Daily Meat Consumption Per Person, 1961–2021
This chart highlights daily meat consumption per person across countries from 1961 to 2021, showing significant regional differences. Hong Kong recorded the highest per capita meat intake in 2021 at 402 grams per day, followed by the United States and Nauru. Consumption levels vary widely, with some nations, such as Indonesia, showing much lower intake at 51 grams per day. These figures illustrate dietary trends and reflect cultural, economic, and agricultural influences on meat consumption globally.
Daily meat consumption per person refers to the average amount of meat (in grams) consumed by an individual on a daily basis in a particular country or region. This measure reflects dietary preferences, availability of resources, and economic factors, influencing how much meat is included in everyday diets.
Over the period from 1961 to 2021, the data on daily meat consumption per person reveals significant variations across different regions, showcasing diverse dietary preferences and economic capacities. Leading the list is Hong Kong, with an exceptionally high consumption rate of 402 grams per person daily as of 2021. Such high figures in Hong Kong and nearby regions are likely influenced by strong economic factors, urbanization, and dietary preferences that emphasize meat as a primary protein source. The United States, a long-time leader in meat consumption, followed closely with 348 grams per person daily, reflecting stable and abundant access to meat products supported by large-scale agriculture and meat production industries.
In countries like Nauru (344 grams) and Argentina (316 grams), meat consumption also remains high, supported by local agricultural practices and cultural preferences for meat-based diets, notably beef in Argentina. Conversely, countries such as Indonesia exhibit significantly lower daily meat consumption at 51 grams per person, reflecting cultural dietary habits, economic limitations, and perhaps environmental considerations that limit meat intake. These contrasts not only depict consumption preferences but also underscore how economic development, availability of resources, and cultural values influence daily dietary habits across the globe.
Globally, meat consumption per capita has trended upward over the past decades, particularly in high-income and urbanized areas. However, more recent concerns about health impacts and environmental sustainability have begun to moderate growth in consumption in some countries, especially in parts of Europe and among younger generations in the United States. As awareness of climate change impacts grows, trends in plant-based diets may influence future consumption patterns, potentially leading to lower meat intake in traditionally high-consuming countries while dietary transitions in emerging economies could drive modest increases in meat demand. Overall, this analysis offers a nuanced understanding of global meat consumption trends, revealing the interplay between tradition, economic status, and emerging health and environmental considerations shaping diets around the world.
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