What Is The Most Consumed Meat In The World?

Some would say there is nothing more American than a perfectly cooked burger, yet beef isn't actually the most eaten meat in the U.S. Despite producing more beef than any other country in the world, chicken is the protein of choice in the States, with folks consuming an average of over 102 pounds of it per year. However, both of these meats fail to top consumption charts worldwide, as most people across the globe have a preference for pork.

Pig meat is eaten at a rate of 36% worldwide. In comparison, poultry clocks in at 33% and beef is only a dinnertime staple for 24% of the world. While rates of consumption vary by country, pork is an especially popular protein in Italy, Germany, and China, among plenty of other regions (France, once a powerhouse of pork consumption, is increasingly turning to poultry). Meanwhile, pork is increasingly prominent in Japan and is eaten at least as often as chicken.

Part of pork's worldwide popularity may have something to do with its versatility. Unlike chicken, it can be prepared to various degrees of doneness, while it plays well with many different seasonings and sides. Chefs and home cooks alike from various corners of the globe love to put their own cultural spin on the protein, making it even more beloved abroad.

Although Americans are likely most familiar with cooking pork chops or enjoying BBQ pulled pork, individuals around the world don't just stick to the grill when preparing pork. Although many think of Germany when they think of sausage, the French are also fans of eating pig meat in this form. Some 75% of all pork consumed in France is eaten as such, including flavorful terrine de porc. Folks in Italy also have an affinity for the meat, with cured proteins like coppa, salami, and salty prosciutto gracing many an Italian household. Lesser-used parts of the pig find their way into other world dishes as a flavor enhancer, as cooks often pride themselves on using every part of the animal possible.

In China, currently the world's largest pork consumer, the meat is used to make everything from dumplings to stir fry, with the fatty pork belly often heralded as the most prized part of the animal. In nearby South Korea, where pork is also the most-sold protein, you might find it utilized as half of the inside of a Korean corn dog. Perhaps folks in the U.S. went a little outside their comfort zones when preparing the meat, it might be as popular here as it is worldwide.