Chicken is one of the most widely consumed meats worldwide. Its versatility, affordability, and nutritional value make it a staple food for many cultures. But which countries eat the most chicken? Let’s take a look at global chicken consumption patterns and find out.
China Leads in Total Chicken Consumption
According to data from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, China consumed a massive 24,436 kilotons of chicken in 2022. This positions China as the world’s largest chicken consuming country by a wide margin.
With more than 14 billion people, it’s not a surprise that China eats the most chicken. Chicken is an important part of Chinese food and is used in popular dishes like kung pao chicken, chicken and cashew nuts, and crispy fried chicken. In some cultures, the bird also represents health, good luck, and unity.
Factors driving high chicken consumption in China include:
- Large and growing population
- Rising incomes increasing ability to purchase meat
- Cultural preferences for chicken
- Increasing urbanization and busy lifestyles favoring convenient chicken dishes
United States Comes Second
The United States ranks second globally, consuming 18,111 kilotons of chicken in 2022.
Chicken is the most popular meat in the American diet. It features heavily in the country’s ubiquitous fast food chains, like KFC Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s. Grilled chicken salads and nuggets are menu staples. At home cooking, chicken wings, fried chicken, barbecue chicken, chicken casseroles, and chicken soup are American favorites.
Drivers of high US chicken consumption include:
- Established chicken-centric fast food culture
- Relative affordability compared to beef and pork
- Perception of chicken as a healthier meat option
- Diverse culinary traditions incorporating chicken
- Large population over 330 million
Brazil, Russia, Mexico Round Out Top 5
With over 10,131 kilotons of chicken eaten in 2022, Brazil is the third country that eats the most chicken. There is a lot of chicken in Brazilian food, like in tempero baiano, galinhada, and coxinha. Brazil exports a lot of chicken because it is a big producer.
Russia follows closely, consuming 4,953 kilotons of chicken in 2022. Chicken features in Russian soups like borscht and entrees like chicken stroganoff. The cold climate and hearty cuisine drive high chicken consumption.
Mexico, which eats 4,950 kilotons of chicken a year, rounds out the top 5 countries that eat the most chicken. A lot of people like Mexican chicken dishes like chicken tacos, fajitas, tinga, and chili verde.
Other Notable Big Chicken Consumers
While the top 5 countries eat the lion’s share of chicken, several other countries have high per capita chicken consumption:
- Saudi Arabia (51.56kg per capita)
- Malaysia (51.91kg per capita)
- United Arab Emirates (50.97kg per capita)
- Australia (49.04kg per capita)
- Libya (32.67kg per capita)
High demand for chicken in these places is kept up by things like growing populations, rising incomes, and cultural preferences.
Developing Countries See Rapid Growth
While developed countries lead in total volume, developing countries are experiencing faster growth in chicken consumption.
As incomes rise in populous emerging economies like India, Indonesia, and Nigeria, chicken demand is surging. These countries are expected to significantly contribute to future growth in global chicken consumption.
Outlook: Continued Growth Ahead
Forecasts suggest global chicken consumption will reach 180 million tonnes by 2050, a 50% increase from current levels.
Key factors fueling continued growth include:
- Expanding global population – more mouths to feed
- Rising prosperity in developing countries
- Ongoing urbanization leading to busier lifestyles
- Chicken’s nutritional profile and health perceptions
Meeting this demand presents opportunities and challenges for the worldwide chicken industry. Satisfying growing appetite for chicken sustainably will require balanced strategies involving production, trade, and innovation.
Chicken has established itself as one of the planet’s most important protein sources. As global wealth and populations expand, particularly in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, chicken consumption is poised for robust growth. While developed countries still lead in volume, emerging markets are the future. Maintaining affordable prices while elevating production practices will be key for supplying the world’s chicken hunger.
Consumption volume of chicken meat in selected countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023 (in 1,000 metric tons)
| Characteristic | Consumption volume in thousand metric tons |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 10,126 |
| Mexico | 4,950 |
| Argentina | 2,245 |
| Colombia | 2,030 |
| Peru | 1,900 |
| Chile | 710 |
| Dominican Republic | 465 |
| Guatemala | 387 |
| Cuba | 365 |
| Haiti | 107 |
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The Countries that Eat the Most Chicken
FAQ
Which country people eat the most chicken?
China consumed the most chicken in 2022, eating a total of 24,436 kilo tonnes, more than any other country except the U.S. S. Chicken is more …4 days ago.
Which race eats chicken the most?
The United Arab Emirates is considered to have the highest chicken consumption, with the US being second. Argentina has the highest beef consumption.
What country has the highest chicken population?
In 2023, there were over 5. 3 billion chickens living in China, a higher amount than any other country in the world. Indonesia came in second with approximately 5. 21 billion chickens.
Which country eats the most chicken?
Chicken is one of the most popular foods on Earth. It is a great source of protein, and it is significantly less expensive than other types of meat, such as beef and seafood. This is why a lot of people eat chicken regularly. Which Country Consumes the Most Chicken? China consumes the greatest amount of chicken in the world at 24,436 KT as of 2022.
Does Europe eat a lot of chicken?
Yes, Europe consumes a lot of chicken, as well. Only a few countries in Europe eat as much chicken as the US or China. This is because European countries are so small. On the other hand, all of the countries in Europe put together consume a comparable amount of chicken to the United States and China.
Which countries eat the most meat?
Latest data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reveals the consumption of beef, veal, pork, poultry, mutton and lamb. According to the data, SA had the eighth-highest consumption of poultry, with 38. 7kg per capita. Israel had the highest per capita consumption, at 58. 2kg.
Does China eat chicken?
But chicken is still a big part of the Chinese diet, even though their diet is more varied and includes many foods that Americans might not eat as often. Additionally, China is a major producer of chicken to meet its high domestic demand. Which Country Consumes the Second-Most Chicken?.
Does every country eat chicken?
Every country eats chicken and you’ll rarely find one that shies away from it. This popularity gives rise to many recipes in many different countries. No matter what country you travel to or where you’re from, you’re sure to find a chicken meal at a nearby eatery, fast-food place, supermarket or in a restaurant.
Does China eat more chicken than the US?
China now consumes more chicken than the US. While China has a more varied diet with many other popular foods that may not be as commonly consumed in the United States, chicken remains a significant part of the Chinese diet. Additionally, China is a major producer of chicken to meet its high domestic demand.