In our globally interconnected world, certain foods have risen above cultural and geographical boundaries to become staples in diets across the globe. These “most eaten foods in the world” play a significant role in both our daily lives and the global economy. Consumption patterns are the result of a complex blend of historical, cultural, and economic factors.
For example, rice reigns supreme as one of the most consumed staple foods worldwide. Its widespread popularity stems from its adaptability, affordability, and high caloric content, making it a reliable food source for billions of people. In 2021, the United States produced 191.8 million hundredweight of rice, generating $1.56 billion in direct labor income. Similarly, wheat and maize are dietary cornerstones on multiple continents because they can be used in a variety of dishes. In contrast, while quinoa and avocados are well known for their nutritional value, their higher prices make them less accessible to a wider range of people.
Countries that heavily rely on rice or wheat production often have economies of scale that promote agricultural stability and affordability. China, for instance, produced 2.4 billion tons of wheat between 2000 and 2020, accounting for 17% of the global total. Conversely, countries that rely on expensive, imported foods may experience economic difficulties, which can have an impact on their trade balances and food security.
The most consumed foods in the world vary significantly by region. Potatoes are a staple in many European countries, with an average annual consumption of about 90 kilograms per person. Meanwhile, cassava is a more common food in Africa, where it is consumed daily by about half a billion people.
The consumption of processed foods is also on the rise globally, driven by factors such as urbanization, lifestyle changes, and increased availability. This shift has led to a higher intake of ultra-processed foods and a decrease in the consumption of whole foods. Over the past two decades, the percentage of calories from ultra-processed foods has increased from 53.5% to 57%, while the rate of calories from whole foods has decreased from 32.7% to 27.4%.
Key Players in the Food Industry
Pasta, a dish made from durum wheat and eggs, stands out as one of the most consumed foods in the world. The American Italian Pasta Company (NASDAQ:AIPC) is a major player in the North American dry pasta industry. This company provides a wide variety of pasta options, with approximately 300 different shapes and 3,100 stock-keeping units. Their popular brands, such as Golden Grain, Heartland, and Mueller’s, are widely available in both domestic and international markets.
Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:KHC), a global leader in food and beverage manufacturing formed in 2016, is targeting a substantial $25 billion opportunity in the education sector. As schools resume across the US, Kraft Heinz will continue to supply students with familiar meals like pasta and hamburgers. Notably, North American food service accounted for only 9% of Kraft Heinz’s (NASDAQ:KHC) total sales last year, with retail sales making up 66%.
Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:KHC) is aiming for a significant 5% organic sales growth in its food-service division, which is in stark contrast to the more modest 1% to 2% growth predicted in the US retail sector.
Methodology for Ranking Most Consumed Foods
To determine the most consumed foods in the world, we used two key metrics: per capita consumption and per capita production. Data for 2021 was gathered from Our World in Data and Good Seed Adventures.
Each food item was scored from 1 to 25 on each metric, with 1 representing the highest rank and 25 the lowest. To ensure a balanced evaluation, each metric was assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance:
- Per Capita Consumption: 70%
- Per Capita Production: 30%
These weights were used to calculate weighted averages, reflecting the significance of each criterion. The foods were then ranked in descending order based on the weighted average results, from 1 to 25, with 1 indicating the most consumed food and 25 the least consumed on our list.
Top 15 Most Consumed Foods Globally
Here’s a look at the top 15 most consumed foods in the world:
-
Mangoes
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 3.6
Mangoes, native to South Asia, are a popular fruit grown in over 100 countries. The leading 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 growth rate of 6.3%. Projections indicate a further expansion at a CAGR of 8.0% from 2026, reaching a valuation of $114,685.2 million in 2031.
-
Yams
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 5.2
Yams are a vital food crop in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America. In November 2022, the price of yams in the USA was $1589 per ton. They are rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals and can be boiled, roasted, or fried. Yams are used in many traditional dishes and sold under brands like Del Monte, Goya, and Dole.
