In this article, we will explore the 15 Most Consumed Meats in the World. You can skip our comprehensive analysis of the global meat consumption stats and proceed directly to the 5 Most Consumed Meats in the World.

Meat consumption holds considerable importance in diets across the globe and plays a crucial role in shaping diverse cultures and societies. The global consumption of meat has seen significant growth over the years, but it is also accompanied by various trends, regional variations, and cultural influences that shape the way meat is consumed in different parts of the world. 

As noted by the Statista, the meat market is projected to achieve a revenue of $1,378.00 billion in 2023, with an anticipated Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.35% from 2023-2028. Notably, China leads the global comparison by generating the most significant revenue, amounting to $260.40 billion in 2023. Additionally, the volume of the meat market is predicted to rise to 182.10 billion kg by 2028, showing a growth rate of 3.3% in 2024. On an individual basis, the average volume per person in the meat market is projected to be 20.43 kg in 2023.

Global Meat Consumption

Meat consumption on a global scale has been steadily increasing for several decades. The growing population, rising incomes in developing countries, and changes in dietary preferences have contributed to this trend. As a result, the demand for meat has surged, leading to the expansion of the meat industry worldwide. To gain a comprehensive insight into meat consumption patterns, the article Top 20 Countries with the Highest Meat Consumption offers an in-depth and detailed analysis.

The Statesman’s report observed that global meat consumption reached 346.14 million tons annually in 2018. By the year 2030, it is anticipated that this figure will rise to 453 million tons, indicating a 24% increase. Although the projections for future world meat demand remain uncertain, estimates range from 375 to 570 million tons by 2050. This potential growth represents an increase of 70 to 160% compared to the levels in 2000.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recently published its biannual report on the worldwide food markets. According to the report, it is projected that the global expenditure on food will reach $1.98 trillion in 2023, demonstrating a 1.5% growth compared to the previous year. The anticipated global meat production for the year 2023 is expected to experience a slight rise to 363.9 million tons carcass weight equivalent, showing a marginal increase from the 362.6 million tons recorded in the previous year.

The global meat industry is influenced by industry leaders like Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), JBS S.A., Cargill, Smithfield Foods, and The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR). Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) offers diverse meat products, while Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) is famous for SPAM and other goods. JBS S.A., is a Brazilian giant in beef, poultry, and pork, and Cargill operates in commodities and meat processing and Smithfield Foods is a major pork player acquired by WH Group. These companies adapt to changing consumer preferences and environmental concerns alongside the rise of plant-based alternatives. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR), a significant retailer, also plays a vital role in shaping the industry’s supply and demand dynamics.

Taking this context into account, let’s proceed to examine the most consumed meats in the world rankings.

Methodology

We undertook a thorough investigation of terrestrial and marine animals to rank the most consumed meats worldwide. For certain types of meat, due to limited consumption data, our analysis involved taking their production levels measured in tons as proxy. To ensure the accuracy and reliability of our findings, we employed data from reputable sources, including Science Direct, IGI Global, and Helgi Library. Additionally, we utilized Vivid Maps exclusively to obtain precise information on consumption levels. The organized list is presented in ascending order, with the meat type boasting the highest consumption level occupying the top position. The consumption levels which we have found directly are for the year 2021. 

Note: We estimated Venison meat consumption levels by analyzing the annual number of slaughters, given the limitations of both restricted consumption and production data.

Below presented is our list of the 15 Most Consumed Meats in the World:

15. Venison

Consumption 2020 (estimated): 30,800 tons

As per the findings in the Nature Journal, an annual count of 440,000 deer is harvested for meat consumption. Based on this number, we estimate a production of 61,600,000 pounds of meat. Converting to tons gives approximately 30,800 tons of meat from this population. The worldwide venison market was valued at $1.7448 billion in the year 2021, with projections indicating that it will reach $2.3035 billion by 2028, showcasing a CAGR of 4% over the forecasted period.

14. Quail

Consumption 2021 (estimated): 220,000 tons

Quail meat is a delicacy enjoyed by many cultures around the world. Despite its small size, it is one of the most consumed meats in the world. Quail meat holds significant appeal due to its unique flavor and tender texture. High in protein, low in fat, and rich in essential vitamins and minerals, quail meat is a healthy alternative to traditional poultry options. The global quail meat production is estimated to be 220,000 tons, accounting for approximately 0.2% of the overall world poultry meat production.

