Meat is a staple in the diet of many people around the world. However, not all meats are consumed equally. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has compiled data on the most consumed animal meats in the world. We examine the top 10 most popular animal meats, their historical significance, and the potential impact of meat consumption on health and the environment.
The Top 10 Most Consumed Animal Meats in the World:
- Pork – 109.905 million tons Pork is the most consumed animal meat worldwide, with China and the European Union being the largest consumers. Pork is a versatile meat that can be found in a variety of dishes, from bacon and sausages to barbecue ribs and pork chops.
- Poultry – 104.472 million tons Poultry, including chicken and turkey, is the second most consumed meat in the world. It is a lean source of protein that is popular in many countries, particularly in the United States and China.
- Beef – 68.284 million tons Beef is the third most consumed meat globally, with the United States, Brazil, and Argentina being the largest producers. Beef is a source of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, but it is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Goat – 5.874 million tons Goat meat is the fourth most consumed meat in the world and is particularly popular in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. It is a lean meat that is high in protein and low in fat.
- Sheep – 5.586 million tons Sheep meat, also known as mutton, is a staple in many countries, particularly in the Middle East and India. It is a rich source of protein, iron, and zinc.
- Buffalo – 3.285 million tons Buffalo meat, also known as bison meat, is a lean alternative to beef that is gaining popularity in many countries, particularly in the United States. It is high in protein, iron, and vitamin B12.
- Rabbit – 1.172 million tons Rabbit meat is a lean protein source that is popular in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe and China. It is low in fat and calories and is a good source of vitamin B12.
- Horse – 0.886 million tons Horse meat is consumed in many countries, particularly in Europe and Asia. It is a lean protein source that is high in iron and vitamin B12.
- Deer – 0.266 million tons Deer meat, also known as venison, is a lean protein source that is popular in many countries, particularly in Europe and North America. It is low in fat and is a good source of iron and zinc.
- Camel – 0.228 million tons Camel meat is a staple in many parts of the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. It is a lean protein source that is high in iron and vitamin B12.
The 10 Most Consumed Animal Meats in the World
| Rank | Animal Meat | Annual Consumption (Millions of Tons) | Popular Countries | % of World Meat Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pork | 109.905 | China, EU, US | 38.2% |
| 2 | Poultry | 104.472 | US, China, Brazil | 36.3% |
| 3 | Beef | 68.284 | US, Brazil, Argentina | 23.7% |
| 4 | Goat | 5.874 | India, Pakistan, Nigeria | 0.8% |
| 5 | Sheep | 5.586 | Middle East, India | 0.8% |
| 6 | Buffalo | 3.285 | US, Canada, Australia | 0.5% |
| 7 | Rabbit | 1.172 | China, Italy, Spain | 0.2% |
| 8 | Horse | 0.886 | China, Kazakhstan, Mexico | 0.1% |
| 9 | Deer | 0.266 | Europe, North America | <0.1% |
| 10 | Camel | 0.228 | Middle East, Africa, Central Asia | <0.1% |
The consumption of meat has been a part of human history for thousands of years. In ancient times, meat was often reserved for the wealthy, as hunting and raising livestock were expensive endeavors. However, with the development of agriculture and advances in animal husbandry, meat became more widely available and affordable.
In some cultures, certain meats have historical or cultural significance. For example, in Hinduism, cows are considered sacred and are not consumed as meat. In Judaism and Islam, there are specific dietary restrictions on the consumption of meat, such as the prohibition of pork.
The question of whether meat is healthy to eat is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including the type of meat, the quantity consumed, and an individual’s overall dietary pattern. Meat is a rich source of essential nutrients like protein, iron, and zinc, which are important for maintaining optimal health. However, high consumption of red and processed meats has been linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
High consumption of red and processed meats, such as beef and bacon, has been associated with an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. Additionally, the use of antibiotics and hormones in animal agriculture can contribute to antibiotic resistance and other health concerns.
The 10 Most Nutritious Animal Meats in the World
| Rank | Animal Meat | Protein (g per 100g) | Fat (g per 100g) | Iron (mg per 100g) | Zinc (mg per 100g) | Vitamin B12 (mcg per 100g) | Calories (kcal per 100g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Venison | 30.21 | 3.15 | 3.42 | 4.20 | 3.61 | 157 |
| 2 | Bison | 28.44 | 2.42 | 3.42 | 4.68 | 2.78 | 143 |
| 3 | Elk | 22.90 | 1.89 | 2.38 | 3.08 | 2.30 | 113 |
| 4 | Ostrich | 21.90 | 3.22 | 3.20 | 4.60 | 4.09 | 140 |
| 5 | Rabbit | 21.39 | 5.58 | 1.47 | 2.06 | 1.67 | 147 |
| 6 | Chicken | 21.22 | 6.14 | 0.90 | 1.30 | 0.27 | 165 |
| 7 | Turkey | 20.68 | 7.27 | 1.40 | 2.46 | 0.33 | 189 |
| 8 | Beef | 19.56 | 18.30 | 2.78 | 4.06 | 2.64 | 250 |
| 9 | Lamb | 17.37 | 23.42 | 1.63 | 2.89 | 1.92 | 294 |
| 10 | Pork | 17.19 | 20.00 | 0.93 | 2.85 | 0.70 | 242 |
Note: The nutritional values in the table are based on the USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference. The values may vary depending on factors such as animal breed, feed, and cooking method.
The environmental impact of meat consumption is also a concern. Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and deforestation. It is estimated that meat production accounts for approximately 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from methane produced by livestock.
Given the potential health and environmental impacts of meat consumption, many people are turning to more sustainable and ethical sources of meat. This includes grass-fed and pasture-raised meat, as well as plant-based meat alternatives. Some people also choose to reduce their meat consumption or adopt a vegetarian or vegan diet.
There are also initiatives to promote more sustainable and ethical meat production, such as regenerative agriculture and animal welfare certifications. These practices aim to reduce the environmental impact of meat production and improve the welfare of animals raised for food.
Meat consumption is a complex issue with significant health and environmental implications. While certain meats are more popular in some parts of the world than others, the potential impacts of meat consumption are a global concern. By considering the sustainability and health implications of our dietary choices, we can make informed decisions that support our health and the health of the planet.