If you've ever found yourself scratching your head at a barbecue wondering "What is the most eaten meat in the world?", then you're in for a real treat. This delicious article will take a juicy bite out of that question, and serve up some sizzling stats you never knew you needed. So, are you hungry to find out more? Let's get straight to grilling.

What is the Most Eaten Meat in the World?

First off, let's quash any suspense. The crown for the most eaten meat globally goes to – drumroll, please – pork! That's right, whether it's in the form of bacon for breakfast, a hotdog at the baseball game, or succulent pulled pork at your family BBQ, pork indeed reigns supreme.

  1. Pork: Consumed by more than a billion people worldwide, pork is undoubtedly the international meat of choice. Its versatility makes it a staple in many cuisines, primarily Chinese, which attributes a large part to its global popularity.
  2. Poultry: Coming in as the runner-up, poultry — particularly chicken — has seen a significant increase in consumption over the years due to its perceived health benefits and affordability.
  3. Beef: Beef holds third place on the podium of most consumed meats. However, it's worth noting that while it may not be the most consumed, it certainly holds a grand reputation in culinary circles for its superior flavor and texture.

The Numbers Don't Lie

If we throw numbers into the mix, the average person consumes about 11.5 kg of pork each year. Chicken consumption trails closely behind at 11.2 kg annually. Beef, coming in third, has a consumption rate of 6.5 kg per person per year. Fascinating, isn't it?

Global Variations - East meets West

Do these rankings hold true everywhere, you wonder? Actually, not! There exist some interesting geographical variations. For instance, while pork is a staple in East Asia, in Middle Eastern and North African countries it is hardly consumed due to religious reasons.
So, there you have it, a meaty answer to a hearty question, "What is the most eaten meat in the world?". Now, the next time you're biting into your bacon sandwich, remember, you're not alone — chances are someone halfway across the globe is doing the same!