13. Camel

Consumption 2019 (estimated): 630,112 tons

Camel meat is a significant source of sustenance in various parts of the world, especially in the Middle East. In 2019, Africa alone led the world in camel meat production with an impressive 419,933 tons, followed by Asia with 210,000 tons and Europe with 179 tons. Altogether, based on the data, the world’s camel meat production reached a substantial 630,112 tons, revealing its role as a vital protein source for communities across continents.

12. Horse Meat

Consumption 2021: 800,000 tons

In 2021, Kazakhstan led global horse meat production with 151,199 tons, followed by China and Mexico. Conversely, Luxembourg had the lowest production at 1.40 tons. The total global production reached 730,888 tons, experiencing a 6.13% decline from the previous year but still up 1.46% from a decade ago. Kazakhstan accounted for 20.7% of the global production, with the top three countries contributing to 48.9% and the ten largest countries making up approximately 80.7% in 2021.

11. Rabbit Meat

Consumption 2021: 1.1 million tons

China emerged as the leading global producer of rabbit meat, contributing 462,681 tons to the total production, followed closely by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and Egypt in 2021. Conversely, Trinidad and Tobago reported the lowest production with 8.74 tons, trailed by Mauritius with 24.9 tons and Syria with 30.7 tons. The collective global rabbit meat production in 2021 amounted to 861,739 tons, showing a 4.41% decline from the previous year and a substantial -45.4% decrease compared to a decade ago.

10. Goose Meat

Consumption 2021: 2.7 million tons

Goose meat is a popular and delicious protein source consumed worldwide. Renowned for its unique flavor and tender texture, it has secured its place among the 10 most consumed meats in the world.  This frozen meat, not cut into pieces, holds a unique appeal in various culinary traditions worldwide. Goose meat is renowned for its succulent, dark, and flavorful characteristics, making it distinct from other poultry options. In addition to its gastronomic appeal, goose meat also boasts nutritional benefits, being a good source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals.

9. Buffalo

Consumption 2021: 4.9 million tons

The popularity of buffalo meat stems from its lean and nutritious characteristics, making it a sought-after choice in diverse culinary cultures. Buffalo meat holds a prominent position in global exports, with key destinations being Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. India leads the pack as the largest exporter, sending out 538,586 shipments, closely followed by Pakistan with 2,866 shipments. Vietnam secures the third spot with 281 shipments. This robust international trade showcases the enduring demand for buffalo meat, highlighting its economic significance and contribution to global food security.

8. Duck

Consumption 2021: 5 million tons

The rising demand for duck meat, driven by factors such as changing consumer preferences, growing awareness about the nutritional benefits, and increasing interest in diverse cuisines, is expected to fuel this market surge. It is one of the most consumed meats in the world. The market for duck meats is anticipated to experience a growth of approximately 3.5% from 2022 to 2028. Within the global Duck Meats market, two significant segments are identified, namely Fresh Duck Meats and Processed Duck Meats, which together play a major role in contributing to the overall market.

7. Turkey

Consumption 2021: 6 million tons

Turkey meat’s popularity is soaring worldwide, with predictions indicating consumption levels reaching an impressive 6.7 million tons by 2025. Prominent companies such as Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL), and The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) are offering a diverse range of turkey products. As consumers increasingly embrace turkey for its nutritional benefits and versatility, the industry continues to witness significant growth, becoming a dominant player in the ever-evolving world of meat consumption.

6. Goat Meat

Consumption 2021: 12 million tons

As one of the most consumed meats in the world, goat meat/mutton, offers a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional sources of protein. In the year 2021, goat meat categorized as fresh, chilled, or frozen, ranked as the 2990th most traded commodity across the globe. But is goat the most eaten meat in the world? To put this in perspective, the trade volume of Goat meat, fresh, chilled, or frozen, represented a mere 0.0021% of the overall world trade during that period.

Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Consumed Meats in the World.

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Disclosure: none. 15 Most Consumed Meats in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.