-
Grapes
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 7
Grapes are essential for winemaking, a significant industry in many countries, making grapes a valuable export crop. The top producers are China, Italy, France, Spain, the United States, Turkey, and Argentina. Grapes are used to produce wine, raisins, grape juice, and jelly. Portugal is expected to see a 40% increase in grape exports.
-
Watermelons
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 4.25
Watermelons, native to Africa, are a large, sweet fruit that are a good source of vitamins A and C, and lycopene, an antioxidant linked to a lower risk of cancer. In 2021, the United States produced watermelons worth $534 million, totaling 34.1 million hundredweight (cwt; 1 cwt equals 100 pounds).
-
Barley
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 1.07
Barley is a grain grown in many countries worldwide. In 2021/2022 (June to May), 54 countries purchased American barley, with total shipments of 424,000 metric tons, or 19 million bushels. It is used in beer, bread, and breakfast cereals, and 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.
-
Fat, Cattle
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 9.1
Cattle fat is a white, solid fat used in products like margarine, shortening, and soap. The primary producers are India, Brazil, China, and the United States. It is also used to make lard, a cooking fat. The global beef market is projected to grow from $414.98 billion in 2022 to $604.34 billion by 2029.
-
Sweet Potatoes
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 6.9
Sweet potatoes are nutritious and versatile, valued for their health benefits and culinary uses. China is the largest producer and consumer of sweet potatoes, using them for food, animal feed, and processing into starch and other products. Significant production also occurs in India, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
-
Apples
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 9
In 2020, China was the top apple-consuming country, with 29,669 kilotons, followed by the USA and Turkey. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or processed into juice, cider, and other products.
-
Eggs
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 9.7
In 2022, the Netherlands was the top exporter of eggs, with an export value of $534.01M, followed by Poland and Turkey. The egg industry is worth $10 billion, with a 13% annual profit from 2017 to 2022. China is the leading producer of eggs, followed by India, the United States, and Russia.
-
Sorghum
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 15.2
Sorghum is mainly grown in the United States, Nigeria, India, and Sudan. Its drought resistance makes it a vital crop in environmentally challenging regions, contributing to food security and economic stability. The global sorghum market increased from $1.85 billion in 2022 to $1.99 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 7.21.
-
Oranges
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 12
Oranges are primarily grown in 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, the lowest level since 1966.
-
Onions
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 11.8
Onions are a staple vegetable crop cultivated worldwide, with leading producers including China, India, the United States, and Russia. They are versatile in countless cuisines, adding flavor and depth to soups, salads, and stir-fries. In 2022, the global fresh onions market was valued at $53.42 billion.
-
Bananas
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 11.9
Bananas are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or used in baking for items like banana bread, muffins, and smoothies. Bananas grow in tropical and subtropical regions, with India, China, and the Philippines as top producers. In 2022, the global net import of bananas decreased by 5.8%, with a net amount of 18.6 million tons, 1.1 million tons less than the previous year.
-
Meat, Pig
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 15.6
Pig meat is the most consumed meat globally, after poultry. The leading producers are China, the European Union, and the United States. It is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc, and is low in saturated fat. Pig meat can be cooked in various ways and is used in many different dishes worldwide. 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%.
-
Pulses
Per Capita Consumption (KG): 18.1
Pulses are leguminous crops grown for their edible seeds, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. From 2011 to 2021, global egg production experienced notable growth, rising from 65.5 to 86.4 million tons. The top producers of pulses are India, China, and Canada.
Conclusion
The most eaten foods in the world reflect a combination of agricultural production capabilities, cultural preferences, and economic factors. While staples like rice, wheat, and maize continue to feed billions, regional variations and the rise of processed foods are shaping global dietary patterns. Understanding these trends is crucial for addressing food security challenges and promoting healthier eating habits worldwide.
