In our diverse world, certain foods emerge as universal staples, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries. These are the “most consumed foods in the world,” playing a vital role in both our diets and global economies. Consumption patterns are shaped by a complex interplay of historical, cultural, and economic factors.
Rice, with its versatility, affordability, and high caloric content, is a cornerstone food for billions. In 2021, the United States produced 191.8 million hundredweight of rice, generating $1.56 billion in direct labor income. Wheat and maize are also dietary staples, adaptable to various cuisines worldwide. However, foods like quinoa or avocados, while nutritious, are more expensive and less accessible.
Countries that heavily rely on rice or wheat production benefit from economies of scale, promoting agricultural stability and affordability. For instance, in the first two decades of the 21st century, China produced 2.4 billion tons of wheat, 17% of the global total. Conversely, countries relying on expensive imports may face economic challenges, impacting food security and trade balances.
Regional food preferences also play a significant role. Potatoes are a staple in many parts of Europe, with an average consumption of about 90 kilograms per person per year. Cassava is more common in Africa, consumed daily by approximately half a billion people.
The consumption of processed foods is increasing globally, driven by urbanization, lifestyle changes, and availability. Diets are shifting towards more ultra-processed foods and fewer whole foods. Over the past two decades, the percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods increased from 53.5% to 57%, while calories from whole foods decreased from 32.7% to 27.4%.
Examining the Food Industry
Pasta, a staple made from durum wheat and eggs, is among the most consumed foods worldwide. The American Italian Pasta Company (NASDAQ:AIPC) is a major player in the North American dry pasta industry. They offer approximately 300 different shapes and 3,100 stock-keeping units, with well-known brands like Golden Grain, Heartland, and Mueller’s.
Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:KHC), a leading global food and beverage manufacturer formed in 2016, is targeting a substantial $25 billion opportunity in the education sector, serving familiar dishes like pasta and hamburgers. North American food service accounts for 9% of Kraft Heinz’s (NASDAQ:KHC) total sales, with 66% from retail.
Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:KHC) aims for a 5% organic sales growth in its food-service division, contrasting with the 1% to 2% growth expected in the US retail sector.
Methodology for Ranking Food Consumption
The ranking of the most consumed foods in the world is based on Per Capita Consumption and Per Capita Production metrics. Data from Our World in Data and Good Seed Adventures for 2021 was used.
Countries were scored on each metric from 1 to 25, with 1 indicating the highest rank and 25 the lowest. Each metric was assigned a weight:
- Per Capita Consumption: 70%
- Per Capita Production: 30%
Weighted averages were calculated to reflect the relative significance of each criterion. Foods were ranked in descending order from 25 to 1, with 1 representing the most consumed food.
25 Most Consumed Foods In The World
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Mangoes
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 3.6
Mangoes, native to South Asia, are grown in over 100 countries. Key producers include India, China, Mexico, Indonesia, and Thailand. The mango market is expected to grow from $57,332.9 million in 2021 to $77,942.1 million in 2026, a 6.3% growth rate, and further to $114,685.2 million in 2031, with an 8.0% CAGR from 2026.
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Yams
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 5.2
Yams are important food crops in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. In November 2022, yams were priced at $1589 per ton in the USA. They are a good source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, suitable for boiling, roasting, or frying, and are used in many traditional dishes. Brands selling yams include Del Monte, Goya, and Dole.
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Grapes
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 7
Grapes are the primary ingredient in wine, making winemaking a significant industry in many countries and a valuable export crop. Major producers include China, Italy, France, Spain, the United States, Turkey, and Argentina. Grapes are used to produce wine, raisins, grape juice, and jelly. Portugal’s grape exports are expected to increase by 40%.
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Watermelons
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 4.25
Watermelons, native to Africa, are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene. In 2021, the United States produced watermelons worth $534 million, totaling 34.1 million hundredweight (cwt).
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Barley
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 1.07
Barley is a grain grown worldwide. In 2021/2022, 54 countries purchased American barley, totaling 424,000 metric tons. Used in beer, bread, and breakfast cereals, barley is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Barley’s starch is converted into sugars during brewing, which yeast then ferments to produce alcohol.
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Fat, Cattle
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 9.1
Cattle fat, a white, solid fat, is used in margarine, shortening, and soap. The leading producers are India, Brazil, China, and the United States. It’s used in margarine, shortening, and butter and to make lard. The global beef market is projected to grow from $414.98 billion in 2022 to $604.34 billion by 2029.
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Sweet Potatoes
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 6.9
Sweet potatoes are nutritious and versatile, valued for their health benefits and culinary adaptability. China leads in global sweet potato production, followed by India, Nigeria, and Tanzania. China uses sweet potatoes for food, animal feed, and processing into food, starch, and other products.
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Apples
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 9
In 2020, China consumed the most apples, with 29,669 kilotons, followed by the USA and Turkey. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients, eaten fresh, cooked, or processed into juice, cider, and other products.
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Eggs
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 9.7
In 2022, the Netherlands was the top exporter of eggs with export value of $534,01M, followed by Poland and Turkey. With 13% annual profit, the egg industry is worth $10 billion. China is the leading producer of eggs, followed by India, the United States, and Russia.
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Sorghum
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 15.2
Sorghum is cultivated in the United States, Nigeria, India, and Sudan. Its drought-resistant nature makes it vital in regions with challenging environmental conditions. The global sorghum market increased from $1.85 billion in 2022 to $1.99 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 7.21%.
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Oranges
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 12
Oranges are primarily grown in countries with warm climates, including the United States (Florida and California), Brazil, Spain, and China. During the COVID-19 pandemic, orange juice sales in the US peaked at 44.5 million gallons in 2020. U.S. orange production is forecast to fall by 26% to 2.3 million tons in 2022/23.
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Onions
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 11.8
Onions are a staple vegetable cultivated worldwide, with leading producers including China, India, the United States, and Russia. They are versatile in countless cuisines, adding flavor to soups, salads, and stir-fries. In 2022, the global fresh onions market was valued at $53.42 billion.
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Bananas
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 11.9
Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, eaten fresh, cooked, or used in baking. They grow in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The top producers are India, China, and the Philippines. In 2022, the global net import of bananas decreased by 5.8%, with a net sense of 18.6 million tons.
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Meat, Pig
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 15.6
Pig meat is the most consumed meat in the world, after poultry. The leading producers are China, the European Union, and the United States. It is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc. By 2031, developed countries’ share of global pig meat production is expected to decline from 39.6% to 36.7%, while developing countries’ share will rise from 60.4% to 63.3%.
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Pulses
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 18.1
Pulses are leguminous crops grown for their edible seeds, providing protein, fiber, and other nutrients. From 2011 to 2021, global egg production grew from 65.5 to 86.4 million tons. The top producers of pulses are India, China, and Canada.
Global Food Consumption Trends: A Summary
The most consumed foods in the world reflect a complex interplay of factors, including affordability, regional preferences, and evolving dietary habits. While staples like rice, wheat, and maize remain essential, the increasing consumption of processed foods and regional variations highlight the dynamic nature of global food consumption patterns. Understanding these trends is crucial for addressing food security challenges and promoting sustainable dietary practices.
