Meat Consumption by Country

Famous for its beef, Argentina consumed 109.39 kg of meat per person in 2020. Beef is deeply ingrained in the country's culinary heritage, with dishes like asado (barbecue) and bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) being beloved by locals. Argentina's vast grasslands and cattle ranching traditions contribute to its high meat consumption.

Australians have a reputation for being big meat consumers, and in 2020, the country consumed 121.61 kg of meat per person. With a strong agricultural industry and a culture that embraces outdoor grilling and barbecues, meat, especially beef and lamb, plays a significant role in the Australian diet.

With a meat consumption of 87.23 kg per person, Austria has a strong tradition of meat-heavy cuisine. Classic dishes like Wiener schnitzel (breaded veal cutlets) and Tafelspitz (boiled beef) showcase the country's affinity for meat, particularly veal and beef.

With a meat consumption of 82.63 kg per person, Canada rounds out the list of top meat-consuming countries. Canadian cuisine embraces a wide range of meats, including beef, pork, poultry, and game. Iconic dishes like poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy) and tourtière (meat pie) reflect the country's meat-loving culture.

Chile consumed 83.17 kg of meat per person in 2020. While seafood holds a prominent place in Chilean cuisine due to its extensive coastline, meat, particularly beef and pork, is also widely enjoyed. Traditional dishes like asado (barbecue) and empanadas showcase Chile's meat-centric culinary heritage.

The Czech Republic consumed 82.79 kg of meat per person in 2020. Meat, particularly pork, holds a prominent place in Czech cuisine. Dishes like svíčková (marinated beef with creamy sauce) and vepřo-knedlo-zelo (roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut) exemplify the country's meat-oriented culinary traditions.

In 2020, France had a meat consumption of 83.05 kg per person. While the French culinary tradition is renowned for its emphasis on high-quality ingredients, meat plays a significant role in many classic dishes. From boeuf bourguignon to coq au vin, meat is an integral part of French gastronomy.

In 2020, Germany had a meat consumption of 87.79 kg per person. Germany is well-known for its sausage culture, with hundreds of regional varieties available. Popular meat-based dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, and sauerbraten are enjoyed across the country.

Hong Kong ranks first in meat consumption per person with 137.08 kg in 2020. This high consumption can be attributed to several factors, including the region's strong economy, diverse culinary scene, and cultural preferences for meat-based dishes such as roast pork, barbecue, and hot pot.

Iceland consumed 91.02 kg of meat per person in 2020. Due to its unique geographical location and cold climate, Iceland's meat consumption primarily focuses on lamb and fish. Lamb dishes like hangikjöt (smoked lamb) and kjötsúpa (meat soup) are popular traditional Icelandic meals.

Despite being a relatively small country, Israel consumed 97.02 kg of meat per person in 2020. The Israeli diet incorporates various types of meat, including poultry and beef, with popular dishes like shawarma, falafel, and grilled kebabs being widely enjoyed.

Despite being a landlocked country, Mongolia consumed 88.38 kg of meat per person in 2020. Meat, particularly mutton and beef, is a central part of Mongolian cuisine. Traditional dishes like buuz (steamed dumplings) and khorkhog (meat stew cooked with hot stones) showcase the nomadic heritage and reliance on meat in Mongolian culture.

New Zealanders consumed 100.9 kg of meat per person in 2020. As a country with a strong agricultural sector, meat, particularly lamb and beef, is a staple in the New Zealand diet. The country's beautiful landscapes and outdoor lifestyle also lend themselves to barbecues and grilled meat gatherings.

Poland had a meat consumption of 88.71 kg per person in 2020. Meat, especially pork, holds a special place in Polish cuisine. Popular dishes like pierogi (dumplings) often feature meat fillings, and traditional sausages like kielbasa are enjoyed by many.

With a meat consumption of 90.9 kg per person, Saint Lucia emphasizes the importance of meat in its cuisine. The island nation enjoys a variety of meats, including chicken, pork, and fish, which are incorporated into local dishes like callaloo (leafy green vegetable stew) and grilled seafood platters.

In 2020, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had a meat consumption of 91.05 kg per person. As an island nation, seafood is also a significant part of the local diet, but meat, including chicken, pork, and goat, plays a vital role in traditional dishes like stewed meats and barbecue specialties.

With a meat consumption of 96.68 kg per person, Samoa ranks high on the list. Meat, particularly pork, is an essential part of Samoan cuisine. Traditional dishes like palusami (young taro leaves wrapped in coconut cream and meat) showcase the cultural significance of meat in Samoan culinary traditions.

In 2020, Spain had a meat consumption of 100.26 kg per person. Meat holds a prominent place in Spanish cuisine, with dishes like jamón (cured ham), chorizo, and paella featuring prominently. The country's regional diversity adds to the variety of meat-based specialties available throughout Spain.

The United States is known for its love of meat, and in 2020, meat consumption in the US was at 124.11 kg of meat per person. The American diet often includes a variety of meats, such as beef, poultry, and pork, which are integral parts of traditional dishes like burgers, fried chicken, and barbecue.