12 Most Consumed Meats in the World in 2018

We all have our favorites when it comes to meat, but the 12 most consumed meats in the world in 2018 are obviously the worldwide favorites.

The global livestock sector is growing quicker than other agricultural sectors. Moreover, the meat consumption trend is increasing day by day, and meat production in the world is projected to grow to 465 million tons by the year 2050. In 2011, 297 million tons of meat were produced globally. Furthermore, 70 billion domestic animals are raised for food each year in the world, while six million animals are killed for food every hour. Astonishing numbers, right? There’s more – raising farm animals accounts for roughly 23% of all water use in agriculture.

Global meat production statistics pointed out that, between 1977 and 2017, production of meat tripled to around 600 billion pounds whereas the world population grew by 81%. Developed countries consume double the amount of meat consumed in developing countries. People in developing countries consume 70.5 pounds of meat per person on the average (on a yearly basis), compared to 176.3 pounds per person in developed countries. The estimations are that consumption of livestock products will almost double in Africa and South Asia, from 200 kcal per person per day in 2000 to 400 kcal in 2050. If we check out the meat consumption by country 2017 list, the U.S. is the second highest meat consuming nation in the world. The average meat consumption in the US per person is 270 pounds, on a yearly basis. Latest world meat consumption statistics suggest that worldwide per capita meat consumption multiplied from 91 pounds in 2016 to 92 pounds in 2018. The most consumed meat in the world in 2017 was pork, as usual, with 109 million tons produced. Poultry was the second most consumed meat with 101 million tons produced. Poultry production is the quickest growing meat sector, increasing by 4.7 percent in 2017.

To determine the most consumed meats in the world in 2018, we checked out one of the latest FAO’s reports on meat consumption and livestock commodities, as well as OECD’s predictions on the same subject. Once we collected information on the most consumed types of meat worldwide, we ranked them in that manner. You can also take a glance at our previous list of the most consumed meats in the world to examine the meat consumption trends from a couple of years ago. In the end, we simply had to mention the impacts of meat consumption on human health. Almost 11% of deaths in men and 16% of deaths in women worldwide can be attributed to meat consumption. The best prevention is to consume organic, pasture-raised animal meat. That’s definitely healthier than consuming the meat of feedlot animals. So, keep reading, and choose your favorite among 12 most consumed meats in the world in 2018!

12. Horse meat

Millions of tons consumed each year: 0.3

According to Brandon Gaille, a research website, horse meat is consumed in many countries, including Mexico, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Spain, Iceland, France, Russia, South American and Southeast Asian countries, as well as China and Japan.

11. Camel meat

Millions of tons consumed each year: 0.5

Countries that are consuming camel meat are mostly situated in the Middle East, according to R&M research. This type of meat is occasionally eaten in some Asian countries like India and Bangladesh.

10. Rabbit meat

Millions of tons consumed each year: 1

Rabbit meat is definitely one of the preferred meats in the world, even though it is not the most popular one.

9. Goose meat

Millions of tons consumed each year: 2.5

Goose meat is very popular in Asia, particularly in China. The goose production is increasing rapidly. The consumption of goose meat is 2.5 million tons each year worldwide.

8. Duck meat

Millions of tons consumed each year: 4.5

Ducks are consumed in China, France, and Malaysia. The consumption rate is 4.5kg per capita annually.

7. Turkey meat

Millions of tons consumed each year: 5.6

The United States of America is one of the most turkey producing and consuming countries in the world, while Israel is the highest consuming turkey meat country with around 11.25 kg per capita, per year.

6. Goat meat

Millions of tons consumed each year: 13

Goat meat ranks 6th on our list of 12 most consumed meats in the world in 2018. A lot of countries around the world are big consumers of goat meat. The world production of goat meat is around 13 million tons. China consumes the most goat meat in the world with around 42% of the total world consumption.

5. Sheep meat

Millions of tons consumed each year: 15

In many countries like Australia, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, etc., and in the Middle East sheep meat is very popular.

4. Beef

Millions of tons consumed each year: 69

Beef is considered one of the most delicious and tasty meats around. Beef remains the most popular food item all over the world. The consumption of beef meat is 69 million tons each year worldwide.

3. Chicken

Millions of tons consumed each year: 99.7

Chicken is one of the most popular and most consumed meats in the whole world. When it comes to the production as well consumption of chicken, the winner is the USA. Their per capita consumption is around 43kg annually.

2. Fish

Millions of tons consumed each year: 107

There are many kinds of fish worldwide. Hence, different types of fish are consumed around the world. With more than 107 million tons of fish consumed worldwide, it’s no wonder this type of meat ended up on our list.

1. Pork

Millions of tons consumed each year: 121

With 121 million tons consumed every year worldwide, pork definitely deserves the number one spot on our list of most consumed meats in the world in 2018.