to reduced intake.

Cultural and behavioral factors

Culture plays a significant role in shaping meat-eating habits. From the traditional barbecue culture in Australia and Brazil to the meat-heavy diets of nomadic groups in Mongolia, cultural traditions heavily influence the types and quantities of meat consumed. Religious beliefs, particularly in countries like India where many people practice vegetarianism for religious reasons, lead to some of the lowest per capita meat consumption rates in the world. The 'meat paradox'—the psychological conflict between enjoying meat and disliking harm to animals—also influences consumption choices, especially in developed countries.

Health and environmental awareness

In many high-income countries, public awareness of the health risks associated with high red and processed meat intake and the environmental impact of livestock farming is influencing a shift toward more plant-based or flexitarian diets. However, this trend is uneven. While some data suggests consumption has stagnated or slightly declined in certain Western regions, overall global demand continues to rise, primarily driven by growth in developing economies.

Nutritional implications and diet trends

Meat is a valuable source of protein, essential amino acids, iron, zinc, and Vitamin B12. However, excessive consumption, particularly of red and processed meats, is linked to health concerns.

Red and Processed Meats: High intake is associated with an increased risk of colorectal cancer, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. Processed meats also tend to be high in salt, which can elevate blood pressure.
White Meat: Often perceived as a healthier alternative due to lower fat content, poultry consumption is rising globally. However, some studies have linked high poultry intake to increased risks of certain diseases, suggesting moderation is key.
Nutrient Gaps: Reducing or eliminating meat requires careful dietary planning to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients like iron and Vitamin B12, which are abundant in meat.

Global meat consumption comparison


Country	Total Meat (kg/capita)	Preferred Meat Type	Consumption Drivers	Health/Environmental Trends
Hong Kong	~136.31	Pork & Chicken	Cultural preferences, high income	High environmental footprint concerns
United States	~128.63	Poultry (53.5 kg), Bovine (38.0 kg)	High disposable income, established dietary habits	Increasing awareness of health risks, slow shifts
Argentina	~110.16	Beef (most per capita)	Cultural tradition (asado), historical abundance	Economic factors impacting consumption
China	~70.6	Pork (40.2 kg)	Rising incomes, urbanization, diverse cuisine	Shift towards beef/poultry, health concerns
India	~6.6	Poultry	Religious/cultural norms, lower income	One of the lowest per capita rates globally

Global trends and sustainability

The trajectory of global meat consumption presents significant challenges for long-term sustainability. The livestock sector accounts for a large share of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts such as land degradation and water use. While some developed nations show signs of reduced per capita intake due to environmental concerns, rising demand in middle-income countries means that overall global consumption is still projected to increase significantly by 2050. Technological and dietary changes, such as the rise of plant-based and cultivated meat alternatives, are potential disruptors to this trend.

For a deeper dive into the environmental impacts of our food choices, explore the research from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of who is the largest consumer of meat in the world? reveals a complex global tapestry of dietary habits. While Hong Kong and other high-income nations lead the per capita rankings, the dynamics of meat consumption are in constant flux. Economic development, shifting cultural norms, and growing awareness of health and environmental impacts all play a role in shaping how and how much meat people consume. As global populations continue to grow and develop, these trends will have profound implications for public health and environmental sustainability worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

While data varies, China consumes the most meat overall by volume due to its large population. Their total consumption is dominated by pork, though poultry intake has been increasing.

Income is a major driver of meat consumption. As income rises in developing countries, per capita meat consumption tends to increase, while consumption in many high-income countries has reached a plateau or is even declining.

Poultry is the most popular type of meat globally by weight, largely due to its affordability and the perception that it is healthier than red meat.

Yes, in many developed countries, health concerns have prompted consumers to shift away from red and processed meats, often substituting them with poultry or plant-based alternatives.

According to various reports, India and Bangladesh have some of the lowest per capita meat consumption rates in the world, largely due to cultural and religious practices.

The high consumption of meat, particularly beef, has significant environmental consequences, including high greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption associated with livestock production.

Yes, global meat consumption trends are shifting. While overall demand is still growing due to population and economic growth in some regions, some high-income countries are experiencing slowing demand and an increase in flexitarian or plant-based diets.